Rhaphidophora Foraminifera Variegata
CHF 39.90*
Item no. 4373
Prices incl. VAT plus shipping costs
Delivery time 2 - 7 working days
Choose a decorative pot cover compatible with your planting kit Ø18cm:
Care products for this plant:
Plant furniture | Protection & decorative items:
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
Delivery time 2 - 4 working days
History of the Rhaphidophora foraminifera Variegata
The Rhaphidophora foraminifera Variegata is a rare and particularly decorative climbing plant from the arum family (Araceae). The wild form Rhaphidophora foraminifera comes from the tropical regions of Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo, where it grows as a climbing hemiepiphyte in humid forests. Particularly characteristic are the elongated leaves, which develop striking natural fenestrations as they mature. The Variegata form adds attractive white to cream-coloured variegation, which can vary individually from leaf to leaf. Together with the decorative leaf openings, this creates an extraordinary appearance that makes this Rhaphidophora a sought-after rarity for aroid collectors. With a climbing support, it can develop its natural climbing habit particularly well and produce larger, more strongly fenestrated leaves.
Care as a houseplant:
- Light: Bright to very bright with plenty of indirect light. Good light supports stable, high-contrast variegation. Intense midday sun should be avoided, as the pale areas of the leaves are more susceptible to sunburn.
- Temperature: Around 18–27 °C is ideal. Avoid temperatures below 15 °C where possible. Cold draughts and sharp temperature fluctuations should also be avoided.
- Humidity: Increased humidity of around 60–80 % is preferred. Normal indoor air is also tolerated once the plant has acclimatised, but with dry heating air, additional humidity supports the development of beautiful leaves.
- Substrate: A coarse, airy and well-draining aroid substrate of orchid bark, perlite, coconut material and some moisture-retaining substrate is ideal. The roots need sufficient oxygen and should never stand permanently wet.
- Watering: Water as soon as about 30–50 % of the substrate has dried out. Then water thoroughly and let excess water drain away completely. Avoid waterlogging.
- Feeding: During the growing season, feed regularly with a balanced liquid fertiliser for foliage plants or aroids. When growth slows considerably in winter, reduce or pause feeding accordingly.
- Special features: As it matures, Rhaphidophora foraminifera develops characteristic holes and fenestrations in its leaves. The white to cream-coloured areas of the variegation contain less chlorophyll and therefore need good light. The exact pattern can vary greatly from leaf to leaf.
- Moss pole: A sturdy climbing support such as a moss pole, a wooden board or a piece of cork is highly recommended. Climbing allows the plant to grow more vigorously and, as it matures, to develop larger and more strongly fenestrated leaves.
- Important for pet owners: Rhaphidophora foraminifera Variegata is considered toxic. As with many members of the arum family, calcium oxalate crystals can cause irritation in the mouth and throat if ingested. The plant should therefore be kept out of reach of cats, dogs and small children.
Care as a terrarium plant:
Thanks to its tropical origin, the Rhaphidophora foraminifera Variegata is also suitable for warm, humid terrariums and plant cabinets. Especially with young plants, the constantly warm and humid conditions can support new growth. At the same time, good ventilation is important so that the airy substrate does not stay permanently too wet.
- Light: Bright and indirect, ideally with a suitable grow light. Avoid direct sun through the glass.
- Temperature: Around 22–28 °C is ideal. Avoid temperatures below 18 °C where possible.
- Humidity: High humidity of around 70–90 % is well tolerated. At the same time, sufficient air movement is important.
- Substrate: A very airy terrarium substrate of sphagnum, orchid bark and perlite is well suited. The substrate should retain moisture but never be permanently wet.
- Watering: Keep evenly slightly moist and let it dry out a little between waterings. Be sure to avoid waterlogging.
- Climbing support: A small moss pole, cork board or branch supports the natural climbing habit and gives the aerial roots something to hold on to.
- Special features: In optimal warm and humid conditions, the plant can grow particularly actively. Good air circulation remains important in the terrarium too, to prevent problems with fungi and rot.
Overwintering tips:
The Rhaphidophora foraminifera Variegata should also be kept as bright and warm as possible in winter. Due to the lower light levels, growth usually slows, so water less and feed only sparingly. The substrate may dry out more between waterings. Temperatures below 15–16 °C and cold draughts should be avoided.
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