Troubleshooting
Rhaphidophora korthalsii problems — and how to fix them
Rhaphidophora korthalsii (Rhaphidophora korthalsii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leaves not shingling tightly
Loose, lifting juvenile leaves usually mean low humidity or weak light. Raise humidity above 60% and provide a damp moss support in brighter indirect light.
Failure to climb or grip
Without a textured, moist support the aerial roots cannot attach. Give it a moss pole or slab kept damp so roots can grab on.
Brown, crispy juvenile leaves
Dry air scorches the flat leaves. Increase humidity and keep the substrate evenly moist.
Root rot
Dense, soggy soil suffocates the roots. Use a chunky, fast-draining aroid mix and water only when the surface starts to dry.
Prevent rhaphidophora korthalsii problems before they start
Most rhaphidophora korthalsii issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for rhaphidophora korthalsii in general rather than its problems? Read the full rhaphidophora korthalsii care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Rhaphidophora korthalsii problems — FAQ
Why is my rhaphidophora korthalsii leaves not shingling tightly?
Loose, lifting juvenile leaves usually mean low humidity or weak light. Raise humidity above 60% and provide a damp moss support in brighter indirect light.
Why is my rhaphidophora korthalsii failure to climb or grip?
Without a textured, moist support the aerial roots cannot attach. Give it a moss pole or slab kept damp so roots can grab on.
Why is my rhaphidophora korthalsii brown, crispy juvenile leaves?
Dry air scorches the flat leaves. Increase humidity and keep the substrate evenly moist.
Why is my rhaphidophora korthalsii root rot?
Dense, soggy soil suffocates the roots. Use a chunky, fast-draining aroid mix and water only when the surface starts to dry.