Image: PlantoScan
Dragon Tail Plant Plant Care
Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognizable by its long, heart-shaped leaves that feature stunning silver variegation. Originating from Southeast Asia, Rhaphidophora decursiva is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to climb and trail, making it a beautiful addition to any indoor jungle.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Dragon Tail Plant?
Water Dragon Tail Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Dragon Tail Plant Native To?
What Is the Dragon Tail Plant?
Dragon Tail Plant (Rhaphidophora decursiva) belongs to the Araceae family within the Rhaphidophora genus. Dragon Tail Plant is native to China, the Indian subcontinent, and Indochina. Dragon Tail Plant is also known as Shingle Plant.
Dragon Tail Plant displays a climbing vine, epiphytic growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Dragon Tail Plant produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dragon Tail Plant?
Rhaphidophora decursiva requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dragon Tail Plant Need?
Dragon Tail Plant thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Dragon Tail Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dragon Tail Plant Prefer?
Rhaphidophora decursiva grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Dragon Tail Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dragon Tail Plant?
Well-draining, aerated potting mix rich in organic matter like peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Dragon Tail Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dragon Tail Plant?
Feed Dragon Tail Plant every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dragon Tail Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dragon Tail Plant?
Dragon Tail Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to mini monstera plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dragon Tail Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dragon Tail Plant?
Dragon Tail Plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dragon Tail Plant Need?
Dragon Tail Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Dragon Tail Plant is native to China, the Indian subcontinent, and Indochina. In cooler regions, grow Dragon Tail Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Dragon Tail Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Rhaphidophora genus — compare its care with other Rhaphidophora species on PlantoScan.
Rhaphidophora is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Dragon Tail Plant copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Rhaphidophora Species
Other Rhaphidophora species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rhaphidophora decursiva (Roxb.) Schott, family Araceae (first published in Bonplandia (Hannover) 5: 45 (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Dragon Tail Plant is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Dragon Tail Plant Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species