Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)
The rhaphidophora prefers typical household temperatures (68-80℉). Avoid extremely hot or cold conditions.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
This easy-care beauty is presently hard to find but well worth the search. A native of Thailand and Indonesia, this vining evergreen proliferates and is simple to propagate. It is commonly called the Mini Monstera because of its miniature versions of the Monstera deliciosa’s lush, uniquely shaped green leaves. The Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (not a monstera) quickly and easily flourishes when given the right conditions. Use a trellis, totem, or moss pole to support the vines and add height. When the vines are allowed to climb, the leaves will become bigger, produce more defined fenestrations, and fill your home or office with gorgeous splashes of green.
Light
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma can handle low light, but if you want them to grow faster and produce larger leaves, provide medium to bright indirect light. Place them close to a north- or east-facing window, or you can set them near a south or west-facing window, keeping them out of the direct rays of the sun to avoid leaf-burn! Learn more about light requirements for indoor plants.
Water
Water the soil thoroughly after the soil is almost completely dry. It is a good indication that it needs water when the leaves start wilting. Water more often in the growing season and reduce the frequency during the winter months. It is best to refrain from watering if you cannot decide if its time to add more. Larger plants can go weeks without water, but younger, less established plants need to be watered on a regular basis until their roots have fully developed. When you water your Mini Monstera, water them slowly, with room temperature water and always drain any excess water from the pot. If you notice that the soil has become compacted and or so dry that it looks like a a dried up river bed, then soak the entire root ball in a bucket of water for 10 minutes, or until the water has been thoroughly absorbed into the soil. This will loosen up the compacted soil.
Temperature
The rhaphidophora prefers typical household temperatures (68-80℉). Avoid extremely hot or cold conditions.
Humidity
The rhaphidophora thrives in areas with higher humidity (60%), but it will still do well in typical household humidity levels of 40%. For a happier plant, consider using a humidifier. If a humidifier is not available, place the rhaphidophora on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or group it with other indoor plants.Learn how to increase the humidity in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Mini Monstera benefits significantly from regular fertilizing because they are fast-growing houseplants! Use a weak solution (diluted to ¼ the recommended strength) of a complete liquid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months. Sometimes your indoor plants will grow all year long. If this is the case, fertilize them during obvious foliage growth with a ¼-strength diluted liquid fertilizer when you see new growth, or top dress the soil with worm castings or rich compost. Learn more about how to fertilize your indoor plants.
Growth Rate
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma are fast-growing vines reaching over 10’+ with proper care.
Pet Friend or Foe
These indoor plants are toxic to pets! Foe
Pro Tips
- Plant the rhaphidophora in well-draining sandy soil to avoid over-saturation and root rot.
- To propagate, cut the vine just below the node, and root the cutting in sphagnum moss, soil, or water.
- Leaf drop is normal for indoor plants when they are acclimating to their new home. Although if many leaves are lost, then it could be other issues like over or under watering or a lack of light.
- Sometimes we over-love our indoor plants! Read about houseplant mistakes to avoid!
Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)
Mini Monstera (aka Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) looks like several popular plants: it resembles a smaller version of Monstera deliciosa (hence its common name!). Some plant lovers may also mistake it for a Philodendron because of its split leaves. But botanically, this plant is neither.
From a plant collecting perspective, here’s how Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is different — and why it’s such a hot houseplant. It has smaller leaves than Monstera deliciosa, but they bear its dramatic fenestration–the splits and holes in leaves–at an earlier age. It’s a climbing houseplant you can grow as a vine or trim back to keep it more full and bushy.
As a young plant, you can enjoy Rhaphidophora tetrasperma on bright desks and tabletops, or even in hanging baskets. As it matures, you might find you prefer to grow it as a bold floor plant. If left unpruned, it can easily climb more than 6 feet!
Buy Mini Monstera
Buy it online and have it shipped fresh from our farm, direct to your door from our online plant shop. Find it in our Trending Tropicals® collection online or at your favorite local garden center. Buy now
Mini Monstera Growing Instructions
Light
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma prefers medium to bright, indirect light (enough that it casts a medium to strong shadow most of the day). If you don’t have a bright spot for it where it gets lots of natural light, you can supplement with fluorescent or LED lights. While this climbing houseplant enjoys bright light, avoid spots where it gets a lot of direct afternoon sun. Its leaves may burn if placed in direct sunlight.
Water
This houseplant would prefer to stay a little too dry than too wet, so take care not to overwater it. To keep your plant happy, check the soil every few days and use your fingers or a moisture meter to probe the top few inches of the potting mix. If you detect moisture, it doesn’t need water. Don’t allow Rhaphidophora to completely dry out. Keep in mind that the frequency of watering changes throughout the year and depends on the size of the pot your plant grows in as well as the temperature of the indoor environment. It’s best to water as the plant needs it, rather than by following a set schedule.
Humidity
Native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma prefers above-average relative humidity levels, but does just fine in the humidity levels found in the typical home. If you live in an arid climate, or your home or office has especially dry air (for example, there’s a heater or air conditioner that runs a lot), augmenting moisture levels in the air with a small humidifier may make your plant happier.
Fertilizing
Good news! This houseplant isn’t particularly hungry in terms of nutrient needs, so you can fertilize as little as once or twice a year (in spring and summer is usually best). If you want to see your Rhaphidophora grow quicker, fertilize more frequently. Choose a product designed for houseplants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label. Never use more than the instructions recommend.
Pruning
If you have space for it to climb, you should find pruning isn’t really needed. You can trim the new growth to encourage it to branch and become fuller, rather than focusing its growth from one main shoot.
- Water Medium water needs
- Light Indoors: High light Indoors: Medium light
- Colors Green
- Special Features Purifies the air Super-easy to grow
Complement your Mini Monstera
Moonlight Scindapsus
Pair Scindapsus Moonlight (AKA Sterling Silver) with Rhaphidophora tetrasperma for a delightful and elegant look.
Little Swiss Monstera
Little Swiss Monstera also has relatively small (when young) fenestrated leaves, so growing these to plants next to each other can create interesting texture.
Is this the same plant as Ginny Philodendron?
Yes! Unfortunately with aroids, common names can get confusing. While it is commonly called Mini Monstera, Monstera minima, Ginny Philodendron, and other names, it’s true botanical name is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.