Rhaphidophora Tenuis Care - Teak And Terracotta

Welcome to our guide to rhaphidophora tenuis care…

Rhaphidophora Tenuis Care Summary

Light needs:	Medium to bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check once a week, only water if top half of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:	A balanced fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer.
Soil:	60% potting compost, 20% orchid bark, 20% 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:	Leggy stems and small leaves due to lack of climbing medium.

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Introduction

The rhaphidophora tenuis is a thin leaved plant almost like a philodendron tortum, and when mature produces big, heavily fenestrated leaves.

See also: Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Care.

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Rhaphidophora Tenuis Light Needs

Medium to bright indirect sunlight is best.

How Often to Water

Check it once a week, only water it if the top half of soil is dry, and tip excess water out after watering. These plants are not overly sensitive in general, but the biggest killer is root rot from overwatering, so don’t let it sit in soggy soil.

Fertilizer

Use a balanced fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer growing months.

Rhaphidophora Tenuis Soil

A well draining potting medium, something like 60% potting compost, 20% orchid bark, 20% perlite.

When To Repot

Repot them when they outgrow their current pot, check them in Spring especially. When you repot be really careful to keep the plant in tact as the roots and moss pole may separate and break the stem if you are not careful.

Tip: give it a plank of wood to climb to encourage good sized leaves that climb in a pattern. You may need to tie it on to get it to start climbing.

Humidity

50-60% is ideal. Keep it humid to encourage healthy leaf growth.

Temperature

Aim for the range 20°C-30°C (50°F-85°F) during the day, and minimums of 12°C (54°F) at night and in the winter.

How To Propagate Rhaphidophora Tenuis

Take stem cuttings with one leaf and one node, then lay them on top of moist sphagnum moss in a take out container. Put a few holes in the container so tat air can move, but put the lid on it so that humidity is high. Keep it moist, warm and well lit, and they should root in a month or two, when they can be potted up into soil.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They are toxic to dogs and cats, seek vets advice if your pet eats any.

Rhaphidophora Tenuis Silver And Blue

There are more silvery and blue variations of the rhaphidophora tenuis available that are instantly distinguishable. They have a distinct coloration silvery coloration like the philodendron sodiroi.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

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

Rhaphidophora Tenuis Care FAQs and Common Problems

A rhaphidophora tenuis will grow small leaves and leggy stems if not given something to climb on. You can give it a plank of wood or even cardboard will work but a moss pole is ideal, and tie it on to encourage the plant to climb up and stick to the surface. It will then grow fuller and the leaves closer to each other. It is a shingling plant that grows from the forest floor up the side of trees in the wild.