Homalomena sp. Aceh ‘Velvet’

Origin of Homalomena sp. Aceh ‘Velvet’

This form comes from Aceh in northern Sumatra. Its exact species and collection site within Aceh are still uncertain.

Care for Homalomena sp. Aceh ‘Velvet’

• Light: Give bright filtered light, either from a window or from a grow light.
• Warmth: Keep the plant in a consistently warm position and away from cold draughts, cold glass and surfaces that chill the roots.
• Humidity: Keep humidity moderate to high and provide gentle airflow, especially after watering.
• Water: Keep the roots lightly and evenly moist. Rewater as the surface starts to dry and let the container drain freely.
• Potting mix: Choose a fine, airy mix that holds moisture and stays loose between waterings.
• Feeding: Use a complete houseplant fertiliser at light to moderate strength 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 current pot. Separate shoots from the base once each section has a healthy root system of its own.

Common issues with Homalomena sp. Aceh ‘Velvet’

• Leaf edges dry while the roots are still lightly moist: Dry airflow, heat from lights or low humidity may be stressing the foliage. Move the plant away from hot airflow or strong lights and raise humidity if the room is dry.
• Dark leaves develop fine pale mottling or webbing: Check the undersides for spider mites. Isolate the plant and follow a labelled mite treatment at the stated repeat interval.
• Softness develops at the base of the plant or the bases of the leaf stalks: Check the roots and tissue at the base for rot. Cut affected areas back to firm healthy growth with a clean tool, discard the damaged material and repot in fresh, airy potting mix.
• The whole clump droops and the pot feels light: The potting mix has dried too much. Water thoroughly and water a little sooner next time.

Homalomena sp. Aceh ‘Velvet’ 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, and what does the name mean?

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

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