Homalomena humilis

The Emerald Gem Homalomena is a beautiful aquarium plant known for its lush, heart-shaped, deep green leaves. It’s an excellent choice for adding a touch of the jungle to the middle section of your aquarium. Because it doesn't grow very tall or fast, it’s quite low-maintenance and won't need constant trimming.

This plant is considered to have a 'medium' difficulty level, making it a good step up for aquarists who have some experience. It's not overly demanding but does appreciate stable and clean water. You don’t need any special high-tech equipment like CO2 injectors or powerful lights; in fact, it prefers lower lighting conditions, which also helps prevent algae from growing on its leaves. Standard aquarium lights are perfectly fine.

To plant it, simply place its roots into your substrate, which can be sand, gravel, or aquarium soil. Be careful not to bury the thick, horizontal stem-like part (the rhizome) that the leaves grow from, as this can cause the plant to rot. It's ideal for peaceful setups like betta tanks, shrimp colonies, or community aquariums with gentle fish, as it prefers calm water with very little flow. While it’s a stunning decorative plant, it’s not a primary workhorse for filtering water, but it contributes to a healthy, naturalistic environment your aquatic pets will love.