Rhaphidophora hayi

Meet the Rhaphidophora hayi, a distinctive tropical aroid better known as the Shingle Plant. Rather than trailing freely, this fascinating climber presses its thick, deep-green leaves flat against a support, creating a layered “living wall” effect that resembles overlapping roof shingles.
Mount it to a cedar board, moss pole, cork bark, or trellis and let it climb. With warmth, humidity, and bright filtered light, R. hayi becomes an eye-catching vertical specimen that is equally at home in a terrarium, cabinet, or high-humidity plant nook.
Plant details
• Botanical name: Rhaphidophora hayi
• Common names: Shingle Plant, Shingle Vine
• Plant type: Tropical climbing aroid
• Foliage: Small, thick, heart-shaped to oval deep-green leaves
• Growth habit: Slow-to-moderate shingling climber; aerial roots attach stems closely to a vertical surface
• Mature potential: Can climb several feet indoors when provided a porous support
• Pet safety: Not pet safe; keep away from pets and small children.

Care guide
• Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Avoid strong direct afternoon sun, which can scorch or bleach the leaves.
• Water: Water when the upper 1–2 inches of potting mix starts to dry. Keep the mix lightly moist but never saturated; prolonged soggy soil can lead to root problems.
• Humidity: Prefers above-average humidity, ideally 60% or higher. An enclosed cabinet, terrarium, or humidifier-supported space is especially helpful.
• Temperature: Keep in warm conditions, ideally 65–85°F. Protect from cold drafts.
• Soil: Plant in a chunky, well-draining aroid mix that retains some moisture without becoming dense.
• Support: Attach to a porous board, moss pole, cork, or trellis to encourage its signature flat, shingling growth.