Undescribed Homalomena from Sumatra with maroon, fuzzy white leaves, rare collector's plant without scientific name

Homalomena 'Red Sumatra' is a spectacular and rare homalomena from Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its large, leathery leaves in brilliant maroon to reddish-brown. The petioles are robust, often hollow, and reddish.

The deep red leaf color and the plastic-like texture of the leaves make this one of the most visually striking homalomenas in cultivation, and a true collector's plant.

Botanical description

'Red Sumatra' is a trade name, not a scientific species name. The plant is an as yet undescribed Homalomena from northern Sumatra and lacks a formal scientific name; in botanical contexts, it is often referred to as Homalomena sp. (aff. pexa), meaning "closely related to H. pexa."

The most closely described species is Homalomena pexa, which was described in 2020 from northern Sumatra. 'Red Sumatra' clearly differs from it: H. pexa has green leaves on the upper side (with a reddish tint only when new leaves unroll) and a greenish underside, as well as coarser, scale-like hairs. 'Red Sumatra' instead has a maroon color throughout the entire leaf.

Sumatra is a center of diversity within the genus Homalomena, and a number of new species have only been described in recent years, including H. siaisensis (which was sold as "Dolphin Skin" before it received its name), H. pistioides, H. renda, H. lingua-felis, and H. bungamerah. It is entirely possible that 'Red Sumatra' corresponds to a specimen in one of these research groups' collections that has not yet been formally published.

The name 'Red Sumatra' arose among collectors and nurseries around 2020 to distinguish this red-leaved variant from other varieties. There is no documented first use in scientific literature.

Care

Thrives in partial shade to shade with high humidity (70-80% or more), making it well-suited for terrariums or plant cabinets. Avoid direct sunlight.

Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Use an airy, well-draining mix with a good proportion of organic matter. Ideal temperature 20-28 degrees Celsius.

Avoid spraying the leaves directly; the dense hairs retain water for a long time, which can cause spots or rot. Instead, increase the humidity in the room. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.