Rhaphidophora Hayi Care & Propagation [Full Guide]

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If you have a Rhaphidophora hayi plant, you should be familiar with its care. It prefers a slightly below-average humidity, but it will still benefit from a little extra humidity in the home. Keep your plant in a terrarium, greenhouse cabinet, or bathroom. It likes indirect, bright light, but can survive in the medium to low light. You can read more about Rhaphidophora hayi care in the following sections.

 

Rhaphidophora Hayi Care Summary


The scientific name
Rhaphidophora hayi

Family
The Arum family, Araceae (aroids) Aglaonemas are another popular aroid monsteras, philodendrons Pothos ZZ plant species, and so on.

Names used in common
Shingle plant

Native habitat
Queensland, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Bismarck Archipelago.

Type
Tropical, evergreen, perennial, flowering, shingling hemiepiphytes

Size
In their natural habitat, they can grow at a height of 32 feet (10m) and even more. When it is at home, it will only reach about 5 feet

Leaves
Shingling 1 – 6 inch oval dark-green leaves

Stems
Green and rectangular vines with nodes that are short

Light requirements
The light that is bright and indirect, however, it is possible to endure light levels that are lower.

USDA hardiness zone
11-12

Temperature
60degF-80degF, but not frost-hardy

Humidity
High (60 percent or higher) however, it can tolerate lower humidity levels in the home. But, it would enjoy misting, pebble tray or humidifiers

The rate of increase
Medium

Soil
High organic matter, well-drained soil mix or pot mix

Watering
Medium, letting the top two to three inches of the soil feel dry

Propagation
Cutting of the stem

Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans alike.

Care level
Low or simple

Rhaphidophora Hayi Care & Characteristics

Before we get into how to care for it, let us start by describing the shingle plant’s appearance size, and growth habits.

Growth

Rhaphidophora hayi is moist highland tropical coralline limestone, as well as an aroid of basalt forest. It is common across Papua New Guinea, Indonesian Papua, Queensland, and Australia. It is found in Papua New Guinea, you can find this throughout Bougainville, New Ireland, Muyua (Woodlark Island), New Britain, and so on.

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The ideal growing conditions for Rhaphidophora hyai are moist, slightly acidic soil with plenty of organic matter and a high level of nutrient content. You can use an aroid mix or a soilless potting medium. This plant is not fussy about soil but needs a good amount of moisture to grow well. You can also keep it in an Ikea greenhouse cabinet to provide extra humidity.

Rhaphidophora hayi is an evergreen climbing plant in the hemiepiphyte family. It spends part of its life in epiphyte form, while the other part of its life is spent as a terrestrial plant. The plant has roots in the soil and shingles on vertical support. In the wild, the plant grows at a medium rate, and it thrives in bright, humid conditions.

 

Shingle plant leaves

First, Rhaphidophora hayi has tiny to moderate (1 5-inch) oval leaves, dark green. In general, when it’s they are young the leaves will be smaller. However, as the aroids gain support vertically to shingle onto and grow, the leaves will get larger.

The leaves also are short in their petioles, expand upwards, and generally overlap, particularly as they grow. Although they are smaller, they are less tightly organized.

Another important aspect of the shingle plant is that the leaves do not change in morphology between the ages of juvenile and adulthood. There are no fenestrations or splits as is the case with certain Aroids. However, they do get larger.

The leaves typically are flat, pressed against the support, and don’t spread outwards as do most climbing vines.

 

 

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Img Source Etsy

Size

In its natural surroundings, R. hayi can reach 32 feet (about 10 meters) or greater. It is not restricted in its growth. In your garden, or as a houseplant it might not get that tall. It is expected to be a couple of feet in length, or something similar to five feet.

Flowers

As with other aroids, Rhaphidophora hayi is an aroid with spadix-borne flowers. The spadix is strong and cigar-shaped. It has a boat-shaped yellow spathe.

Stems

This shingle plant is rectangular with smooth, smooth, green stems, or vines, with shorter internode spaces.

The stems also have alternately expanding leaves (distichous) and connecting aerial roots between internodes, which are black dots when they are young.

Where can you grow Rhaphidophora Hayi

Rhaphidophora hayi are perfect indoor houseplants, as well as plants for patios, gardens, or ground-covering plant species.

Indoors you could cultivate them in pots in hanging baskets or even in Terrariums (which allows for the most effective control of humidity and other environmental conditions). They’re great for any space, i.e., the kitchen, dining room bedroom, office, or bathroom room.

If you’d like your pet to shingle and get taller, with bigger leaves, help them climb up on a supports.

