How to Grow, Care for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
How to Grow, Care for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
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Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a rare but highly decorative plant commonly known as, Monstera minima, Philodendron ‘Piccolo, and Philodendron ‘Ginny that was discovered in 1893. It is quite interesting to know that the name of this plant reflects its seed shape. The seeds have four corners and are named Tetrasperma.
This tropical plant is native to Malaysia and Southern Thailand. The main reason for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma’s recognition is its highly distinct leaves that have split cuttings. The leaves of the evergreen vining plant look like Monstera deliciosa. That is why it is also known as Mini Monstera, but both are entirely different species. There are no fruits on this plant, and the leaves are also much smaller than deliciosa. The glossy green foliage can grow up to 6 inches, and the plant can reach up to a height of 12 feet, depending on the conditions.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma grows well as a houseplant, and the good news is you can also plant in yours outdoors. When growing this plant in a lawn or front yard, remember that it is not a frost tolerating plant. So, grow where frost is not possible and move indoors in extreme cold.
How to Grow Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
If you have one Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and want to gift your friend, you don’t need to buy a plant from the nursery. You can easily divide and grow new plants through propagating Monstera.
How to Propagate Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
When you notice leaf nodes on the plant, it is the perfect time to propagate Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and grow a new member. You need a mother plant and use the stem.
Here we go the propagation steps:
- Take the mother plant and cut the stems.
- Make sure the cutting you are going to use has 3-5 leaf nodes. If you have chosen a leafy stem, cut the leaves at nodes to have 3 or 4 inches of the stem before the first leaf.
- Now place the cutting in water or potting soil. The roots will emerge from the lowest nodes, so make sure it is inside the medium.
- If you are using soil, ensure that it is damp. But if you are growing in water, keep it fresh and clean by changing it every day.
- Place the pot in a bight but indirect place, and you will see roots after a few weeks. When the roots are about 1-2 inches long, transfer the cutting in potting mix and give appropriate light and water for healthy growth.
Repotting Monstera
Repotting is one of the healthiest ways to keep your houseplants alive. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma needs to be repotted every year for its fast growth. But you can easily access whether your plant is ready to be repotted or not by observing it this way.
Signs to report Monstera
- Roots are grown enormously and poking out of the drainage hole.
- Water is draining slowly.
- The growth of the plant is slowed.
When you are sure, go for it.
Before repotting, you have to check the health of your plant by checking its roots. Carefully analyze for any pest problems or rooting. If you repot a diseased plant, your plant will not show the appropriate growth. Also, use fresh soil and take a larger pot to encourage growth.
How to report Monstera? Lets’ start
- First, take Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma out of the pot and remove excess soil gently with hands.
- If there are dead or decaying roots, use sharp and sterilized scissors to cut.
- Now, half-fill the pot with fresh potting mix and place the extracted plant over it.
- Don’t force the roots to embed the plant and add more soil to fill the pot.
- If the soil is dry, give it water and place it in a brighter location.
How to Care for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is easy to grow plant for is not much demanding nature. You can also maintain your plant with these care tips.
Light and Temperature
Place your plant in filtered sunlight and don’t allow direct sun exposure. East facing window is the best spot to grow Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, where it will receive morning sunshine and rest in the shade for the rest of the day. But if your window is receiving inadequate light, don’t put it there and select another location as proper light is necessary for its healthy growth. The foliage will suffer in too much bright light and show problems.
As far as the right temperature is concerned for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, keep it there where you feel comfortable. It doesn’t like to sit in cold or scorching conditions. The ideal temperature is 68°F to 80°F, neither too cold nor too hot.
Watering Need
Disease-free and healthy growth of plants depends on watering. If you overwater your plant or keep it underwatered, both conditions result in major issues. So, do not water unless 1 inch of the soil is dried. When you need to water, keep the pot in the basin and give water until it drains from the bottom holes. Now, keep it there and observe until water stops dripping and place the plant in bright light. If the tray receives water, empty it and do not let the roots standing in that water.
Fertilization
Use organic feed for your Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and fertilizer every four months. You can also use slow-release houseplant fertilizer. Do not frequently fertilize your plant as more feed can burn the roots. If you are using liquid-based fertilizer, feed once a month is appropriate for the growth of Monstera.
Monstera soil mix
If you want to keep your plant alive and refreshing all the time, use fertile soil with all essential growth qualities. Use well-draining peat-based soil that provides nutrients to the plant and holds moisture without letting it soggy. You can also mix pine bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss to complement its organic matter.
When you add organic matter, the soil mix's quality is enhanced and better retains the moisture. So, use a monstera soil mix that allows your plant good air circulation and boost growth.
Humidity
An ideal humid level for Monstera is between 3O to 4O%, and mostly indoors are too low to maintain it. If the humidity level of your place is right in between this range, that's all fine. Otherwise, go for other options like regular misting of the leaves, humidifier, or enhance evaporation with pebbles in-tray.
