Aglaonema commutatum Tom's Pride

Aglaonema commutatum ‘Toms Pride’ is a tropical houseplant prized for its beautifully variegated dark green and cream foliage. Compact, robust, and undemanding, it brightens up a corner of the living room, an office, or a dark hallway. This plant is suitable for both beginners and Aglaonema collectors, who will find it a decorative variety, with regular growth and easy to succeed with.

Aglaonema ‘Tom’s Pride’ belongs to the Araceae family. The species A. commutatum is native to the humid tropical forests of Southeast Asia, with a strong presence in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. There, it grows in the shade of large trees, in a warm, humid, and humus-rich understory. 'Tom’s Pride’ is a selected cultivar prized for the fineness of its variegation.
It is a perennial with evergreen foliage, with an upright and bushy habit. Indoors, it reaches approximately 50 cm in height and 40 cm in width. Its short, thickened stems bear elliptical to lanceolate, 10 to 15 cm long leaves. Their slightly glossy and strongly veined surface has a deep green background; the central part is speckled and marbled with cream to silvery tones. It sometimes shows subtle pinkish hues depending on the light and the age of the foliage. The leaves are leathery and form a very regular, compact clump. The flowers are small greenish spathes typical of Araceae, which rarely appear indoors and are insignificant; this plant is grown primarily for its foliage.

In our homes, Aglaonema ‘Tom’s Pride’ appreciates medium to bright indirect light, without direct sun, which would scorch the leaves. An east or north-facing window, or a position a few metres from a south or west-facing window protected by a sheer curtain, suits it well. It will benefit from moderate to high air humidity; a tray of damp clay pebbles or proximity to other plants is sufficient. The ideal growing temperature is between 18 and 26 °C, with a minimum of 15 °C.
Like other aglaonemas, this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and must be kept out of reach of children and pets.

In the home, Aglaonema ‘Tom’s Pride’ adapts well to the living room or office, where it also tolerates artificial lighting. It will fit well in a bright bedroom or a light bathroom, where the gentle warmth and ambient humidity are similar to its natural habitat. Its dense foliage will be showcased in a simple ceramic planter, placed on a console, side table, or shelf. It can be paired with a trailing Philodendron scandens, a finely patterned Calathea makoyana, an Aglaonema pictum ‘Tricolor’ or a Ctenanthe burle-marxii. Together, they create a cohesive, elegant, exotic green corner all year round.