The tropical vine Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, also called the Mini Monstera or Philodendron Ginny, has aerial roots and is low maintenance but will grow quickly. These leaves won’t grow larger than 12 inches, so they don’t appear exactly like a Monstera Deliciosa or Split Leaf Philodendron, but they do have many of the same characteristics and maintenance needs. Choose a location with higher humidity, loose, rich soil, moderate to bright indirect light, or morning sun that is directly overhead, and a structural support. Even though it’s a vine, if you try to encourage it to trail, it won’t be as strong and might not grow as well. Instead, these plants are perfect for a trellis or moss pole because its aerial roots will look for stabilization.
In a little 4 pot with a total of 4 leaves, I purchased my Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (say that ten times fast) at the end of the spring of 2020. She has gained a few more feet in less than a year (!!! ), but her growth did slow down in the dead of winter, and the time has come for her to have a moss pole. Since she is about to start growing again and the first signs of spring are beginning to appear, I am doing a crossover DIY article with my instructions for making a moss pole. Look it up!
How to Care for your Mini Monstera
I know that getting a rare or extremely exciting plant might cause us all concern, but I’m here to assure you that this one is incredibly simple. Do you have any philodendrons, such as Monstera Delicioius, Monstera Adanasoii, or any other variety? The care is essentially the same, though.
Rhaphidophora, the soil Tetrasperma do well in standard potting soil, but I prefer to enrich it with peat moss and perlite (to help aerate the soil). Perlite or charcoal can help prevent the water-logged soil that can result from wanting those nutrients. Additionally, an orchid potting mix will work. Make sure the pot has drainage at the end of the day!
LIGHT: The Mini Monstera can be placed pretty much wherever in your house. Make sure it is early sun if you decide to take the direct sun route because afternoon sun is too harsh and dazzling and can burn your leaves. If not, position it further away from your lighter windows. Mine receives what I would describe as medium indirect light, and it seems to be content. If it receives insufficient light, the leaves will be smaller, grow more slowly, and possibly not split.
A Monstera tiny is it a Monstera?
We are thrilled to introduce the Mini Monstera, the newest member of our plant family. This climbing plant is frequently referred to by a variety of names, including “Monstera Minima,” “Mini Split-Leaf,” and “Ginny Philodendron,” but in actuality, it is Raphidophora Tetrasperma and is not at all a Monstera! Despite the fact that they are both members of the Araceae family and remarkably similar to one another, the R. Tetrasperma belongs to a completely other genus and is native to Malaysia and Thailand.
Let’s get right to it and cover all you need to know about taking care of your new climbing plant friend.
Are Mini Monstera uncommon?
- South-east Asia is the home of the 100 or more species that make up the genus Rhaphidophora.
- This miniature Monstera is regarded as an exotic jungle plant, yet it can also be found in arid areas and rainforests, making it a simple houseplant to maintain. However, hanging these plants can produce smaller, split-free leaves.
- Rare tropical aroid Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma has delicate decorative leaves with split lobes measuring 6 inches (15 cm) across.
- Because of how similar their leaves resemble those of Monstera Deliciosa, it is frequently called Mini Monstera. It is an entirely distinct species, though, and has no edible fruits.
- These plants can grow as tall as 12 feet (3.65 meters), depending on the surrounding environment. It is often preferred to be 4 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) tall when used as a houseplant.
- They are climbing plants with aerial roots that cling to trees or other structures that will help them stay stable as they expand, such trellises.
A philodendron or Mini Monstera?
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, often known as Mini Monstera, mimics a number of well-known plants, including a smaller form of Monstera deliciosa (thus its common name!). Due to its split leaves, some plant enthusiasts may also mistake it for a Philodendron. But this plant is neither according to botany.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is unique from the standpoint of plant collection, which is why it’s such a popular houseplant. Its leaves are smaller than Monstera deliciosa’s, but they develop significant fenestration—leaf splits and holes—earlier. You can cultivate this climbing houseplant as a vine or prune it to keep it fuller and bushier.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a young plant that looks great in hanging baskets, on colorful desktops, and tabletops. As it gets older, you might decide that you’d like to cultivate it as a striking floor plant. It can quickly grow to a height of more than 6 feet if not clipped.
