Rhaphidophora hongkongensis is part of the Araceae family and its native range is Assam to S. China and Indo-China. It is a liana with a thick stem, leaf blade is typically obliquely elliptic and distichous (arranged alternately in two opposite vertical rows), aerial roots allow the plant to shingle up host trees.
You could add a moss board or totem to support this plant.
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 means ‘of Hong Kong’.
Pot: ø 15cm.
Height: Approximately 35cm from base of pot.
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.
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 hongkongensis 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 hongkongensis is toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.