Typically, burlap-wrapped coco coir, sphagnum-moss pole, or flat board work well ( supports roots that are growing, and flat boards will provide the ideal results for shingling).

But, you could have a softwood that has not been treated, a branch, trellis or iron-bark totem, or other items that you can climb on.

If they are outdoors make sure they aren’t exposed to direct sunlight. There are many options to shingle on the walls or tree trunks, wood fences, and so forth.

Rhaphidophora Hayi care and growth need

Contrary to what many have been told, Rhaphidophora hayi is an easy-to-care-for low-maintenance garden and houseplant.

The most important thing to be aware of is that as an emerald-green, lowland rainforest plant, they are a fan of humidity and thrive in humid and moist conditions. Additionally, their soil needs to be well-drained, rich, and well-aerated.

Here is the information.

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Source Etsy

Temperature

Rhaphidophora hayi like warm environments and thrive in temperatures ranging from 55-80 Celsius (13 to 27 degC). Normal household temperatures are fine.

Second, take note that tropical aroids aren’t frost-resistant and can’t withstand freezing temperatures.

So, if you reside in areas with winters that are cold, take the plants inside when temperatures fall below the 50-degree mark (10degC). Otherwise, you should expect to see damage to foliage and slow growth.

Also, do not place your furniture in areas that have cold air or areas that have sudden temperature fluctuations.

 USDA hardiness zone

Rhaphidophora hayi USDA hardiness zone is 10 to 12. Their cold hardiness ranges from 40 degF – 50 degF (+4.4 deg C up to +7.2 degrees Celsius). In these regions, people are able to grow this aroid outdoors throughout the year. However, they must fulfill other requirements for growth.

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Rhaphidophora hayi humidity

A good humidity level to grow Rhaphidophora hayi is greater than the average, usually 60% – 70 percent or more. In their natural habitat, Rhaphidophora hayi thrives in moist regions.

Although they appear to do well in places with less than average humidity, i.e. 40% or higher and above, they can gain from more. So, if you want to place them alongside other plants, think about misting or a pebble tray or a humidifier if reside in a dry area.

Additionally, you can place the plants inside your greenhouse, bathroom, or even a terrarium, so that you can control humidity as well as other conditions.

Finally, if they are kept in conditions of low humidity, leaves can become yellow or discolored. They can also be prone to curling in dry conditions.

Light

Rhaphidophora hayi prefers direct light that is bright but it can expand in medium or low light.

But, they are slow to grow or leggy in conditions of poor lighting The leaves can turn yellow in extreme circumstances. In dark areas, you need to make use of grow lighting. They aren’t afraid of artificial lighting.

However, do not place the shingle plants in the direct sun. The scorching sun could cause the leaves to bleach or burn, i.e., make the edges and tips crisp and brown.

When deciding the best place to put your plants, make sure they have enough indirect light, without allowing direct sunlight.

If you are growing Rhaphidophora Hayi outdoors make sure you have a shaded area (filtered lighting) as well as a 30- to 40 percent shade cloth. Amazon offers many.

Rhaphidophora hayi soil

Rhaphidophora hayi soil must be well-drained somewhat acidic (pH 6.0-6.5) as well as have high organic matter or nutrient-rich. They aren’t too demanding, and you can make use of well-drained loamy soils or potting mix, such as soilless.

All you have to do is that the potting mix is well-drained and aerated and has a high content of nutrients.

Therefore, you can search for a mix of aroid, sphagnum moss LECA, coco peat or create your own. In this case, for instance, you could make equal portions of perlite/pumice, potting mix along with peat moss. Peat moss is a great way to increase pH and add the humus needed, and perlite can enhance drainage.

Watering

Generally, the most important thing you should remember while watering Rhaphidophora hayI is its preferred humidity. This plant is known to grow well in mid-level humidity. However, they do not do well when they are kept in direct sunlight. If you want to grow Rhaphidophora hayi in a humid room, you can place it in a greenhouse cabinet or bathroom.

To keep Rhaphidophora hayi plants healthy and well-maintained, you must mist them regularly. The plant will benefit from a misting every few days. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as it can result in root rot and moldy potting mix. Make sure to check the pH of your soil to avoid these problems. By following these tips, you can easily maintain a healthy and vibrant plant.

If you own a sphagnum moss rod, it is essential to mist it frequently.

Overwatered Rhaphidophora hayi

If you have an indoor greenhouse, you may be concerned that your Rhaphidophora hayi is overwatered. Humidity is crucial for these plants to thrive, but even slightly below average humidity will keep them happy and healthy. To increase the humidity around your house, you can mist the plants once a week. It is best to mist plants in the morning to allow the water to evaporate before the evening. A humidifier or pebble tray may also help to provide extra humidity.

