Dr. Jake Henny and Dr. Jianjun Chen received approval for a new MREC Aglaonema hybrid release at the IFAS Cultivar Release Committee meeting in Gainesville on November 12, 2008.

Aglaonema ‘Leprechaun’ (above) grown in a 6-inch (1.6-L) pot showing dense branching habit. This plant was grown from a single rooted cutting in shaded greenhouse for 9 months and then in an interior room at 100 foot-candles of light for 4 months.

Aglaonema ‘Leprechaun’ originated as a mutation from Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ Aglaonema ‘Leprechaun’ was selected due to its small, rounded plant form. It exhibits the same variegation as its parent but is dwarf.

In growth studies, Aglaonema ‘Leprechanun’ grown in  6-inch (1.6-L) pots reached marketable size in 9 months. Plant quality averaged between good to excellent at all nutritional levels in greenhouse and interior performance testing.

Aglaonema ‘Leprechaun’ is intended for commercial producers growing finished plants in 6-inch (1.6L) or 8-inch (3.9-L) containers.  A patent application has been submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office and plant patent rights assigned to the University of Florida, Board of Trustees.  Stock plants will be released under license to Florida growers for propagation and distribution.  Inquiries regarding licensing may be sent to Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., P.O. Box 110200, Gainesville, FL 32611.