Rhaphidophora decursiva

Common Names

Dragon Tail Plant, Creeping Philodendron, Dragon Tail, Dragon’s Tail Plant, Shingle Plant, Climbing Philodendron

Summary

Dragon tail plant is a tropical climbing aroid native to Asia, including China, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. It grows as a vigorous epiphytic climber with aerial roots, producing large, glossy dark-green leaves that mature into deeply fenestrated, palm-like lobes; juvenile leaves are small and oval before developing dramatic fenestrations.

Care essentials include bright indirect light (avoid direct sun); temperatures of 65–80°F and humidity around 60–80%; soil that is well-draining and aerated; water by soak-and-dry, allowing the top 1–2 inches to dry between waterings; fertilize monthly in the growing season; repot every two years; provide climbing support such as a moss pole or trellis; propagate via stem cuttings; toxic to humans and to pets; pests such as mealybugs and spider mites may occur; suitable for indoor cultivation with proper support or outdoors in tropical climates.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-60 feet

Spread

4-6 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil

Soil pH

5.5-6.0, slightly acidic

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Green, with juvenile bluish-green leaves and mature dark green leaves

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing climber

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering (Air layering), Division, Tissue culture

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects and attracts hummingbirds