Homalomena Sp. Sekadau South
Plant Profile
Homalomena sp. Sekadau South is a rare rheophytic aquatic plant native to the shaded streams of Borneo, belonging to the Araceae family alongside Bucephalandra and Anubias. Staying under 6 inches in height, this uncommon collector plant features deep green, glossy leaves with visible venation that bring a distinct tropical rainforest aesthetic to the midground zones of a planted tank. Similar to its Bucephalandra cousins, it develops a creeping rhizome that can be anchored directly onto rocks and driftwood or placed loosely in substrate without burying the rhizome. Because it naturally thrives in shaded forest waters, it is a slow grower that performs best under low to moderate lighting where algae growth on the foliage can be kept in check.
Key Features & Notes
- Broad, textured Araceae foliage introduces a rare and unique visual accent to hardscape structures.
- Rheophytic growth habit allows the plant to anchor directly onto rocks and driftwood via its creeping rhizome.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Attach the rhizome directly onto rocks or driftwood using aquarium glue or thread, ensuring the main rhizome remains uncovered to avoid rot.
- Avoid excessive high-intensity lighting to prevent green spot algae from forming on the slow-growing leaves.
- Supplemental CO2 injection encourages faster growth and stronger root attachment, though it can be adapted to low-tech setups with stable parameters.
- Maintain consistent water parameters to prevent leaf melting during the initial acclimatization period.
- Final size and coloration depend entirely on your specific aquarium conditions; please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Homalomena sp. 'Sekadau South' |
| Common Name(s) | Homalomena Sekadau South |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Rhizomatous / Rheophyte |
| Care Difficulty | Medium |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended |
| Placement / Usage | Midground / Hardscape Accent |
| Height / Size | 4+ inches |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5 |
| Propagation Method | Cut and divide the main rhizome with roots attached |
| Origin | Borneo (Sekadau, West Kalimantan) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I prune epiphytic plants without damaging the main stem?
Use sharp aquascaping scissors to cleanly divide the rhizome into sections, ensuring each piece has at least a few healthy leaves and roots attached.
2. Can this plant grow attached to hardscape instead of substrate?
Yes, as a rheophytic species, it naturally attaches to rocks and driftwood using its strong root system once secured with thread or plant glue.
3. How do I prevent algae from growing on slow-growing leaves?
Position the plant in areas with moderate or indirect lighting and maintain a balanced fertilization schedule to keep foliage clean and healthy.