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The Aurea variety is celebrated for its golden variegation. Its glossy, elliptic leaves typically symmetrical and oval in shape are marbled, splashed, or sectorally variegated in vivid shades of chartreuse, lemon, and golden yellow against a dark green background. Each leaf is unique, with some showing subtle marbling while others display bold swathes of gold.
As a natural climber, R. elliptica Aurea produces aerial roots and thrives when trained up a moss pole, totem, or climbing board. With maturity and support, the leaves increase in size, making it an impressive centrepiece for serious collectors of rare aroids.
Requires bright, indirect light to maintain aurea (yellow) variegation. Too little light may cause reversion to plain green, while harsh direct sunlight risks burning the lighter leaf sections.
Water when the top 23 cm of soil feels dry. Keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, while prolonged dryness may lead to leaf curl or crisping.
Temperature: Best in 1828C. Protect from draughts and avoid exposure below 15C.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity (6080%). Mist occasionally, use a humidifier, or group with other tropical plants to prevent browning on the variegated areas.
Use a chunky, free-draining aroid mix peat-free compost enriched with orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. Repot every 12 years in spring to refresh the soil and encourage climbing growth.
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 23 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in autumn and stop in winter.
Prune lightly to maintain bushiness and prevent leggy vines. Train vertically on a moss pole or climbing board for larger, more mature leaves. Stem cuttings can be propagated in water, moss, or soil.
A moderately fast-growing climbing vine. Juvenile leaves are smaller and simpler, but with climbing support, adult leaves become larger and showcase even more dramatic aurea variegation.
Loss of variegation: Insufficient light.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Pests: Occasionally mealybugs, thrips, or spider mites.
Rhaphidophora elliptica is rarely seen in collections, and the Aurea cultivar is even rarer, making it a prized specimen for serious collectors. Its golden variegation is especially striking, offering a bright alternative to mint or white variegated forms of tropical aroids.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect; avoid direct harsh sun
Water: Lightly moist; allow topsoil to dry slightly
Temperature: 1828C; avoid below 15C
Humidity: High (6080%)
Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix
Feed: Every 23 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: Climbing vine; elliptic leaves marbled with golden variegation
