Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Care

The Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a mouthful of a name, but this looker is a lovely plant that is easy to maintain and gives any space a green and lush vibe. A member of the Araceae family, this plant is related to the Monstera and is also known as mini Monstera or mini split leaf. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma features tropical-looking leaves with fenestrations and deep splits that almost reach the midrib. Native to Southern Thailand and Malaysia, the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is easy to grow once you understand what this beauty needs. Discover everything you need to know about Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care to help your plant flourish.

Types of Rhaphidophora

This climbing vining plant can grow one to two feet tall annually with proper Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care. Mini Monsteras are commonly found climbing trees in their native habitats. The Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is perhaps the most well-known of all Rhaphidophora houseplants, but there are other varieties. Other types of Rhaphidophora houseplants include:

Rhaphidophora beccarii
Rhaphidophora decursiva
Rhaphidophora cryptantha
Rhaphidophora foraminifera
Rhaphidophora hayi
Rhaphidophora korthalsii
Rhaphidophora pertusa
Rhaphidophora pachyphylla
Rhaphidophora tenuis

Stand In

The Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a large plant. Mature houseplants can stand up to 8 feet tall, and the leaves span 6 inches wide. This plant is a good choice for plant owners who love the look of a Monstera deliciosa but don’t have the space. You still need room for a Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, but it is more manageable for homes or apartments with limited space.

What Are Tissue Culture Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Plants?

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma may be designated as tissue culture (TC) or non-tissue culture. Tissue culture plants are cloned in a lab, while non-tissue culture plants are propagated using traditional methods like stem cuttings or growing from seed. Like everything, there is debate around TC vs. non-TC Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Some people think one is better than the other, and some people don’t care, but there are differences.

Unless you’re familiar with Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, it can be hard to identify a plant as being TC or non-TC. It’s easier when you can compare them side-by-side. TC Rhaphidophora tetrasperma tends to have smaller, narrower foliage that grows on thinner stems. Some plant owners report their TC plants grow faster, but the splits may not fully form if they develop at all.

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Light Requirements

Bright indirect sunlight is essential for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care. Several hours of daily sunlight are necessary for this leafy beauty to grow and thrive. An East- or West-facing window offers good light, or consider a spot set back from a South-facing window.

Young plants do not have split foliage, so be patient and give the plant time if none of the leaves are split. If you notice new leaves on your mature plant are not split, move the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma to a sunnier location. Plants grown in low light will not have split leaves. Mini Monstera is an understory plant, so avoid direct sunlight that will burn the foliage.

How Often to Water Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Water mini Monstera when the top couple of inches of soil is dry. This easy-care plant likes damp conditions but can’t tolerate being soggy. Under- and over-watering are equally problematic, so it’s best to feel the soil to gauge when to give the plant a drink.

Yellow tips are an indicator the plant is overwatered. Drooping stems and curled leaves are a sign that the plant is dehydrated. Wait until the soil is dry throughout the container before watering in the winter.

Best Soil for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma prefers moist, well-drained soil. This plant likes damp conditions, but the roots will rot if continuously exposed to moisture. Give the plant a boost by using a potting mix that is rich and slightly acidic if you want to elevate your Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma care. Most potting mixes are a good choice, but you can create a custom mix by adding some orchid bark or perlite.

Temperature for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Most home temperatures are comfortable for tropical plants like the mini Monstera. Cold temperatures and drafty conditions are not a good fit for this plant. Proper Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care requires temperatures between 55° and 85° F. This darling plant looks amazing on a covered porch or patio space during the summer, but wait until the temperature is consistently above 55° F before relocating the mini Monstera outdoors.

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Humidity

High humidity is necessary for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care. This plant likes increased moisture in the air. Low humidity is not good for the plant, and even average humidity may not work out. Brown spots along the edges of the leaves are a sign the plant is not getting enough humidity. A pebble tray or humidifier are easy ways to increase the dampness if your plant is too dry. Consider proactively addressing the humidity if your home is prone to dry winter air.

Mini Monstera Fertilizer

Monthly applications of balanced fertilizer support new growth and provide excellent Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care. Fed the plant during the spring and summer when it is actively growing. Hold off on fertilizing mini Monstera when the plant is dormant during the fall and winter.

Pruning Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma can become straggly or leggy, especially if grown in low light. Trim back overgrowth to provide next-level Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care. Try to time pruning to the spring, when the plant starts to grow actively. Only cut back up to 25% at a time to avoid shocking the plant.

When to Repot Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Roots growing through the drainage holes in the container are the classic indicator that your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma needs a new pot. Another sign is if you notice the soil is drying out very quickly or if the stems are drooping shortly after being watered. The plant needs more water as it becomes bigger, and if it quickly sucks up all the moisture in the soil, it’s rootbound, and it’s time for a new container.

Choose a container one to two inches larger with drainage holes. Give the plant fresh soil when repotting, and try to time repotting for when the plant is actively growing.

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Propagation

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma can be propagated by cuttings. Both TC and non-TC Rhaphidophora tetrasperma can be propagated. Remove a stem section using sharp, clean pruning shears. The section should be a couple of inches long and have two to three growth nodes and several leaves. Remove foliage from the bottom of the cutting and place the cutting in water until the bottom growth nodes are submerged.

Roots will appear in a couple of weeks, and the cutting can be planted in soil when the roots are a couple of inches long. Keep the soil damp for the first few weeks and then switch to a watering routine necessary for an established plant.

Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Pet Friendly?

The Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is not pet friendly. This plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and people, for that matter. Eating any part of the plant can cause nausea, drooling, swelling, and discomfort.

Mini Monstera Styling Tips

Give your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma a trellis or support, and this leafy beauty will grow upright, putting the foliage on full display. Hanging baskets are another option to show off the split foliage, although the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma likes to hold onto something, so hanging plants may latch onto a wall or nearby furniture and start to climb.