Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Care & Propagation

The aglaonema pictum tricolor is a beautiful and interesting plant that can be found in many homes and gardens. This plant is easy to care for, and it can thrive in a variety of different environments.

The aglaonema tricolor, is also known as the camouflage plant for its bright and colorful leaves. The beautiful colors make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. If you are looking for an interesting and beautiful plant to add to your home or garden, the aglaonema pictum is a great option.

These are tropical in origin and slow growers with stunning long oval-shaped leaves in colorful variegation. True to its name, the plant’s foliage show a combination of three different shades of green- light, medium, and dark.

The Origin/Varieties of the Aglaonema Pictum Plant

The aglaonema pictum tricolor is a type of aglaonema plant. Aglaonema plants are native to Southeast Asia, and are commonly found in tropical and subtropical climates. There are many different varieties of aglaonema plants, in fact there are between 21-24 species, although the exact number varies depending on which botanical registry is relaying this.

There are hundreds of different aglaonema varieties with huge range of leaf coloration. Some of the other varieties of aglaonema plant include the aglaonema crispum, the aglaonema commutatum, and the aglaonema costatum. These plant varieties are all popular choices for indoor gardens, and are known for their easy care and vibrant three colored leaves.

The Aglaonema tricolor plant also goes by the name Chinese Evergreen Tricolor or of course the Camouflage plant for its lovely coloring.

What are the Characteristics of Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor?

Aglaonema plants typically are herbaceous perennials that grow from rhizomes. They have long, sword-like or oval leaves that are either green or variegated with white, cream, or yellow markings.

The leaves of the aglaonema pictum tricolor also have a waxy sheen that makes them look even more beautiful. The tricolor variety will have single leaves with a multitude of colors giving it the camouflage military coloring look. They are truly unique and one of the more rare varieties.

How to Care for the Aglaonema

The aglaonema pictum tricolor is a relatively easy plant to care for. It can thrive in a variety of different environments, and it does not require a great deal of maintenance.

In general, the plant should be watered regularly and given plenty of indirect sunlight. It is also important to make sure that the plant is not over-watered, as this can cause the leaves to yellow and die.

Aglaonema pictum tricolor makes a great choice for those who are new to gardening because it is one of the easier plants to care for. This particular plant can also be used to add color and interest to indoor gardens. The aglaonema adds that lush greenery many plant collectors love.

Plant Growth

The aglaonema plant is a slow grower but at maturity can be 2 feet tall. The leaves can grow between 3-8 inches long and 2 to 5 inches wide. Its a nice wide bushy plant that works great as ground covering or in a nice square corner of a room. They have spectacular leaves with a variation of silver or even yellow and lighter shades of green.

One of my favorite things about the Aglaonema Tricolor is that these plants are truly evergreen. This means that stay green and lush year round without seasonal influence. They may have shorter growth periods in winter or low light sessions, however they green and full all the time making it an ideal companion on your desk or busy home location.

Light Requirements

The aglaonema pictum should be given plenty of light. In order to produce bright and colorful leaves, the plant needs exposure to 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight on a daily basis.

If the plant is kept in a shady or dark environment, it will grow slowly or not flower properly. The plant can survive in lower light environments, but the unique markings can disappear overtime.

You can also use indoor plant lights during winter or dark months to keep your plant thriving if you are in a zone with less sunlight.

Many plants can happily survive living off indoor lights specialized for plants. If you live in a area where there is often lots of rain and low sunlight, these plant lights can be a true game changer.

Watering Requirements

The aglaonema pictum tricolor should be watered regularly, but it is important not to over-water the plant. If the plant is over-watered, the leaves will yellow and die. It is generally recommended that the plant be watered once or twice a week, depending on the environment and climate.

The plant likes to have evenly moist soil, not dry, as many of sansevierias or succulents like to sit. This plant requires slightly more care but you will benefit with its lush greenery year round. If you are not able to water this plant regularly, then consider a pebble tray or humidifier.

Soil Requirements for the aglaonema pictum tricolor

Aglaonema plants do best in a potting soil that is loose and well-drained. The plant should not be planted in a soil that is too wet or too dry, as this can cause the roots to rot or die.

The soil should be amended with compost or organic matter to help improve drainage and water retention. You can use a standard potting soil or a specialized orchid potting mix. This will help to keep the soil damp but not soggy which would destroy it’s roots.

Fertilization Requirements

Aglaonema plants do not require a great deal of fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually be harmful to the plant. A light application of fertilizer every few months should be sufficient for most aglaonema plants.

The plant’s feeding requirements increase during the growing seasons of spring and summer and decrease during the winter months. You can increase fertilization during these months and decrease during the cold season.

The feeding frequency of these plants will actually depend on the kind of fertilizers you intend to use. There are a few different types of fertilizers you can choose from. These include water-soluble, fast release or slow release fertilizers, and organic fertilizers.

The slow release fertilization can be nice as it can be given per season so you don’t have to remember to feed your plants as often. Again, its all dependent upon your preference and your plants health.

How to Properly Propagate the Aglaonema

Aglaonema plants can be propagated by division or by stem cuttings. You’ll get the best results with propagation done during the warm growing season.

To propagate the plant by division, divide the clump of plants into several smaller clumps. Place each individual root plant in its own planter or in water. These plants can live happily without soil in water alone, but still require nutrients as water will not provide this.

To propagate the plant by stem cutting, cut a 12-inch section of stem from the mother plant and place it in a glass of water. The stem will root and grow new plants in about 30 days. Once you see sprouts, you can plant in a planter or outdoors during spring or summer seasons.

The new plants will have the same bright and colorful leaves as the mother plant. This can be ideal if you have a beautiful garden or plant wall and want to add in that consistent coloring throughout.

