Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma. Mini Monstera. The plant is a fast-growing vining and compact plant that can be grown in a pot or as a house plant. This plant is easy to care for.
Mini Monstera profile
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma or Mini Monstera originated from southern Thailand and Malaysia. It was first discovered in the late 1800s. The leaves are split and stay quite small.
The shape of the foliage is depending on the stage of life. Young plants have young leaves that are not divided. As it matures, the leaves will start splitting.
These plants can grow in USDA zone 11-12. With the minimum average temperatures for zone 11 is at a range between 40°F and 50°F or 4.4°C and 10°C.
The common name of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
The common name Mini Monstera or Dwarf Monstera. The scientific name Philodendron “Ginny”, Philodendron “Piccolo”, and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma.
Growth and size
The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma plant has a height range between 2 to 6″ or 0.6 to 1.8 meter. The with of the spread is between 2 to 3″ or 0.6 to 0.9 meter.
Usage
The plant can be planted in pot and container. Suitable for a large indoor space like the living room, family room or near the front door.
The plant can be grown outdoors in a patio planter or placed in the front door or walkway.
How to grow Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Light requirement
Provide your Mini Monstera plants bright indirect light. Medium indirect light and some shade are tolerated.
These plants do not prefer direct sunlight, but some are fine.
You could grow the plant at a northern exposure window and an Eastern exposure window. It can get a few morning suns.
You have to be careful to get the plant too much sun. One afternoon direct sun can be too much for the Mini Monstera plant.
Soil
The best soil for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is an all-purpose potting mix.
The plant will be happy with rich soil. The soil must be moist and rich with organic matter.
Do not use wet soil or mucky soil or dry soil or sandy soils.
An orchid potting mix with added activated charcoal would be suitable and best for the plant too.
To keep a healthy plant, you should keep the soil damp but not wet.
Temperature
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma as a house plant can thrive at the lowest temperature at 50°F (10°C). The highest temperature would be at 80°F (27°C). The best temperature for the plant is around 20°C.
You can place these plants outdoor during the summer months (June to September). Relocate the plant indoors for the winter.
Humidity
In general, a relative humidity level between 30% to 50% or the best level would be exactly 40% can be tolerated by the plant. The percentage is ideal for comfort and to prevent microorganism growth.
The best way to keep relative humidity at ideal levels indoors is to use whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
You can place the Mini Monstera plant near a humidifier. These systems add or remove moisture from the air. The system automatically works with home heating and cooling systems.
Utilize a humidifier in winter months (December to February) when air is dry. If you have to, use a dehumidifier in the summer months ((June to September) when the air carries more moisture. But the plant would love to be added humidity.
Pot
A small terracotta pot is not the ideal pot because the soil dries out too quickly. A larger terracotta pot would be fine.
These plants are not happy when the soil dries out too much. So the best pot for the plant to use a plastic pot or a glazed ceramic pot.
Unless you already have an established planting in a high-quality terracotta pot, terracotta pot does not dry out more quickly than in a plastic pot.
In a plastic pot, the sun heats the root ball of Mini Monstera more. You can compare it with cool, porous, insulating terracotta pot. More root damage and evaporation may occur for the plant.
Fertilizer
The best way to help establish the plant, apply a slow-release fertilizer. If the plant does not receive fertilizer, it will grow slowly.
Apply the fertilizer at least 6 inches away from the base. Fertilize the plant every 4 months in a year period.
Do not use heavy salt in fertilizers that will damage the roots and in the end could possibly kill the plant.
Do not use a fertilizer that contains Urea which can harm plants.
Watering
If you want the best growth out of the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma plant, keep this plant fairly moist, but not waterlogged.
The plant does not like to be dry and likes to stay moist, at least during its growing season. This plant could be at a faster growth rate with regular waterings.
The plant is very sensitive to overwatering.
Do the watering when the potting medium is dried down 2 inches on the topsoil. Do not ever let the root ball dry out.
The best way to water the plant is no more than once every 7 to 10 days or 4 times per month. In the winter, you can water the plant once every 14 days or every two weeks.
Repotting
These plants are vigorous growers. This means that it would be best to re-pot them every year. It would be possible to re-pot them twice a year. You can do it sooner if the plant has outgrown its pot and become root-bound.
Make sure to provide these plants with support to climb. You can install a moss pole or totem or trellis.
Do not grow in hanging baskets. This can result in leaves without splits, leggy growth, and smaller leaves.
Choose a new pot for repotting that is 1 inch larger in diameter than the current pot. Do not forget to select a pot with drainage holes.
Fill the pot with equal parts activated charcoal and potting soil.
Pruning
The plant only needed to be pruned to maintain size as it is climbing off its mounting board.
Make cuts using pruning shears or sharp knife or scissors. Cut where the stem meets the main part of the plant. Cut the stem at the soil level. You can simply pinch the tips of vines
How to propagate Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma propagation is rather easy. You can propagate using a stem cutting with a node, root them in water, and root in the soil.
Start out with one cutting that had 3 or 4 leaves on it.
Propagating Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma has to include at least one node under the surface of the water.
The nodes are the key to propagating the plant. It is where the portion where the leaf meets the stem. The nods are where the roots will grow.
Cut below one of these nodes. Put at least one of the nodes underwater.
Now all you have to do is to wait for them to root.
Wait until the roots are 2 inches long. Transplant the new plant to a pot filled with potting soil.
Pests and problems
The major problem to these plants is spider mites infestation. You can spray the plant with Neem oil.
It is safe and natural use to get rid of spider mites. It will kill the spider mites in a matter of minutes.
Do not overwater the plant or it will lead to root rot. Do not use a dense potting mix that can lead to root rot too.
Frequently ask question
Does the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma plant need direct sunlight?
The Mini Monstera can grow anywhere in the home. The plant tolerates low light, however, it will grow faster and becomes more vibrant in bright light. Avoid direct sunlight because it may burn the leaves.
Why do the leaves turn to yellow?
Leaves can turn yellow if they are overwatered. See if the soil is dry enough then you can water the plant.
Why do the leaves curling?
Curled, crispy leave tips are the signal of overfertilizing or low humidity. Fertilize only every 4 months in every year. Apply fertilizer according to the instruction label.
You can adjust the humidity level by using a humidifier or dehumidifier. Place the plant near the machines to get it fixed.
How often to water the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma plant?
Water them moderately and evenly once a week or every 10 days. Wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
