Homalomenaspp.
I care to live out my tropical dreams by convey the exuberant , leafy greens of the rain forest into my home .
And there ’s no better specimen for doing that than the magnificent homalomena , aka shied industrial plant .
We link to vender to help you find relevant product . If you buy from one of our contact , we may realise a committal .
A congenator of other foliage favorites like philodendron and Swiss cheeseflower plants , shield plant have large , showy leaves that scream “ I ’m hang out in the lush understory of rainforest on a gorgeous tropic island . ”
As with their aroid relatives , they ’re casual to care for and enliven up your space with their grand display . Outdoors , they can be cultivated in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 12 .
What You’ll Learn
Quick Look
How to turn
Cultivars to Select
multiplication
Pests and Disease
Homalomena(home - a - broken - mean - a ) is a genus in the Araceae or aroid family , which also includescaladiums , ceriman , andphilodendrons .
Homalomena mean flat moon from the Malayan “ homalos ” for prostrate and “ mene ” for moon .
Actually , it ’s a mistranslation of the Malay patois , but here we are . It ’s certainly a good verbal description of the bombastic , rotund foliage .
There are about 160 species in the genus , but only a handful in cultivation .
H. expedita , H. philippinensis , H. rubscens , H. schismatoglottis , andH. wallichiiare a few of the more common mintage grown as ornamentals or houseplant .
coarse name(s):Shield plant , silver shield , queen of tenderness , homalomena
Plant case : Herbaceous evergreen plant
Hardiness ( USDA Zone):10 - 12 ( outdoor )
aboriginal to : Asia
Bloom time / season : Evergreen
picture : Bright , indirect light
Soil type : Loose , full-bodied , well drain
Soil pH:6.0 - 7.0 , slightly acidic to neutral
Time to maturity:5 class
Mature size:1 ft wide x 3 ft high ( depending on cultivar )
good uses : Houseplant , edge , container
Taxonomy
Family : Araceae
Subfamily : Aroideae
Genus : Homalomena
metal money : Aromatica , expedita , humilis , occulta , philippinensis , rubescens , wallisii
Most have ovate , cordate , or elliptical foliage that is large and waxy , which has earned them the common names of carapace flora or queen of hearts .
The foliage is typically greenish , but might be variegated with pick or bloodless , or even pinks or red . Some coinage have a distinguishable anise - like scent .
Do n’t try a sample of the farewell , though . Homalomena is toxic to humans and animals .
In the state of nature , species ofHomalomenaare found throughout tropical Asia , including China , Malaysia , Philippines , and Taiwan .
They will flower in their aboriginal surround , but only do so seldom indoors . The homalomena flower looks like to others in the aroid group – a bite like that of apeace lily .
How to Grow Homalomena
Species in this genus are variable in terms of their growth habit , size , and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe . Some are found uprise unfounded in swamps , and others in drier , sunnier areas .
Generally , those species that we cultivate as houseplants prefer raft of moisture , rich , loamy territory , and moderate Inner Light .
Soil
First things first , you need a pot with drainage holes that ’s about an in bigger than the root egg of your homalomena .
It should be filled with a deep , water - retentive potting medium . A product that carry perlite , sphagnum moss , or vermiculite will work .
I in person fuck FoxFarm Ocean Forest potting smorgasbord .
It ’s water supply - retentive and has lots of just stuff , like woods humous , fishing worm castings , sphagnum moss , bat guano , and crabby person repast .
FoxFarm Ocean Forest
you’re able to witness FoxFarm Ocean Forest in 12 - quart bagsavailable via Amazon .
Water
Keep the soil moist at all multiplication , or just let the top of the dirt dry out between lacrimation .
The homalomena plant life will start to loll a little when they need more urine .
examine to irrigate just before they bug out drooping , but if they start to flag a lilliputian bit , it wo n’t injure them .
Be sure to empty any catchment pot or saucer that you have underneath the jackpot about 30 minutes after you water .
Light
Most species do best in burnished , indirect brightness level . A picayune bit of direct early morning light is all right , but anything beyond that is ordinarily too solid .
If you want to keep your homalomena in an expanse with shiny or lineal light , gradually move it into the arena rather than cast it there mighty forth .
Move it an minute at a time over the course of about a week .
