Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor (Care and Propagation)

Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor

Amongst a sea of variegated houseplants, the Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor is one of the most breathtaking plant beauties one can ever ask for!

With its unique and interesting foliage, not only is this plant one of a kind but is also perfect for indoor gardens and household conditions. 

In this blog, we walk you through all the ins and outs of propagating your aglaonema pictum tricolor and answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the same.

Ready? Let’s get started!

What is Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor? 

Aglaonema pictum tricolor is a subtropical plant that hails from the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. 

As the name suggests, the leaves of this plant are wonderfully characterized by a contrast of three different shades of green – dark, medium, and light. Because of this, it is also known as the camouflage plant. Perhaps, this cool army pattern is what typically steals the show!

It is a slow-growing, indoor plant with large, glossy, and oval-shaped leaves and short, thick, and woody stems. For the most part, these plants remain unaffected by the passing seasons and continue to stay as pretty as a picture throughout their lives. 

Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Varieties

The aglaonema species is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for at least a hundred years now. 

Although there are not too many “varieties”, there exists a wide range of cultivars with varied leaf coloration. Most of them are based on aglaonema commutatum. To name a few, we have the aglaonema costatum, aglaonema crispum, aglaonema rotundum, aglaonema modestum, aglaonema nitidum, and the pink splash aglaonema. 

Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Care

Fortunately, the aglaonema tricolor is quite “down-to-earth” coming to the maintenance part. 

That is to say – it won’t ask you for too much upkeep!

Below, we cover all the tips and tricks that help you understand the aglaonema pictum tricolor care routine. 

Soil

As far as the soil mixes are concerned, these plants are not too demanding. All they need is good-quality, organically rich soil that is well-draining yet holds some moisture. 

A combination of equal parts of orchid bark, perlite, and peat should do wonders for your aglaonema pictum tricolor!

Light 

The aglaonema pictum tricolor is conditioned to grow in the understory of tropical forests and hence does not like direct or intense sunlight. 

However, it does require bright, diffused light to maintain its beautiful variegation. To ensure that you may place it inside well-lit rooms near the north or east-facing windows in your home. 

Watering 

To ensure that this jungle gem thrives and grows, you need to keep the aglaonema pictum tricolor soil mix adequately moist and hydrated. 

But be careful that you do not overwater while you are at it since soggy and waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. Use a moisture meter or simply your bare fingers to check if the topsoil has dried out before watering. 

Repotting & Potting 

Your aglaonema pictum tricolor generally likes to stay rootbound, meaning you do not have to worry about repotting it now and then. With that said, shifting this plant into a bigger pot once every two to three years is indeed a good idea. 

You may use terra cotta pots with good drainage since they dry out sooner. 

Temperature 

Being a subtropical plant, no wonder your aglaonema LOVES warmer temperatures!

The most suitable temperature range for an aglaonema pictum tricolor to stay lush and green is between 65 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18°C to 29°C). This range is close to household temperatures, making it easy to grow them indoors. 

Humidity 

Like most other tropical plants, the aglaonema pictum tricolor also prefers higher humidity levels. The reason is that low humidity can give way to crisp leaves that eventually get droopy. 

It is, therefore, advisable to keep the humidity above 65% in the proximity of this plant. You may do so by – placing it inside a terrarium, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier. 

Fertilizer 

You may feed your aglaonema pictum tricolor every two weeks during its growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted, and liquid fertilizer. 

Take care you do not use it during the autumn and winter months since those are not its peak growing periods. 

Propagation 

To propagate this plant, you can opt for various methods – namely – stem cuttings, division, or seeds. However, propagation by stem cuttings is believed as the most popular and effective technique so far. 

Pruning 

You will not have to prune this plant very often except when you come across dead or decaying leaves. And if you do, pull them off or cut them at their base using a pair of sharp scissors. 

Additionally, if your plant has gotten blooms, you might have to prune them off. After all, you do not want them to suck away its energy and dull its foliage by any means. 

Growth Rate & Size

Usually, this plant reaches up to twelve to twenty inches at max. 

Although it is a slow grower and takes its own sweet time to develop, you can help it progress faster by providing optimal conditions. 

Cleaning the Leaves 

You must keep the leaves of this aglaonema as clean as possible to ensure proper photosynthesis. Not to mention, dust-laden leaves can potentially hamper your plant’s growth! 

So, as soon as you notice grime getting accumulated over the leaves, wipe it off using a damp piece of cloth. 

Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Propagation

Let us now take a look at some of the most preferred ways to propagate an aglaonema pictum tricolor. 

By Stem Cuttings

• Select a section of the plant you’d want to propagate. Make sure it contains at least one or two nodes.

• Try to go with the top cutting that contains the terminal bud since it will increase your chances of success. 

• You may either use a pruning shear or a pair of sharp scissors to cut. Be sure that you sanitize it beforehand. 

• Cut off the stem and place it into a moistened soil mix in a way that at least one node gets buried. You may also root the cutting in water, coco coir, or perlite first and later transfer it into a potting mix. 

