Homalocladium Ribbons and Curls

Homalocladium ‘Ribbons and Curls’ (Tapeworm Plant)

Plant Description:
Homalocladium ‘Ribbons and Curls’, also known as Tapeworm Plant or Ribbon Bush, is a unique evergreen shrub characterized by its flattened, leaf-like green stems that twist and curl in a ribbon-like fashion. These segmented stems give the plant a sculptural appearance, often resembling green tapeworms or ribbons cascading from the plant’s base. Tiny white flowers appear along the stems, followed by small red berries that add seasonal interest.

Grow Zone:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11. In Zone 9, Tapeworm plant may die back to the ground during light frost but typically regrows in spring. This plant performs best with protection from freezing temperatures.

Height and Width:
Mature plants reach about 4–6 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide in the landscape, though in containers they may remain smaller.

Sun and Water Requirements:
Homalocladium thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil but tolerates short dry periods once established. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Regular watering during hot, dry weather encourages lush growth.

Uses:
Tapeworm plant’s unusual form makes it ideal as a conversation piece in tropical gardens, modern landscapes, or as a container specimen. It can be grown indoors in bright light as a houseplant or outdoors in mixed borders, courtyard gardens, and decorative pots. The striking stem structure also complements minimalist or architectural plantings.

Native Range:
Native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, where it grows in warm, humid, coastal environments.

Zone 9 Tips:
In Louisiana and similar Zone 9 climates, plant Homalocladium in a location sheltered from cold winter winds and frost, such as near a wall or under a patio cover. Mulch around the base in late fall to protect roots from cold snaps, and reduce watering during cool months when growth slows. In colder periods, it can be overwintered indoors near a bright window.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.