Purchase Mini Monstera Purchase it from our online plant store and have it delivered fresh from our farm, right to your door. You may find it online in our Trending Tropicals collection or at your preferred neighborhood garden center.
Mini Monstera Growing Instructions
Light Medium to bright, indirect light is preferred for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (enough that it casts a medium to strong shadow most of the day). You can add fluorescent or LED lights as a backup if you don’t have a bright area for it where it gets lots of natural light. Although this climbing houseplant prefers strong light, stay away from areas where it receives a lot of afternoon sun. If left in the sun, its leaves could burn.
Water Be careful not to overwater this houseplant because it would prefer to stay a little too dry than too moist. Use your fingers or a moisture meter to examine the top few inches of the potting mix every few days to ensure that your plant is happy. It doesn’t need water if moisture is detected. Rhaphidophora shouldn’t be allowed to dry out completely. Remember that watering needs vary throughout the year and are influenced by factors like the size of the pot your plant is growing in and the temperature of the indoor environment. Instead of sticking to a rigid timetable, it is advisable to water the plant as it requires it.
Humidity Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, which is native to Southeast Asian rainforests, thrives in conditions with higher relative humidity than those typical of a home, but it also tolerates lower humidity levels quite fine. A tiny humidifier can help increase the moisture in the air if you live in a dry region or your house or office has particularly dry air (perhaps due to a heater or air conditioner that runs frequently). This will likely make your plants happier.
Fertilizing happy news You only need to fertilize this houseplant once or twice a year as it doesn’t require a lot of nutrients (in spring and summer is usually best). Fertilize more frequently if you want your Rhaphidophora to grow more quickly. Pick a product that is intended for indoor plants. Make sure to adhere to the fertilizer’s label directions. Never use more than what the directions call for.
Pruning Pruning shouldn’t actually be necessary if there is room for it to climb. Trim the new growth to stimulate branching and increased size rather than growth from a single main shoot.
This type is not grown for human or animal consumption; rather, it is planted for decorative purposes. We advise keeping it out of children’s or pets’ reach who might nip it.
Special Care
Add these variations to your Mini Monstera to complete the look:
Swiss Monstera, Little Growing Little Swiss Monstera plants adjacent to one another might produce intriguing texture because these plants have very small (when young) fenestrated leaves.
Scindapsus Moonlight (also known as Sterling Silver) Scindapsus Combine with Rhaphidophora tetrasperma for a lovely and sophisticated appearance.
Does Mini Monstera grow indoors?
The little monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma), so named for its striking resemblance to the majestic Monstera deliciosa, is actually not a monstera but a member of the separate genus Rhaphidophora. Rhaphidophora plants are distantly related to those in the Monstera genus since they both come from tropical parts of Africa and Asia and are members of the Araceae family. This genus has about 100 different species. Like its Monstera relatives, the mini monstera thrives in indoor environments and makes a great houseplant.
As their common name suggests, this unusual fenestrated plant is an excellent choice if you’re trying to expand your collection of little vining plants. The mini monstera typically reaches a height of 6 to 8 feet indoors, with leaves that are 6 to 8 inches long. As a climbing plant in its natural habitat, the tiny monstera will flourish if given a support to climb on inside, like a moss pole or trellis.
How can I maintain the size of my little Monstera?
Mini Monsteras may tolerate low to high levels of indirect, dappled light. Their leaves may burn and scorch if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time. Low light conditions will inhibit growth.
Water
Weekly waterings and frequent mistings are enjoyable for your Mini Monstera. In the winter, when you may only need to water your plant every two weeks, let the soil dry up in between waterings.
Humidity
Because Mini Monsteras thrive in a damp atmosphere, we advise spraying their leaves frequently. To boost the humidity of the air around your plant, you might also place it close to other plants.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves may indicate moisture stress or excessive sun exposure for your Mini Monstera.
Browning leaves are a sign that your plant has been receiving insufficient light or has been exposed to low humidity.
A miniature Monstera could you hang?
Compared to a Monstera deliciosa, the small monstera grows more quickly. You can allow your little monstera to trail and grow within. It looks fantastic hanging on a shelf of plants.
