Aglaonema commutatum in pot

Credit: Mokkie

Aglaonema commutatum foliage

Credit: Forest & Kim Starr

Spathe and Spadice Aglaonema commutatum

Credit: KHQ Flower guide

Aglaonema commutatum berry

Credit: Honza Groh

Aglaonema commutatum, star foliage

You've probably never heard its name. Yet the variegated foliage of Aglaonema commutatum looks familiar... That's normal! It's the plant Jean Reno carries around with him in the film Léon. But nothing destined this Aracae native to the Philippines to become a star.

How to recognize Aglaonema commutatum?

Aglaonema commutatum is a rhizomatous plant with an upright, bushy habit. This perennial grows up to a metre in height and has the same wingspan.

The evergreen leaves are attached to the fleshy, sheathing stems by a 15-centimeter-long stalk. Oval, narrow and glossy, they can reach 20 centimetres in length. In the botanical variety, Aglaonema commutatum, the dark green leaf blades are variegated with gray veins. But the species has given rise to numerous cultivars and hybrids, such as aglaonema 'Silver Queen, aglaonema 'Pink Princess and aglaonema 'Crete. Their foliage, zebra-tipped in pink, yellow, red or silver, is a delight for tropical plant collectors.

Flowering takes place in summer. Greenish or cream-colored spathes hatch. They contain tiny flowers grouped in spikes.

In autumn, the inflorescence transforms into a fruit. Red or orange berries appear, measuring two to three centimetres.

Aglaonema commutatum is toxic to dogs, cats, birds and small mammals. Its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals. It is dangerous to touch or ingest. Keep your specimen out of reach of children and pets. Remember to wear gloves when pruning and cutting.

Our maintenance tips

Aglaonema commutatum do not need much light to reveal the colors of their foliage. They are content with a spot in partial shade. Easy to live with, they require regular care, but are forgiving of oversights and mistakes.

Watering

Aglaonema commutatum likes regular, but not excessive, watering. Its roots must not be drowned. Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or filtered water at room temperature.

Between waterings, let the soil dry on the surface (by about two centimetres).

Remember to remove any stagnant water from the saucer or planter.

Spray

Spray foliage with water at room temperature. Do not use tap water. It is often too hard and leaves marks on the leaves.

Fogging temporarily increases humidity and combats the appearance of parasites.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Aglaonema commutatum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Aglaonema commutatum like to be cramped. Re-pot in a pot one or two centimetres wider than the previous one. Choose a pierced plastic pot. This material retains moisture and is better suited to the plant's needs. Line the bottom with clay balls for drainage.

This variety thrives in rich soil. You can use potting soil for green plants and add compost or ground horn. Pour in a layer of substrate and place your subject in the center. Fill in with potting soil and tamp down.

Water to remove air bubbles and encourage rooting.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Add green plant fertilizerto your watering water.

Cleaning

The leaves of your Aglaonema commutatum accumulate dust. It interferes with photosynthesis and encourages the appearance of parasites. Clean them with a clean, damp sponge.

Remember that aglaonema commutatum is toxic. Wear gloves when dusting.

Prune

Your Aglaonema commutatum does not need pruning. You can remove wilted leaves and cut back the flowering stem after flowering.

Remember that the plant is irritating. Use pruning shears or wear gloves during the operation.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Carefully dig up your Aglaonema commutatum. Locate a rhizome with at least two or three shoots. Separate it from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears. Remove leaves, rhizome and roots.

In a pierced pot, pour gravel or clay balls for drainage. Add a rich substrate, such as special cuttings soil or horticultural compost. Dig a hole using a pen or stake. Plant your young Aglaonema commutatum and tamp lightly.

Water to encourage rooting.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Aglaoneme - Aglaonema
Species	Aglaonema commutatum - Aglaonema commutatum
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Rhizome Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Toxic
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors
Fruit colors