Araceae
Creeping Philodendron (Rhaphidophora decursiva)
Rhaphidophora decursiva
An easy tropical climber indoors: bright indirect light, warmth between 16 and 27 °C, an airy, well-drained mix and watering once the top dries. Give it a moss pole so mature, split leaves develop.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
16° - 27°C
% - %
Categories
What is Creeping philodendron?
Creeping philodendron (Rhaphidophora decursiva) is a easy-care plant from the Araceae family. Rhaphidophora decursiva is a climbing aroid native to the wet forests of the Indian subcontinent, southern China and Indochina. It climbs trunks and rocks with aerial roots and can exceed 15 m in the wild; indoors it usually stays around 1.5 m on a support. Young leaves are entire and bluish green;...
Creeping philodendron grows up to 15.0m, watering every 4 days, 16°C – 27°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Creeping philodendron tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 8 days.
How to Care for Creeping philodendron?
TLDR: Creeping philodendron needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 16-27°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Creeping philodendron?
In spring and summer, water thoroughly about twice a week, whenever the top few centimetres of mix are dry. In autumn and winter cut back to about once a week and never let it sit waterlogged.
How Much Light Does Creeping philodendron Need?
Bright, indirect light or morning sun. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal.
What Is the Best Soil for Creeping philodendron?
A rich, airy, well-drained, slightly acidic mix: potting soil with orchid bark and perlite.
What Pot Should You Use for Creeping philodendron?
A pot with drainage holes, only slightly larger than the root ball, with a moss pole or stake to climb.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Creeping philodendron and Where Does It Come From?
Rhaphidophora decursiva is a climbing aroid native to the wet forests of the Indian subcontinent, southern China and Indochina. It climbs trunks and rocks with aerial roots and can exceed 15 m in the wild; indoors it usually stays around 1.5 m on a support. Young leaves are entire and bluish green; mature leaves turn dark green, large and cut almost to the midrib into 9 to 15 segments per side, like a feather-leaved monstera. Despite its common name, it is not a true philodendron.
How to Propagate Creeping philodendron?
Stem cutting
Wear gloves: the sap irritates skin. Change the water every few days if rooting in water.
- 1 Cut a stem piece with at least one node, a leaf and an aerial root
- 2 Place it in water, moist sphagnum moss or a light mix
- 3 Keep it warm and bright, out of direct sun
- 4 Pot it up once the roots are a few centimetres long
Materials needed:
Air layering
Good for large plants on a pole, with no leaf loss.
- 1 Wrap a node with an aerial root in moist sphagnum moss
- 2 Cover with plastic and tie both ends
- 3 Keep the moss moist until roots appear
- 4 Cut below the new roots and pot up
Materials needed:
How Big Does Creeping philodendron Grow?
TLDR: Creeping philodendron can reach up to 15.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
15.0m
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Creeping philodendron?
TLDR: Creeping philodendron is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny cigar-shaped insects (1/25-inch long) that damage plants by sucking plant juices and scraping at fruits, flowers, and leaves. With over 6,000 species and rapid reproduction (lifecycle as short as 14 days), they can quickly infest plants and transmit viruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Fun Facts
The name Rhaphidophora comes from Greek and means "needle bearer".
In the wild it can climb more than 15 m up trees.
Compounds from its leaves and stems showed activity against the malaria parasite in lab tests.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhaphidophora decursiva toxic?
Why aren't the leaves splitting?
How often should I water it?
Is it a philodendron?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
