Maybe you’ve been looking for a houseplant that will thrive in your space and still look beautiful. If so, the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a perfect tropical plant for you! This Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a vining plant with green fenestrated leaves. It’s sometimes called the “Mini Monstera” because it resembles its relative, Monstera Deliciosa.

You will learn how to care for this beautiful plant and what it needs to grow and thrive! The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a beautiful plant with delicate leaves that are perfect for any home! I cannot wait to teach you how to care for your R. Tetrasperma!

How to Care for the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Houseplant

Caring for a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma can seem daunting at first glance, but it’s actually quite simple!

• Scientific Name: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
• Common names: Mini Monstera, Monstera “Ginny,” or Philodendron “Ginny.”

What it needs to grow:

Lighting

Bright indirect light, limit direct sun to prevent sunburn. I have several of these in my home. One is in our sunroom gets bright indirect south-facing window light, and then the other 2 are in our foyer, and they receive limited south-facing light, so I supplement them with artificial light. I use a Haus Bright grow light bulb linked HERE. Avoid low light conditions, which will slow the plant’s growth and reduce its leafy foliage.

You will want to avoid sustained low-light conditions because it will slow the plant’s growth and reduce its leafy foliage. If you do not have the proper lighting in your home, please read this post about adding ambient artificial lighting for your plants.

Water

Watering instructions are different depending on where you live – elevation and temperature make a difference, but consistently moist soil is key for growing these plants. They like moist soil, NOT soggy, muddy, or waterlogged. It’s best to test with a fingertip to see if the top inch of soil still feels moist before watering. If it does, resist the urge to water. I like to water lightly a couple of times a week rather than heavy watering less often. Remember! Excessive watering can lead to fungal root rot! If you want to learn more about root rot, please read this post.

During the fall and winter, you won’t need to water as often as during the spring or summer. However, these plants will grow faster during the warmer months, and therefore they will need more water than they will during the cooler months. If you consider yourself an over water-er, you may elect to plant your r. tetrasperma in a pot with a drainage hole.

Soil

You can use an all-purpose potting mix. I like to use Miracle-Gro Indoor Houseplant Soil and add extra Perlite to keep the soil light and fluffy. The soil also needs to be moist and well-drained.

Temperature

Room temperatures of 60-85ºF are suitable for this plant.

Size

A small Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma may only have vines that are 6inches long, but they can grow to 12ft or more.

Pests/Disease

These plants are susceptible to spider mites and fungal root rot.

Fertilizer

When you fertilize your Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, make sure you use a high-quality fertilizer that lacks urea or other harsher chemicals. These plants have susceptible roots and are susceptible to fertilizer burn. Instead, opt for a slow-release balanced organic fertilizer such as Fish Emulsion to reduce the chance of burning. I fertilize my Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma’s with Fish Emulsion every 4 weeks during the spring and summer months.

Other Tips

This plant loves to vine and climb! You can set up a small trellis or put a moss pole or totem in the planter, and your plant will learn to grow upwards!

Where Does It Come From?

The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma houseplant is a native plant to Southern Thailand and Malaysia. However, it is also commonly found growing in other parts of the world as an ornamental plant.

Why You Should Buy This Plant

It would help if you bought a rhaphidophora tetrasperma houseplant because it is a beautiful plant with an interesting leaf shape. It is truly one of my favorite indoor plants – that’s why I have 3!

Where to find this plant, and how much does it cost?

The r. tetrasperma houseplant can be found in specialty home and garden stores, your local nursery, or on Etsy. The cost of this plant is usually about $15+. When buying, make sure you choose one that is “Non-Tissue Culture”.

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma FAQs

1) How big does a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma get?

A small Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma may only have vines that are 6inches long, but they can grow to 12ft or more. So it is fine to trim the vines and occasionally give them a haircut. You can even propagate your trimmings if they have nodes on them!

2) Do they grow fast?

Yes! The Tetrasperma is a vigorous grower and may need to be repotted every year, possibly more than once a year!

3) How do I propagate my Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?

Luckily, propagating is surprisingly easy! First, you will want to select a cut vine that has nodes on it. Then, simply put your cuttings into a glass of water. Within a few weeks, roots will start to form from the nodes. You will want to change your water every couple of days, and when your roots are 3-4 inches long, you can transfer your cutting to potting soil. Tah-Dah! You have a new plant, baby!

4) How do I get rid of Spider Mites?

The most common pest for your a tetrasperma is spider mites. These annoying little pests may cause damage to the leaves and stems of your plant as they suck the sap out. They’re hard to see, but the damage they cause includes yellowing or speckled leaf surfaces and occasional scarring to the leaf. You can use neem oil to kill off the spider mites.

5) Are Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma toxic to pets?

Like other members of the Araceae family, the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma has calcium oxalates in its sap which is poisonous to animals. Keep this out of reach of your pets. If you think your pet (or your child) has ingested this plant, please call your doctor asap.

Other Posts You May Be Interested In Reading:

• Do you want the same houseplants as me? I have been adding my plants to the Shop – with direct links to my favorite online nurseries and plant sellers.
• How to Grow Lemons Indoors
• 6 Tips to Make a Room Look and Feel Bigger
• How to Use Leftover Coffee for Houseplant Fertilizer (this is one of the most popular posts on HouseFur.com)
• Want more houseplants tips? And frequent snaps of my cute doggies? Join me on Instagram!