Rhaphidophora hongkongensis 'Mint'

Mint Rhaphidophora: origin and range

Rhaphidophora hongkongensis is native from Assam through southern China, Hainan and Taiwan to Indochina. It grows in evergreen and valley forest, attaching to trees and stone walls from low elevations to about 1,000 metres.

Young shoots can press their leaves tightly against a support before later branches project or hang free, allowing one vine to use different forest spaces as it develops. Although its name refers to Hong Kong, the species occupies a much wider Asian range. ‘Mint’ adds a cultivated pale pattern to this forest climber.

Care for supported aroid vines

Growth and support: Rhaphidophora ‘Mint’ grows in bright, filtered light against a flat or rough vertical surface. Close contact encourages the juvenile leaves to lie against the support.

Root care and watering: Use an aerated organic and mineral mix that stays moderately moist but drains freely. Water thoroughly, allow partial drying, and avoid a constantly saturated core.

Feeding: Apply balanced fertiliser at moderate strength while growth is active. Remove completely green reversion if the aim is to retain Mint; an excessively pale shoot may be too weak to grow independently.

Mint Rhaphidophora problems and fixes

Juvenile leaves stop shingling when the stem loses close contact, the surface is unsuitable or growth is forced to trail. This is a growth response rather than wilting. Fasten the stem loosely against a flat or rough support and guide aerial roots towards it. Existing leaves may not flatten again, but growth from newly attached stem joints should sit closer to the support.

Pale tissue scorches and dries before greener areas, especially after abrupt sun or root stress. Soft translucent damage suggests cold or persistent wetness. Completely green new shoots are reversion and will not develop the ‘Mint’ pattern through stronger light. Retain balanced growth, remove sustained green reversion if the pattern is to be maintained, and avoid keeping an almost white shoot if it cannot support itself.

Yellowing above a saturated core indicates root stress, while a dry support alone does not prove the pot needs water. Inspect the actual root ball. Thrips hide in new leaves and leave silver scars and black specks; scale or mealybugs settle at stem joints and against the support. Inspect both the plant and its support. If pests are present, separate the vine and apply an appropriate labelled treatment. Allow pale tissue to dry promptly after treatment so it does not remain wet and stagnant.

Rhaphidophora hongkongensis ‘Mint’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Who first published Rhaphidophora hongkongensis, and what does the name mean?

Rhaphidophora combines Greek rhaphis, meaning needle, with phorein, meaning to bear, referring to the needle-like raphide crystals in its tissues. The geographical name hongkongensis means “from Hong Kong”.

Justus Carl Hasskarl established the genus Rhaphidophora in 1842 in Flora, volume 25, issue 2, supplement 1, page 11.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Rhaphidophora hongkongensis in 1857 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 5, page 44.