Full Specimen Plate
Rhaphidophora decursiva
Creeping Dragon Tail
- Coir Moss Pole, 120cm (4-Pack)Coco coir totem for climbing aroids to root into as they grow upward.
- Digital Hygrometer & ThermometerLCD humidity and temperature gauge for checking a grow spot against a plant's target range.
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7cm Target Price
£9.00
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Rhaphidophora decursiva Sold Prices & Live Market
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Before You Buy
Species-specific things to check when evaluating a listing
- Ensure there is at least one healthy node present; a cutting without a node cannot produce new growth
- For variegated forms, check that the variegation pattern appears on the newest growth and shows no signs of reversion to green
- Inspect the underside of leaves for spider mites (fine webbing or stippling) which are common on pothos-family plants
- Confirm the cutting has visible roots or a healthy node before purchasing, since unrooted cuttings require propagation experience to succeed
Rhaphidophora decursiva Morphology
About Rhaphidophora decursiva
Rhaphidophora decursiva is a vigorous climbing aroid native to tropical and subtropical forests stretching from the Indian Subcontinent to South China and Indo-China. It climbs trunks in warm wet conditions. The adult leaves are extremely large, glossy green, and deeply pinnatifid with many narrow lobes, lacking any perforations. The juvenile leaves, in contrast, are much smaller and undivided. The thick rooting stems display visible nodes and numerous climbing aerial roots.
Native Range
China
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Rhaphidophora decursiva
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Rhaphidophora decursiva
4-7 months
Care Guide
Rhaphidophora decursiva Care Guide & Growing Conditions
Care Guide
Rhaphidophora decursiva Care Guide & Growing Conditions
Well-draining mix: 40% perlite, 40% potting compost, 20% orchid bark.
Water when the top 3–4 cm is dry. These are generally forgiving and will tolerate slight drought better than overwatering.
50–70% preferred. Most varieties in this group are more adaptable to typical indoor conditions than true aroids.
Balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every 2 weeks in spring and summer. Monthly in winter.
Every 12–18 months when root-bound. These vining plants grow quickly and may need annual repotting in peak years.
Common Problems
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering or too little light
Allow to dry more between waterings; move to a brighter position
Loss of variegation (for variegated forms)
Insufficient light causing reversion to green
Move to a brighter position; variegated leaves need more light to maintain their pattern
Root rot
Overwatering or compacted substrate
Repot into fresh well-draining substrate; reduce watering frequency
Field Reference
In the Wild
Field Reference
In the Wild
Field Notes
The Widespread Climber
Rhaphidophora decursiva has one of the wider distributions in the genus, from the Indian Subcontinent through South China and Indo-China, making it one of the most geographically extensive Rhaphidophora species. At accessible price tier, which reflects this broad availability. The adult form produces deeply pinnate leaves on a substantial moss pole; most cultivated specimens are grown through the less divided juvenile phase without reaching the full adult form. Worth growing on with patience to see the leaf transformation.