Split-leaf philodendron pruning
The split leaves of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma need to be pruned for several reasons. If your hanged Monstera is growing long and leggy, you must maintain its size and prune the trailing vines. The other reason is to give the shape generally. If your plant is all set and up to date but is caught by disease, you have to prune the dead or decaying leaves. You need sharp and clean pruning shears to cut the leaf stem. You can also pinch off the vine from Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
Common problems
Problem: Leaves not splitting
Reason and its solution: No splitting of leaves means the plant is young. Ensure its ideal growing conditions, provide enough light and give support to climb.
Problem: Leaves are curling
Reason and its solution: Low level of humidity. Move it to a humid place like a bathroom or maintain your indoor humidity level humidifies, or place the plant in a tray filled with pebbles and water. Also, mist the leaves.
Problem: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma drooping leaves
Reason and its solution: The temperature of the plant's surroundings is too high, or you are not watering properly. Keep the temperature normal and neither overwater nor underwater your plant.
Problem: Brown edges on leaves
Reason and its solution: Dry air or inconsistent watering. Ensure the plant is not placed near the heat source and work on watering.
Problem: Spots or patches
Reason and its solution: Overwatering. Give water that is not cold and avoid frequent watering.
Problem: Pale yellow leaves
Reason and its solution: Too much sun or overwatering. Change the place of the pot to indirect light and water when soil is 8O% dried.
Problem: Root rot
Reason and its solution: Fungal issue for overwatering and poor drainage. Water when the soil is dry and repot your plant to a well-draining container.
Problem: Spider mites
Reason and its solution: Improper care. Separate the plant from others and spray neem oil on infested leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a mini Monstera climb?
Mini Monstera is a climbing vine and grows well with support. Give it a trellis or include moss for the grip of the growing roots. You can buy a trellis or make it with your creativity to help your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
How do You Encourage Monstera Growth?
Monstera grows faster and healthier in ideal growing conditions. Give it proper light but not direct sunlight as it may sunburn the leaves. Place the pot in indirect light, water properly, keep your place clean and humid, prune dead or damaged leaves and fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks.
What Can I Do with my leggy Monstera?
Pruning and providing the right growth conditions is the best way to deal with a leggy monster. When you notice the leaves are smaller from the side, focus on light or provide artificial lighting. If it is too tall, prune the stems, and new growth will emerge from that point that will make your plant fuller.
Precautions
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is not toxic to humans but causes complications for pets if they ingest the plant. As the plant is a member of the Araceae family and most plants are dangerous for pests.
So, do not hang or place Tetrasperma in the reach of your cats or dogs. If they ingest accidentally, consult your nearest veterinarian as it may result in stomach pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
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Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a rare but highly decorative plant commonly known as, Monstera minima, Philodendron ‘Piccolo, and Philodendron ‘Ginny that was discovered in 1893. It is quite interesting to know that the name of this plant reflects its seed shape. The seeds have four corners and are named Tetrasperma.
This tropical plant is native to Malaysia and Southern Thailand. The main reason for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma’s recognition is its highly distinct leaves that have split cuttings. The leaves of the evergreen vining plant look like Monstera deliciosa. That is why it is also known as Mini Monstera, but both are entirely different species. There are no fruits on this plant, and the leaves are also much smaller than deliciosa. The glossy green foliage can grow up to 6 inches, and the plant can reach up to a height of 12 feet, depending on the conditions.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma grows well as a houseplant, and the good news is you can also plant in yours outdoors. When growing this plant in a lawn or front yard, remember that it is not a frost tolerating plant. So, grow where frost is not possible and move indoors in extreme cold.
How to Grow Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
If you have one Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and want to gift your friend, you don’t need to buy a plant from the nursery. You can easily divide and grow new plants through propagating Monstera.
How to Propagate Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
When you notice leaf nodes on the plant, it is the perfect time to propagate Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and grow a new member. You need a mother plant and use the stem.
Here we go the propagation steps:
- Take the mother plant and cut the stems.
- Make sure the cutting you are going to use has 3-5 leaf nodes. If you have chosen a leafy stem, cut the leaves at nodes to have 3 or 4 inches of the stem before the first leaf.
- Now place the cutting in water or potting soil. The roots will emerge from the lowest nodes, so make sure it is inside the medium.
- If you are using soil, ensure that it is damp. But if you are growing in water, keep it fresh and clean by changing it every day.
- Place the pot in a bight but indirect place, and you will see roots after a few weeks. When the roots are about 1-2 inches long, transfer the cutting in potting mix and give appropriate light and water for healthy growth.
Repotting Monstera
Repotting is one of the healthiest ways to keep your houseplants alive. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma needs to be repotted every year for its fast growth. But you can easily access whether your plant is ready to be repotted or not by observing it this way.
Signs to report Monstera
- Roots are grown enormously and poking out of the drainage hole.
- Water is draining slowly.
- The growth of the plant is slowed.
When you are sure, go for it.
Before repotting, you have to check the health of your plant by checking its roots. Carefully analyze for any pest problems or rooting. If you repot a diseased plant, your plant will not show the appropriate growth. Also, use fresh soil and take a larger pot to encourage growth.
How to report Monstera? Lets’ start
- First, take Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma out of the pot and remove excess soil gently with hands.
