Rhaphidophora decursiva 'Variegated'
Variegated Dragon Tail Plant
UK price
£80 to £120
Price by size
- Sold, 90 days
- 0
- Middle half
- -
- Last sold
- -
- On record
- 0
- Sale
- Typical
- Middle half
- Estimate
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes the prices we show.
About Rhaphidophora decursiva 'Variegated'
Rhaphidophora decursiva (the 'Dragon Tail Plant', known for its large, deeply lobed, pinnatifid mature leaves) has a variegated sport carrying irregular cream-white sectors across the deeply dissected leaf blade. Mature, deeply lobed leaves only develop once the plant reaches sufficient size and climbs, so juvenile plants show a much simpler, less fenestrated leaf shape than the mature form.
Native range
Chimeric variegated sport mutation of Rhaphidophora decursiva.
Classification
- Genus
- Rhaphidophora
- Family
- Araceae
- Type
- Variegated
- Growth habit
- Climbing on aerial roots
- Form of
- Rhaphidophora decursiva
Morphology
- Leaf shape
- Large, deeply lobed, pinnatifidFoliage deeply lobed in a feather-like pattern, but not cut all the way to the central vein. at maturity
- Leaf length
- 20-35 cm
- Leaf width
- 15-28 cm
- Petiole colour
- Green, cream-streaked
- Venation
- Prominent, disrupted by variegated sectors
- Texture
- Semi-glossy
- Variegation
- ChimericVariegation caused by a cell mutation. Often produces high contrast but can be unstable and revert to all-green. (unstableVariegation that is prone to disappearing (reverting to solid green) if lighting conditions are poor or if not pruned.) irregular cream-white sectors across the deeply lobed leaf blade; propagates true only from a cutting taken at a variegated node
- Growth habit
- Climbing
Recent UK sales
No UK eBay sales recorded for this plant yet.
For sale in the UK
Before you buy
- 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 'Variegated' care
- Substrate
- Well-draining mix: 40% perlite, 40% potting compost, 20% orchid bark.
- Watering
- Water when the top 3–4 cm is dry. These are generally forgiving and will tolerate slight drought better than overwatering.
- Humidity
- 50–70% preferred. Most varieties in this group are more adaptable to typical indoor conditions than true aroids.
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every 2 weeks in spring and summer. Monthly in winter.
- Repotting
- Every 12–18 months when root-bound. These vining plants grow quickly and may need annual repotting in peak years.
Common problems
Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering or too little light
Fix: Allow to dry more between waterings; move to a brighter position
Loss of variegation (for variegated forms)
Cause: Insufficient light causing reversion to green
Fix: Move to a brighter position; variegated leaves need more light to maintain their pattern
Root rot
Cause: Overwatering or compacted substrate
Fix: Repot into fresh well-draining substrate; reduce watering frequency
Gear for this plant
- 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.
How to propagate Rhaphidophora decursiva 'Variegated'
- Methods
- Stem cutting, Node cutting
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Rewards a consistent watering and light routine, but tolerates the occasional lapse. Suited to growers with some houseplant experience.
- Time to establish
- 4-7 months