Rhaphidophora tetrasperma 'Goldrush'

Species origin and cultivated background of Rhaphidophora tetrasperma 'Goldrush'

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma comes from Peninsular Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, where it climbs trees and rock in tropical forest.

This cultivated form is marketed as 'Goldrush'.

How to grow Rhaphidophora tetrasperma 'Goldrush'

• Support: Guide the flexible stem up a pole, plank or trellis and extend the support as the vine approaches the top.
• Light: Bright indirect light suits the plant. Introduce direct sun gradually because pale gold areas can bleach first.
• Watering: Water when the pot feels lighter and the mix has partly dried. Wet the mix evenly and let excess water drain.
• Potting mix and repotting: Use a loose, well-draining mix. Move up one pot size when roots are crowded, drainage slows or the plant becomes unstable.
• Warmth and humidity: Keep the plant warm and away from cold draughts. Normal household humidity is usually suitable; extra humidity can help new leaves unfold in very dry air.
• Feeding: Feed according to the fertiliser label while new leaves are forming. When growth pauses, stop feeding and let the mix dry a little further between waterings.
• Propagation: Take a cutting with at least one healthy node and visible green and gold markings on the stem.

Troubleshooting Rhaphidophora tetrasperma 'Goldrush'

• Several leaves turn evenly yellow and lose firmness: Healthy gold areas stay firm. Widespread yellowing, soft leaves or a pot that stays heavy and wet can mean the roots are staying too wet. Check the potting mix and roots before watering again.
• Yellow or pale-green areas develop brown edges: Strong sun, a severe dry spell or fertiliser salts may have damaged the palest areas. Move the plant back from direct sun, avoid severe dry spells and flush the mix if salts are present.
• Several new leaves and the nearby stem turn dark green: Look along the stem for the last healthy section that still carries gold markings. If plain-green growth continues, shorten the vine to that patterned section and give the new shoot time to develop.
• The base softens and the pot smells sour: Remove the plant and inspect every root. Cut out soft or discoloured material with a clean tool, finishing in firm healthy tissue. Discard the rotten material and repot in fresh potting mix that drains well. See the root rot guide.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma ‘Goldrush’ 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.

Why is it called Rhaphidophora tetrasperma?

Rhaphidophora combines Greek rhaphis, meaning needle, with phorein, meaning to bear, referring to the needle-like raphide crystals in its tissues. Tetrasperma combines Greek tetra, four, with sperma, seed.

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

Joseph Dalton Hooker first described Rhaphidophora tetrasperma in 1893 in The Flora of British India, volume 6, page 548.