- Rare Tropical
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 8 Feet
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.
Rhaphidophora Cryptantha Shingle Plant Information
| Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light |
| Care Requirements: Easy |
| Watering Requirements: Average - When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
| Pet Friendly: No |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Air Purifier: Low |
| Habit: Climbing |
| Growth Rate: Slow |
| Mature Height: 4-8 feet |
| Mature Spread: 12 inches |
| Flowering: No |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage |
| Fragrant: No |
| Foliage Type: |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Silver |
| Foliage Description: Dark Green with Silvery Green Markings Along The Veins |
| Temperature: 60° - 80°F (16° - 27°C) |
| Humidity: 60% Or More |
| Common Name: Rhaphidophora Cryptantha Shingle Plant |
| Other Name(s): Shingle Plant |
| Scientific Name: Rhaphidophora cryptantha |
| Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- Rhaphidophora_Cryptantha-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 1 year old
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 year old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 year old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 3-4 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