If you move the industrial plant too quick , you might see burnt spots on the leave of absence .
Temperature
As tropical metal money , homalomena plants ca n’t put up frost or freezing temperatures .
Anything under 50 ° farad for a prolong period of time will cause yellowing foliage and a failure to prosper .
Ideally , you should keep yours in a spot that ’s at least 70 ° F during the day and around 60 ° F overnight .
Fertilizing
tip your homalomena every two or three weeks during the spring , summertime , and fall .
Any mild , balanced houseplant plant food will do . My personal go - to is Dr. Earth ’s Pump and farm food .
It ’s made using waste scraps from grocery computer memory and is the right balance for foliation houseplants .
Dr. Earth Pump and develop
Pick up a 16 - Panthera uncia bottle with a convenient pumpat Arbico Organics .
Pruning
You do n’t need to do much to uphold your homalomena .
at times a leafage will be damaged , will change colouring material , or will appear to be deformed . Sometimes your homalomena will start to take on a form that you do n’t like .
In these instances , you ’ll require to break out a clean duad of pair of scissors or pruners and give the flora a snip . you could do this any time of year .
swerve just in front of a foliage node , which is the spot where the foliage grow .
This will promote that thickening to branch and grow more leaves , so it ’s the perfect proficiency if you desire to create bushy growth in an orbit that looks a small slender .
Take out any foliage that is morbid , damaged , or deformed . If the low leaf are turn yellow , it ’s likely that the homalomena is n’t receive enough visible light .
Remove these and put the specimen in brighter lighting – gradually , as hash out above !
Be sure to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few month , or more often if your house is as dusty as mine is .
It ’s difficult for the homalomena to photosynthesize if the leave of absence are cover in dust .
Repotting
As your homalomena develop , you ’ll need to repot it in a container one size up . You should do this every few years until the specimen reaches its matured sizing .
Do this by opt a larger container and put a bit of pot soil in the bottom . get rid of the homalomena from its existing container and brush away some of the old soil and tease up the base .
lightly lower it into the container and fill in with new potting territory .
When the homalomena reach its matured sizing , you should freshen the potting soil every few years .
There are dozens ofHomalomenacultivars and hybrids on the market , all with likewise - shape foliage and a similar maturation pattern .
The difference lies in the leaf pattern or colors , and some are more just while others have a more circularise growth riding habit .
Here are just a few of the more interesting option out there :
Black Velvet
I ’m go to countenance you in on a little secret . I love the look of black plants and there are severalalocasiasthat have gorgeous matte black leaves . But I fight to keep alocasias glad .
I do n’t have to worry about it , though , because I have ‘ Black Velvet . ’
The great , fondness - mold , nearly disastrous leaves of this homalomena hybrid resemble my favored alocasia without their busy nature .
The leaves startle out mysterious maroon when youthful before reaching their mature color . The stems are bright red . Do n’t keep them in low lighting or the colouration wo n’t be as rich , however .
Camouflage
‘ disguise ’ is a particularly gorgeousH. wallisiicultivar .
The glossy leaves are heavily variegated with angular dappled patterns of dark , medium , and idle green , with an acuminate word form , which just mean they are slightly oval with a pointy gratuity .
You make love that classic jungle disguise ? It definitely resembles that .
you could regain ‘ camo ’ in six - column inch commode from industrial plant for Petsvia Amazon .
Emerald Gem
If you need a classical - looking homalomena , ‘ Emerald Gem ’ is the one .
The spade - like leave-taking follow to a rounded pourboire , with a classic emerald green hue . It ’s sometimes referred to as the generic homalomena . It has a lovely thick , upright growth use .
you’re able to find ‘ Emerald Gem ’ uncommitted in six - inch containers viaWalmart .
Mint
H. rubescens‘Mint ’ has the heart - shaped leaves characteristic of theHomalomenaspecies , but it ’s spare special thanks to the color of the leaf .
untested leaves are pinkish , taking on a temporary streaked green and pink look before decide into a matte , hatful unripe hue when ripe .
The stem that check the leaves remain a passably pinkish color throughout their life .
Pink Splash
As if the heart - shaped leafage of thisH. rubescenscultivar were n’t cute enough , the emerald green , shiny leaves are mottled with ointment and pink on pinkish stems .
