Dragon's Tail
Rhaphidophora decursiva
Dragon's Tail
- Also sold as "Philodendron Dragon Tail"
- Large climbing plant from East and Southeast Asia
- Relatively rare in cultivation
- Also suitable for terrariums with cooler temperatures
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Description
This impressive aroid is often called "Philodendron Dragon Tail", but does not originate from Central and South America like the Philodendron species, but from Asia. Rhaphidophora decursiva is native to a wide area from India and Sri Lanka to China and mainland Southeast Asia, north to the Himalayan foothills and southern China. The plant grows in tropical and subtropical humid forests, creeping on the ground and climbing several metres up trees. It is rather rare and not very well known as a houseplant or terrarium plant. When young, the leaves are initially elliptical and undivided, followed by increasingly slit leaves, and the mature stage forms leaves reminiscent of palm fronds with many narrow leaflets. Aerial and adhesive roots develop on the stem, which develop into ground roots on contact with the soil.
Although Rhaphidophora decursiva originates from humid forests in the tropics and subtropics, it is robust and does not require very high humidity and is also suitable as a houseplant. Normal, loose potting soil is ideal. It should be kept moderately moist, but never waterlogged. The plant grows best in a bright spot, but not in full sun if it receives daylight. Once the plant is well established, it can be fed occasionally with a houseplant fertiliser. Temperatures are best at a minimum of 20 °C, but as the plant is found as far north as the subtropics, it can also overwinter at cooler temperatures of around 15 °C. Staple or tie the shoots where they are to climb. In a moist environment, the roots attach themselves to the rootstock. Otherwise, the stems grow creeping and root firmly to the ground. If the plant becomes too lush, long shoots can simply be cut off. Propagation takes place by means of terminal and partial cuttings.
The Dragon's Tail Philodendron is at its best in large terrariums, where it climbs up branches, trunks and walls with its approximately 30 cm large, lobed leaves to create a jungle atmosphere and provide hiding places for terrarium animals. It can also be used as a creeping ground plant. Rhaphidophora decursiva is not only suitable for rainforest terrariums, but also for moderately humid tropical terrariums and subtropical terrariums with a rather cool winter period of around 15 °C.
Profile
| Rhaphidophora decursiva | |
| Cultivation options | Climbing, back and side walls, terrestrial |
| Growth height | Approx. 30 cm to several meters high as climbing plant |
| Temperature | Approx. 15 - 30 °C |
| Humidity | At least approx. 50 % |
| Light Requirement | Bright, but not full sun for daylight cultivation |
| Watering | Moderate, avoid waterlogging, allow the substrate to dry off slightly between waterings |
| Fertilisation | Every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season |
| Propagation | Terminal and partial cuttings |
| Suitable for | Various tropical and subtropical terrariums |
| Cultivation options |
| Terrestrial |
| Growth height |
| Can grow several meters high, depending on care conditions |
| Temperature |
| Prefers warm conditions, 18 - 30 °C |
| Humidity |
| At least approx. 50 % |
| Light Requirement |
| Bright, but not full sun for daylight cultivation |
| Watering |
| Moderate, avoid waterlogging, allow the substrate to dry off slightly between waterings |
| Fertilisation |
| Every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season |
| Propagation |
| Terminal and partial cuttings |
| Suitable for |
| Various tropical and subtropical terrariums |
Terrarienpflanzen
Our terrarium plants give every terrarium an individual, natural atmosphere and at the same time provide a healthy environment for all terrarium inhabitants. Our wide range of tropical, subtropical and even arid plants are easy to combine and enhance any terrascape. Whether it's strong succulents, subtle tillandsias, eye-catching neoregelias or wonderful orchids - we offer terrarium plants for different terrascapes from rainforest to desert.
General information
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