Home
Shop
Rhaphidophora hongkongensis variegata

Rhaphidophora hongkongensis variegata

5 Stars(190 Business Reviews)

Regular price£32.99

ø 14cm pot | 45cm foliage on eco pole

Add these products:

Complete Organic Plant Food – 50ml
Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'
Potting Mix

Grows well together...

Maranta leuconeura var. Erythroneura

Regular priceFrom £5.99

Useful Information

Plant Bio

Rhaphidophora hongkongensis variegata is a highly sought-after and relatively rare hybrid cultivar, celebrated for its exquisite variegated foliage. This captivating aroid is a climbing vine, often displaying a striking array of creamy white, pale yellow, or mint green variegation against a backdrop of deep green leaves. The patterns of variegation are unique to each leaf, ranging from delicate speckles and splashes to bold blocks or marbling, making every specimen a living piece of art. Its graceful, vining habit makes it a truly enchanting and sophisticated addition to any indoor plant collection, lending a distinct tropical allure. It is a member of the Araceae family.

The genus name Rhaphidophora is derived from the Greek words 'rhaphis' (needle) and 'phoros' (bearing), referring to the needle-like crystals (raphides) found in the plant's tissues. 'Hongkongensis' indicates its origin in Hong Kong, and 'Variegata' denotes its characteristic multi-coloured foliage.

Light: Rhaphidophora hongkongensis variegata thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat where it grows as an understory climber. Direct, harsh sunlight must be rigorously avoided, as it can easily scorch the delicate variegated sections of the leaves, leading to unsightly brown, crispy patches or a significant loss of its vibrant coloration. Conversely, insufficient light may result in slower growth, reduced variegation, and the plant potentially reverting to an all-green form. For optimal conditions in a typical UK home, a position near an east-facing window or a few metres away from a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains provides ideal lighting.

Water: The potting mix should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. It is crucial to allow the top 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch) of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensuring the pot has excellent drainage is paramount to prevent root rot, which can be a common issue, especially given the potentially cooler and damper indoor environments in the UK during certain seasons. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, as the plant's growth naturally slows down.

Soil: An airy, chunky, and well-draining potting mix is essential for Rhaphidophora hongkongensis variegata, though it should also retain some moisture. A specialized aroid mix, incorporating components such as coco coir, perlite, orchid bark, and horticultural charcoal, is highly recommended to provide the necessary aeration and drainage while maintaining adequate hydration. A slightly acidic soil pH, between 5.5 and 6.5, is generally preferred.

Fertilising: During its active growing period in spring and summer, a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser should be applied every four weeks. It is important to reduce or completely cease fertilising during the autumn and winter months when the plant's growth slows down. Overfeeding can lead to root burn, so always adhere strictly to dilution recommendations.

Temperature: This plant prefers warm and stable temperatures, ideally ranging between 20°C and 28°C (68°F and 82°F). It is vital to shield it from cold draughts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which can stress the plant and cause leaf damage, particularly in UK homes during colder periods. Temperatures falling below 16°C (60°F) may hinder growth, while sustained temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can lead to significant damage.

Humidity: High humidity levels are profoundly beneficial for Rhaphidophora hongkongensis variegata, with ideal levels being above 60%. To maintain optimal conditions, particularly during drier indoor periods in the UK (often due to central heating), consider using a humidifier nearby or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot is not submerged. Regular misting can also offer some benefit, though a humidifier provides more consistent humidity.

Growth Habit: This Rhaphidophora exhibits a vigorous climbing growth habit, with new leaves emerging and stretching upwards. In its juvenile stage, it often displays a "shingling" behaviour, where leaves lie flat against a surface. As it matures, with proper support, it will climb, and its leaves may increase in size and develop more prominent variegation. It can reach impressive lengths indoors with appropriate support such as a moss pole, coir pole, or trellis.

Toxicity: Like many members of the Araceae family, Rhaphidophora hongkongensis variegata is toxic if consumed by humans or pets.

Delivery & Returns

General

Please be aware that your plant may vary from the picture as this is a living item. Variations of shape and colour are perfectly natural and to be expected. We will send you a plant as close to the picture and description as possible. The picture shown is an example of what's in stock unless stated otherwise.

