Poison Dart Plant Aglaonema commutatum
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Aglaonema marantifolium var. commutatum
- This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Herbaceous perennial commonly grown as a houseplant. It resembles dumb cane (Dieffenbachia). It has elliptic dark green lance-shaped leaves that reach 4-8" long and 2-3" wide. Attractive silver-gray blotches appear on upright stems. Blooms rarely as a houseplant in the late summer or early fall with a white spadix with green spathe. Red clusters of berries follow the blooms. Does well in in diffuse sun or good indirect light. Prefers high humidity but will tolerate dryer air. Keep the potting mix moist from spring to fall. Does not require a winter dormacy period but prefers a reduction in watering during the winter.
There are serious disease or insect problems but watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or scale. Root rots can occur with over-watering. Leaves may turn brown in very dry air or drafty location.
Spreads: 12-18 inches
- Cultivars:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Aglaonema
- Species:
- commutatum
- Family:
- Araceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Philippines, northeastern Celebes
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- high humidity
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Poisonous
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Cultural Conditions:
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Red clusters of berries follow the blooms.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- Blooms rarely as a houseplant in the late summer or early fall with a white spadix with green spathe.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- It has elliptic dark green lance-shaped leaves that reach 4-8" long and 2-3" wide.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Attractive silver-gray blotches appear on upright stems.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous
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Poison:
- Poison Severity:
- Medium
- Poison Symptoms:
- This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which is toxic if ingested or if the juice/sap is touched (dermatitis). More so a concern for dogs, cats, and horses but can a concern for humans. Animals may have the following symptoms: struggle to swallow, irritated/painful--even burning/swelling mouth (including lips and tongue and esophagus), may vomit, foam at the mouth, and much drooling. To humans and animals, it is poisonous if ingested (or if the juice from the plant is touched). Other symptoms (more so for humans) include a rash, pain where the rash is, and mucous membranes irritated.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Calcium oxalate crystals
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Seeds
- Stems
- Aglaonema commutatum is often confused with:
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Dieffenbachia amoena
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Dieffenbachia maculata
- Plants that fill a similar niche:
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Alocasia
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Aglaonema modestum
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Agave
