Descriptive characteristics of the plant, rules for caring for rafidophora in indoor conditions, reproduction, possible pests and diseases, curious facts, species. Rafidophora (Rhaphidophora) is a plant related to the genus of representatives of the flora, which are part of the Aroid family (Araceae). And although there are up to a hundred differences in the genus, only two Rafidophora stemmed (Rhaphidophora celatocaulis) and Rafidophora decursiva (Rhaphidophora decursiva) are well known in home floriculture. This genus is the most extensive among all aroids that grow in tropical and subtropical forests, and their "possessions" can stretch from flat areas to the middle belt of mountainous areas. These plants are "inhabitants" of Asia and the African continent, as well as the islands of the western part of the Pacific Ocean. There are varieties that are found in the Himalayas (from Nepal in the southeast to the northeastern regions of Vietnam), in western Malaysia (which also includes the southernmost peninsular part of Thailand). Rafidofora is not uncommon in the lands of the Philippines and in the east of Malaysia. Among all the rafidophora there are those that grow on rocky surfaces (lithophytes) or can successfully settle in water (rheophytes).
This specimen of flora takes its scientific name from the fusion of the Greek words "rhaphidos, rhapis" meaning "needle" and "phherd", which translates as "burden". All this is because Rafidophora has microscopic cells in parts of its tissues that resemble small needles in outline. The length of such cells does not exceed 1 cm.
All representatives of the genus are evergreen plants that have a herbaceous appearance, and can also be large or small lianas, in rare cases, some specimens grow of huge parameters. However, in domestic cultivation, they rarely exceed 4.5 m or slightly more.
Based on the nature of the stems, then all types can be divided into three parts:
- plants whose stems are climbing, but deprived of the ability to branch and bloom, they cling to any protrusion on the surface along their entire length, and at the same time they are the beginning for free stems that grow on the sides and already with the possibility of flowering;
- varieties that have full stems that are both flowering and clinging;
- rafidophores, all the stems that can cling, but only the lateral ones bloom.
The internodes are of different lengths and are distinguished by varied branching. There are traces of fallen leaf plates on them. The surface of the stems is smooth and rough, over time they can lignify or acquire a corky appearance. There are varieties that have long stems that eventually reach the surface of the soil and from there they deliver nutrients to the plant, rooting takes place there and then they begin to climb the support again. In this way, the Rafidophora is similar to the monster.
The leaves are attached to long petioles, which have a geniculate appearance with a smooth surface with longitudinal grooves. The leaf shape of the Rafidophora varies from lanceolate to oval; at the base, the plate can be cordate or wedge-shaped. The apex can also be both pointed and very pointed. The leaf plate is often pinnate or solid, often with holes. If the leaf is pinnate, then the shape of the lobe varies from pinnately dissected to pinnate, and the surface may also be leathery to semi-scaly. The median vein is often more or less glabrous and is located between the leaf segments.
During flowering, there is the formation of single apical inflorescences or a small number of them. The pedicel takes on features from cylindrical to laterally flattened. There is a bedspread (a petal surrounding the inflorescence) also of different shapes - from narrow to oval. Before flowering, it opens slightly, but it may be during the flowering period of male flowers with almost flat outlines. Then the veil falls off or persists before the fruits begin to fully ripen, in rare cases it dries up and remains permanently. The color of the bedspread is yellow, cream, greenish or off-white.
The inflorescence has the shape of an ear of various shapes (hemisphere, buloid-cylindrical, fusiform). It can grow on a stalk or be sedentary; it narrows towards the top. The inflorescence contains male and female flowers. At the top and at the very bottom of the ear are sterile buds.
When pollination has occurred, then the Rafidophora is forming fruits, which are provided by the orange color berry. She has stems with enlarged parts, inside there are seeds of an oblong shape with a thin shell.
The growth rate of Rafidophora is quite high and amounts to 30–45 cm per year, while growing it is quite simple, the main thing is not to violate the general rules. Flowering does not occur during indoor cultivation, but the flowers of the "needle" plant are of no value.
Rules for growing rafidophora in rooms, especially watering
- Lighting. Bright, but diffused lighting, which can be on the windows of the east or west orientation, is most suitable. If placed in a more shaded place, then the size of the liana's foliage is crushed, and the petioles are very lengthened.
