Rhaphidophora cryptantha P.C.Boyce & C.M.Allen

Shingle Plant, Shingling Aroid

Easy careSemi-epiphyteModerately toxic15–200 cm

A shingling aroid from the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea, Rhaphidophora cryptantha climbs by pressing its leaves flat against tree bark — each leaf lying directly on the surface like a roof shingle, with silvery-grey veins tracing across the dark green blade. This behaviour makes it one of the most striking background plants for a vivarium or closed terrarium, where it will creep steadily across cork bark, tree fern panels, or any rough vertical surface. In the wild it grows as a hemi-epiphyte in shaded understory conditions, and it does well at low to medium light in cultivation. It is slow to moderate in growth rate, which makes it easier to manage in enclosed setups than faster vining aroids.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Shingle Plant image

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers high humidity, indirect light, with 13–29 °C, and reaches 200 cm at maturity.

Light

Indirect light(preferred)Bright indirectShade tolerant

Humidity

High (60–80%)(preferred)Medium (40–60%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
13°C – 29°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Orchid mixSphagnum mix

Moisture

Moist(preferred)Dry

Soil pH

5.5 – 6.5

Propagation

Take a stem cutting with at least one node — and an aerial root if present — and press it into damp sphagnum moss or a chunky orchid bark mix. Keep humidity high and maintain warmth above 20 °C while roots establish; this species is slower to root than many aroids, so patience is important. Once rooted, secure the cutting against a vertical surface to encourage the characteristic shingling habit.

Native range

Native to Papuasia.

Appearance

Growth habit

ClimbingCreeping

Leaf shape

Heart

Leaf texture

LeatherySmooth

Frequently asked

Can Shingle Plant grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Shingle Plant prefers high (60–80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates indirect-light-loving conditions.

Does Shingle Plant need drainage?

Shingle Plant prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Shingle Plant need?

Shingle Plant does best in high (60–80%) humidity.

Is Shingle Plant pet-safe?

Shingle Plant is moderately toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.

How tall does Shingle Plant grow?

Shingle Plant typically reaches 15–200 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Shingle Plant?

Shingle Plant can be propagated by stem cuttings.

References

  1. 1

    POWO (Kew) — Rhaphidophora cryptantha P.C.Boyce & C.M.Allen (accepted name; first published in Gardens' Bulletin Singapore 53: 99 (2001); family Araceae; native range: Papua New Guinea; climbing plant in wet tropical biome; hemi-epiphytic)

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:20001450-1
  2. 2

    PlantCareToday — Rhaphidophora Cryptantha Growing and Care (light: bright indirect; rich organic soil with good drainage; soil moist to dry, never wet; temperature 13–27 °C (55–80 °F); toxic, keep from pets and children; stem cutting propagation; mature leaves up to ~7.5 cm (3"); young leaves under ~2.5 cm (<1"); shingling growth habit; can be terrarium grown)

    https://plantcaretoday.com/rhaphidophora-cryptantha.html
  3. 3

    House Plant Shop — Rhaphidophora care guide (bright indirect light preferred, tolerates lower light; humidity 60%+; temperature 18–29 °C (65–85 °F); water when top inch dry; NOT pet safe; easy care level; low-maintenance tropical vine)

    https://houseplantshop.com/blogs/plant-care/rhaphidophora-care-guide
  4. 4

    Greg App — Rhaphidophora cryptantha (USDA zones 10a–12b; well-draining soil with coco coir and perlite; prefers drying between waterings; sensitive to wet soil; not safe to consume; close proximity to window required)

    https://greg.app/plant-care/rhaphidophora-cryptantha
  5. 5

    Saurian — Rhaphidophora cryptantha mount (shingling vine; vivarium/terrarium use; grows flat against vertical surfaces; rare climbing aroid; Papua New Guinea native)

    https://saurian.net/Rhaphidophora-cryptantha-mount.html
  6. 6

    Top Tropicals — Rhaphidophora cryptantha (common name: Shingle Plant; family Araceae; origin Papua New Guinea; vine or creeper; semi-shade; ornamental foliage)

    https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/rhaphidophora_cryptantha.htm