Rhaphidophora cryptantha is part of the Araceae family and its native range is Papua New Guinea. It is hemiepiphytic and shingles the bark of host trees. Leaves are broadly ovate and coriaceous with a cordate base and silver grey venation. Inflorescences arise and open on shoots carried behind the appressed shingling leaves meaning they are often obscured. This plant is sometimes thought to be Monstera dubia; leaves are ascending on Rhaphidophora cryptantha and descending on Monstera dubia.
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘rhaphido’ meaning needle and ‘pherô’ meaning I bear; this refers to the macroscopic needle-like unicellular trichosclereids present in tissues - the purpose of which is to protect the plant from herbivores. Specific epithet comes from the Greek ‘crypto’ meaning hidden and ‘antha’ meaning flowering, this is in reference to the hidden inflorescence.
This listing is for one plant only. The picture shown is an example of what's in stock. You will receive a plant as close to the picture and description as possible.
Foliage length: Approx 20cm.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2 inches of mix to dry out. Before watering, ensure the substrate isn’t compacted, if it is, aerate it with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes. Remember to mist the moss board.
Potting mix: A chunky, well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
It is also possible to grow Rhaphidophora cryptantha without potting mix by mounting a cutting onto a moss board, you would water by dunking the board when the moss begins to dry out.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 18-26˚C
Humidity: 70% and above with good air circulation.
Rhaphidophora cryptantha is toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.