Temperature Needs for aglaonema pictum tricolor

The aglaonema pictum tricolor can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers to grow in a warm environment. The plant can thrive in a temperature range of 64-86 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will not do well if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

It will survive in US Zones: 10-11 well and likes to have a warm environment. Frost can damage the leaves so it is important to protect it if you live in a colder climate.

Humiidity Needs

Aglaonema plants do well in a humid environment, and they will not tolerate low humidity levels. The plant should be kept in a room or environment that has a high humidity level, or it can be sprayed with water regularly to increase the humidity levels.

It would be perfectly happy in the bathroom or in the kitchen. You can also use a pebble tray to get the moisture around the plant on a regular basis.

Pests and Diseases

The Aglaonema maybe attacked by insects and pests so you will always want to do a thorough check on the back of your plant leaves and near the base of the plant.

Such insects include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. If you see these types of insects, Insecticidal soaps (like this one from Safer Brand) are most effective against soft-bodied insects and related pests.

Fortunately these particular plants are not easily prone to many diseases. Just continue to monitor its water intake and don’t water too much.

Re-potting

These plants are slow growers so you will not likely need to re-pot the plant for quite some time. The also like to be root bound and do fine in a compact planter.

You can tell it might want to be re-potted if the roots are growing upwards out of the planter or out of the hole at the bottom. If lots of leaves are turning brown that could also be an indication that its time to replant to ensure the roots are all getting enough water.

You could get away with re-potting them once every 2 to 3 years. You can also re-pot your plant if you start to notice root rot or disease, etc.

Additional Tips For Success with the Aglaonema

• When watering the plant, make sure to pour water directly on the soil, not on the leaves. This can help prevent leaf diseases.
• The aglaonema pictum tricolor can be grown in a pot or in the ground. If planting in the ground, make sure to choose a location that has full sun exposure.
• Aglaonema plants do not like to be moved, so it is best to choose a permanent location for the plant before you begin to grow it.
• If the leaves of the plant start to turn yellow, it may be due to over-watering. Reduce the amount of water that you are giving the plant and make sure it is receiving enough sunlight. If the leaves continue to look yellow or dropping, you might want to check the roots for root rot and start to pull out the good leaves by propagating to save the plant.
• If the leaves of the plant start to turn brown, it may be due to under-watering. Increase the amount of water that you are giving the plant and the leaves should start to turn green again.

Is The Aglaonema Tricolor Toxic?

The aglaonema pictum tricolor contains calcium oxalate crystals, which is toxic if ingested or if the juice/sap is touched (dermatitis). This is more of a concern for dogs, cats, and house pets but can be a concern for humans or babies.

You always want to be sure your plant is a safe choice for their home and while this plant is lovely to look at, if you have puppies or small kids you might want to keep them away from this plant.

FAQ

Why are my aglaonema plant leaves turning yellow?

If the leaves of your aglaonema pictum tricolor are turning yellow, it may be due to over-watering. Reduce the amount of water that you are giving the plant and the leaves should start to turn green again. Remember, the plant likes to be kept damp but not wet. Too much moisture and the plant will develop root rot essentially killing the plant

Can I propagate my tricolor by stem cutting?

Yes, you can propagate the aglaonema pictum tricolor. I believe the easiest method is by stem cutting. Cut a 12-inch section of stem from the mother plant and place it in a glass of water.

The stem will root and grow new plants. Re-plant these in a variety of clay pots and place in indirect sunlight. Soon you will a true army of camouflage plants!

Should I be Pruning my Algaonema?

Pruning can be done when you start to see too much overgrowth or dead leaves. Because this plant is a slow grower, its really not necessary to prune much.

If your plant is getting to bushy, you can cut back some of the stems. If your plant has too much over growth you may want to think about re-potting to a larger container.

What type of fertilizer should I use for this camouflage plant?

A light application of fertilizer every few months should be sufficient for most aglaonema plants. Do not over-fertilize, as this can be harmful to the plant.

Is the aglaonema tricolor toxic to pets?

Yes, the aglaonema pictum tricolor is toxic to pets. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause upset gastrointestinal tract, pain or swelling in the mouth of your pet when chewed or swallowed.

If you notice your pet has chewed on the plant, you might notice them frothing at the mouth or liking excessively. Depending on the amount chewed or ingested, it may prompt the need for a veterinary visit.

Again, while this plant is gorgeous to look at, its best keep up and away from pets and small kids in all  circumstances.

How to revive my aglaonema pictum tricolor if it starts to die?

If the aglaonema pictum tricolor starts to die, you can try to revive it by removing it from its pot and placing it in a bucket of water. Wait for the plant to soak up water and then place it back in its pot. The plant should start to grow again.

What type of soil should I use for my aglaonema pictum tricolor?

Aglaonema plants do well in a pot or in the ground. If planting in the ground, make sure to choose a location that has full sun exposure. If planting in a pot, use a soil mix that is heavy in peat moss. This will help keep the soil moist but drained.

Can I move my aglaonema pictum tricolor to a new location?

Aglaonema plants do not like to be moved, so it is best to choose a permanent location for the plant before you begin to grow it. You can rotate it to ensure it gets an equal amount of sunlight. If you notice the leaves starting to learn towards the window, then rotate it. It is telling you that it needs that sunlight on all areas of its leaves,

Can Aglaonema Grow in low light?

Yes, you can but the growth will be very slow. The leaves themselves may be less vibrant as well but as long as the plant gets enough indirect light for photosynthesis it will survive.

Now that you know a little more about the aglaonema pictum tricolor, you may want to consider adding one to your garden or home!