The Aglaonema pictum ‘Tricolor’, a cultivar of the Chinese Evergreen, is a highly coveted tropical houseplant prized almost exclusively for its extraordinary foliage. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, this plant is popular among collectors due to its slow growth and the resulting scarcity of mature specimens. It belongs to the Araceae family, known commonly as aroids, and its primary appeal lies entirely in its unique, painted leaves.
Defining the Tricolor Foliage
The defining feature of this plant is the complex, intricate pattern on its elliptical leaves, often described as natural camouflage. The “tricolor” aspect refers to the distinct mosaic created by three varying shades of green. These shades include a deep, dark green, a medium-toned sage or army green, and striking sections of silvery-light green or cream.
This unique variegation is a pixelated, marbled distribution where no two leaves are exactly alike. While the coloration is a stable genetic trait, its vibrancy is heavily influenced by environmental conditions. This complex pigmentation elevates the Aglaonema pictum ‘Tricolor’ to a collector’s item.
Essential Growing Conditions
Cultivating the Aglaonema pictum ‘Tricolor’ requires replicating the warm, sheltered environment of its native rainforest understory. The most demanding requirement is consistently high humidity, ideally maintained between 60 and 85%. Dry air causes signs of stress, such as browning or crispy leaf edges.
To achieve high moisture levels, growers often rely on enclosed setups, such as terrariums or humidity cabinets, or utilize a dedicated humidifier. The plant requires bright, indirect light to maintain the vibrant contrast of its patterned foliage. Direct, intense sunlight must be avoided, as it can scorch the delicate leaves and cause the colors to fade.
The root system thrives in an airy, well-draining potting medium, which is typical for aroids. A specialized mix incorporating components like orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir ensures quick drainage while still retaining some moisture. This balance is necessary because while the plant requires consistent moisture, waterlogged soil quickly leads to root rot. Temperatures should remain warm, ideally between 65°F and 80°F, as the plant is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F.
The Truth About the Flower
Like many members of the Araceae family, the structure the plant produces is an inflorescence, not a showy flower. It consists of a spathe and a spadix. The spathe is a modified leaf that forms a pale green or whitish hood, partially enclosing the spadix, which is a thick stalk covered in tiny, inconspicuous flowers. This structure is visually unremarkable and holds no ornamental value compared to the plant’s leaves.
Allowing the plant to flower initiates a significant biological cost, diverting substantial energy reserves away from vegetative growth. This energy expenditure results in smaller new leaves, slower overall growth, and reduced foliage vibrancy. Since the plant is grown solely for the quality of its leaves, this energy drain is counterproductive. Therefore, the recommendation is to remove the flower stalk (peduncle) as soon as it emerges to conserve resources for the prized leaves.
Propagation Methods
The most reliable methods for increasing the stock of Aglaonema pictum ‘Tricolor’ are asexual reproduction techniques: stem cuttings and division. Division is often performed when repotting a mature plant that has produced offsets or “pups” from its base. These pups can be gently separated, ensuring each new section has an established root system, and then potted individually.
Stem cuttings are another effective method, particularly when the plant has become tall or “leggy.” A healthy section of stem should be cut using a clean, sharp tool, making sure that at least one node is included. The node is the point on the stem where new leaves and roots will emerge. Cuttings root best when placed in a high-humidity environment with the node buried in a sterile medium like perlite, sphagnum moss, or a well-draining soil mix.