Rhaphidophora hayi
Rhaphidophora hayi
A tropical aroid that "shingles": heart-shaped deep green leaves press flat against a board or pole in overlapping layers. Give it a flat support, bright filtered light, and high humidity so the vine climbs tight instead of flopping out.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
Like most members of the Araceae family, this plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can cause significant oral irritation, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, and digestive distress in cats, dogs, and humans.
Care Notes
Light
Bright, filtered light keeps internodes short and leaves pressed to the support. Direct afternoon sun scorches. Too little light leads to long, leafless stretches.
Water
Keep the mix evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch dries. Mist the mounting surface so aerial roots can drink. Use a planter with drainage holes.
Soil
A chunky aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir drains well while holding some moisture. Mount the vine on a wooden plank, cork bark, or flat moss pole; secure it at first until roots latch on.
Humidity & Temperature
Aim for 60% humidity or higher. A humidifier or pebble tray helps in dry homes. Keep temperatures around 65-85°F.
Common Issues
Leaves that pull away from the support often mean low humidity or low light. Spider mites show up when the air stays too dry.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer
Soil
A chunky, well-draining aroid mix consisting of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
5 to 10 feet tall indoors with proper support
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings with at least one node, preferably rooted in moist sphagnum moss or water.
Common Varieties
Standard green form; occasionally mistaken for Rhaphidophora cryptantha or Monstera dubia.
Solid green oval leaves that shingle tightly against a support, without the silver patterning of look-alike species.