Aglaonema ‘Tom’s Pride’ is a richly coloured cultivar of Aglaonema, celebrated for its bold red centres framed by deep green leaf margins. The dramatic contrast gives each leaf a painted, almost lacquered appearance.

With broad, glossy foliage and an upright growth habit, ‘Tom’s Pride’ brings instant warmth and colour to interiors. Despite its vibrant look, it remains one of the easiest tropical houseplants to care for — making it perfect for beginners and experienced collectors alike.

Key Features

• 🌿 Deep red to coral leaf centres

• 🌿 Dark green edging and veining

• 🌿 Glossy, lush foliage

• 🌿 Upright, clump-forming growth

• 🌿 Excellent adaptability to indoor conditions

Care Guide

Light

Adaptable and forgiving.

• Prefers bright, indirect light for strongest colour

• Tolerates medium light levels

• Avoid harsh direct sun which may scorch leaves

Lower light will slow growth and may reduce the intensity of red tones.

Watering

Allow the top 3–5cm of soil to dry before watering.

• Spring/Summer: Every 7–10 days (depending on conditions)

• Autumn/Winter: Reduce frequency

Key tips:

• Never allow roots to sit in water

• Use a pot with drainage holes

• Slightly underwatering is safer than overwatering

Aglaonemas are more tolerant of occasional missed watering than many tropical plants.

Humidity

Happy in average UK household humidity.

• Ideal range: 50–60%

• Benefits from slightly higher humidity

• Avoid very dry air during winter heating

Brown tips can appear in prolonged dry conditions.

Temperature

• Ideal: 18–26°C

• Avoid temperatures below 15°C

• Keep away from cold draughts

Stable warmth keeps foliage looking its best.

Soil & Potting Mix

Use a well-draining but moisture-retentive mix:

• Peat-free compost

• Perlite

• Optional bark for aeration

The aim is lightly moist soil with good airflow.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season (March–September):

• Balanced liquid fertiliser every 4 weeks

• Reduce feeding in winter

Overfeeding may cause leaf tip burn.

Growth Habit

• Upright and compact

• Typically grows 30–60cm tall

• Produces new leaves from the centre crown

Older lower leaves may naturally yellow and drop as new growth forms.

Propagation

Best propagated by division in spring:

1. Gently remove from pot

2. Separate root clumps

3. Repot into fresh soil

Division keeps plants full and healthy.

Common Problems

Yellow leaves

• Usually overwatering

Leaf tip browning

• Dry air or inconsistent watering

Faded colour

• Insufficient light

Drooping foliage

• Thirst or cold stress

Styling Ideas

• Ideal for adding colour to darker corners

• Pairs beautifully with deep green or variegated plants

• Looks striking in neutral ceramic or metallic planters

• Perfect for offices, bedrooms or living rooms

Toxicity

Like other Aglaonemas, it is toxic if ingested by pets or children. Keep out of reach.