Homalium mouo Plant Care

Homalium mouo H.St.John

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its striking glossy green leaves that have prominent red veins, this plant hails from Madagascar and is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance. The vibrant coloration and intricate leaf patterning make it a desirable addition to any plant collection.

Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Homalium mouo?

Plant Homalium mouo in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Homalium mouo Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Homalium mouo?

Homalium mouo (Homalium mouo) belongs to the Salicaceae family within the Homalium genus. Homalium mouo is native to the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia.

Homalium mouo displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Homalium mouo produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Homalium mouo?

Water a young or newly planted Homalium mouo every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Homalium mouo Need?

Homalium mouo thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Homalium mouo in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Homalium mouo Prefer?

Homalium mouo tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Homalium mouo prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Homalium mouo?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Homalium mouo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Homalium mouo?

Feed Homalium mouo every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Homalium mouo?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Homalium mouo is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Homalium mouo?

Homalium mouo can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Homalium mouo?

Prune Homalium mouo while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Homalium mouo in Winter?

Homalium mouo is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Homalium mouo?

Homalium mouo can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to homalium acuminatum plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Homalium mouo Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Homalium mouo, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Homalium mouo?

Homalium mouo is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Homalium mouo Need?

Homalium mouo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Homalium mouo is native to the island of Makatea in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Homalium mouo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Homalium mouo is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Homalium genus — compare its care with other Homalium species on PlantoScan.

Homalium is part of the Salicaceae plant family — browse all Salicaceae genera and species.

Homalium mouo thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Homalium Species

Other Homalium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Homalium mouo H.St.John, family Salicaceae (first published in Mitt. Deutsch. Dendrol. Ges. 69: 39 (1977)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Homalium mouo, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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