The Rhaphidophora decursiva plant is a spectacular plant. It goes by many names including in the “creeping philodendron”. This is because the decursiva is a creeping plant known to grow on trees. But make no mistake, it is not a member of the Philodendron genus.
It features stunning dark green foliage or leaves. These leaves are known to change shape as the plant matures. From small oval-shaped leaves to more mature slender but large foliage. They do produce flowering blooms of yellow color.
Rhaphidophora Decursiva juvenile is native to Asian regions. From central China to Southeast India. They belong to the Araceae family and can reach a large height of 50 feet in the wild. Indoors, they can be controlled to a height of 5 feet.
The Philodendron decursiva plant makes a great ornamental plant. But It can be toxic when ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from children and pets.
| Botanical Name | Rhaphidophora decursiva |
| Common Names | Creeping Philodendron, Rhaphidophora dragon tail, Rhaphidophora Juvenile. |
| Origin | Asia, India, and China |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Creeping Perennial plant |
| Full Size | Range from 5 to 50 feet |
| Sun Exposure | Bright but filtered sunlight or partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, Well-aerated light soil |
| Toxicity | Can be toxic to both pets and people |
Rhaphidophora Decursiva Care
The dragon tail rhaphidophora is an easy-to-grow plant. They are low-maintenance as they have simple needs to achieve healthy growth. One need that might be a little stressful might be deciding the right soil. But a proper understanding should help you.
Rhaphidophora Decursiva Lighting Requirements
Dragon tail plants are best kept in areas with bright but filtered lighting. They can survive some direct exposure to sunlight. But this should not be for long hours as you risk them getting scorched. Low lighting can limit its growth but would make it creep more in search of better lighting.
They should be grown in a room with a south-facing window in it. The lighting requirements should be met with ease there. You can consider moving the potted plant a few inches from the window.
Another option would be to use a cloth or light curtain. This should help in filtering the intense sun rays from the hot afternoon. Do this in situations where you can’t move the plant.
Watering needs of the Rhaphidophora Decursiva Plant
Watering should be done at least once a week during the hot seasons. Avoid watering them in winter. Do try to avoid soggy soil by overwatering the plant. They are susceptible to root rot from fungal buildup. Instead, aim for moist soil.
You can start by deep watering the plant’s soil. Before the next watering, check the moisture level of the soil and ensure it is almost dry. Try making use of a moisture meter for accurate readings.
Improvisations can be made by using your finger to feel the top part of the soil. If it feels dryer then you can water the plant. Try using tepid, dechlorinated water, so avoid tap water.
Rhaphidophora Soi Requirements
The decursiva rhaphidophora does need a well-draining soil mix. It should be light and well-aerated as the roots do not like to be choked by the soil.
You can achieve this by mixing potting soil with perlite. Add some peat moss and mix with sphagnum moss. Vermiculite and coco coir are also good additions to make the proper soil mix.
Ensure you use a well-draining pot for the plant. It should contain enough drainage holes at its base for easy passage of water.
Rhaphidophora Decursiva Temperature and Humidity Needs
As tropical plants, they love hot and humid regions. Try and simulate this when growing them indoors. A humidity level from 50% upwards should be perfect for the exotic plant. Try misting the plant often or use a humidifier.
For temperature levels, it should range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid cold temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. So keep them away from frost or cold windows. They should also be kept away from Air condition vents.
Rhaphidophora Decursiva Fertilizer Needs
Good quality fertilizer should be given to the plant once a month. This should be during its growing seasons. Use a fertilizer with high nitrogen concentrations. It could be slow-release fertilizer.
Avoid fertilizing the rhaphidophora decursiva dragon tail in the winter seasons. They go dormant during this period.
Propagating Rhaphidophora Decursiva
You can propagate the plant through stem cuttings. Always sterilize the tools you use for this process before use. Wear protective gloves too as the plant’s sap can be toxic.
Common Health Problems of the Rhaphidophora Decursiva
- Mosaic virus
- Root rot
- Yellow leaves
- Scales
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a rare species that is known to grow in small parts of Asia.
No, the Decursiva variety is not a monstera. But, they might share similar characteristics.
They do possess an average growth speed. You would need to repot them once a year or a year and 6 months.
This is often a sign of underwatering. Follow the proper watering schedule to revive the plant.
This is because of its beautiful leaves. Their shape and sheen are magnificent and shaped like the tail of a dragon.
