Rhaphidophora 'Dragon Tail' Care

Rhaphidophora decursiva, commonly known by its cultivar name 'Dragon Tail', is an easy to care for, visual striking, and fast growing houseplant.

Leaves begin solid but emerge as split leaves as the plant matures. Eventually the leaves, which also get larger with maturity, take on an almost palm-like appearance. Luckily, R. decursiva care is nothing like a palms. These plants tolerate underwatering, low light, and average household humidity. But if you give it what it wants, it will grow very quickly. Various plant bloggers talk about how a greenhouse cabinet will give it the ideal conditions to thrive but, if you do that, it will quickly outgrow the cabinet. Guess you'll just have to get a bigger cabinet!

Note: Some people are incorrectly calling this plant Epipremnum pinnatum. E. pinnatum are distinguished by pinholes growing along the mid-rib of the leaf.

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Tolerates

Low light, drought.

Light

Medium - bright indirect. Brighter light = Larger leaves, more splits, faster growth. Tolerates low light but take extra care to not overwater. Too much direct sun = Burnt leaves.

Water

Water when soil is at least 30 - 50% dry. Can tolerate completely dry soil (i.e. drought) for a few days but cannot handle overwatering. When in doubt do not water. Overwatering = Yellow leaves, blackening stems. Underwatering = Brown leaf tips.

Pruning/Growth

Leaves emerge with slits as plant matures. Grows quickly in ideal conditions. Will require a supportive trellis or other structure as growth branches and stem becomes heavy. Leaves are naturally very shiny. Wipe them down regularly to keep them looking picture perfect.

Soil & Potting

Use a light, fluffy, and well-aerated potting mix. Add bark or perlite to increase drainage and aeration. Increase pot size gradually when roots fill the existing container. Leaves grow in small when rootbound.

Temperature

Ideally between 55 - 80℉. Will suffer in temps under 55℉.

Humidity

50 - 70%. High humidity = Fast growth. Tolerates average household humidity.