Homalomena Narrow Sekadau South
Plant Profile
Homalomena sp. 'Sekadau South' is a rare and striking aquarium plant native to Borneo, highly appreciated for its unique combination of deep green foliage and vivid red stems. This species features elliptic, elongated leaves that provide a bold architectural look, making it a standout focal point in any aquatic layout. Highly versatile, it can be grown submerged or emersed, usually attached to hardscape such as driftwood or rocks, similar to the care requirements of Bucephalandra and Anubias. It's a great pick for the midground or background of freshwater aquascapes, where its moderate growth rate and height of 4+ inches add significant depth within a planted tank.
Key Features & Notes
- Contrasting reddish-pink petioles support deep green foliage, giving it a two-tone appearance that stands out along hardscape joints.
- The broader, lance-shaped leaves provide structural variety next to narrow-leaf epiphytes or fine carpeting plants.
- Develops a strong clinging root system suited for moderate to high water movement in river-style layouts.
- This is one of the most durable species in the hobby and thrives in shaded areas. It is an ideal choice for planted tanks where other plants might struggle.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Homalomena is an epiphytic plant that should be attached to rocks or driftwood using aquarium-safe glue or thread; never bury the horizontal rhizome in substrate, as this will cause the plant to rot and melt.
- Avoid making drastic changes to your water parameters or lighting because unstable conditions are the primary cause of leaf melt in new specimens.
- While this plant can adapt to standard setups, moderate lighting and pressurized CO2 injection will yield noticeably faster leaf development and richer stem color.
- 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!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Homalomena sp. 'Sekadau South' |
| Common Name(s) | Homalomena Narrow Sekadau South, Sekadau Red Stem |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Epiphyte / Rheophyte |
| Care Difficulty | Intermediate / Moderate |
| Light Requirement | Medium to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Boosts growth rate & stem coloration) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground Focal Point, Background Transition |
| Height / Size | 4"–8"+ (10.0–20.0+ cm) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5 | Temperature 68°F–80°F (20°C–26°C) |
| Propagation Method | Rhizome Division (Cut healthy sections with attached roots) |
| Origin | Borneo (Endemic / Farm Cultivated) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I mount Homalomena Narrow Sekadau South to hardscape?
After gently removing the rockwool and rinsing the root base, attach the plant to driftwood or stone using cyanoacrylate aquarium glue or cotton thread. Make sure the binding holds the plant firmly without pinching the main stem or rhizome.
2. Why is my Homalomena dropping leaves after being planted?
Homalomena often sheds older emersed leaves when adjusting to submerged aquarium conditions or shifts in water hardness. Keep water flow steady and parameters consistent; as long as the rhizome remains firm, new submerged leaves adapted to your water will replace them.
3. Can I plant Homalomena Narrow Sekadau South in substrate?
You can let the roots dig down into soil or gravel to feed, but the central rhizome must sit fully exposed above the substrate line. Covering the rhizome cuts off oxygen flow and leads to rot.