Rhaphidophora Decursiva is an amazing plant that is, beautiful, inspiring and very sought-after. Unfortunately, you probably will NOT find it in your local nursery or garden store. Luckily there are places on the internet to purchase this plant if you want one.
Sometimes called “Creeping Philodendron”, or “Dragon’s Tail“, this plant is actually not part of the monstera or philodendron families. It originates from Southeast Asia, China, and India. Luckily we are able to get these plants shipped to our homes for enjoyment.
As a small plant, the leaves have a kinda blue-green oval shape. The leaves are broad and change it’s shape as it matures. The Rhaphidophora Decursiva can grow 50-inches long and 30-inches wide. So make sure you have plenty of space for this tropical plant. In its natural habitat, this plant can climb trees and can exceed 60 feet in height.
Don’t worry though if you plan on having this amazing plant for a houseplant. As a houseplant with limited soil space this plant remains smaller, and only grows about five feet tall. The Rhaphidophora Decursiva is a very hardy plant. It is very simple to care for and is very low maintenance. The flowers looks like stubby corn, with a yellowish cover.
How to Care for your Rhaphidophora Decursiva
As mentioned before, this plant is very low maintenance. Although, it does take some special care, as it is a tropical plant. It does not do very well in cold rooms and weather, and enjoys warmer temperatures. This tropical plant thrives in environments with temperatures ranging between 60 to 80 degrees F. This plant enjoys humid environment, but will actually do very well in low humidity indoor areas as well.
You could buy a humidifier to provide consistent moisture in the room. But it is not needed. There are other ways to crate moisture in the air. You could place the plant in the kitchen or bathroom, or surround the plant with other plants. They create their own humid environment. You can also place a tray filled with wet pebbles under the plant pot, and this will help with the humidity of the plant.
The Rhaphidophora Decursiva thrives best in bright indirect lighting. Try to find a spot in your home or office that can accommodate this type of lighting. I recommend placing it a couple feet back from a south-facing window. I also recommend watching it one day at different times of the day. If the sunlight is too intense, it can cause the leaves to scorch.
Watering Rhaphidophora Decursiva | Dragon Tail Plant
Watering your Rhaphidophora Decursiva is not too complicated. It requires moist well draining soil. Never overwater, as this will cause root rot, but try to keep the top inch slightly moist, and mist whenever possible. I water it very well, and wait for the top inch to become dry before I re-water my plant. Use room temperature water and not cold water when watering, because you to not want to shock the roots. You want very very good drainage, so make sure your plant has drainage holes.
I encourage you to go out and order your Rhaphidophora Decursiva (Dragon’s Tail Plant) for your home. It is amazing and very beautiful a fun unique plant to add to your own little oasis.
How to Propagate a Rhaphidophora Decursiva
I believe the simplest way to propagate a Rhaphidophora Decursiva is by using the tried and true stem cutting method. Stem cutting, is when a shoot from the starting mother plant is cut off, placed in water to promote roots to form. After roots are visible, transfer and plant your new propagated Dragon’s Tail Plant in proper soil mixture.
Another way to propagate your Rhapidophora Decursiva is called air layering. This is a very successful method and some believe it is a better method because there is less stress in transplant shock on the plant. This is done by wrapping a stem with a rooting medium like moss in a bag or store bought device. Secure the bag with wire or some kind of twine. Let it root while it is still attached to the mother plant in the bag or device. Once enough roots have been established, make your cut and transplant. For the first week, the new plant should be watered enough so the soil remains wet. After that, continue a watering schedule the same as the mother plant.
Pest Control For Your Plant
Pest control for your Rhaphidophora Decursiva is important to think and know about. The major pest culprits for this plant are spider mites, and mealybugs. Believe me, they can destroy your plant and hard work. Rhaphidophora Decursiva plants are most vulnerable to mosaic virus, which does not have a cure. This virus can stunt the growth of the plant, cause malformation of leaves, or cause yelling leaves or veins. The mosaic virus can be transmitted by tool and containers that are already contaminated, so practice proper plant hygiene.
Is Rhaphidophora Decursiva toxic to cats?
Yes, this plant is toxic to cats, and all other pets. This is because the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals within its cell structure. Consuming this substance can induce vomiting, swelling of the face, and burning in the mouth.
Is Rhaphidophra Decursiva rare?
This plant is an aroid, which is a plant from the Araceae family. The Rhaphidophora is the genius, and is vine that grows on the root structure. It is native to China. In America this is rare.
How do you care for Rhaphidophora Decursiva?
This plant loves humidity. It is a tropical plant that enjoys heat and being surrounded by other plants. It will thrive in a sunny spot surrounded by other plants in a humid environment. Relativly low maintinance. No direct sunlight.
Is Rhaphidophora Decursiva a slow grower?
This depends on the pot size. Once it is root bound in the pot, it will begin to produce smaller leaves. Which means slower growth. The more space you give it, the bigger it will grow, and faster it will get there.
Is a Rhaphidophora decursiva a Monstera?
No it is not. There is however a Monstera decursiva which is confusing. The leaves look vevry close to each other.
Is Rhaphidophora decursiva toxic?
This plant is toxic if consumed. It is toxic for all animals, including cats and dogs. So please don't eat it.
Is Rhaphidophora Decursiva a fast grower?
Growing fast will depend on the size of pot. Once the roots bound in the pot, and wrap around the pot, it will start to produce smaller leaves. This means the plant will grow slower. The more space that the plant has in the pot or ground, the bigger it will grow, and faster it will get there.