- Content temperature rafidophora in the spring-summer period should be in the range of 18-24 degrees, and with the arrival of autumn, it is gradually brought to indicators of 13-16 degrees.
- Air humidity. Indoor cultivation of Rafidophora requires that the moisture readings be about 60% - this will imitate the natural growing conditions. In the summer, especially if the temperature rises, then you should spray the hardwood mass with warm soft water, at least three times a week. And between these procedures, you can wipe the sheet plates with a damp soft cloth or sponge. With the onset of winter, it is recommended to move the Rafidofor away from heaters and central heating batteries. Although it is noted that the plant can tolerate low humidity without damage, but then its growth rate will slow down somewhat. If it is not possible to move the liana pot further away, then cover the batteries with a moistened towel and change it regularly. Also, flower growers recommend putting a pot with a vine in a pallet with pebbles (expanded clay, chopped with moss) and a small amount of water at the bottom, just so that the bottom of the pot does not touch it.
- Watering. From the beginning of spring days until autumn, it is recommended to water the rafidophor abundantly, as the plant loves to "consume" a lot of moisture. However, the top layer of the soil can serve as a guide, if it is dry, then you can water the vine. Usually watering every 4–5 days. In winter, watering should be reduced to moderate, especially with a cool content - the regularity is every 7-8 days. Watering is performed only a couple of days after the soil has dried on top. Water is taken only soft and well-settled, devoid of lime impurities. It is recommended to warm it up to room temperature.
- Fertilizers for plants it is necessary to apply from the beginning of spring to the end of summer, when the growth of Rafidophora begins to intensify. They use complex mineral compositions intended for decorative deciduous representatives of the flora. The regularity of the introduction of the drug - once every 14 days. It is recommended to apply dressings "Uniflor growth", "Pocon for decorative leafy" or fertilizers with a similar composition. Better when the drug is in liquid form, then it is dissolved in water for irrigation.
- Transplanting and soil selection. When the Rafidophora is still young, then for her the change of the pot and the soil in it is carried out only once a year, but over time, such an operation is performed no more often than once every 2-3 years. Holes are made in the bottom of the new container to drain excess water. Also, before pouring the soil into the pot, a layer of drainage material is laid, which is considered small-sized expanded clay, pebbles or broken, but sifted brick. The soil for rafidophora should be light, nutritious and loose, acidity values are tried to be maintained in the pH range of 5, 5–6, 5. It is usually made up of leaf peat and humus soil, coarse sand, taken in equal frequency. After watering, such a substrate will crumble, and not form a dense crust. If there is no sand, then a handful of vermiculite or agroperlite is used instead.
- Pruning. When grown indoors for Rafidophora, it is recommended to prune its stems. In this case, the owner can form a crown with the outlines of a bush. To do this, it is necessary to shorten the shoots by half their length with the arrival of spring.
Steps for self-propagating Rafidophora at home
It is possible to get a young plant with feathery leaves by sowing seeds and carrying out cuttings.
Blanks for cuttings are taken from the tops of the shoots of Rafidophora, and they must have at least a couple of leaf plates, a bud or aerial root. The cut is made slightly below the growth of the leaf. Planting is carried out in pots filled with peat-sandy substrate or a mixture of peat and chopped sphagnum moss. Then the container with the cuttings is wrapped in a transparent plastic wrap or placed under a glass jar. Rooting temperature should not go beyond 20-22 degrees. When leaving, it is necessary to regularly ventilate to remove accumulated condensate and if the soil is dry, then water it.
After 14–20 days, the cuttings will take root and can be transplanted into separate pots with soil suitable for Rafidophora. But flower growers assure that in the springtime it is better to put the cuttings in a vessel with water, where they quickly take root. When the root shoots reach 1 cm, the cuttings are planted in a container with drainage and soil consisting of sod land, leafy soil, humus and river sand.
Seed propagation at home is practically not used, since seeds rarely germinate.
Fight against diseases and pests of Rafidophora in indoor cultivation
If the conditions of detention are violated, then the plant is affected by pests, among which are the scabbard, spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. To combat them, insecticidal preparations of systemic action are used.
