Homalomena ‘Shark Skin’

Origin of Homalomena ‘Shark Skin’

‘Shark Skin’ is a collector name for a Sumatran Homalomena. Material grown under this name has also been linked with Sibolga Timur in northern Sumatra.

Its exact species and the precise origin of this cultivated form are still uncertain.

Care for Homalomena ‘Shark Skin’

• Light: Give bright filtered light and protect the leaves from strong direct sun.
• Water: Water thoroughly as the surface starts to lose moisture, then let the pot drain freely. A little moisture can remain deeper around the roots.
• Potting mix: Use a loose mix that holds some moisture while staying airy around the roots. Fine bark, coco or peat can be mixed with perlite or pumice.
• Humidity and airflow: Keep humidity moderate to high and provide gentle airflow around the dense foliage, especially in humid rooms.
• Temperature: Keep the plant in a warm room with stable temperatures.
• Feeding: Use a complete houseplant fertiliser lightly while the plant is producing new leaves. Feed less often when growth slows.
• Repotting and propagation: Repot into a slightly larger container once roots fill the pot or new shoots from the base become crowded. Propagate by separating well-rooted sections from the clump.

Common problems with Homalomena ‘Shark Skin’

• Fine pale speckling or webbing: Spider mites can settle on the textured leaves and their undersides. Isolate the plant, wipe the leaves you can reach and use a treatment labelled for mites at the repeat interval on the label.
• Yellowing with soft roots or bases of the leaf stalks: The potting mix may be staying too wet. Remove soft tissue back to firm healthy growth with a clean tool, discard the damaged material and repot in fresh, airy potting mix.
• Several leaves lose firmness while the pot feels light: The potting mix has become too dry. Water thoroughly and water a little sooner next time.
• Dry brown edges across several leaves: Check whether the potting mix is drying completely, the leaves are receiving hot direct sun, or the surrounding air is very dry. Correct whichever condition applies.

Homalomena ‘Shark Skin’ 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.

Where does the name Homalomena come from?

Homalomena combines Greek homalos, meaning flat, with mene, meaning moon.

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