Rhaphidophora decursiva
| Rhaphidophora decursiva | |
 | |
| Classification | |
| Group: | Angiosperms |
|---|---|
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Rhaphidophora |
| Species: | R. decursiva |
| Classified: | Schott, 1857 |
| Growing | |
| Propagation: | From From seeds, cutting, layering |
| Adult size: | over 30 m (90 ft); ~ 2 m indoors |
| Lighting: | Medium |
| Watering: | Let the soil dry slightly before watering |
| Fertilization: | Monthly during active growth |
| Soil: | Well drained |
| Humidity: | High humidity preferred, low humidity tolerated |
| Other information | |
| Toxicity: | Toxic sap |
| Rarity: | Uncommon |
| See more Rhaphidophora | |
Rhaphidophora decursiva is a large epiphytic plant of the Araceae family. Native to across Asia.
Contents
Name
Rhaphidophora is from the Greek 'rhaphis' meaning "needle" and 'phoreus' meaning "bearer" in reference to the calcium oxalate crystals present in the tissue of all Aroids.
Decursiva means 'running downward' and refers to the way the parts of the leaf hang downward.
Characteristics
Foliage
R. decursiva is a plant that does best when allowed to climb. Given a wall or flat surface it will rapidly scale up it, using aerial roots to try and anchor it in place. It has deeply lobed leaves giving the appearance of a giant creeping fern which can reach rather large proportions – 40 inches long and 20 inches wide.
Flowers
The R. decursiva inflorescence consists of an erect spadix enclosed in a , boat-shaped spathe. The corn-like spadix is covered in small flowers.
Care
R. decursiva wants bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct light but avoid hot midday sun or the leaves will scorch.
Use a well draining soil mix (see aroid soil) and water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain. A waterlogged soil will lead to yellow leaves.
Common issues
Yellowing/dropping leaves
Yellowing leaves are a sign of too much water. Ensure the pot has good drainage and allow the surface of the soil to dry between watering. Older leaves will naturally yellow and die eventually.
If the soil is staying moist for more than two weeks between watering, or the soil feels soggy or very wet after a week then consider repotting the plant into a smaller container: the roots staying wet for too long will lead to root rot and a quick decline in the plant's health. When repotting use a well drained mix (see aroid soil)
Sun damage
R. decursiva can take some direct sun without damage but requires acclimatisation first or leaves will become bleached, will turn brown and eventually die. When moving your plant into an area which gets direct sunlight build up the plant's tolerance first. Limit the amount of direct sun to an hour a day for a few days, then two hours, then three and continue to slowly increase the plant's light exposure until it is fully acclimated.
When moving the plant outdoors, choose a spot in shade or that gets dappled or screened sunlight. Let the plant slowly acclimate to being outdoors and never move the plant into direct sun without slowly building up a tolerance first. Some direct morning or evening sun is fine but hot midday light will scorch the leaves.
Pests
R. decursiva is relatively resistant to pests, however it can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, scale, thrips and whitefly.