Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor
Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor' (Camouflage Aglaonema)
Overview
- Rare, slow-growing aroid with pixelated green camouflage foliage
- Highly sought-after by collectors for its painterly leaf pattern
- Compact, upright habit—ideal for desktops and focal containers
- Best grown freeform to highlight its natural architecture
Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor' is a collector's treasure—one of the most visually unique houseplants available. Its matte leaves feature overlapping shades of dark green, lime, and silvery sage in a near-digital camo pattern that seems too perfect to be natural. At BoDurtha’s, we grow these with reverence: slowly, steadily, and always in freeform, allowing each leaf to express its character without distraction.
Origins
Native to the high-altitude forests of Sumatra, Indonesia, where it thrives in shaded, humid, mossy understory environments.
Light Requirements
Prefers medium to bright, indirect light.
- Too much light may bleach or fade the camo pattern
- Low light is tolerated but will slow already slow growth
- Never expose to direct sun—leaf scorching is likely
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Keep soil lightly moist, but never soggy
- This species dislikes extremes—avoid fully drying out or overwatering
- Benefits from higher humidity but tolerates average indoor levels if not near dry heat
Soil & Potting
Use a breathable, moisture-retentive Aroid Mix.
- Mix should include coco coir or peat, perlite, bark, and some organic matter
- Ensure containers have proper drainage
- Repot infrequently—this species prefers to be slightly rootbound
Fertilizer
Feed sparingly—monthly at most—during spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer.
- Sensitive to salt buildup, so flush soil occasionally with clean water
- Do not fertilize in winter, when growth slows or stalls
- Avoid overfeeding, which may distort leaf shape or dim variegation
Recommended Growth Style: Freeform
Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor' is best appreciated in its natural, upright form.
- No pole or support needed
- Use simple pots to showcase the foliage
- Keep in a protected location to avoid drafts or dry air
Final Notes
This is not a fast plant—it’s a slow-burn beauty meant to be admired in stillness. Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor' rewards patience and consistency with some of the most unique foliage in the botanical world. At BoDurtha’s, we view it less as décor and more as a living work of art.