- If there are dead or decaying roots, use sharp and sterilized scissors to cut.
- Now, half-fill the pot with fresh potting mix and place the extracted plant over it.
- Don’t force the roots to embed the plant and add more soil to fill the pot.
- If the soil is dry, give it water and place it in a brighter location.
How to Care for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is easy to grow plant for is not much demanding nature. You can also maintain your plant with these care tips.
Light and Temperature
Place your plant in filtered sunlight and don’t allow direct sun exposure. East facing window is the best spot to grow Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, where it will receive morning sunshine and rest in the shade for the rest of the day. But if your window is receiving inadequate light, don’t put it there and select another location as proper light is necessary for its healthy growth. The foliage will suffer in too much bright light and show problems.
As far as the right temperature is concerned for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, keep it there where you feel comfortable. It doesn’t like to sit in cold or scorching conditions. The ideal temperature is 68°F to 80°F, neither too cold nor too hot.
Watering Need
Disease-free and healthy growth of plants depends on watering. If you overwater your plant or keep it underwatered, both conditions result in major issues. So, do not water unless 1 inch of the soil is dried. When you need to water, keep the pot in the basin and give water until it drains from the bottom holes. Now, keep it there and observe until water stops dripping and place the plant in bright light. If the tray receives water, empty it and do not let the roots standing in that water.
Fertilization
Use organic feed for your Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and fertilizer every four months. You can also use slow-release houseplant fertilizer. Do not frequently fertilize your plant as more feed can burn the roots. If you are using liquid-based fertilizer, feed once a month is appropriate for the growth of Monstera.
Monstera soil mix
If you want to keep your plant alive and refreshing all the time, use fertile soil with all essential growth qualities. Use well-draining peat-based soil that provides nutrients to the plant and holds moisture without letting it soggy. You can also mix pine bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss to complement its organic matter.
When you add organic matter, the soil mix's quality is enhanced and better retains the moisture. So, use a monstera soil mix that allows your plant good air circulation and boost growth.
Humidity
An ideal humid level for Monstera is between 3O to 4O%, and mostly indoors are too low to maintain it. If the humidity level of your place is right in between this range, that's all fine. Otherwise, go for other options like regular misting of the leaves, humidifier, or enhance evaporation with pebbles in-tray.
Split-leaf philodendron pruning
The split leaves of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma need to be pruned for several reasons. If your hanged Monstera is growing long and leggy, you must maintain its size and prune the trailing vines. The other reason is to give the shape generally. If your plant is all set and up to date but is caught by disease, you have to prune the dead or decaying leaves. You need sharp and clean pruning shears to cut the leaf stem. You can also pinch off the vine from Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
Common problems
Problem: Leaves not splitting
Reason and its solution: No splitting of leaves means the plant is young. Ensure its ideal growing conditions, provide enough light and give support to climb.
Problem: Leaves are curling
Reason and its solution: Low level of humidity. Move it to a humid place like a bathroom or maintain your indoor humidity level humidifies, or place the plant in a tray filled with pebbles and water. Also, mist the leaves.
Problem: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma drooping leaves
Reason and its solution: The temperature of the plant's surroundings is too high, or you are not watering properly. Keep the temperature normal and neither overwater nor underwater your plant.
Problem: Brown edges on leaves
Reason and its solution: Dry air or inconsistent watering. Ensure the plant is not placed near the heat source and work on watering.
Problem: Spots or patches
Reason and its solution: Overwatering. Give water that is not cold and avoid frequent watering.
Problem: Pale yellow leaves
Reason and its solution: Too much sun or overwatering. Change the place of the pot to indirect light and water when soil is 8O% dried.
Problem: Root rot
Reason and its solution: Fungal issue for overwatering and poor drainage. Water when the soil is dry and repot your plant to a well-draining container.
Problem: Spider mites
Reason and its solution: Improper care. Separate the plant from others and spray neem oil on infested leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a mini Monstera climb?
Mini Monstera is a climbing vine and grows well with support. Give it a trellis or include moss for the grip of the growing roots. You can buy a trellis or make it with your creativity to help your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
How do You Encourage Monstera Growth?
Monstera grows faster and healthier in ideal growing conditions. Give it proper light but not direct sunlight as it may sunburn the leaves. Place the pot in indirect light, water properly, keep your place clean and humid, prune dead or damaged leaves and fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks.
What Can I Do with my leggy Monstera?
Pruning and providing the right growth conditions is the best way to deal with a leggy monster. When you notice the leaves are smaller from the side, focus on light or provide artificial lighting. If it is too tall, prune the stems, and new growth will emerge from that point that will make your plant fuller.
Precautions
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is not toxic to humans but causes complications for pets if they ingest the plant. As the plant is a member of the Araceae family and most plants are dangerous for pests.
So, do not hang or place Tetrasperma in the reach of your cats or dogs. If they ingest accidentally, consult your nearest veterinarian as it may result in stomach pain, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
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How to Grow, Care for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
How to Grow, Care for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
No detailed tutorials found on the Internet, exhausted :(