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StyleLush ™ Sea Turtle ™ Maggy ( Homalomena rubescens ) . Photo by : Proven winner
Homalomena(also known as cuticle plant ) is a rising star in the houseplant world , flaunting large , lush heart - shaped leaves that lend a cutaneous senses of the tropics to any indoor blank space . This trendy penis of the aroid family , and a cheeseparing proportional ofPhilodendronandAlocasia , thrives in low to medium clean conditions , making it ideal for homes with limited raw light . It also grows to a doable size , allowing you to display its middle - catching foliage on a desk or tabletop .
SinceHomalomenaplants are relatively new on the vista , they can be a flake challenging to discover , particularly if you ’re looking for a rare diversity . Fortunately , more plant retailer and online nurseries are beginning to expect them , making it easy to enjoy these tropic beauties in your own home .
On this page : Basics|Growing Tips|Care|Varieties|FAQs
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BASICS
Botanical name:
Homalomenaspp .
Common names:
Homalomena , shield plant , queen of hearts
Origin:
aboriginal to tropical neighborhood of southern Asia and the Southwest Pacific
Growth rate:
Moderate
Mature size:
1 to 3 feet tall
Foliage:
Glossy heart- or spade - shaped leaves may be whole gullible or variegated in shades of light-headed dark-green , cream , yellowish , or pink , often with red - tint undersides and stems .
Flowers:
Typically greenish - white or yellow and surrounded by a spathe , like to those of apeace lily . AlthoughHomalomenaplants will flower outdoors in their aboriginal habitat , they rarely blossom indoors .
AreHomalomenaplants toxic?
Yes ! All part of the plant incorporate calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to dogs and cats . The sap can also nettle the cutis and heart . Keep out of stretch of tike and darling . As a care , also break baseball glove when repot or pruning plants . See moreCommon toxicant Plants for Dogs and Cats .
GROWING HOMALOMENA PLANTS
StyleLush ™ upthrust ™ Camouflage ( Homalomena wallisii ) . Photo by : Proven Winners
Light:
Prefers bright collateral brightness . At lower sluttish stratum , increment may slow and the leaves may lose some of their vibrancy . An idealistic fix is near an east - facing windowpane or positioned across the room from a west - facing window , away from lineal afternoon sunlight . If you notice burnt folio sharpness , your works may be getting too much lineal Lord’s Day .
Temperature:
Because they herald from tropical region , Homalomenalove nursery - like conditions , with elbow room temperatures between 65 ° to 80 ° F. Keep aside from dusty drafts , and do n’t expose works to temperature below 60 ° F. Also void come out plants near heat or cooling vent .
Humidity:
Like most tropic plant , Homalomenaflourish in humid environments , preferring a humidity horizontal surface of 50 % or high . They are excellent works for a aroused , brightly lit privy . In dry area of the household , keep your plant hydrate by using a humidifier , misting the parting on a regular basis , or setting them on a tray fill with pebbles and piss .
Soil type:
Use a loose , well - drain potting mixture that has good wet retention , such as asoilless aroid potting mix . Or improve a regular potting mixture by add orchid barque or perlite to meliorate drainage .
HOMALOMNEA CARE
Watering:
Homalomenaare finicky about their weewee requirements and do n’t wish filth that ’s either too dry or too soggy . piddle regularly using lukewarm H2O to keep the territory evenly moist , or whenever the top inch of grunge feels juiceless to the trace . To deflect waterlogged grunge , which can lead to root rot , verify any excess water drain from the bottom of the pot .
Fertilizing:
Feed once per calendar month with a fluid houseplant plant food thin out to half strength when your plant is actively growing in spring and summertime . Withhold fertilizing during the previous evenfall and wintertime calendar month , when plant growing slack .
Pruning:
Homalomenawill wield its nice , upright shape with minimal pruning . However , to keep your plant healthy and encourage newfangled outgrowth , you should absent any yellowing or damage foliage by rationalise the folio stubble at its base using a fresh knife or hired man pruners . Be sure to wear glove to nullify skin contact with the muggins from the excision stems .
take note that while some yellowing of old parting is normal , yellow of New growth may be a sign of overwatering or exposure to draft or cold temperatures .
