How to Grow and Care for Rhaphidophora Dragon Tail
This guide helps you correctly identify your Dragon Tail and provides the key steps to nurture its foliage into its mature, split-leaf form.
The Rhaphidophora Dragon Tail is a vining plant from the Araceae family, native to Asia and prized for its dramatic foliage. This sought-after houseplant is known for its rapid growth and tropical aesthetic. It offers a rewarding experience as its leaves transform from a solid juvenile shape to a mature, split form.
Identifying the Dragon Tail Plant
The “Dragon Tail” name is often applied to two plants: Rhaphidophora decursiva and Epipremnum pinnatum. This article focuses on R. decursiva, a climbing species from Southeast Asia. While both are aroids that develop split leaves, their appearance differs as they mature.
In its juvenile stage, R. decursiva has solid, oval-shaped leaves. As it matures, the leaves develop deep, symmetrical lobes for a palm-like appearance. In contrast, the juvenile leaves of Epipremnum pinnatum are smaller and more slender. Its mature leaves have splits that reach the midrib, but the overall shape is more lance-like than the broader leaves of R. decursiva.
Dragon Tail Plant Care
Light
This plant performs best in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. Slow, leggy growth indicates a lack of sufficient light, and supplementing with a grow light can be beneficial.
Soil
The Dragon Tail requires a well-draining potting medium that retains some moisture, as standard potting soil is often too dense. A chunky aroid mix is ideal for preventing waterlogged conditions and root rot. This can be created by amending potting soil with materials like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir.
Water
Water thoroughly only when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Allow water to flow freely through the pot’s drainage holes and discard any excess from the saucer to prevent overwatering. The plant requires more frequent watering during the spring and summer growing season and less during the dormant winter months.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical native, the Dragon Tail thrives in warm, humid conditions. It prefers temperatures from 60 to 80°F (15.6 to 26.7°C) and should be protected from cold drafts and frost. This plant appreciates humidity levels above 60%. If your home is dry, you can increase moisture by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray with water, or running a humidifier.
Fertilizer
To support vigorous growth, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the spring and summer. Suspend feeding during the fall and winter when growth slows. This prevents the buildup of mineral salts in the soil.
Encouraging Mature Growth and Fenestration
The primary factor in triggering the transformation to mature, split leaves is providing a surface for the plant to climb. Without support, the plant will trail, and its leaves will likely remain in their solid juvenile state. A moss pole or wooden plank gives the aerial roots something to anchor into. As the plant climbs, the security of the support signals it to produce larger, more complex leaves. To encourage this, gently tie the main stem to the pole.
How to Propagate a Dragon Tail Plant
The most effective way to propagate a Dragon Tail is with stem cuttings during the spring or summer growing season. Use clean shears to take a cutting from a healthy plant. Each cutting must include at least one node, which is the small bump on the stem where new roots will form.
You can root the cutting in a glass of water, changing the water weekly. Roots should appear within a couple of weeks. Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into a well-draining soil mix or perlite. If not rooting in water, maintain high humidity by covering the cutting with a plastic bag to encourage faster rooting.
Common Dragon Tail Problems
Yellowing leaves are often the first sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If you suspect this, allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings. Brown, crispy leaf edges or tips point to low humidity or underwatering.
This plant can be susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly to catch infestations early. Pests can be treated by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap. Small brown or black spots may indicate a fungal disease, which is managed by removing affected leaves and keeping foliage dry.