Sea Turtle™ Shield Plant Homalomena rubescens
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Details
Features
If you’re looking to incorporate tropical flair into your home, then look no further than ‘Sea Turtle’ Homalomena, also known as a “Shield Plant.” The lush leaves of this stunning tropical plant look like heart-shaped turtle shells. They are glossy & green with deeply-etched veining, which gives them a puckered, rippled effect. The contrasting stems have a pinkish-red color. ‘Sea Turtle’ thrives in dappled or indirect sunlight, like many other plants in the aroid family. Given ideal temperatures and humidity, this statement-making plant can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Adaptable As HouseplantFoliage InterestHarmful To:PetsCharacteristics
Plant Type:HouseplantHeight Category:TallHeight:24 - 36 InchesFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:Green foliage with pinkish-orange petioles.Habit:UprightContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:HighLight Requirement:MediumLow - No direct sun, not near a window. Medium - Medium bright indirect light in the AM or PM, typically from an east or west window. High - Bright direct or indirect light for much of the day, typically from a south window.
Maintenance Category:ModeratePreferred Temperature:60 - 85 °FWater Category:AverageHumidity Preference:HighContainer Soil Type:Indoor Potting MixNeeds Good DrainageUses:Bright SpacesUses:Humid SpacesUses:Low Light SpacesUses Notes:Not for human or animal consumption.
Maintenance Notes:- For optimal performance, keep at 60-85°F (15-29°C).
- Prefers higher humidity to prevent leaf edges from browning. Leaf damage can occur when humidity levels drop below 45%.
- Feed once per month at half strength when plant is actively growing.
- Protect furniture when watering.
- This plant prefers bright indirect light, but can tolerate a variety of light conditions. If you notice burnt leaf edges, move it away from direct sunlight. This plant is also good for lower-light spaces, but will grow slower.
- It prefers to be consistently moist, but not wet and needs to have good drainage. It can't take wet soil, but also doesn't tolerate dry soils well. Allow the top inch or so to dry down between waterings.
- A well draining soil is necessary and the plant should not be allowed to sit in water. Do not allow this plant to dry out completely. Water when the top inch or so has dried down.
- All-purpose potting mixes with additional orchid bark and perlite added is a beneficial growing medium for this plant.
- A pebble tray may help raise localized humidity, but a humidifier is a better option to prevent leaf burn and yellowing.
