Homalomena: A Guide to Care and Cultivation

The genus Homalomena (silver shield) belongs to the Tennantaceae family of flowering plants. Although there are a few species believed to be native to Latin America, Homalomena is predominantly found in southern Asia and the southwestern Pacific. A strong anise scent is present in Homalomena plants.

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Due to their simplicity of maintenance, disease resistance, and tolerance of low lighting and stress, Homalomena houseplants are a favourite of both homeowners and interior landscapers. This plant has been promoted as a replacement for a Peace lily, Aglaonema, and dumb canes.

Homalomena: Key facts

Botanical/Scientific Name	Homalomena
Family	Tennantaceae
Common Name	Silver shield
Varieties	Emerald gem, purple sword, selby
Origin	Southern Asia and the southwestern Pacific
Light	Bright indirect light
Soil	Any soil that is loose in texture
Temperature	65-85 degrees Fahrenheit
Humidity	Average household humidity
Watering	Regular watering schedule
Fertiliser	Houseplant fertiliser diluted to half
Propagation	Dividing the bush
Toxic	Toxic to animals and humans

Homalomena: Physical description

The colourful perennial Homalomena has enormous leaves and is evergreen. Though it is just approximately ten inches (25 cm) tall, the huge leaves give the impression that it is much larger. The plants in this genus are clump-forming; these evergreen perennial plants have primarily heart- or arrowhead-shaped leaves that reach a maximum length of eight inches (20 cm) and a breadth that is a little less than that.

This plant is a beautiful example of dark green hues – emerald, olive, and silver. It can be either speckled or monochromatic and frequently has coloured veins, making this plant incredibly adaptable. It is quite uncommon for Homalomena to bloom. The tiny, without-petals blossoms are concealed by a typically greenish spathe that the leaves conceal.

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Homalomena: How to grow?

An ideal temperature range for Homalomena as a houseplant is between 60 to 90°F. (16-32°C.). It is a tropical plant. However, growing Homalomena plants may survive in temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) without suffering much harm.
Homalomena houseplants can survive in exposures of medium to low light, but they actually flourish in conditions of moderate sunlight. Sunburnt patches on the leaves can result from the foliage being scorched by too much sun.
Separating mature, bushy shrubs is the only technique to grow this plant at home. You can either clip off fairly tiny lateral branches with at least three leafy daughter branches or divide the plant into two or three substantial portions. The important concern is making sure the rosette develops roots and that the plugs are handled cautiously.
The container size should be carefully selected, To encourage the growth of arboreal plants. Because plants enjoy a snug fit, the capacity of the container should be one inch larger than the root ball (2.5 cm).
They can grow in any soil mixture that is sufficiently loose, resistant to compaction, and neutral to slightly acidic in pH (between 6.0 and 8.0). It is preferred to have peat and grass soil with complex nutrients.
The seeds should be guided equally downward and as straight as possible after being transplanted to prevent the roots from bending. Cutting the roots with charcoal will shorten them if they are excessively lengthy. The pot’s drainage system should have a high, rough-crushed lip on the bottom.

Homalomena: How to care?

Homalomena is a low-maintenance houseplant with thick, green spade-shaped leaves. The plant appreciates warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright indirect sunlight.

Homalomena is sensitive to temperatures below 65°F. Keep it somewhere where the temperature ranges from 65 to 85°F.
Homalomena prefers indirect bright light for their growth. They can withstand lesser light, although growth can be considerably slowed. The foliage may burn if left in direct sunlight.
Homalomena maintenance calls for wet but not soggy soil. The foliage will become yellow and sparse in dry soil. Browning along the leaf edges is a result of low humidity.
Regular watering will also be a part of the maintenance of this plant. Let your Homalomena’s top 50% of soil dry out before watering. Homalomena plants don’t like to be either dry or submerged in water. Saturate the ground while ensuring proper drainage.
Feed your plant once a month in the spring and summer by diluting a basic houseplant fertiliser to half its recommended strength; otherwise, fertilise frequently using a liquid plant food at the manufacturer’s recommended dosage.
The soil for this houseplant needs to be peat-based, semi-porous, with some sand and a lot of humus organic matter (but not too much).
Your Homalomena will survive in a home with a normal relative humidity level and will benefit from additional humidity provided by neighbouring humidifiers or misting.
Periodically, bottom leaves may turn yellow and die. This is normal, so don’t worry. Use clean, precise shears to remove them. If this is happening quickly, your plant may be cold, staying too moist or dry, or both, depending on how quickly it is happening.

Homalomena: Is it toxic?

Homalomena is toxic to humans and animals if consumed.

Homalomena: Uses

For more than 3,000 years, Tamils have been aware of this plant. It is called merugu, and among its many uses is the treatment of phlegm, piles, and stomach ailments. There are several oils prepared to treat various ailments.
The large rootstock has a pleasant aroma and is occasionally used as a spice for seasoning and flavouring. Rheumatism and arthritis are both treated with aromatic stimulating properties.
The aroma has traditionally been used to cure common colds in infants.
The plant’s petiole has a lovely aroma, which is used locally as a spice and garnish in curries. The leaves are used medicinally to treat digestive issues and are prepared as a vegetable.
To relieve inflammation, fresh rhizomes are crushed, and the resulting paste is applied as a poultice.
The entire plant is used to treat skin conditions.
It has great potential as a viable herbal treatment for several diseases.
After steam distillation, the rhizome produces around 5% of essential oil, a key component in perfumes.
The essential oil can also be used as a larvicide, fungicide, and insecticide.
Rhizomes are used as an insect repellent.
The plant has numerous medicinal benefits and acts as an anaesthetic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, antifungal, and insecticidal.

Source: Pinterest

FAQs

What is the ideal place to keep homalomena plants?

Homalomena prefers indirect bright light for their growth. Therefore, they should be kept inside the house where the sunlight is not fully directed towards the plant. The foliage may burn if left in direct sunlight.

Which type of soil is needed to grow homalomena plants?

The soil for this houseplant needs to be peat-based, semi-porous, with some sand and a lot of humus organic matter (but not too much).

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