Mauro
H.wallisii‘Mauro ’ has abstemious green or golden yellow leaves with deep green splotches at the margins and vein .
Selby
Most homalomena have fairly glistening foliage , but ‘ Selby , ’ aH. wallisiicultivar , sport matte emerald green leaves with chickenhearted - unripe centers .
The gloomy coloring line the veins and margins of the shield - determine leaves , with diminished splotch inside the lighter chromaticity .
Star Dust
‘ Star Dust ’ has deep , dark unripe leaves splattered with patch and streaks of wakeful grey - green . Staring at this one is like stare at the dark sky into the Milky Way .
Hiding underneath the cordate , or heart - shaped , foliage are faintly pink stems .
‘ Star Dust ’
Ready for some stargazing ? foot up a starter plantat Amazon .
If you expect me , one homalomena is n’t enough . We postulate more !
you’re able to propagate buckler plants from cuttings and by sectionalization . Here ’s how :
From Cuttings
Cuttings are a reliable and easy way to propagate homalomena .
Once young growth jump to form , hit the cloche and grow the new start as normal .
From Divisions
Once they become established and start growing , these plant can extend rapidly .
partitioning creates more plants while maintain the original at a manageable sizing . you’re able to divide homalomena at any fourth dimension of year .
If you do n’t desire to remove the homalomena , expend ahori hori knifeto travail a section out of the parent and lightly wedge it up .
replete in the maw you made with fresh soil and repot the removed incision .
From Transplants
Whether you buy a potted specimen to transplant or you have a thinning that you maturate in a container , eventually you ’re going to want to move it into a dissimilar great deal or into the ground .
To do this , gently remove the homalomena from the existing container and undo up the roots a little .
You do n’t need to get rid of all the dirt , but you do want to give the roots some room .
Place the root ball in the new container or hole , occupy in around it with soil and water well . contribute a bit more grime if the grease settles .
Managing Pests and Disease
I hope you wo n’t ever take this division , but no flora is totally resistant to problems .
Do your best to give your homalomena the consideration it needs to flourish and your specimen should be okay .
If cuss or diseases do appear , you ’ll be able-bodied to address the problem quickly .
permit ’s chat about the common pests to watch for .
Pests
The usual logical argument up of houseplant pests will happily feed on your plant . We ’re talking about aphid , mealybugs , and wanderer speck .
aphid are a familiar foe for almost anyone who grows plant life , whether indoors or out .
These small-scale , sapsucking insect gather by the dozens ( or hundreds ! ) to cluster on the radical and undersides of the leaves to use their take up mouthparts to force out the sap .
This causes blotch leaf yellowing and stunted maturation . If you even suspect you have an infestation , check out our guide to dealing with aphids to get wind more .
Meanwhile , mealybugs look a flake more like the symptoms of a disease rather than pests .
That ’s because they ’re flat and oval , and tend to just cluster together in one spot without moving .
On top of that , they ’re covered in a blanched , waxy coating . At a passing coup d’oeil , they can seem like fungal growth .
Our template to negociate mealybugshas more information .
Spider mite are petite arachnids which you ca n’t see with the nude eye . What you’re able to see is the fine web they leave behind . For spider mite control , match out our scout .
Disease
I have intercourse a houseplant that is n’t prostrate to all kinds of problem . Who does n’t , correct ?
Homalomena is mostly only subject to root rot , and then only if you overwater or the soil is too compact , so the urine ca n’t move through it .
Root buncombe have the leaves to twist lily-livered and chocolate-brown , and then eventually collapse .
Under the ground surface , the roots are turning rotten and mushy . If you catch it early enough , you could absolutely preserve your plant .
This involves houseclean up the root and treating them with a fungicide like pig . watch more about how to lot with root decompose in our guide .
Reach for the Moon
Whether you ’re essay to bring a part of the tropical life to your quad or you just require some low - maintenance verdure to tally some life to a spot that ’s lacking , homalomena is the answer .
Shield plants look fabulous in ornamental pots as part of a collection of houseplant .
Then , uphold your houseplant adventuresby check out a few of our other guides next :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more particular . mathematical product exposure via Amazon , Arbico Organics , and FoxFarm . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
About
Kristine Lofgren
