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Homalomena Broad Cuneate

Homalomena sp. 'Broad Cuneate'

Also known as Homalomena sp. 'Broad Cuneate Red Stem', Homalomena Broad Cuneate Red Stem

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome division

Homalomena Broad Cuneate (Homalomena sp. 'Broad Cuneate')
Buce Plant · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
9.8 in
25 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Midground
Type
Rhizome
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Araceae
Origin
Borneo

Overview

Homalomena Broad Cuneate is a slow-growing aroid with red leaf stalks, grown on hardscape as a midground accent. It is rated medium in difficulty.

Did you know

Homalomena Broad Cuneate is literally named for the geometry of its leaf base. Cuneate is the botanist's term for wedge-shaped, so the label simply describes the broad blade with its tapered base. Most trade names for rare aroids are places or fantasy names instead.

Caring for Homalomena Broad Cuneate

Tie or glue the rhizome of Homalomena Broad Cuneate to rock or wood, and never bury it. It appreciates some flow and stable water parameters, at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

Medium light keeps the red petioles vivid without inviting algae onto the long-lived leaves. CO2 is not required, but it shortens the wait for new growth. Dose a liquid fertilizer for the water column, and add root tabs only once its roots reach the substrate.

Growth is slow. Propagate it by separating rooted sections of rhizome, each with several leaves. It shrugs off plant-picking fish about as well as an Anubias does.

Good to know

Homalomena Broad Cuneate belongs to the genus Homalomena in the family Araceae, the same family as Bucephalandra. The form carries no formal species description and is also sold as Broad Cuneate Red Stem. Its signature is the deep red petiole under each spade-shaped green blade.

In the wild

Homalomena Broad Cuneate is a trade-named form from Borneo, with no documented wild population beyond that origin. Its relatives grow along shaded rainforest streams, rooted at the waterline and flooded seasonally. The plant keeps that amphibious character in cultivation, and trade stock is farm raised.

Common questions

Does Homalomena Broad Cuneate need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Homalomena Broad Cuneate grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.

Does Homalomena Broad Cuneate need CO2?

No, but it helps. Homalomena Broad Cuneate can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Homalomena Broad Cuneate need?

Homalomena Broad Cuneate wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Homalomena Broad Cuneate need root tabs?

No. Homalomena Broad Cuneate feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.

How do you propagate Homalomena Broad Cuneate?

Homalomena Broad Cuneate propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Homalomena Broad Cuneate grow?

Homalomena Broad Cuneate grows to about 9.8 in (25 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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