Rhaphidophora Decursiva Care - Teak And Terracotta

Welcome to our guide to rhaphidophora decursiva care and propagation…

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Care Summary

Light needs:	Bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check the soil weekly with your finger, water if top half of the soil is dry.
Fertilizer:	A balanced plant feed every 3 or 4 weeks in summer.
Soil:	A well draining, compost with added perlite.
Humidity:	50-60%
Temperature:	20°C-30°C (50°F-85°F).
Where to buy:	Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Common issues:	Root rot and leaf yellowing from over watering.

Introduction

The rhaphidophora decursiva is a heavily fenestrated rare houseplant, which grows in the wild in China, but can easily be grown in almost any home.

See also: Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Care.

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Rhaphidophora Decursiva Light Needs

Plenty of indirect sunlight is ideal. They do not want direct midday sun on the leaves which can cause burning.

How Often to Water

The key to not over or underwatering the plant is to check the soil each week with your finger but only water it if the top half of the soil is already dry. If it is still wet then leave it.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer in the summer months will encourage growth, use a balanced one every 3 or 4 weeks.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Soil

Use a well draining, compost with some added perlite that aids drainage.

When To Repot

It’ll need repotting once every one or two years, check a couple of times a year to see if the roots are crowded and repot it if needed.

Tip: give it a moss pole to climb up and stake it on, this should encourage bigger leaves and fenestrations.

Humidity

50-60% humidity is great for these plants, they’ll be ok with a bit less, but it’s a good idea to mist them in the drier months.

Temperature

Aim for 20°C-30°C (50°F-85°F) in the day, and tr y to keep it above 5°C (41°F)

How To Propagate Rhaphidophora Decursiva

Take a stem cutting and root it in water, then move to soil. You want a cutting with at least one leaf and that goes back to the stem and includes the node. let it root in filtered water in a jar for 8 to 10 weeks and then pot it up into soil. It will help to keep it warm and humid while rooting.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Common Name

It is sometimes sold as ‘Creeping Philodendron’.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva USDA Zone

Zones 9-11.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They can be mildly to moderately toxic to cats if eaten. IF you think your pet has consumed any, seek vets advice immediately.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva In The Wild

In the wild they grow by climbing up trees living epiphytically.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Yellow Leaves

Make sure you are watering your plant properly if it gets yellow leaves. They can get yellow when over watered or under watered. It is easy to tell as if the soil is too wet you probably overwatering it and if it is bone dry you are underwatering it. It is best to to go to water your plant each week, but hold off if it is still mostly wet this way you will not under or over water your plant. Also make sure any excess water runs off after watering and you do not let the pot sit in excess water that can cause root rot.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Fenestration

They fenestrate when mature. Give them a moss pole to climb on to encourage bigger leaves and fenestrations.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Vs Epipremnum Pinnatum

They are really similar, but the epipremnum pinnatum is a lighter green, with more ridges on it’s leaves. Also the decursiva can have tiny small pinholes in th center of its leaves.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Vs Monstera

You can easily tell the difference between these two fenestrated plants. The decursiva has straight cuts back to the center of the leaves. The monstera deliciosa’s fenestrations are more curved and do not go all the way back ot the center of the leaves.

How Fast Does Rhaphidophora Decursiva Grow

They grow at a fast rate for a houseplant, if given their care needs are met.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Vs Tetrasperma

The rhaphidophora decursiva’s fenestrations (splits) are much deeper than the tetrasperma and reach to the center of the leaf.

For more on rhaphidophoras see our rhaphidophora category with all our care guides.

Rhaphidophora Decursiva Care FAQs and Common Problems

Root rot and leaf yellowing are common issues that are both normally related to over watering. Be really careful about letting the plant sit in soggy water as it’s the biggest killer.