Aglaonema Tom’s Pride, Baby Plant

The Aglaonema ‘Tom’s Pride’ is an impressive, rather rare cultivar from the popular Aglaonema family – also known as Chinese Evergreen. Like most Aglaonemas, its roots lie in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, especially in regions like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. There, it grows in the shade of larger trees, mostly in the damp undergrowth, where it is adapted to constant high humidity and little direct sunlight. This origin makes it the ideal houseplant for semi-shaded to shady spots.

What immediately catches the eye with Aglaonema ‘Tom’s Pride’ is its striking leaf pattern. The large, oval leaves show a rich, deep green base color, streaked with silvery-white or cream-colored veining and patterns that vary from plant to plant. This makes it look particularly vibrant and gives rooms a fresh, tropical flair. The leaf surface is slightly glossy, giving the plant an extra touch of elegance. Depending on the light, the colors shimmer – a real eye-catcher on any sideboard or shelf.

When it comes to location, this Aglaonema is quite uncomplicated. It prefers a bright to semi-shaded spot but also copes well with less light – making it perfect for living rooms with north-facing windows or slightly darker corners. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as the leaves can burn quickly. A spot with diffused daylight or a place in a room with indirect lighting is ideal.

When watering, the rule is: evenly, but in moderation. The soil can be slightly moist but should never be completely wet. Waterlogging is the most common care mistake with Aglaonemas and quickly leads to root rot. Let the top layer of soil dry out slightly between waterings. Water a bit more sparingly in winter, as the plant evaporates less water then. A well-draining substrate mix, e.g., houseplant soil with some perlite or coco coir, helps maintain the balance.

Even though it originally comes from tropical forests, ‘Tom’s Pride’ usually handles normal indoor humidity well. However, 50–60% would be ideal, especially in winter when heating dries out the air. If you want to treat your plant, place a humidifier nearby or use a tray with water and pebbles.

The temperature should remain as constant as possible between 18 and 26°C. It doesn’t like cool drafts or cold spots at all – so it’s better not to place it directly in front of a window that is often opened in winter. It shouldn’t drop below 15°C for long, otherwise the plant may lose its leaves or stop growing.

Fertilize the Aglaonema during the active growing season – from spring to late summer – about once a month with a mild liquid fertilizer for green plants. Too much fertilizer can do more harm than good, so it’s better to use a little less and do it regularly.

Overall, ‘Tom’s Pride’ is an easy-care, robust houseplant that impresses with its extraordinary leaf pattern and grows reliably even in less-than-ideal light conditions. It’s perfect for plant beginners, but also for experienced enthusiasts looking for something special. And since it grows beautifully bushy over time, it also looks great in larger pots.

Summary of care instructions for Aglaonema Tom’s Pride

Location: Bright to semi-shaded. Can also be placed at north-facing windows or in dark corners

Water requirements: Moderately moist: only water when the top 1–2 cm of soil are dry.

Humidity: Average to high. 50-60 %

Substrate: We recommend a special substrate mix.

Toxicity: Toxic if ingested!