Homalomena rubescens ‘Lemon Lime’

Origin and habitat

Homalomena rubescens has a broad native range from the eastern Himalaya through southern China to mainland South-East Asia. It grows on the floor of warm tropical and subtropical forest in moist, humus-rich ground. Loose organic matter keeps air spaces open around the roots even while the ground remains damp.

Root care for clumping aroids

• Repotting: Wait until roots and new basal growth occupy the pot before repotting, then choose a modestly larger container and retain the crown depth.
• Window light: Choose a bright position with the sun filtered out. Lower light is workable, although the plant will develop at a slower pace.
• Drying and watering: Check the upper layer and water once it begins losing moisture. Drain thoroughly and avoid both a waterlogged root zone and a root ball left completely dry for long.
• Warmth and air moisture: Maintain steady indoor warmth with steady humidity above dry household levels. Keep the plant clear of chilled windows, heaters, and vents.
• Fertiliser: Feed Homalomena rubescens ‘Lemon Lime’ lightly during visible leaf growth. Continued winter growth still needs nutrients, although the interval can be longer.

When Homalomena rubescens ‘Lemon Lime’ needs attention

A pale leaf develops a bleached patch: Direct sun may have scorched the tissue. Filter the strongest light and keep pale leaves out of direct sun.

Leaf margins curl and the plant loses firmness: The root ball may be too dry. Water thoroughly if the substrate is dry, allow excess water to drain and keep moisture more even afterward.

A lower petiole becomes soft: Wet, cool substrate may be damaging the crown. Check the roots and base, remove the plant from standing water and restore drainage.

Homalomena rubescens ‘Lemon Lime’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Who first published Homalomena rubescens, and what does the name mean?

Homalomena combines Greek homalos, meaning flat, with mene, meaning moon. Rubescens means becoming reddish and refers to the red-toned petioles.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Homalomena in 1832 in Meletemata Botanica, page 20.

William Roxburgh first described it as Calla rubescens in 1832 in Flora Indica, 1832 edition, volume 3, page 515. Karl Sigismund Kunth later placed it in Homalomena as Homalomena rubescens in 1841 in Enumeratio Plantarum, volume 3, page 57.