Giving your plant something to climb on when it gets bigger is a smart idea. A bamboo stake, moss pole, or trellis can all be used.
Stake should be positioned so that leaf nodes are either touching or extremely close to it. From these nodes, aerial roots will spread out and cling to the stake. Mist often to enable easy root attachment.
How is a little Monstera trained?
When Monstera deliciosa is young, it typically grows vertically on a small number of stems, but as it becomes older and heavier, it begins to grow horizontally. It may startle new plant owners to discover that their once-vertical house plant is beginning to occupy an increasing amount of horizontal space.
By using a support like a moss pole, coco coir pole, trellis, or stakes, you can train your Monstera to grow upward. However, given that Monsteras can acclimate to climbing on various supports, you also have other possibilities.
Light
Mini monsteras enjoy bright, indirect sunshine just like the majority of tropical plants, including monsteras. This indicates not directly in the sun’s beams, but next to or in a very bright window. Typically, an east-facing window is the ideal.
When the top two inches of soil are dry, add water to the soil until it begins to drip out the bottom of the pot since mini monsteras prefer a modest amount of water. then right away empty the drainage pan.
It’s crucial to avoid overwatering because it can promote root rot. Repotting and our Root Rot Treatment can cure this disease, but if you don’t catch it in time, it can kill a plant.
Never let the soil get completely dry, on the opposite end of the watering range, or you’ll have a dried-out, perhaps dead micro monstera on your hands!
Soil and Potting
To prevent your mini monstera’s roots from sitting in water (hello, root rot! ), choose a soil and container that drain properly.
Consider adding some orchid bark to your indoor potting mix and using a plastic or ceramic container with one or more drainage holes.
Fertilizer
In the spring and summer, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma grows quickly, so it’s crucial to fertilize it many times per month with liquid fertilizer mixed in with its water.
Because I can use Indoor Plant Food for ALL of my indoor plants, even micro monsteras, I use it every week in my watering can. It removes all of the uncertainty about fertilizing schedules because it is intended to be applied with each watering. There’s no easier way to put it than that!
Climbing
To give the aerial roots of mini monsteras something to hold onto when climbing, place a moss pole or trellis in or close to the container. A small or tall moss pole can be bought, or you can even create your own.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants perform well in conditions resembling those of their native environments in Thailand and Malaysia, however they are a little more adaptable to temperature and humidity than monstera deliciosa.
The ideal temperatures for mini monsteras are between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (aka average room temperatures). They are able to handle typical indoor humidity levels, but they value the added moisture from a humidifier or pebble tray.
(To set up a pebble tray, just add water and pebbles to a shallow tray, then place your potted plant on top so that the roots and soil are not in contact with the water.)
A Fun New Plant for Monstera Lovers
Try the small monstera if you enjoy other monstera variations! It’s the ideal addition to your collection and is becoming accessible (and inexpensive). They are available online and in certain local nurseries.
How quickly does Tetrasperma develop?
Rhapidophora tetrasperma’s ease of propagation is another factor contributing to its greatness. I enjoy growing plants in water because I enjoy plainly observing the root development there. The optimal time to propagate a plant is in the spring while it is actively growing.
Here’s how to water propagate a Rhapidophora tetrasperma:
Find a node on the stem as the first step. The part of the stem where leaves originate is called a node. (See the picture above). The woody brown protrusions are aerial roots that help the plant stay upright while it grows and absorbs moisture and nutrients. Step 2: Cut slightly below the node using a sterilized knife or pair of scissors. Since the roots will grow from the node, you can remove the leaf that is closest to it to help expose the node as much as possible. Step 3: Put the cut stem in a small, transparent vase filled with fresh water, taking care to keep as much of the stem above the water line as possible and to avoid placing any leaves in the water as they will decay. Step 4: Wait for the roots to grow and change the water once a week to prevent the growth of algae. Within a month, you ought to notice growth. Step 5: The infant plant is ready to be potted into the potting mix suggested above once the roots are a few inches long, ideally with secondary roots. Start with a tiny container and avoid letting the soil become completely dry between waterings.