Rhaphidophora

New Zealand’s Best Rhaphidophora Plants

Adding interesting plants to your garden or indoor space delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact
• They purify the air
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the right Shingle Plant for your space. We’ll help you chose the right plant to thrive in your climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Rhaphidophora, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Rhaphidophora

1. Is Rhaphidophora rare?

The rarity of Rhaphidophora plants depends on the specific species. The most common species, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, is becoming increasingly popular and is now relatively easy to find in nurseries and online retailers. However, there are still some rarer species of Rhaphidophora that can be difficult to obtain.

Here is a brief overview of the rarity of some common Rhaphidophora species:

• Rhaphidophora tetrasperma: This is the most common and easily obtainable species of Rhaphidophora. It is often sold under the name "Mini Monstera" due to its resemblance to the Monstera deliciosa.
• Rhaphidophora korthalsii: This species is less common than Rhaphidophora tetrasperma but is still occasionally available from nurseries and online retailers. It has larger leaves than Rhaphidophora tetrasperma and is known for its unique "shingling" growth habit.
• Rhaphidophora decursiva: This species is very rare and difficult to find. It has long, narrow leaves that can grow up to 1 m in length.
• Rhaphidophora parva: This species is another very rare Rhaphidophora. It has small, heart-shaped leaves that are deeply lobed.

In general, Rhaphidophora plants are not as rare as some other houseplant species, such as Monstera adansonii or Philodendron bipinnatifidum. However, the rarity of individual species can vary depending on availability and demand.

2. Is Rhaphidophora the same as Monstera?

Rhaphidophora and Monstera are not the same. They are both popular houseplants that belong to the same family, Araceae, but they are from different genera. Rhaphidophora plants are typically smaller and have less fenestrated (split) leaves than Monstera plants. They are also more tolerant of low light conditions.

3. How fast does Rhaphidophora grow?

Rhaphidophora plants are known to be fast-growing vines. In ideal conditions, they can grow up to 30-45 cm per year. Some people have even reported their Rhaphidophora plants growing up to 1.8 m in a single year. However, the actual growth rate of a Rhaphidophora plant will vary depending on a number of factors, including the age of the plant, the amount of light it receives, the humidity levels, and the quality of its soil.

Here are some tips for promoting faster growth in your Rhaphidophora plant:

• Give it plenty of bright, indirect light. Rhaphidophora plants prefer bright, indirect light to thrive. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
• Provide consistent humidity. Rhaphidophora plants prefer moist air, so it's important to keep them humid. You can do this by misting their leaves regularly, placing them on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a humidifier.
• Water it regularly. Rhaphidophora plants should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but never let it completely dry out.
• Use a well-draining potting mix. Rhaphidophora plants prefer a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.
• Fertilize it regularly. Rhaphidophora plants can benefit from a light fertilization every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

With proper care, your Rhaphidophora plant can grow into a beautiful and lush addition to your home.

4. Is Rhaphidophora toxic to pets?

Rhaphidophora plants, also known as Mini Monsteras, are considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and swelling. In severe cases, it can even lead to difficulty breathing or even death.

5. What problems do Rhaphidophora have?

Rhaphidophora plants are generally easy to care for and relatively pest-resistant. However, they can experience some problems if they are not properly cared for:

• Plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. These pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow, wilt, and drop.
• Rhaphidophora plants can also be susceptible to a number of diseases, including root rot and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by overwatering, and it can cause the roots of the plant to rot and die. Leaf spot can cause the leaves of the plant to develop brown or black spots.
• They are sensitive to overwatering and underwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt.
• Rhaphidophora plants prefer humidity levels of 50% or higher.
• Rhaphidophora plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they do not receive enough light, they may grow slowly and have fewer leaves.
• They need a regular supply of nutrients to grow healthy and strong. If they are not getting enough nutrients, they may develop yellow leaves or stunted growth.
• Rhaphidophora plants need to be repotted every 2-3 years, or when they outgrow their current pot. If they are not repotted, they may become rootbound and stunted.