Leaf care:
The big leaves ofHomalomenaare great rubble collectors . To keep them attractive and dust - free , pass over them gently every few weeks with a moist cloth . This will also benefit your plant ’s health by improving its ability to take in light .
Repotting:
Homalomenatypically needs repotting every two years , or whenever it shows sign of becoming rootbound . If you see roots emerging through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or flora ontogenesis has slowed significantly , it ’s time to move your flora to a new household . Select a pot 1 to 2 inches in diam larger than the current one , and fill it with fresh potting mixture to provide a new supplying of substantive nutrient . The best time to repot is other give , when your industrial plant awaken from its winter dormancy catamenia .
Propagation:
By division of the plant ’s rhizomatous root or by stem cuttings .
Pests and diseases:
Keep an eye out forspider mites , mealybugs , thrips , andaphids . ( See and treating pests on houseplants . ) Overwatering can cause fungous diseases and etymon rot .
HOMALOMENA VARIETIES
Photo by : Proven succeeder
StyleLush ™ Sea Turtle ™ MaggyHomalomena rubescens
showy greenish leaf with deeply etch vein resemble gravid heart - shaped turtle shells , perched atop colorful pinkish - cherry stem . To forestall the folio edge from browning , give this industrial plant plenty of humidness , ward off spirit level below 45 % .
Height:2 to 3 foot
More Info & Find a Local leafjoy ® Retailer
StyleLush ™ Uplift ™ CamouflageHomalomena wallisii
Features oval - shaped parting patterned in various shades of gloomy and light dark-green , like to hobo camp camouflage . Under the correct conditions , unexampled foliage and stem may develop pinkish - red undertones , providing an bring pop of people of colour . Needs bright collateral light , but void placing in verbatim sun .
Height:12 to 18 inch
Photo by : originative by Nature / Shutterstock
' Emerald Gem’Homalomena’Emerald Gem '
lawful to its name , this plant ’s broad , heart and soul - determine leaves are a rich emerald green , punctuated by prominent veining . A compact , bushy outgrowth use makes it ideal for expose on a desk or tabletop .
pic by : rukawajung / Shutterstock
' Pink Diamond’Homalomena’Pink Diamond '
This rare motley is named for the hopeful pinkish diversification of its foliage , which looks striking against a sour green backdrop . The diversification pattern can deviate , make each leaf unique , with the pink coloration intensify when the plant is grown in bright indirect light .
Height:1 to 2 feet
Photo by : bobbylho / Shutterstock
' Stardust’Homalomena rubescens’Stardust '
Features spirit - mould , glossy , bass immature leave-taking grace with silvery spot that seem to froth when the light attain them . A reddish tint to the undersides of the leaves create additional interest .
Height:1 to 3 feet
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IsHomalomenaa philodendron?
No . Although both plants are members of the aroid family ( Araceae ) and deal some standardized feature , they have distinct growth habits and leaf material body and patterns .
Are homalomena plants easy to care for?
Yes , Homalomenaare in the main light to deal for and make outstanding houseplants , as long as you foregather their light , water , and humidity needs .
Can homalomena plants grow in water?
Homalomenacan be grown in water , but prefers having its ancestor engraft in well - draining dirt . However , you may spread segmentation or cuttings in water and then transfer them to soil once roots develop .
How do I know if my homalomena plant is getting enough light?
Slower outgrowth , smaller leaves , and faded diversification may be signs that your plant is receiving insufficient sunlight . Consider relocating it to a brighter localization ( but away from unmediated Dominicus ) or supplement with grow lights , especially during the wintertime month .
What is the lifespan of a homalomena plant?
With right care , your homalomena can live for 10 eld or even longer . The paint to good length of service is ply the proper growing condition , including passable light , pee , and humidness .
CanHomalomenabe grown outdoors?
Homalomenacan expand outdoors when grown in dappled shade in regions with consistently warm temperatures and high humidness levels . They are not frost - resistant , and should be protect from temperatures below 50 ° F.
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