Rhaphidophora Cryptantha Shingle Plant

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light to Medium Light

Mature Height

4 - 5 Feet

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Feature

Low Maintenance

Rhaphidophora cryptantha is one of the most unusual houseplants available. The heart-shaped, dark-green leaves grow flat against a host plant or plant support in an overlapping style, resembling a roof's shingles. This tropical vining plant may look challenging to grow, but it is in fact, easy and low maintenance. Juvenile versions of the Shingle Plant are used in terrariums where they stay small.

Best Locations For Growing Shingle Plant

Shingle Plants originate from the jungles of New Guinea and need diffused light and high humidity. Growing this plant in a kitchen or bathroom would be ideal. Lower light levels in an office or basement can be boosted with artificial grow lights. Always keep the Shingle Plant out of reach of children or pets. All parts of the plant are toxic.

Shingle Plant Sunlight Requirements

Shingle Plant needs indirect light so that the deep colors of their leaves do not get bleached or burned. Place the plant a few feet away from an east- or west-facing window. Growing Shingle Plant outdoors during the summer gives it the humidity and heat it craves. Be sure to provide the plant shade from the direct sun at midday or late afternoon. 

Shingle Plant Care

Shingle Plant is in the genus Aroid and is classified as a hemiepiphyte. This means that the plant starts as a terrestrial plant, germinating from a seed and growing roots in the soil, and matures into an epiphyte, with the top growth attached to other plants. The Shingle Plant likes to have soil that is rich and well-draining. Used peat-based potting soil with plenty of perlite mixed in. Repotting is infrequent and only necessary when the roots appear from the bottom of the container. Give the Shingle Plant a support to climb. Moss-covered poles or flat pieces of cedar board are typically used.

Watering Shingle Plant

Shingle Plant likes to have moist soil that dries out in between watering. When the top 3-4 inches of soil are dry, soak the pot, letting the excess water drain out thoroughly. Do not leave these plants sitting in saucers of water for longer than 20-30 minutes. During the winter, growth will slow down, and the plants will require far less watering. One to two weeks in between watering is average. Humidity needs to be high for Shingle Plant. Place the pots on top of pebble trays and fill the trays with water every 2-3 days.

Feeding Shingle Plant

A slow-release, granular fertilizer is perfect for Shingle Plant. This type of plant food releases nutrients at every watering and is easily added to the top of the pot once a year. Use a balanced formulation with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio. Apply the fertilizer in the spring as the active growth period begins. 

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