Light
This tropical plant does best with several hours of bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing your Aglaonema pictum tricolor to any direct sunlight — particularly harsh afternoon sun — which will burn its variegated leaves. That being said, short periods of morning sunlight, which is less intense than afternoon light, are usually fine.
Soil
As with most plants in the Aglaonema genus, the pictum tricolor appreciates consistently moist conditions but is also sensitive to root rot. This means it should be planted in soil that retains some water while draining well. A porous potting mix amended with plenty of organic materials is ideal. Try making your own at home by combining equal parts indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark mix.
Water
Ideally, Aglaonema pictum tricolor should never be allowed to dry out, although it can withstand short periods of drought if necessary. Water your plant once the top inch of soil has dried out. Always ensure that you allow any excess water to drain from the pot so that the roots are never left sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant is ideally suited to indoor growing because it requires warm, humid conditions in order to thrive. Aglaonema pictum tricolor will not tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoys humidity above 65%. This likely means that you will need to place it near a small humidifier or choose a naturally humid room for this plant such as a bathroom. Alternatively, the Aglaonema pictum tricolor is an excellent choice for a greenhouse cabinet plant.
Fertilizer
Fertilize this Aglaonema once every two weeks during the spring and summer with a diluted liquid fertilizer designed for houseplants. Stop fertilizing entirely during the fall and winter once the plant is no longer actively growing.
Propagating Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
The Aglaonema pictum tricolor can be propagated easily by division and by rooting stem cuttings. This plant has a spreading growth habit, which means that it grows offshoots as it matures. Dividing and potting these offshoots is the easiest way to propagate this Aglaonema, but you can also take stem cuttings from older stems to root if you wish. The latter option may be particularly attractive if your plant has become leggy over time and you wish to clean up its appearance. To propagate Aglaonema pictum tricolor by division, follow these steps. To propagate Aglaonema pictum tricolor by stem cuttings, follow these steps.
Potting and Repotting Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
These variegated plants are notoriously slow-growing and do not need to be repotted often as a result. Once every 2 to 3 years, or once the plant has outgrown its potting container, is all that is required. Watch out for signs that your plant has outgrown its pot such as roots growing from the drainage holes, or roots circling the inside of the pot. Then, choose a pot that is only 2 to 4 inches larger than its old pot. Moving your plant to a pot that is too large too quickly can result in accidental overwatering.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
This tropical plant is not particularly prone to any pests or diseases but is susceptible to a few common houseplant pests. Keep an eye out for signs of aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, and treat your plant with neem oil or an insecticide designed for houseplants if you see any indications of an infestation. Also, be aware that these plants can develop root rot if they are overwatered or left in soggy conditions.
Common Problems With Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
While Aglaonemas are popular houseplants, they can be finicky if their care needs aren’t met. Keep an eye out for these common problems with the pictum tricolor.
Brown Leaves
Brown leaves are usually a result of underwatering and/or a lack of humidity. Ensure that you are not letting your Aglaonema dry out too much between waterings and give it plenty of humidity where possible. Also, keep it away from drafty air vents that will dry out the air around the plant.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, or too much light – confusing, we know. The only way to figure out exactly what’s going on is to closely examine your plant’s growing conditions. Ideally, it should be placed directly in front of, or pretty close to a bright window. If its set back several feet from the nearest window it is probably not getting enough light. However, make sure that it is not getting hit directly with scorching sunrays which can cause leaf burn. Additionally, the plant’s soil should be consistently moist, not soggy. Wait to water until the top inch or so of soil has dried and then allow all excess water to drain from the pot. Soggy soil is an indication of too much water, while allowing the plant to dry out too much will also cause yellow leaves due to underwatering.
Drooping Leaves
If your Aglaonema pictum tricolor’s leaves are drooping it means that your plant needs to be watered. These plants are known for being a bit dramatic when their care needs aren’t met and will droop readily if they are underwatered. As long as you catch it early enough, your plant should perk back up after a good drink!
