Homalomena 'Emerald Gem'

Description Light/Soil/Water Hardiness  The Homalomena 'Emerald Gem' is a stunning, easy-to-care-for tropical houseplant, sometimes known by the charming common names Queen of Hearts or Shield Plant due to its attractive foliage This plant originates from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and South America, thriving in the warm, humid conditions of the forest understory. The 'Emerald Gem' boasts thick, waxy, dark emerald-green leaves that are distinctly spade- or heart-shaped. Its clumping, upright growth habit makes it a perfect, compact tabletop or floor plant. This Homalomena is noted for its ability to help clean indoor air by removing common pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. It tolerates lower light, but growth will slow. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. The plant prefers consistently moist (but not soggy) soil to mimic its rainforest habitat. Use a quality potting mix with good aeration, such as an aroid mix containing peat moss, perlite, or coco coir. This plant thrives in warm, indoor environments between of 65 °F- 85 °F. USDA Zone 10-12 USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)