- Decorative Foliage
- Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
- Average Watering Needs
- Mature Height 3-4 Feet
Dragon Tail Philodendron is a tropical foliage plant that forms aerial roots as it grows. These roots will readily grab onto supports like a moss pole or piece of wood to create a fabulous vertical shape. The glossy, deep green leaves are smooth and elliptical when young. As the leaves mature, they split into sections and can get quite large in diameter–up to 12 inches long!
Best Locations For Growing Dragon Tail Philodendron
Any corner of the house that needs decorating is suitable for the Dragon Tail Philodendron. It needs to be trained to grow vertically on a moss pole or some other support, which makes it a good floor plant for smaller areas. All parts of Rhaphidorpha decursiva are toxic and should be kept away from pets and children.
Dragon Tail Philodendron Sunlight Requirements
An east- or west-facing window's filtered indirect light is ideal and will encourage this tropical to grow the quickest. Medium and low light levels are also well tolerated, although growth may slow or stop. If the leaves begin to look thin with less splitting, the light levels are too low. Dragon Tail will appreciate growing on a semi-shaded to full-shade porch or deck during the summer. Make sure to bring the plant back indoors before nighttime temperatures fall to 50 degrees F.
Dragon Tail Philodendron Care
Repot Dragon Tail every 2-3 years in a potting mix containing perlite or vermiculite added for good drainage. Prune the top growth when it gets too tall or if the top growth is too heavy for the pot. Train this Philodendron to climb a moss-covered pole or another trellis while it is still young. The aerial roots will grab on with little support. Cuttings of side shoots can be taken at any time of the year to propagate new plants. The cuttings will grow roots quickly in water and can be potted in just a few months.
Watering Dragon Tail Philodendron
Water this tropical when the top 3-4 inches of soil are dry. Philodendrons, in general, can be pretty drought tolerant when they mature. Dragon Tail is the same and can go for up to 2 weeks without watering in low light levels. Add humidity by misting the leaves every other day with distilled water. Grouping plants together is also a great way to provide a more humid atmosphere.
Feeding Dragon Tail Philodendron
A liquid seaweed or general houseplant fertilizer will keep the leaves deep green and thriving. Apply a diluted dose once a month in place of regular watering. Use the fertilizer at half the strength of the manufacturer's recommendation.
Dragon Tail Philodendron Information
| Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light |
| Care Requirements: Easy |
| Watering Requirements: Average - When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out. |
| Pet Friendly: No |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Air Purifier: High |
| Habit: Climbing |
| Growth Rate: Fast |
| Mature Height: 3-4 feet |
| Mature Spread: 12-18 inches |
| Flowering: No |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage |
| Fragrant: No |
| Foliage Type: |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
| Foliage Description: Light-Green to Yellow |
| Temperature: 64° - 77°F (18° - 25°C) |
| Humidity: Average (40% - 60%) |
| Common Name: Dragon Tail Philodendron |
| Other Name(s): Dragon Tail |
| Scientific Name: Rhaphidophora Decursiva |
| Plant Type: House Plant |
- SKU:
- 4_PHILODENDRON_DRAGON.TAIL-HP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations