Rhaphidophora Hayi - Shingle plant

Rhaphidophora hayi is a beautiful and relatively uncommon aroid, known for its unique shingling growth habit, where the plant’s leaves lie flat against a surface as it climbs. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand and care for it:

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Overview

• Family: Araceae
• Origin: Tropical rainforests of Queensland, Australia and Papua New Guinea
• Growth Habit: Shingling climber (grows flat against vertical surfaces like tree trunks or boards)
• Mature Leaves: Oval-shaped, dark green, and leathery; larger with age but not fenestrated like Monstera

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Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light
• Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its leaves
• Will tolerate lower light but grow slower and with smaller leaves

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Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry
• Reduce watering in cooler months

Humidity

• Loves high humidity (60%+)
• Benefits from regular misting or a humidifier
• Not ideal for dry indoor air without added humidity

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Soil

• Use a well-draining, chunky aroid mix:
  
• Orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, peat moss, charcoal
• Avoid compact or water-retentive soils

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Temperature

• Thrives in warm temps (18–27°C or 65–80°F)
• Keep away from cold drafts or temps below 10°C (50°F)

Support

• Provide a vertical climbing surface (moss pole, wood board, trellis)
• It will shingle beautifully when given a proper surface