Homalomena ‘Shark Skin’

Origin and habitat

‘Shark Skin’ is an unidentified Homalomena, so its species and exact wild origin remain unknown. Homalomena ranges across tropical and subtropical Asia to the south-western Pacific, where the genus is associated mainly with warm, humid conditions, filtered light and moist, aerated forest ground.

Root care for clumping aroids

• Repotting: Repot into the next pot size after roots and basal growth points crowd the container. Keep the crown at its current depth.
• Watering: Keep the fine roots lightly moist by watering once the upper layer is dry, then drain the pot so the textured crown is never held in saturated substrate.
• Position and light: Place it in clear indirect light, from medium to bright. Protect it from intense sun and expect slower growth if the position remains dark.
• Warmth and air moisture: Warmth and air moisture should remain stable: aim for steady indoor warmth and avoid both cold draughts and drying heat.
• Fertiliser: Provide dilute feed in response to active growth rather than the calendar. When leaves continue developing in winter, continue at a lower frequency.

Health checks for Homalomena ‘Shark Skin’

Water-soaked spots enlarge or spread to other leaves: A spreading pattern can indicate leaf-spot disease. Remove badly affected leaves, keep the foliage dry and improve airflow around the plant.

A new leaf remains folded: A dry spell during development may have interrupted its opening. Restore even moisture and allow the leaf to unfold without pulling it apart.

Fine pale dots collect between raised areas: Spider mites can shelter beneath overlapping leaves and around petiole junctions, producing a fine dull stipple. Keep the plant apart, treat the lower surfaces, petiole bases and emerging rolls, and repeat only at the interval stated for the pest found.

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.