Rhaphidophora decursiva 'Variegated'
Variegated Dragon Tail Plant
UK price
£80 to £120
Estimate
Price by size
- Sold, 90 days
- 0
- Middle half
- -
- Last sold
- -
- On record
- 0
Cutting/cormNone
7cmNone
12cmNone
MatureNone
- Sale
- Typical
- Middle half
- Estimate
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About Rhaphidophora decursiva 'Variegated'
Rhaphidophora decursiva (the 'Dragon Tail Plant', known for its large, deeply lobed, pinnatifid mature leaves) has a variegated sport carrying irregular cream-white sectors across the deeply dissected leaf blade. Mature, deeply lobed leaves only develop once the plant reaches sufficient size and climbs, so juvenile plants show a much simpler, less fenestrated leaf shape than the mature form.
Native range
Chimeric variegated sport mutation of Rhaphidophora decursiva.
Classification
- Genus
- Rhaphidophora
- Family
- Araceae
- Type
- Variegated
- Growth habit
- Climbing on aerial roots
- Form of
- Rhaphidophora decursiva
Morphology
- Leaf shape
- Large, deeply lobed, pinnatifidFoliage deeply lobed in a feather-like pattern, but not cut all the way to the central vein. at maturity
- Leaf length
- 20-35 cm
- Leaf width
- 15-28 cm
- Petiole colour
- Green, cream-streaked
- Venation
- Prominent, disrupted by variegated sectors
- Texture
- Semi-glossy
- Variegation
- ChimericVariegation caused by a cell mutation. Often produces high contrast but can be unstable and revert to all-green. (unstableVariegation that is prone to disappearing (reverting to solid green) if lighting conditions are poor or if not pruned.) irregular cream-white sectors across the deeply lobed leaf blade; propagates true only from a cutting taken at a variegated node
- Growth habit
- Climbing
Recent UK sales
No UK eBay sales recorded for this plant yet.
For sale in the UK
Before you buy
- Ensure there is at least one healthy node present; a cutting without a node cannot produce new growth
- For variegated forms, check that the variegation pattern appears on the newest growth and shows no signs of reversion to green
- Inspect the underside of leaves for spider mites (fine webbing or stippling) which are common on pothos-family plants
- Confirm the cutting has visible roots or a healthy node before purchasing, since unrooted cuttings require propagation experience to succeed
Rhaphidophora decursiva 'Variegated' care
- Substrate
- Well-draining mix: 40% perlite, 40% potting compost, 20% orchid bark.
- Watering
- Water when the top 3–4 cm is dry. These are generally forgiving and will tolerate slight drought better than overwatering.
- Humidity
- 50–70% preferred. Most varieties in this group are more adaptable to typical indoor conditions than true aroids.
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every 2 weeks in spring and summer. Monthly in winter.
- Repotting
- Every 12–18 months when root-bound. These vining plants grow quickly and may need annual repotting in peak years.
Common problems
Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering or too little light
Fix: Allow to dry more between waterings; move to a brighter position
Loss of variegation (for variegated forms)
Cause: Insufficient light causing reversion to green
Fix: Move to a brighter position; variegated leaves need more light to maintain their pattern
Root rot
Cause: Overwatering or compacted substrate
Fix: Repot into fresh well-draining substrate; reduce watering frequency
Gear for this plant
- Coir Moss Pole, 120cm (4-Pack)Coco coir totem for climbing aroids to root into as they grow upward.
- Natural Rooting Powder, 3 x 75gRooting hormone powder for stem and leaf cuttings.
- Precision Bonsai Pruning Scissors, 200mmFine-bladed snips for clean node cuts when taking a cutting.
- Digital Hygrometer & ThermometerLCD humidity and temperature gauge for checking a grow spot against a plant's target range.
How to propagate Rhaphidophora decursiva 'Variegated'
- Methods
- Stem cutting, Node cutting. Step-by-step guide
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Rewards a consistent watering and light routine, but tolerates the occasional lapse. Suited to growers with some houseplant experience.
- Time to establish
- 4-7 months