We live in a world dominated by nature with millions of varieties of plants. However, if you are a plant enthusiast, Homalomenas Selby can serve as a great choice of specie. Though not well-known or common, it is easy to care for and manage. The foliage of the ‘Selby’ cultivar is mottled and displays varied shades of green.

What is Homalomena Selby?

Homalomena Selby is a lovely plant with magnificent green leaves that twist and turn at will. These leaves have a lovely pattern and minor marks that set them out from the mass. This species, however, is more than just attractive. It is well-known for its ease of management, adaptability, and tolerance.

Homalomenas are tropical plants native to the humid rainforests of Southeastern Asia and are somewhat of a newcomer to many collections of houseplants. ‘Selby’ is characterized by light-to-medium green oval foliage with dark green.

Though evergreen, they are mostly clump-forming blooming perennials that are commonly utilized as houseplants nowadays. The plants mature into lovely bushes. The compact growing habit of ‘Selby’ makes it ideal for indoor collections. It’s well-known for its high level of resistance to diseases.

Homalomena Selby:  Family and Origin

Homalomena is the botanical genus name for over 100 tropical plant species belonging to the Araceae family of aroids. Certain species are popularly referred to as “queen of hearts” or “shield plants,” generally based on the basic form and color of the leaves. The frost-free rainforest understory of southern Asia eastward to Melanesia is home to about 135 species of Homalomena.

There are 12 more species in Central America and northern South America. Homalomena plants, native to the tropics, are prized for their foliage and make neat, appealing houseplants.  It can grow around nine inches tall, with dark, heart-shaped green leaves.

The dark-green, heart-shaped foliage of Homalomena ‘Emerald Gem’ makes it a popular plant. In low to medium lighting, it is a fairly hardy plant. Homalomena is known in China as ‘qian nian jian,’ which translates as ‘thousand years of health.’ Homalomena rhizomes are utilized for making herbal medicines.

Features of Homalomena Selby

●      Leaves

They have thick, luxuriant, leathery, and big leaves. They emerge from the plant’s center and spread both upwardly and outwardly. The leaves appear to be waxy in appearance. The leaves are heart-shaped or semi-heart-shaped.

●      Height

The plant height is about 12-18 inches tall and 15-18 inches wide—the plant’s net height results from the leaves, which are mostly long.

●      Stem and Foliage

A Homalomena Selby plant has patterns and is oval, with light green foliage and thick dark markings. Light shone on the oval leaves having dark green shoots distinguish the stunning.

Other features include Heart-shaped foliage with smooth and glossy finishes that can be seen on some species and hybrids. Others have leaves that are more arrowhead-shaped and have tiny hairs.

The foliage is the principal decorative feature, remaining evergreen even if temperatures never fall below 40 degrees F. The spadix, which resembles a finger, is enveloped by a cloak-like spathe and may be beautiful. Homalomena rubescens has a white and blood-red bloom.

How To Care for Homalomena Selby

Out of a short range of requirements for Homalomena Selby, here are some listed below:

●      Ease Of Care

The Selby is an interesting plant that merits some study. It’ll need to be fertilized regularly during the growing season because it’s a compact grower. We propose diluting the fertilizer by half the recommended amount.

This plant will grow evenly and consistently if rotated once a month. Wiping the leaves down with neem oil once a month is an effective technique to keep the foliage clean and pests at bay.

●      Light

The Homalomena Selby should be placed in a location that receives moderate indirect light. The preferred location is a few feet away from an east-facing window. Keep this plant away from direct sunshine since it will burn the leaves.

●      Water

When the top layer to an inch of the soil is nearly dry to the touch, water the Homalomena Selby. This plant hates it when it becomes too dry in between waterings. When the plant is not properly watered, browning tips appear on the leaves. Yellowing foliage results from overwatering that will eventually drop and root rot in extreme circumstances.

How to Propagate Homalomena Selby

You can do this in two ways, namely:

• Propagation with Roots Division
• Propagation with Stem Cuttings

Others include seeds and tissue culture. Let’s look at the methods below for Propagating Homalomena Selby.

●      Propagation with Roots Division

Because the roots of a plant gather together, it’s preferable to reproduce them by root division rather than transplanting them into another container. Beginners may find the process intimidating, but it is straightforward:

Remove the plant from its container first, ensuring that the roots are free of excess soil.

Then divide the root ball into parts using your hands. Place the root divisions in a smaller container filled with the same soil mix as the parent plant.

Finally, place the container in a location that receives medium, indirect sunshine. Water was regularly divided to aid in their settlement.

●      Propagation with Stem Cuttings

Taking a section of the plant’s stem is the first step in propagating Homalomena Selby plants by stem cuttings. To guarantee optimal propagation, always utilize multiple and varied leaves and feed the plant with the proper sunlight and water. The leaves in the center and on the periphery can be left out.

The second step is to bury the stem’s base in the earth to encourage it to grow again. For excellent growth, always utilize a variety of leaves and supply the proper amount of sunlight and water.

Is Homalomena Selby rare?

Yes, it is. Homalomena Selby is a rare plant that can spring out new growth carefully managed under indirect light and warmth. They are easily cared for, requiring low light for maximum growth attainable.

Final Thoughts

Homalomena Selby is characterized by being a large plant family. Like all other plants, they are simple to cultivate and maintain, requiring relatively little work both in cultivation and growth. If you choose this plant or any other plant in this family as ornamental elements within your home or for your indoor spaces, you will never go wrong.

They grow slowly and require pruning regularly. Caution should be exercised when handling them because of the increased toxicity. You can simply avoid fungus and insects if you use Homalomena Selby for your indoor area.