Shipping & Delivery

We now ship fresh plants directly from our trusted growers in the Netherlands, typically arriving within 3-5 business days. Read more about our realtionship with the Netherlands here. Shipping costs vary depending on your location and chosen option, with details available at checkout. We carefully package your plants to ensure safe arrival, and our customer support team is here to help with any issues. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your delivery, and we currently ship to all UK addresses. Please review our return policy for plants, and note that some species may have shipping restrictions.

Returns

We guarantee our plants 14 day from receipt. We guarantee to send happy and healthy plants, however, it is your responsibility to care for them and we cannot be held responsible for neglect or mis care. Please send us a picture within 24 hours of receiving your plant and we'll help you out with your issue.

If returning your order, please keep all original packaging and use this to send the plant back to us. This will ensure the plant is kept as safe as possible on its return.

To allow the plant to acclimatise in its new home, there should be no repotting of the plant for a minimum of 14 days after receipt. If any plant has been repotted or a cutting has been taken then we are not able to accept returns.

We are happy to replace your plant if it is very badly damaged in transport. The loss of a leaf in transport on a healthy plant should not generally be cause for any concern. We cannot give a refund for snapped leaves.

FAQ'S

Where do you ship from?

We now ship directly from our trusted growers in The Netherlands.

Why do we ship from the Netherlands?

Here's a summary of the main benefits you will experience due to us direct shipping from our growers:

Massive increase in variety: You will have access to hundreds more houseplant options, allowing you to find the perfect plants.
Higher quality plants: Sourcing directly from Dutch growers ensures plants are expertly cared for and in peak condition when they arrive at your door.
Fresher plants: Direct shipping means plants spend less time in transit, arriving fresher and healthier.
Unique and rare finds: You'll now be able to discover unusual and hard-to-find plant varieties that were previously unavailable.
More sustainable: Direct shipping reduces transportation emissions and packaging waste.

How long does shipping take?

Typically, you can expect your plants to arrive within 3-5 business days of placing your order. We pack UK orders on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Orders packed on Tuesday's normally arrive on Thursday and orders packed on Thursday's normally arrive over the weekend (sometimes Monday at the latest!). Ask our virtual assistant the shipping times to your location for a more detailed answer.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping on all order under £74.99 costs £6.99. Free shipping on all orders above £74.99. You can view the full details of our shipping costs at checkout.

Do you offer free shipping?

We offer free shipping on all orders above £74.99. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of our website to be updated with all our latest promotions.

Why can't I choose store pick-up?

To bring you an even wider variety of the freshest, highest quality plants, we've partnered directly with growers in the Netherlands. This exciting change means we can no longer offer store pickup, but you'll now have access to hundreds more beautiful plants delivered straight to your door!

Why is there a minimum order on the webshop?

To make our new direct shipping model from the Netherlands as efficient and eco-friendly as possible, we've implemented a £24.99 minimum order. This allows us to optimise shipping and reduce unnecessary packaging, contributing to a greener plant-buying experience.

Will you help me & answer any questions?

Yes! If you have any questions or need help looking after your plants please take a look at our houseplant library. We will be updating this every month with new plant care tips.

When you buy from Root you will receive a care guide full of all the information you need to keep your new plants happy and healthy.

If you need anymore plant help — feel free to visit our house plant shop in Liverpool for a chat, or you can send us a message on Instagram, ping us an email to
care@root-houseplants.com or fill in our contact form.

How are my plants packaged for shipping?

We take great care in packaging your plants to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. We use sturdy boxes, protective wrapping, and specialised plant packaging materials to minimise damage during transit.

What if my plant arrives damaged?

In the rare event that your plant arrives damaged, please contact our customer support team within 2 days of receiving your order. We will gladly assist you with a replacement or refund. Contact care@root-houseplants.com or fill in our contact form.

Can I track my order?

Yes, once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email that you can use to monitor the progress of your delivery. You'll also receive delivery notifications from your local courier once your parcel is received.

Do you ship outside the UK?

We ship plants to all UK addresses including Northern Ireland. We also ship to European countires including France, Italy, Ireland and Germany.

My order is a present, can I include a gift message?

At the moment we are unable to include a gift message with your order but are working to find a solution ASAP! Sorry for the inconvenience.

What is your return policy for plants?

Due to the perishable nature of plants, we have a limited return policy. Please refer to our return policy page for detailed information on returns and exchanges.

Are there any restrictions on shipping plants?

Some plant species may be subject to shipping restrictions due to local regulations or import/export laws. We comply with all applicable regulations and will notify you if any restrictions apply to your order.