Rhaphidophora

The name of the genus in Greek means "bearing needles" and was given because of the needle-like hairs on the stems and leaves of some species. Sixty species of lianas are distributed from West Africa to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Indonesia. Together with Monstera and Philodendron, Rhaphidophora belongs to the family Araceae. These are climbing plants, lianas. Leaves pinnately divided or entire, sometimes with holes. Petiole long, geniculate. Inflorescence terminal. Spadix thick, densely flowered, shorter than the spathe. Flowers bisexual. They occur in the Indo-Malayan region. The genus includes 100 (60) species. Only a small number of species have become widespread in botanical gardens.

Rhaphidophora decursiva

Climbing vines. Stem thickened, 3-4 cm in diameter, green, with long internodes. Leaves broadly ovate, pinnately divided (7-21 oblong-lanceolate lobes), large, 50-60 cm long and 40 cm wide, leathery, dark green; adult leaves almost cordate; young leaves entire, ovate-lanceolate. Petiole 30-40 cm long. Grows in tropical moist forests in northeastern India (Assam, Sikkim), the northern part of the SRV, and Sri Lanka. Externally resembles Monstera. Can be used for greening walls in moderately warm and warm interiors. Care for the plants is the same as for Monstera.

Rhaphidophora celatocaulis (= Pothos celatocaulis)

Climbing vines with very short internodes (older plants 3 cm thick). Leaves oval, 8-10 cm long and 5-6 cm wide, acuminate, cordate at the base, more or less pinnately divided; lobes 15-30 cm long and 10-25 cm wide. Native to the island of Kalimantan. A valuable plant for wall decoration. Care for the plants is the same as for Scindapsus.

Location: plants are kept in winter at a temperature not lower than 16-17 °C.

Light: shade-tolerant

Watering: In winter keep the soil slightly moist, taking care not to overwater. At other times of the year water abundantly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Humidity: moderate; in heated rooms mist the leaves. Mature leaves are washed and polished from time to time.

Care: pinching is recommended to increase branching.

Repotting: as needed, use general-purpose potting soil.