You should water your Rhaphidophora hayi weekly to avoid root rot. If you see the top couple of inches of soil that is mushy, then you probably have overwatered it. Make sure to water it until it feels damp. If the top soil is dry, you can discard the water in the saucer. If you have a container that has draining holes, you can water the Rhaphidophora hayi weekly.

Underwatered

If the water is submerged, R. hayi leaves are likely to curl and change color or appear with crisp edges, brown tips, or edges. The soil will dry out, and your plant will develop slowly.

Fertilizer

Fertilizers and plant food can help to increase the growth rate and ensure that the shingle plant looks lush. So, you should fertilize your Rhaphidophora Hayi biweekly in the spring and summer months using the all-purpose fertilizer for houseplants.

Plant all-purpose house Plant Fertilizer or any other good brand will work.  Some individuals prefer the slow-release formulation. It’s fine as well. You can use it for the beginning of spring.

But, in winter or autumn (non-growing seasons) do not fertilize your plants. Don’t overuse fertilizers, which can result in slow growth, burnt and dry leaf margins, wilting, or even death.

Grooming and pruning

Most shinglings don’t require pruning unless getting rid of dead or diseased, infested, and yellowed leaves. Pruning will boost growth by allowing light to penetrate more leaves.

You can also trim the plant to keep an exact size or shape. Be sure to not cut over 30 percent or more of it at any one moment. If you do, you’ll cause it to weaken.

When pruning, make use of the sterilized cutting knife or scissors, or shears to stop the spread of diseases.

Additionally, in addition to pruning, it’s best to clean the leaves regularly to make them appear beautiful and deter insects.

Potting and Repotting

They don’t have large root balls and don’t need regular repotterization. Therefore, you can repot your Rhaphidophora hayi for about 2 to three years or once they’re root-bound.

Repot in the spring, and look for a pot 2 to 3 inches bigger than the one you had before and with sufficient depth.

Rhaphidophora hayi propagation

Rhaphidophora hayi propagation occurs through cutting the stem in either the form of a potting mix/soil or in water. Seed propagation is also feasible, though uncommon.

Because of the higher success rate, we suggest soil propagation. and/or potting mix  This shingle plant, like other plants, may be propagated in the spring.

 

Propagation of soil

For the purpose of soil growth You will need these things:

  • Sterilized pruning knives, shears, or knife
  • A plastic bag (optional). However, it can aid in maintaining humidity, and moisture of soil, and aid in faster roots and development.
  • Rooting hormone (optional)
  • Aerated and well-drained potting mixes such as coco coir, sphagnum soils, a mix of aroid, etc.
  • Small pot

Stems to be followed

  • Place your potting mix into the pot you are growing in and completely moisten it.
  • Utilizing your pruning knife cut around 4 inches of the healthy stem that has at minimum two nodes.
  • Take the lower leaves off to leave the upper couple.
  • Dip the cut into an emulsifying hormone. We prefer HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel. But, Garden Safe Brand TakeRoot The hormone that helps root is also effective. This is not required, however, it will speed up rooting.
  • Make a hole in the soil, then plant the stem cutting. Be sure that the potting mix is covered by at minimum two nodes.
  • Make a light mist on the cutting. Then protect it with a transparent plastic bag, leaving an airway to breathe. Make sure that the paper bag doesn’t get in contact with your cutting foliage.
  • Put your cut in a spot that is an indirect, bright light source that is at a temperature of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius).
  • Keep the soil humid and mist it if needed. Additionally, remove the plastic bag for a couple of hours to let the plant breathe.
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Roots begin to develop within two weeks. You may see a new growth following approximately. The exact timing is dependent on the circumstances you have set.

If you own an outdoor greenhouse cabinet and you have a greenhouse cabinet, there is no need for a plastic paper bag. Gardman offers a beautiful indoor greenhouse that is compact and doesn’t consume much space. You can also try IKEA.

If the cut is strong enough, you are able to transplant it into a pot for growth. Then, you will begin taking care like you normally.

Proliferation in water

Instead of growing Rhaphidophora hayi in water, you can place it in a glass container filled with water. Make sure to change the water every couple of days.

How do you mount Rhaphidophora Hayi

If you’re the starter with shingle plants, the mounting process might appear daunting. But, it’s not difficult.

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If you have previously mounted it, but it’s grown too large for the mount or is for another reason, you’d like to alter the pole that you are mounting start by removing it. As you remove it, be careful to take the plant off the mount, making sure that you don’t cut off any roots that are attached to the aerial.

