RHAPHIDOPHORA
INFO + CARE

Rhaphidophora-megaphylla-foliage-factory

genus: Rhaphidophora Hassk.

common name/s: vary between species

type: herbaceous evergreen

family: Araceae

native range: from tropical Africa eastwards through Malesia and Australasia to the Western Pacific

zone: 10 to 13

height: 100 to 700 cm

spread: 50 to 120 cm

type species: Rhaphidophora lacera Hassk.

bloom time: rarely flowers

bloom description: varies between species

sun: part shade

water: medium

maintenance: low to medium

soil type: loose, well-draining, 'breathing' potting mix

toxicity: toxic to pets and humans

rhaphidophora-puberula-variegata-foliage-factory

Rhaphidophora Hassk. comprises of ca. 100 species of small to large, occasionally enormous, root-climbing lianes, rarely rheophytes, distributed from tropical West Africa eastwards to the western Pacific, north to southern Japan (Ryukyu Islands), and south to Northern Australia. Rhaphidophora is one of the largest aroid genera in tropical Asia.

Rhaphidophora has plants that retain their neotenic (juvenile) appearance and those that transform to have leaves that are large, entire, split, fenestrated or both. Also, some species shingle (grow appressed to the climbing surface, especially in the juvenile stage), and others have erect leaves.

You will find them climbing on tree trunks, rocks, and rarely fast-moving water in these places. And they grow in well-drained tropical and subtropical wet and humid areas. Typical habitats include those moderate seasonal drying to established, secondary evergreen forests in low to mid montane altitudes.

Genus name Rhaphidophora vomes from Greek words rhaphis or rhaphidos, meaning needle, and phérō, which means to bear. It comes from the fact that they have needle-like (up to 1cm) trichosclereids that protect the plants from herbivores.

Rhaphidophora-cryptantha-foliage-factory

Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.

Rhaphidophora plants are from tropical origins. They enjoy ample light, quite high humidity and warmer temperatures. They can handle a range of light from low to bright indirect. How quickly and how well the plant grows will depend on the amount of light it receives . Plenty of bright indirect light or use of plant lamps is the best to cultivate Rhaphidophora as a houseplant.

The same goes for air humidity: the more humid the environment in which your Rhaphidophora grows, the better. Avoid dry air: radiators and air-conditioners don't do Rhaphidophora plants any favors.