Rhaphidophora korthalsii

Natural range and habitat of Rhaphidophora korthalsii

Rhaphidophora korthalsii has a wide natural range from north-eastern India and the southern Ryukyu Islands through Thailand and South-East Asia to the western Pacific.

It grows in tropical forest from lowland to mountain areas and also in regrowing forest. Young vines climb close to trunks. As the plant matures, some leaves can extend away from the support into open space.

Supporting and growing Rhaphidophora korthalsii

• Support: Give young growth a wide plank, bark slab or wall panel and extend it before the stem reaches the top. A continuous surface helps young leaves stay flat.
• Light: Bright indirect light suits both young shingling growth and larger mature leaves. Introduce direct sun gradually.
• Watering: Water when the pot feels lighter and the mix has begun to dry. Wet the mix evenly and make sure water reaches all parts of the pot before it drains.
• Potting mix: Use a loose mix that drains well and holds some moisture. Replace it if it becomes compacted or water runs through quickly while parts of the mix stay dry.
• Warmth and humidity: Keep the vine warm. Moderate humidity is helpful when large new leaves are unfolding, especially in a dry room.
• Feeding: Feed according to the fertiliser label while the vine is growing. When growth pauses, stop feeding and wait for the mix to dry further before watering.
• Repotting: Repot when roots are crowded, the mix has compacted or the pot and support become unstable.
• Propagation: Take a cutting with at least one node. A new cutting may first produce flat young leaves, so give the new shoot a support early.

Common issues with Rhaphidophora korthalsii

• The growing stem has passed the top of the support: Extend the broad climbing surface and secure the stem loosely to it. Mature leaves can naturally stand away from the support, so leave them free and guide only the stem.
• A large new leaf creases or tears while opening: The leaf may be caught against the board, dry stem fibres or a nearby object, especially if the plant has dried out between waterings. Clear the space around the shoot and water when the pot feels lighter and the mix has begun to dry. Leave the leaf to open on its own.
• Yellow leaves appear with a sour smell or a soft stem base: Take the plant out of its pot and use a clean tool to remove mushy roots and softened stem. Make the final cuts in firm healthy tissue, discard the rotten material and repot in fresh, chunky potting mix. See the root rot guide.
• Leaves show silver scars and distorted new growth: Check the folds and dry stem fibres for thrips. Isolate the plant, use a treatment labelled for thrips on indoor ornamentals and repeat at the interval printed on the product label.

Rhaphidophora korthalsii 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.

How the name Rhaphidophora korthalsii came about

Rhaphidophora combines Greek rhaphis, meaning needle, with phorein, meaning to bear, referring to the needle-like raphide crystals in its tissues. Korthalsii honours Dutch botanist Pieter Willem Korthals, who studied the plants of Indonesia and the surrounding region.

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 korthalsii in 1863 in Annales Musei Botanici Lugduno-Batavi, volume 1, page 129.