TankBud

Homalomena Sekadau South

Homalomena sp. 'Sekadau South'

Also known as Homalomena sp. Sekadau, Sekadau South homalomena, Homalomena 'Sekadau South'

FreshwaterRhizomeRhizome divisionDivision

Homalomena Sekadau South (Homalomena sp. 'Sekadau South')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
5.9 in
15 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Rhizome
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Araceae
Origin
A collector aroid from the Sekadau area of Borneo, growing along shaded, fast flowing rainforest streams.

Overview

Homalomena Sekadau South is a rare, slow-growing aroid from Borneo, grown on wood or rock much like anubias or bucephalandra. It is rated medium in difficulty.

Did you know

Many Homalomena have rhizomes that are strongly aromatic when cut. Their spicy scent has long made them useful in traditional medicine and perfume.

Caring for Homalomena Sekadau South

Attach the rhizome of Homalomena Sekadau South to wood or rock and keep it exposed, since burying it invites rot. Its tough leaves and slow habit make it a specimen plant there.

It wants only low light and tolerates being grown without CO2, though CO2 speeds it up. Dose a liquid fertilizer for the water column, and add root tabs only if its roots reach the substrate. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

It generally sits still for weeks before pushing a new leaf. Divide it by cutting the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, or pull a clump apart. Keep water parameters steady, since sudden swings can trigger melt and rot.

Good to know

Homalomena Sekadau South belongs to Homalomena, a large genus of tropical aroids related to anubias and philodendron. Many aquarium forms in the genus are undescribed collector plants, labeled by their collection locality rather than a species name. This one grows from an upright, fleshy, stem-like rhizome. Its glossy, leathery, medium green leaves are lance-shaped with pointed tips and smooth edges, on green stalks. The Narrow form sold beside it has darker, slimmer leaves on red stalks, and the Broad form has bigger, broader blades.

In the wild

Homalomena Sekadau South is a rheophyte from the Sekadau area of Borneo. It grows along shaded, fast flowing rainforest streams.

Common questions

Does Homalomena Sekadau South need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Homalomena Sekadau South 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 Sekadau South need CO2?

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

How much light does Homalomena Sekadau South need?

Homalomena Sekadau South is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Homalomena Sekadau South need root tabs?

No. Homalomena Sekadau South 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 Sekadau South?

Homalomena Sekadau South propagates by rhizome division and division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece. Pull a clump apart into smaller pieces and tie each one down.

How tall does Homalomena Sekadau South grow?

Homalomena Sekadau South grows to about 5.9 in (15 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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