Shingle Plant (Rhaphidophora celatocaulis)

Rhaphidophora celatocaulis, commonly known as the shingle plant, is a rare and captivating aroid native to Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines. This plant is renowned for its unique growth habit, where its leaves grow flat against surfaces, resembling shingles on a roof.

Features:

• Growth Habit: Epiphytic or hemi-epiphytic vine

• Leaves: Juvenile leaves are small, rounded, and bullate (bumpy), while mature leaves become larger, pinnatifid, and perforated.

• Climbing Mechanism: Utilizes aerial roots to cling tightly to vertical surfaces, creating a "living wallpaper" effect.

• Mature Size: Can grow up to 20 meters (65.6 feet) in its native habitat; indoor specimens typically reach 2–3 meters (6.5–10 feet).

Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light may hinder growth and leaf development.

• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F–86°F). Avoid exposure to temperatures below 15°C (59°F).

• Humidity: Requires high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 80%. In lower humidity, the plant may struggle to cling to surfaces and exhibit poor growth.

• Watering: Keep the substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

• Soil: Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix. A blend of sphagnum moss, perlite, and orchid bark is ideal.

• Support: Provide a rough surface, such as a moss pole or tree bark, to encourage the plant to climb and develop its characteristic shingling leaves.

• Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.