• After 25 to 45 days, a root system shall develop. And voila! You can now start treating it like you normally would. 

By Division 

• For this method, you will have to wait for your plant to mature until some of its sections have their root systems.

• Identify such sections and separate their root systems from the mother plant either by using your fingers or a pair of scissors. 

• This method is accompanied by repotting. You will have to pot up each section into its pot of a suitable size. 

• Water all the plants and give them some time to adjust to their new surroundings. 

Seeds 

• To propagate this plant using seeds, you will have to wait till it blooms during the spring and summer seasons. 

• Once that happens, remove the fruit, open it, and separate the pulp from the seed.

• Wash the seeds properly and place them into a mixture of equal amounts of sand and peat. 

• Water the plant at regular intervals and provide it with optimum growing conditions. 

Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Propagation common problems 

The most common problems this plant is susceptible to are as follows. (And we hope that you never have to deal with them!)

Brown leaves

If the leaves of your plant are turning brown or crisp, chances are, it is either being underwatered or exposed to insufficient humidity. 

Yellow Leaves

Too many yellow leaves indicate that your plant has been subjected to excessive watering. 

Your tricolor wants you to keep it damp and NOT wet, by any chance. Too much moisture gives rise to brown, mushy roots that suggest it has already developed root rot. 

Drooping leaves

If the leaves of your aglaonema have started to droop or curl down lately, intense sunlight or inadequate watering might be to blame.

Losing leaves

First things first – stop panicking! It is natural for this plant to lose a few leaves, at times, under stress. Even if only the stem persists, there’s a good chance that the leaves will be back soon. 

Pests

Pests will generally not pose a big problem for this particular plant. However, insects or bugs like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can always find their way into the beauty. 

And if that happens, make sure to isolate the plant and trim the affected areas. 

Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor Propagation FAQ 

Where can I buy an Aglaonema pictum tricolor?

This one is quite a rare plant, which is why it would not be as easy to find an aglaonema pictum tricolor for sale in nurseries. 

However, these are propagated in large numbers in Southeast Asia and shipped all around the globe!

Online plant webshops or individual sellers on social media platforms will most certainly serve you the best. 

Is the Aglaonema pictum tricolor color real?

Yes, absolutely. The alluring combination of different shades of green is very much real and natural. Of course, it is a variegated variant of the aglaonema pictum. But the colors are not chemically induced whatsoever!

Is the Aglaonema pictum tricolor difficult to care for?

Not really. No matter how hard to please they may appear, these plants, in reality, are easy to care for. They do need proper care in terms of humidity, temperature, light, and water. But they are beginner-friendly!

What humidity level does an Aglaonema pictum tricolor need?

This jungle beauty is accustomed to living in tropical environments with a lot of humidity. So, it does prefer intense humid conditions. In general, it thrives best when the range is above 65%.

How much does an Aglaonema pictum tricolor cost?

It is crazy expensive! This plant will have you spending anything between $150 and $450, as per your location or its availability and demand. If you are wondering why an aglaonema pictum tricolor is so expensive, let us tell you – it is rare and worth the price. Once you bring it home, you will know that the unique blend of greens deserves the hype!

How do you germinate aglaonema Pictum tricolor seeds?

To germinate aglaonema pictum tricolor seeds, you may use one of the following two ways:

Sphagnum Moss – Put the sphagnum moss in a glass container, place the seeds, and simply cover them with extra moss. 

Germination Mix – Soak the seeds in a germination mix of soil and cocopeat in a 1:1 ratio. Once the seeds are treated with it, you may go ahead with placing the pots in a glass container. 

Is it toxic?

Sadly, yes. This plant consists of calcium oxalate crystals, which, if ingested, can lead to stomach aches, difficulty in swallowing, or swelling in the throat. So, make sure that you keep it as much away from kids or pets as possible. 

Can you plant it outside?

Probably not. This plant thrives best indoors because it can neither tolerate extreme sunlight nor frosty winter conditions. However, it may still grow well outside under shady areas, in some specific hardiness zones. 

Can I make it bushier?

No. At least not like you would be able to do with some other plants. Although you can trim it back regularly, this plant is not bushy by its very nature. 

What you can do, however, is to bury the stem deep into the potting mix so that roots grow out from that buried part of the stem as well. 

Is it high maintenance?

A big NO! As we said already, the rare aglaonema pictum tricolor does require proper management but is not a high-maintenance plant. It is, in fact, a perfect choice for beginners considering the little amount of maintenance it requires!

Final Thoughts on Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor (Care and Propagation) 

Aglaonema pictum tricolor is a gorgeous plant with foliage that stands true to its name – Tricolor.

The aesthetic shades of green intermingled with each other, make this plant a hit in the botanical community. Not just that, they also manage to lure people who are not much into plants! 

Despite coming straight from the humid jungles of Sumatra, this beauty grows amazingly well in indoor settings. But remember, you have to be patient! It is a slow grower, after all. However, once it flourishes, all the care and expenses will be worth it! 

So, when are you planning to add this stunner to your collection? Or have you already done that? Let us know in the comment section below. 

Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor