Rhaphidophora decursiva | Dragon tail

Rhaphidophora decursiva is a striking tropical houseplant with large, glossy green leaves that develop dramatic splits as she matures. Originally from parts of Southeast Asia, she’s a vigorous climber and can make a real statement when given a moss pole or sturdy support to grow up. With the right conditions, her leaves can become impressively large, giving your home a lovely jungle feel.

☀️ Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal. She can tolerate a little gentle morning or evening sunshine, but avoid strong direct sunlight, which can scorch her leaves. Lower light may slow her growth and result in smaller leaves with less dramatic splits.

💧 Watering
Water when the top few centimetres of compost have dried out. She prefers a little moisture in the soil but won’t appreciate sitting in soggy compost. Water thoroughly, allowing the excess to drain away, and reduce watering during autumn and winter when growth slows.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Keep her somewhere warm, ideally around 18-28°C. She enjoys higher humidity, particularly while producing new leaves, but average household humidity should be fine if she’s kept away from dry heat. Avoid cold draughts and sudden temperature changes.

🪴 Potting
Use a chunky, free-draining aroid mix made with peat-free compost or coco coir, orchid bark and perlite. A pot with drainage holes is essential. As she’s a climbing plant, a moss pole or sturdy support will encourage larger leaves and more mature growth.

✂️ Pruning
Remove yellowing or damaged leaves with clean scissors. You can trim back long or unwanted stems to keep her shape under control. Healthy cuttings can be propagated to create new plants.

🌿 Growing Tips
Give her something sturdy to climb and guide new growth towards the support. The more she climbs, the more likely she is to develop larger, increasingly split leaves. Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust and help her make the most of the available light.

🐾 Not Pet Friendly
Rhaphidophora decursiva contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if eaten, so keep her away from curious pets and children.

Size: 14cm nursery pot