Homalomena Selby Care

The Homealomena is popular in the plant community but not as well-known to those new to the hobby, which is a shame because this leafy plant is amazing. The Homalomena Selby is one of the more popular varieties. While all Homalomenas are lovely, Selby has a unique look and a naturally compact growth habit, making it a wonderful houseplant. Learn more about Homalomena Selby care and why this is a great plant to add to your collection.

Get to Know Selby

Homalomenas are tropical plants that hail from southern Asia and South America. A member of the Araceae family, the Homalomena Selby is a hybrid of different cultivars that is now its own distinct plant.

The broad spade-shaped leaves have medium green along the borders and midrib. This medium green hue appears as an accent, with shades of light green and chartreuse in the main body of the foliage. The variegation almost looks like it was hand drawn and blended using sidewalk chalk. The mottled foliage is stunning and often draws people in for a closer look.

The ovate leaves have a leathery texture and grow in a rosette form, with new growth emerging from the center of the plant. New leaves appear in a tight role and gently unfurl with time. Mature plants reach about 16 inches tall and spread 18 inches wide.

Homalomena Selby Light Needs

Homalomenas are found in nature in the understory, which means they grow under the thick rainforest canopy. These plants are accustomed to low light, but they are adaptable. Selbys can live in low, medium, or bright indirect sunlight.

The ability to place the plant in low or medium light allows for flexible placement options since a Homalomena can live in areas unsuitable for many other plants. The caveat of growing a plant in low light is that it will grow slowly, and in the case of the Selby, the foliage may appear muted. If you have a dim corner needing greenery, then the Selby is a beautiful option, but the plant will not grow as quickly or showcase as vibrant variegation as it would near a sunny south-facing window.

While the Selby is adaptable, direct sunlight, which will singe or discolor the foliage, crosses the line. Select a spot that doesn’t receive direct light and routinely spin the container a quarter turn so each side gets even light and grows full and lush.

How Often to Water Homalomena

Homalomenas like damp but not soggy conditions, so wait until the top couple of inches of potting mix are dry before giving the plant water. It may seem dramatic, but the leaves will wilt when the plant needs water. Water immediately if you notice slouching foliage, and the leaves should perk up. The plant is in distress by the time the leaves wilt, so try to preemptively water before the plant shows signs of dehydration. Overwatered plants develop yellow leaf tips.

Allow water to drain through the potting mix when giving the plant a drink, and remove extra water from the cover pot or saucer. Root rot can develop if the plant sits in standing water, and while the Selby is surprisingly disease-resistant, root rot is one of the few things that can do it in. Scale back on water during the winter when the plant is dormant.

Best Soil for Selby

Well-draining soil and a container with drainage are necessary for Homalomena Selby care. This leafy plant thrives in a rich, slightly acidic potting mix that is lightweight. A ready-made general potting mix is fine for Homalomenas, but avoid mixes that retain moisture.

Temperature for Homalomena Selby

Temperature is not often a significant concern since most homes have comfortable temperatures, but place the Selby in a warm area. Keep Homalomenas away from drafty windows, exterior doors, and heating or cooling vents. Temperature swings can be trouble. Anything between 65° and 90° F is good for Homalomena Selby care, but the warmer, the better.

A space on a covered porch or patio during the summer will help the plant thrive while adding an effortless style to the space. Wait until the temperature is consistently above 40° F before moving the plant outside, and get it back inside before the temperature turns chilly.

Homalomena Selby Humidity Needs

Increased humidity is necessary for proper Homalomena Selby care. While this easy-care houseplant is mostly adaptable, humidity is non-negotiable. The leaves will dry and become crispy along the edges when the air is too dry. Relocate the plant to a room with increased humidity or use a pebble tray or a humidifier if the plant shows signs of low humidity.

Homalomena Selby Fertilizer

Keep the Selby going strong by feeding the plant using a balanced fertilizer. Water-soluble fertilizers are a good choice and can be combined with routine watering. Feed the plant every two weeks during the spring and summer. Stop fertilizing the Homalomena during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Does Homalomena Selby Bloom?

The Homaloemena Selby can bloom, but it is exceedingly rare for houseplants to flower. Don’t be disappointed that your plant is unlikely to bloom because the flowers are not very showy. The Homalomena Selby is all about foliage, which is the most interesting about this plant.

Homalomena Pruning Tips

Trim the Selby as necessary to remove dead or dying growth. Lower leaves will die with age, which is normal, and they can easily be snipped. Homalomena plants do not require much pruning.

When to Repot Homalomena Selby

Plants that receive bright or increased sunlight will grow more quickly and need to be repotted as often as each year. Slow growth and roots growing through the drainage holes show the Selby is ready for a new container. Repot houseplants in the spring, when the plants wake up from dormancy.

The Selby’s roots run deep, so select a tall container rather than a wide one so the roots have space to grow. Always choose a container with drainage to ensure ideal Homalomena Selby care.

Homalomena Propagation

While it’s easier now than ever before to find a Homalomena Selby, you still may have to search for one. With that said, once you find one, you can create more through propagation. Homalomena plants can be propagated through division or stem cuttings.

Division

Homalomenas have a clump-forming nature, so it is possible to divide a large plant while repotting. Remove the plant from the container and gently separate the root ball into smaller plants. Use a clean, sharp knife or shears to separate the roots if necessary. Repot each plant into a new container, and that’s all there is to it.

Stem Cuttings

Homalomena stem cuttings should measure several inches long and have a couple of leaves. Place the cut end in water or soil, and place the cutting in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Roots will grow in several weeks.

Is Homalomena Selby Pet Safe?

The Homalomena Selby is toxic to pets and humans. Eating any part of the plant can be harmful and possibly even fatal. Be careful if bringing this plant into your home, and understand the risks if your furry friend nibbles on the foliage.

Homalomena Selby Styling Tips

Plant styling is easy when Selby is involved. The Homalomena has an upright growth habit, so it looks best on a table, or a larger plant can easily handle a plant stand. The mottled foliage is the main attraction, so select a plain container so the leaves stand out, or go big with a bold container to complement the foliage display.