The Legacy

I was the fortunate recipient of a legacy last week.  A legacy of the colorful kind.  More specifically, the hybrid Aglaonema Legacy.  An early Christmas gift from one of the nurseries that I frequently visit.

The Aglaonema is a genus native to Southeast Asia.  A number of species are native to the Philippines. These plants are popular houseplants because they tolerate neglect and as an added bonus, are also resistant to  pests.

These herbaceous perennial plants are now known as "Queen of Leaves" because of the many colors of its leaves.  Mr. Gregory Hambali, from West Java, is known for introducing the "Pride of Sumatra" to the public in 1985.  Since then, numerous hybrids/cultivars have been produced.  The Legacy appears to be from Thailand but please correct me if I'm wrong.

Its stems are pale pink and white with faint striations, reminding me of peeled rhubarb.

The planting medium I use is a coconut peat and rice hull mix but anything can be used as long as it does not allow the water to stagnate.  My Legacy is positioned under the eaves where it only gets direct early morning sunlight.

Aglaonema does not tolerate direct sunlight. It is prone to root rot so care must be taken not to overwater.

Collectors are said to wipe the leaves with coconut milk to give it a shine and to make the colors stand out.  I did not have any coconut milk on hand but I think my plants leaves look wonderful regardless.

I know I promised no more unfurling leaves but this is a completely different look from unfurling fronds so I've decided to post it.  I can't wait to see what pattern the leaf will have.

I will pass this Legacy on to my children and the good thing about it is that I don't have to dig out my old law books to look for the formal requisites of a will. No probate proceedings required here.

Comments

[dona]

Wishing you a merry Christmas!
Ciao

[Autumn Belle]

The aglaonema is a beautiful and timely gift. Bom, I hope you enjoyed your trip to Malaysia. Yes, you are right, I am posting the Christmas decorations at the Mall, which is just next to Cititel where you stayed. May you have a blessed day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Alice Joyce]

Wonderful color! Makes me want to go plant shopping to bring some of that vibrancy into my home.
All best for 2011,
Cheers!!
Alice

[Elephant's Eye]

Rice hulls for potting? That is a new idea. Does it work well? Porous, but does it retain moisture? Or would it work for growing orchids?

[Patty]

The colour is stunning ! Lucky you to have such a wonderful early Christmas gift. Happy Holidays to you Bom.

[The Plant Chaser]

@Autumn Belle: I've been to Malaysia several times. I've been to KL, KK, JB and Langkawi. All enjoyable trips especially the food.

@Alice: What is stopping you? It makes a perfect indoor plant and the colors are Christmas-y.

@Diana: Yes, it is perfect for retaining moisture, usually just the right amount for plants prone to root rot. Sometimes the suppliers here sell burnt/charred rice hulls mixed with garden soil, allegedly this is a more enriched mix. Locally, coconut chips are what gardeners use for orchids.

@Patty: It IS a wonderful gift. Merry Christmas!

[p3chandan]

I have this plant too and it has given out a few flower buds but never really bloom like a flower should, probably thats all it will do! The nursery where I bought it said it was from Thailand too. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year Bon!

[Kanak]

It's a beautiful plant and your photos are superb! I'll be on the lookout for this stunning plant.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

[Solitude Rising]

Beautiful and colorful plant,and the patterns on its leaves are amazing.

We also use rice hulls in our plants to loosen the clay soil in our garden.

[lifeshighway]

An absolutely stunning house plant. I wonder if I can find something like it here in the State. I find the pink stems very unusual.

[Rosie leavesnbloom]

Oh what a gift! and the coloured leaves look so Christmasy. I'm sure I over watered one of these years ago though I don't think the colours were as vibrant in the leaves as your little legacy.

[Esther Montgomey]

Unfurling is always wonderful, however frequent.

Esther

[fer]

Beautiful leaves! we used to have some of these when we lived in Mexico city, they are quite stunning.
Hope you had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

[Janet/Plantaliscious]

I'm with Esther, unfurling is always rather wonderful, and your picture is gorgeous.

[Andrea]

Wow Bom, that is a very positive looking plant, very cheerful looking. I have a friend who buys these plants from Thailand and propagate them here for sale.

[The Plant Chaser]

@ p3chandan: I'm still waiting to see mine produce flowers. They are supposed to be very small and white. Happy New Year!

@ Kanak: I'm sure you will have no problem with it because we generally have the same weather.

@ SR: Yes, rice hulls are pretty common here.

@ lifeshighway: I did check online and I think you can get several varieties there in the US.

@ Rosie: I think my leaves would look better if I can get a hold of coconut milk.

@Esther & Janet: True. I love unfurling. I always take it as a sign that I'm doing something right. :-D

@ Fer: Thanks. I did have a great Christmas. Here's to a Happy New Year.

@ Andrea: Maybe your friend will give it to you as a gift as well. ;-P

[Cat]

Happy New Year Bom! This sounds like my kind of indoor plant...thrives on neglect! I'm not so good with indoor plants ;) I love the composition of the first shot with the tile background - very cool and I'm always up for unfurling leaves!

[The Plant Chaser]

Happy New Year Cat!

The tile background is the only place I can photograph my plants solo. :-D

[Chris]

How do I get this plant?! Who sells? I love it so much! The coolest Aglaonema I ever seen!

[The Plant Chaser]

Hi Chris. The Legacy is imported from Thailand so it might be best for you to check for exporters from there or check if any of your local suppliers can import for you.