Rhaphidophora tetrasperma aka Mini Monstera

Taxonomy

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, more commonly known as the Mini Monstera, is an evergreen climbing plant native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the family Araceae and has often been mistaken for other species and families including Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron sp. and Epipremnum pinnatum. It prefers bright light, is fast-growing and can be grown both in pots and hanging baskets. It's versatile, hardy and easy to care for, but can be toxic if ingested, so it should be kept away from both animals and children. These plants have distinctively cut leaves, aerial roots which help them climb, and air-purifying qualities.

Common names

Mini Monstera, Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera Deliciosa

How to care for Mini Monstera

Difficulty

Mini Monstera is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Mini Monstera should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mini Monstera loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Mini Monstera prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Mini Monstera to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Mini Monstera is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Mini Monstera is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Mini Monstera should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Mini Monstera’s native range is Tropical Africa to Oceania.


More info:
Wikipedia