The shingle vine plant is known for its distinctive growth habit. Its leaves lie flat and overlap against a surface, much like shingles on a roof. This creates a visually striking display.
Understanding the Shingling Habit
The shingling habit is a specialized growth pattern where a plant’s leaves lie tightly pressed against a surface as it climbs. This behavior is an adaptation to low-light environments in their natural tropical habitats, such as rainforests, where these plants climb tree trunks to reach filtered light. By shingling, the plant maximizes light absorption for each leaf surface, even in shaded conditions.
The leaves of shingling plants are typically small, often heart-shaped or ovate, and closely overlap as they ascend. Genera known for this behavior include Monstera species, such as Monstera dubia, and Rhaphidophora species like Rhaphidophora hayi and Rhaphidophora cryptantha. Marcgravia species also exhibit this unique growth, with some developing different leaf forms as they mature.
Shingle Vine Plant Care
Light Needs
Shingle vines thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural forest canopy environment. Place them near an east or west-facing window, away from direct sun. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and hinder shingling. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves.
Watering Practices
Maintain consistent moisture for shingle vines, as they originate from moist tropical environments. Allow the top one to three inches of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause leaves to crisp or brown. Ensure good drainage to prevent excess water from sitting around the roots.
Humidity Requirements
High humidity is important for shingle vines. Levels of 60% to 80% or higher are ideal for growth and to encourage aerial roots to attach to supports. Increase humidity using a humidifier, a pebble tray, or by grouping plants.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is best for shingle vines to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. An aroid-specific mix, incorporating orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, provides aeration and drainage. Select a pot with drainage holes.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), shingle vines benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly. Reduce or cease fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. Excessive fertilization can lead to root damage.
Providing Support
Provide a suitable support structure for shingle vines to encourage shingling growth. These plants produce aerial roots that attach to surfaces, allowing them to climb. Without support, the plant may grow leggy and not flatten its leaves. Moss poles, wooden planks, or cork bark mimic their natural climbing surfaces. Secure the vine gently to the support using soft ties or plant tape when training it. Over time, aerial roots will adhere.
Propagating Shingle Vines
Propagate shingle vines through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node, where leaves and roots emerge. Cuttings with multiple nodes and leaves have a higher success rate. Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp scissors.
Root cuttings in moist sphagnum moss or a well-draining potting mix. If using moss, keep it damp. For soil, place the cutting with at least one node in contact with the moist medium. Provide warmth and high humidity, often by covering with a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse. Roots can emerge within a few weeks, then gradually acclimate the new plant.
Addressing Common Shingle Vine Issues
Common issues with shingle vines often stem from environmental factors. If a shingle vine fails to shingle, it may be due to insufficient light or lack of support. Increase indirect light and provide a sturdy climbing surface to encourage proper shingling.
Browning or crisping leaves indicate low humidity or insufficient watering. Increase ambient humidity with humidifiers or pebble trays, and ensure consistent watering. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. If the soil is soggy, allow it to dry more between waterings to prevent root rot.
Shingle vines can attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly inspect foliage for early detection. If pests are found, isolate the plant and treat with organic methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.