Shingle plants, a unique group of climbing aroids, offer a captivating display as their foliage flattens and overlaps against a surface. Species such as Monstera dubia, Rhaphidophora cryptantha, and various Marcgravia species are well-suited for this distinctive growth habit indoors. This shingling behavior provides a striking aesthetic and an innovative solution for limited floor space. Growing these plants on a wall transforms a vertical surface into a living botanical art piece, enhancing the visual appeal of any interior. This guide explores cultivating shingle plants on a wall, from understanding their natural tendencies to care and troubleshooting.
Understanding Shingle Plants and Their Unique Growth
Shingle plants originate from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, Central, and South America, where they naturally ascend tree trunks. They are hemiepiphytic, meaning they can grow on other plants, deriving some nutrients from the air and rain while also rooting in soil. Their aerial roots adhere to the bark, allowing the plant to climb upwards and press its leaves flat against the support. This “shingling” behavior maximizes light absorption in the dense, shaded understory of the rainforest, capturing available light.
This growth pattern also offers stability as the plant matures. Common shingle plant species like Monstera dubia, known for its light green leaves with silver venation, and Rhaphidophora cryptantha, featuring velvety dark green leaves with shimmering veins, exhibit this characteristic shingling. Rhaphidophora hayi is another popular choice, recognized for its solid dark green oval leaves that lie flat against a surface. Certain Marcgravia species also display this habit, with juvenile shoots producing small leaves that tightly appress to their substrate.
Selecting and Preparing Wall Supports
Choosing the appropriate wall support is fundamental for successful shingle plant cultivation. Materials include moss poles, cork bark, and wooden planks. Moss poles, whether store-bought or handmade, offer an excellent climbing surface due to their ability to retain moisture, which is beneficial for the plant’s aerial roots. Wooden planks or cedar boards are also highly effective, mimicking the natural tree trunks these plants climb in their native habitats. Cork bark provides a natural, porous surface that is both aesthetically pleasing and conducive to root attachment.
Regardless of the chosen material, proper preparation is necessary. For moss poles, ensure they are securely anchored to prevent tipping as the plant grows. When using natural materials like cork bark or wooden planks, clean them thoroughly to remove any loose debris, pests, or fungi. Soaking moss poles or cork bark before mounting can help initiate moisture retention, creating a more inviting environment for aerial roots to attach.
Mounting Your Shingle Plant
Attaching a shingle plant to its chosen wall support requires a gentle yet secure approach. Begin by carefully positioning the plant against the support, ensuring the stem and any existing aerial roots are in contact with the surface. Orient the plant for upward growth, as this encourages natural shingling. Initially, secure the plant to the support using soft plant clips, floral wire, or twine. These temporary fasteners hold the plant in place without causing stem damage, allowing its aerial roots time to grasp the surface.
As the plant establishes, its aerial roots will begin to adhere to the support. To encourage this, maintain consistent humidity around the plant and the support. After mounting, provide an initial watering to the plant’s root ball and lightly moisten the support itself. This helps settle the plant and signals to the aerial roots that a suitable environment for attachment is available.
Care for Wall-Mounted Shingle Plants
Wall-mounted shingle plants require attentive care to thrive, with specific considerations differing from potted plants. Bright, indirect light is optimal, mimicking their natural habitat beneath a forest canopy. Direct afternoon sun should be avoided, as it can scorch delicate leaves. Adequate humidity (ideally above 60%) is crucial to facilitate aerial root development and promote shingling. Placing a humidifier nearby or grouping plants can help create a more humid microclimate.
Watering mounted plants requires a careful approach to prevent drips or rot. Instead of traditional top-down watering, misting the support regularly or carefully watering the plant’s substrate allows moisture to be absorbed without excess runoff. Some wall-mounted systems may allow for soaking the entire mount in water for about 10 minutes until saturated. Fertilize during their active growing season (typically spring and summer) using a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer. Applying fertilizer too frequently or in high concentrations can lead to root damage.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Most issues when growing shingle plants on a wall are manageable with prompt attention. If a plant is not shingling, insufficient light, low humidity, or inadequate support may be the cause. Increasing light exposure (while avoiding direct sun) and boosting humidity can encourage this natural behavior. Leaves turning yellow often indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency, while browning tips can point to low humidity. Adjusting watering frequency, ensuring proper drainage, and checking humidity levels can resolve these concerns.
Shingle plants can attract common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Inspect plants regularly and treat any infestations promptly with appropriate organic solutions, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. General maintenance includes pruning to manage size or remove dead or discolored leaves. Dusting the leaves periodically also helps ensure efficient photosynthesis. Routinely check the stability of the wall support, making adjustments as needed to ensure the plant remains securely attached.