Botanical Name: Homalomena 'Selby'
Common Name(s): Selby Homalomena, Selby Shield Plant

The Homalomena 'Selby' is a striking and elegant houseplant known for its attractive, glossy foliage and easy-to-care-for nature. This plant is prized for its deep green leaves that have a velvety texture and subtle sheen, making it a beautiful addition to both tropical plant collections and minimalist decor. The plant's foliage forms a compact, bushy rosette that grows about 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall, making it perfect for medium to smaller spaces, whether on a tabletop or as part of a floor display.

Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, this plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and can adapt well to indoor environments. It has a relatively slow growth rate and tends to remain compact, which makes it an ideal choice for growing in pots, containers, or as part of a mixed plant arrangement. It is particularly well-suited to homes and offices with moderate to bright indirect light, though it can tolerate lower light conditions, with the understanding that its growth may slow down in such settings.

This Homalomena prefers bright, indirect light, but it can also adapt to lower light conditions, although its growth may slow, and the leaves may lose some of their vibrant luster. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves, causing unsightly brown spots and edges. Ideal temperatures for this plant range from 65-80°F (18-27°C), and it should be kept away from drafts, air conditioning, or heaters, which can stress the plant.

This plant thrives in consistently moist, well-draining soil that is kept slightly acidic to neutral.  It is important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings but avoid letting it become bone dry for extended periods. 

Air Purifying Qualities:

• Toxin Removal: Homalomena 'Selby' is effective at filtering indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, helping to cleanse the air in your home or office.

• Oxygen Enhancement: Like other houseplants, Homalomena 'Selby' improves indoor air quality by releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, contributing to a fresher, healthier environment.

• Humidity Regulation: Through natural transpiration, Homalomena 'Selby' adds subtle moisture to the air, which can be beneficial in combating dry indoor environments.

• Note: Homalomena 'Selby' is toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs, if ingested. It contains compounds that can cause digestive upset, so it’s important to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.