6in Philodendron "Dragon Tail"

In its native environment, this climbing tropical plant grows up tree trunks in the forest understory and is accustomed to dappled sunlight. When grown indoors, it does best in a location that receives several hours of bright, indirect light. Avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight which can burn the plant’s leaves, but also avoid low-light conditions if possible. Ideally, this plant should be grown directly next to, or in front of, a bright window. 

As with most aroids, the Rhaphidophora decursiva prefers a soil mix that is rich, light, and airy, while still retaining some moisture. A mixture of equal parts houseplant potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark, or an orchid bark mix is perfect for these tropical plants. 

This plant should be watered once the top few inches of soil have dried out. The “soak and dry” method of watering is ideal for this Rhaphidophora. This means that when it comes time to water, you should water the plant thoroughly so that the plant’s soil is thoroughly soaked through. Then, ensure that all of the excess water has drained from the pot via the pot’s drainage holes and allow the soil to dry out slightly before repeating the process. Keep in mind that during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down it will need less water, so you should cut back on the frequency of watering to prevent overwatering.

This tropical plant is not cold-hardy, which is part of the reason it makes an ideal houseplant. It prefers temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26 degrees Celsius) and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.