Homalomena sp. ‘Platinum Velvet’

Origin and identity of Homalomena sp. ‘Platinum Velvet’

In cultivation, the ‘Platinum Velvet’ name is associated with Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia. Its exact species and collection site are still uncertain.

Caring for Homalomena sp. ‘Platinum Velvet’

• Humidity: Keep humidity moderate to high and provide gentle airflow, especially in humid rooms.
• Temperature: Keep the plant in a consistently warm position and away from cold draughts, cold glass and surfaces that chill the pot.
• Light: Give bright filtered light and protect the leaves from strong direct sun.
• Water: Keep the roots lightly and evenly moist, rewatering as the surface starts to lose moisture. Let excess water drain freely and water the potting mix directly so moisture does not sit on the velvety leaves.
• Potting mix: Use a fine, loose mix that holds moisture while staying airy around the roots.
• 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 after the roots fill the current pot. Propagate from well-rooted shoots from the base.

Problems to watch for with Homalomena sp. ‘Platinum Velvet’

• Dark wet-looking marks spread across the pale velvety leaves: If the foliage has been staying wet, direct routine watering onto the potting mix and provide gentle airflow. If the marks keep spreading or the tissue becomes soft, check the affected leaves and the base of the plant for soft or damaged tissue.
• Leaf edges dry across the clump: Check whether the potting mix is drying completely, the plant is exposed to dry airflow, or the room air is very dry. Correct whichever condition applies.
• Tiny pale dots or webbing develop: Check the undersides of the leaves for spider mites. Isolate the plant and use a labelled mite treatment at the stated repeat interval.
• The base becomes soft while the mix stays wet: Inspect the base of the plant and roots for rot. Remove affected tissue back to firm healthy growth with a clean tool, discard the damaged material and repot in fresh, airy potting mix.

Homalomena sp. ‘Platinum 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.

When was Homalomena first published, and what does it 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.