A shingle plant is one of the most unique and interesting houseplants you can find. Native to southeast Asia, this plant has two-inch leaves that grow flat against any vertical surface it is climbing on. With the right conditions and a structure for it to climb, you can have a beautiful shingle plant in your home. So if you’re looking to add a unique and interesting touch to your home, why not try a shingle plant?
Caring for a Shingle Plant in Your Home
Shingle plants are an attractive and easy-to-care-for houseplant. There are two species of shingle plant which can be grown in a home environment. The first one is botanically known as Rhaphidophora hayi, which is characterized by its solid green leaves. The second species, Rhaphidophora cryptantha, has silvery leaf veins on the green leaves; however, it is very similar to the first one.
For either of these species to thrive, they need a few specific growing conditions.
Soil and Structure
- Use a rich and well-draining soil mix.
- Proper drainage is essential in order to avoid root rot, so make sure that the pot has holes for water drainage.
- Since these plants are climbers, you will need some sort of structure for them to climb on such as a moss pole or wooden board.
Unique Climber
- Native to Southeast Asia, the shingle plant is a unique and fascinating climber with 2” leaves that cling to any vertical surface they come into contact with.
- When shingle plants climb up wood, the leaves take on a unique shape that looks like shingles. This is why these plants are often sold with a tall wooden board, so you can easily display them in your home.
Humidity and Light
- Shingle plants require an above-average humidity level and will suffer if the air is too dry.
- To increase humidity in its environment, grow it in a large terrarium, over a large pebble tray filled with water, near a small humidifier, or grouped together with other houseplants.
- They need plenty of bright indirect light and should be kept away from direct sunlight.
Fertilizer
- Feed your shingle plant during the spring and summer months with liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Growing and Caring for Shingle Plants
When it comes to the size of a shingle plant, it can get quite large. When provided with the right conditions and sufficient space to grow, a healthy plant can reach up to 8-10 feet high with vines that have a diameter of 1 inch. The leaves of these plants are 3 inches long and they cling to any vertical surface they come into contact with.
To display shingle plants in your home, you can purchase them from houseplant growers such as Costa Farms. They offer shingle plants for sale that are already trained on wooden boards or moss poles.
Tips for Growing and Caring for Shingle Plants
- Provide ample space for the plant to grow vertically
- Use a sturdy support structure such as a moss pole or wooden board
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged
- Place the plant in a bright, indirect light
- Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer
By following these tips, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving shingle plant in your home.
The Benefits of Having Shingles in Your Garden
- Shingles are low maintenance plants that do not rot or decompose, making them a long-lasting addition to your garden.
- With shingles, you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements, saving you time and money.
- Shingles also reduce the need for weeding, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your garden.
- These plants can be trained onto wooden boards or moss poles, making them a versatile and easily displayed option for any outdoor space.
Propagating Shingle Vines in Water
Another great benefit of shingle plants is that they are very easy to propagate. All you need to grow shingle plants from cuttings is a few stem cuttings that have at least one node; the more nodes and leaves you can get on a cutting, the greater the likelihood of it growing roots successfully. Once the stem cuttings take root, they will begin to form new vines with 2” leaves that cling onto any vertical surface they come into contact with.
Can Shingle Vine be Propagated in Water?
One question that many people have is whether or not shingle vine can be propagated in water. The answer to this is yes, it is possible to propagate the shingle vine in water. Every other aroid seems to grow well when put into water, and the same should apply for the shingle vine as well.
To propagate a cutting, simply place the base of it into some fresh water and let nature take its course. Once it has taken root and grown some new vines with leaves, you can then transplant it into soil with something for it to cling onto.