Then, gently shimmy and shake it you are using a pot to take it out. Be sure not to damage the roots of your plant.

Then, examine the roots of your tree for organic matter. If there is any, remove and get rid of organic matter adhering to them by hosing the roots with water. The plant will not be able to attach to the new mount when it has left any organic matter.

Then, you can install the new pole and then gently lay the plant, making sure the stem is in close proximity to it. Use floral tape or string to attach the stem to the mount. It can be removed when the place is secured.

Be sure to tie only the stem and not the leaves to prevent rot when you mist your plants. Make sure you don’t pull the string or tape excessively. The stem will be choked.

In the end, if you’ve employed a sphagnum-moss board or pole, spray it with mist prior to mounting, and then regularly. Keeping the sphagnum moist, will promote faster development of roots as well as attachment.

Toxic to humans and pets

Rhaphidophora hayi is poisonous to dogs, humans and cats, as well as other animals due to its insoluble calcium oxides, commonly referred to as raphides.

If your pet chews on this plant, the sharp, insoluble needle-like raphides will encase the mucous membranes of the oral gastrointestinal. The signs to look for include.

  • Extremely painful burns and irritations to the mouth.
  • Lips swelling and redness and mouth
  • Pawing
  • Drooling
  • A refusal to consume food

Additionally, this plant could cause contact dermatitis in the event that it touches the skin’s sensitive areas. So, make sure your pets or children do not come in contact with this beautiful shingling plant.

Common Pests

A number of common pests of Rhaphidophora have been identified. These include aphids, scale insects, and aphid-like beetles. However, there are other insects that can attack Rhaphidophora, too. O05).

 

Use insecticidal soaps to isolate the plant, remove the heavily infested leaves, or spray the plant to get rid of the bugs. The remedy or treatment you choose to use will depend on what insects your plant is infested with.

Conditions and diseases

If you plant it in a greenhouse it is possible that your shingle plant could be suffering from root disease (fungal or bacteria) resulting from the overwatering of your potting mix or contamination. Make sure to purchase premium brands.

Other common diseases of Rhaphidophora species include mosaic virus botrytis and the red leaf spot. Make sure you wash your hands prior to washing or handling your houseplant and make sure to use sterilized pruning tools.

Apart from the diseases that are common in these plants are the following:

The leaves are becoming yellow

The yellow leaves of Rhaphidophora hayi can be a sign that you’re overwatering your plants. It could also be due to one of the following reasons:

  • Underwatering
  • Low light
  • Direct sunlight (look at the bleached edges with edges that are burned and the tip)
  • Low humidity or dry air
  • Pests and diseases
  • A lot or not enough fertilizer

 Curling leaves

Curling leaves are usually an indication that you’ve drowned the shingle plant. However, it can occur due to extremely low humidity or pests, cold drafts or even diseases.

Rhaphidophora hayi variegated

Apart from the normal plant, you could also choose the rare and costly Variegated Rhaphidophora which has beautiful dark green leaves and mint-colored variation. But, it will cost up to around 200 dollars or even more. Wildpretii.com offers it.

Mint R. hayi variegated

Rhaphidophora hayi vs Korthalsii

Rhaphidophora hayi and Rhaphidophora korthalsii are two distinct kinds of shingling aroids belonging to the identical species and genus. They share a close resemblance.

 

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Rhaphidophora hayi vs Korthalsii

But, R. hayi has oval leaves that are dark green and Rhaphidophora Korthalsii leaves range from green to blueish-bluish and oval-shaped or heart-shaped.

Additionally, even though R. hayi retains juvenile leaves, R. korthalsii adult leaves appear different. The leaves get bigger and are fenestrated.

Rhaphidophora Korthalsii Juvenile leaf both adult and left

Frequently asked questions

Is Rhaphidophora hayi rare?

Yes. Rhaphidophora hayi can be described as a scarce plant for the home, and lots of people do not yet have it. But, since it became one of Costa Farm’s Trending Tropicals Collection It is becoming more accessible, and a lot of customers are buying it.



Where can I buy Rhaphidophora Hayi on sale?

The best place to purchase Rhaphidophora Hayi can be found on Etsy.com, I prefer there

PlantsOffPlease shop , you can also try on  Costco, Amazon, Ikea, and others. You can also try Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

Also, make sure to check out the local specialty nurseries as well as Facebook Groups.


What’s the Rhaphidophora hayi cost?

Rhaphidophora Hayi prices range from $10-$50. Some sellers offer it at a higher price, while others just a little lower than $10. However, the mint variation is extremely expensive, selling for up to $500.

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