Rare Houseplant found in the wild! Rhaphidophora hayi - Shingle plant.
Rhaphidophora hayi, Shingle plant, holding snug to a tree trunk.
On an expedition to the Mossman Gorge in Far North Queensland it’s easy to come across the Australian native vining plant that is a trending indoor/ houseplant popular with collectors world wide. Rhaphidophora hayi is such a delight that its very easy to see why this beautiful specimen is in high demand for both indoors and for tropical landscape gardens.
When I was back in FNQ for a trip to visit family last week I couldn’t help but pop in for a quiet afternoon at Mossman Gorge. This time of year in the tropics is astounding — the humidity is low, and the sun is beaming down at a perfect 27 degrees celsius. It’s peak tourist season in the region but so far it’s shaping up to be a quieter season after cyclone Jasper moved through the area late last year (DEC 2023) coupled with “The Wettest wet season in living memory” multiple family member retorted to me.
Rediscovering the mossman Gorge and the thousands of plant species it hosts was a treat beyond words.
Rhaphidophora hayi, Shingle plant in the Mossman Gorge
It’s such a treat to see Rhaphidophora hayi in its natural habitat. It features deep emerald leaves with a smooth, leathery texture that lay flat to the host tree.
If you are looking to grow hayi indoors, they are remarkably easy to care for, making it ideal for novice collectors who want to try growing a shingling variety.
For optimal growth, Rhaphidophora hayi requires a warm, humid environment and bright, indirect light, whether placed indoors or in a sheltered outdoor area. It grows best with a support structure to climb like a moss pole or cut tree branch standing in the pot. Without a supporting structure the leaves shrink in size and develop large gaps between leaves as it searched for something new to latch onto.
They thrive in well-draining soil kept moist but not saturated. Fertilize during the spring and summer.
Propagation by cutting is super easy. Simply take a cutting with at least one node and one leaf and plant it in fresh potting mix. As an aroid the plant produces aerial roots that will make it even easier to propagate with.
Wonders of the Mossman Gorge
The more I reflect on Far North Queensland, the more I feel so lucky and privileged to have grown up there amongst the rainforest and swimming on the reef. Thank you to the Kuku Yalanji people for caring for and allowing visitors to your beautiful gorge.
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