Rhaphidophora puberula 'Variegata' - 6cm pot / 10cm
Rhaphidophora puberula 'Variegata' is a very good reason to look beyond the usual Monstera suspects. Pale marbling, fresh green foliage and a climbing habit with plenty of future jungle potential. This one deserves an introduction.
The species comes from tropical Asia, with a native range including Assam, Borneo, Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. It belongs to the aroid family, so you'll recognise the climbing instinct, but there's something particularly satisfying about growing a name that makes another plant person stop and ask.
The variegation gives the young leaves their immediate appeal. Each new blade adds a different arrangement of pale and green, while the developing stem gives you the chance to build a vertical display. I would let it climb among darker foliage, where the markings can catch the light.
Rhaphidophora is its own genus, even though plants from it are often casually compared with Monsteras. A useful little fact to have ready when someone asks what you've adopted this time.
Give it bright filtered light, warmth and support as it grows. Then enjoy having something a little different climbing its way into your affections.
