The Selby Homalomena is a rare plant with a full leafy form adorned with striking variegation. The Selby is a Homalomena hybrid also known as Queen of Hearts or Shield Plant. The ovate-lanceolate leaves have a thick, leathery texture and gently arch as they grow from the same central point. Young leaves are dark green before transitioning into a mottled appearance. Mature leaves are predominantly chartreuse with dark green accents along the margins and center, as well as random dark green splashes throughout. Full-size plants stand several feet tall.
Best Locations For Growing Selby Homalomena
The Selby Homalomena will brighten up any area of a home, but expect the plant to thrive in a sunny spot with increased humidity. Young plants look charming on a table or desk, while mature plants make elegant floor plants next to a console table or alongside a doorway. Homalomenas are toxic to humans and animals, so be careful with this plant, especially if you have curious little ones or pets.
Selby Homalomena Sunlight Requirements
Selby Homalomena plants can adapt to various amounts of light, allowing you to add leafy greenery to almost any area of your home. These plants can live in low or medium sunlight; however, the foliage may appear muted, and growth will slow. Place the Selby near an east- or west-facing window or several feet from a south-facing window to give it enough light to flourish. Direct light may burn the leaves.
Selby Homalomena Care
Repot your Selby every two to three years as the plant becomes rootbound or depletes the potting soil. Increase the pot size by no more than one to two inches larger. Always select a pot with drainage and use loose, rich soil that sheds water. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed.
Watering Selby Homalomena
Homalomena plants like moisture, but not too much of it. Water your Selby Homalomena when the top two inches of potting soil are dry. Check the soil before watering to make sure the time is right. Expect to water every 7 to 12 days during the spring and summer and every 15 – 20 days in the fall and winter. Plants need less water when they are not actively growing.
As a tropical plant, the Selby Homalomena prefers increased humidity but can live in average humidity. Dry air is not good and will cause the leaves to become brittle along the edges. Dead, brown patches along the margins indicate there is not enough moisture in the air for this plant.
Feeding Selby Homalomena
Routine fertilizing keeps your Selby Homalomena full and leafy. Give the Selby plant food every two weeks during the growing season. Use balanced, water-soluble plant food. A balanced formula supports healthy root, leaf, and stem development. Do not fertilize the plant when it is dormant during the fall and winter.
Selby Homalomena Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light
Mature Height: 2 – 3 feet
Mature Spread: 2 – 3 feet
Habit: Clumping, Mounded
Flower Color(s): Green, White
Foliage Color(s): Green, Silver / Grey
Watering: Once A Week
Features: Low Maintenance, Kid Safe, Pet Safe, Air Purifier
Common Name: Selby Homalomena
Other Name(s): Selby, Queen of Hearts, Shield Plant