Also, the problems that arise when caring for Rafidophora include:
- if the plant lacks nutrients, the foliage will turn yellow, but not fade;
- low humidity will lead to the formation of brown spots on the sheet plates;
- if spots of brown color have formed on the leaves, and their edge has turned black, then this indicates a low temperature with high humidity;
- when the substrate is constantly in a waterlogged state, the stem will begin to rot.
Rafidofor facts for the curious
Some of the varieties of Rafidophora are usually grown for decorative purposes, but many of them are used in medicine.
So the species Rafidophora decursiva (Rhaphidophora decursiva) is used for malaria, as they actively fight against its pathogen - plasmodium falciparum (the simplest type of parasites). For this, its leaf plates are dried and then medicines are made on their basis. The plant also contains a number of photoestrogens with anti-infective action. The Rhaphidophora hookeri, which grows about 2,200 m above sea level in India, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries, has been successful in treating fractures.
Important to remember! When working with rafidophora, be careful, as it, like all plants from the aroid family, is toxic. Therefore, it is not recommended to place the plant in close proximity to pets or small children. It is not recommended to remove adventitious roots, the plant may get sick and die.
Types of rafidophora
- Rafidophora decursiva is a plant with climbing liana-shaped shoots. At the same time, the trunk is distinguished by thick outlines and in diameter it can reach 3-4 cm. Its color is green, the distance between the nodes is elongated. The leaf plates are large in size and can grow in length up to half a meter or slightly more with an average width of 40 cm. The leaf shape is broadly oval, pinnately dissected. The blades are distinguished by an oblong-lanceolate contour, and they can be counted in the range from seven to 21 units. The surface of the leaf plate is leathery, painted in a dark green color. When the leaf is young, its outlines have a lanceolate shape, but over time they change to almost heart-shaped. The leaf is attached to the trunk with a petiole, which can vary in length from 30 to 40 cm. The native habitat is in the lands of North-East India, where Assam and Sikkim are assigned, as well as the northern part of SRV (Socialist Republic of Vietnam), Sri Lanka. There, this variety can be found in tropical forests, and it can often be confused with a monster because of the outlines of the leaf plates. Care can be organized like a monster.
- Rafidophora stalk (Rhaphidophora celatocaulis), which also bears the name Rafidophora large and is often referred to in botanical literature as Pothos celatocaulis. It has liana-like climbing branches, while the internodes of the shoots do not differ in length. In older specimens, the thickness of the branches does not exceed three centimeters. The leaf plates are oval in shape, but the length, in contrast to the previous variety, is rather small, only 8-10 cm with a width of about 5-6 cm. The top of the leaf is pointed, heart-shaped at the base. The leaf blade itself is more or less pinnately dissected. In this case, the leaf lobes take on dimensions in length of 15-30 cm with a width of approximately 10-25 cm. The native lands of growth fall on the territory of the island of Kalimantan. The plant is used for phytodecoration of walls. Leaving is recommended as for the scindapsus.
- Rafidophora gray (Rhaphidophora glauca) - liana, distributed from Nepal to Thailand in tropical forests. Its height is 10 m, but often it can be less. Stems 0.7–2.5 cm in diameter, rooting in internodes, but over time, hanging under their own weight. Leaves are located at each node, one at a time. The length of the petiole is 9–33 cm. The leaf plate with parameters 11, 5–42x7, 5–24 cm. The shape of the leaf is ovoid, the color is dull green. The form is pinnately dissected, there may be 2–5 (8) leaf lobes. Side veins are clearly visible on the leaf. When flowering, a straight single inflorescence appears, arising from the tops of free lateral branches. Its length is 10–25 cm. The sheet is wide, takes on a pale silver-yellow color, waxy, with an oblong-ovoid shape. Its dimensions are 4.5–8.5 cm long and about 0.8–1.3 cm in diameter. The apex is pointed. When fruiting, the berry ripens 12-15x3-3, 5 cm of pale orange color. It contains numerous seeds with a diameter of about 1 mm. Their shape is narrowly elliptical. The flowering process occurs in August-September.
