How to propagate a shingle plant

Shingle plants are beautiful and unique, fast growing houseplants. Here's how to propagate your shingle plant to fill out the pot or share with friends!

Shingle plants have been popping up everywhere at plant stores. I've seen them at Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart.

Once Costa Farms starts distributing a plant, it's all you see!

I was so attracted to these plants with their unique climbing board, I just had to grab one of my own.

What is a shingle plant?

Shingle plant is the common name for Rhaphidophora Hayi.

These are climbing plants with aerial roots. That means, they like to have something to climb up (like a moss pole!)

However, shingle plant's heart shaped leaves actually like to grow up something flat, like a board. The leaves lie flat and look like - you guessed it - shingles!

These plants actually grow roots into the wood boards and get nutrients from the wood. Pretty cool!

After you propagate, build this simple ladder for it to climb!

What conditions do shingle plants like?

Shingle Plants prefer bright indirect light. In the wild, they grow up the base of trees, so look for filtered light such as what would shine through the branches.

My shingle plant is doing great in bright indirect light - just adjacent to a sunny window.

I water it just a small splash twice a week and spritz it with a mister daily.

Definitely be sure to have drainage holes or a pebble tray under your potting mix - too much water can lead to root rot!

How to propagate a Rhaphidophora Hayi shingle plant

Shingle plants are extremely easy to propagate in moist soil! Here's how!

Tools needed:

• Sharp, clean scissors
• Rooting hormone
• Small pot of soil
• Plastic bag
• Mister or any container of water

Steps to propagate a shingle plant:

STEP 1: Identify the node

The node is the bump in the stem where leaves grow. This is also where roots will grow!

STEP 2: Cut just below the node

Use scissors to snip just below a node. This is your stem cutting. This will put roots at the bottom of your cutting!

STEP 3: Dip in rooting hormone

Dip the cut end of your cutting into rooting hormone, at least up to the next node.

STEP 4: Place on top of pot of soil

Gently set the cutting on top of soil - no need to bury any of it.

STEP 5: Mist heavily or water

Water or spray heavily with a mister to get it nice and moist.

STEP 6: Cover with plastic bag

I used a sandwich sized ziplock bag and put it over my pot to create a steamy greenhouse effect. Tuck the bottom under the pot to seal it off so it will get nice and steamy.

STEP 7: Place in indirect sunlight

Place the whole covered "greenhouse" in an indirect sunny spot. You should see drops of moisture accumulate on the inside of the bag. Don't open it up to check on it for 2 weeks!

How long does it take a shingle plant to grow roots?

My cutting had roots in two weeks. I let it root for a month before moving it to its permanent home.

Is Rhaphidophora Hayi rare?

I think that in the past these shingle plants used to be rare, but they are a Costa Farms Trending Tropical plant. I have found tons of them frequently at both Home Depot and Lowes.

Will my shingle plant grow back after I cut it?

Yes! The vine will grow a new branch just next to where you cut the old one off. You can see in the photo below the spot where I cut mine and where it grew a new branch.

How to I change the wood board on my shingle plant?

Shingle plants grow into a wood board, but mine was already at the top of the board when I got it!

To change the board, first remove any ties or rubber bands holding it in place. My plant included 2 plants - one on either side of the board.

Then, carefully pull the roots out of the board. Try to do this without breaking the roots if possible.

Pull the board out and slide a new, longer board into its place.

If you have multiple plants, you can put them on the same side of a wide board or on opposite sides of a narrow board.

Replace any rubber bands or twine and allow the roots to re-connect over time.

Any more questions about how to root a shingling plant?

Video demonstration

Be sure to check out my video where I show exactly how I propagated my shingle plant!