Homalomena sp. 'Platinum Velvet'

Homalomena sp. 'Platinum Velvet' is an arum family (Araceae) from the Riau Islands (Kepulauan Riau), an Indonesian province between the Malay Peninsula and Borneo.

The velvety, silvery leaves resemble brushed metal and contrast beautifully with the red petioles. Fresh leaves appear orange. The inflorescences are rather inconspicuous, with a red spathe and a short, white spadix. This species remains very small, reaching only about 15 cm in height. Different clones of this species vary slightly in their final size. The clone 'Platinum Velvet' only grows to about 10 cm and has wavy leaf margins. Other clones are circulating under different names such as sp. 'Silver', 'Silver Red', 'White Silver Velvet', and similar names.

This species is a rheophyte, and even many "normal" tropical terrariums are too dry for it! It requires consistently above 80% humidity and a constantly moist to wet substrate. It can even tolerate having its roots submerged in water.

It grows relatively slowly.

You will receive a strong young plant, approximately 5 to 10 cm tall, in a 6 cm pot.