Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Propagation, Problems

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Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, often incorrectly labelled as Mini Monstera, is among well-liked tropical foliage plants on account of it heart-shaped leaves with split lobes and trailing stems.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma often incorrectly referred to as a Monstera or a Philodendron where it goes by such names as 'Mini Monstera', Philodendron 'Ginny', Empipremnum pinnatum and Philodendron 'Piccolo' is climbing plant which looks spectacular on a trellis or a moss pole.

You may find it mislabelled as a Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) or an Epipremnum pinnatum (Dragon Tail Plant). Rhaphidophora tetrasperma belongs to the genus Rhaphidophora which comprises of about 100 species.

Botanical name: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Family: Araceae

Origin

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is native to Southern Thailand and Malaysia where it grows as an hemiepiphyte and climbs by means of aerial roots to the top of trees in its natural habitat.

Size

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a climbing plant which can grow to a height of 12 feet when provided with a sturdy support like a moss pole or a trellis. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain it at a manageable size.

Is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma toxic?

Yes. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is toxic to humans and pets as indicated on Leaf and Paw website. If ingested it can cause pain and swelling in the mouth, tongue and lips, vomiting, excessive drooling and difficulty in swallowing.

Where to Buy

If you are looking to add Rhaphidophora tetrasperma to your collection, you may obtain it online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).

How to Care for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Indoors

To care for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 16-27⁰C, humidity of 50-60% and moderately moist, fertile, well drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma requires regular pruning to keep it neat, encourage a compact growth and to control growth. Repotting is only needed when it outgrows its current pot. Keep on reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

How often should I water Rhaphidophora tetrasperma?

Do not water the plant on a schedule. Water Rhaphidophora tetrasperma liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Take care not to overwater to prevent rotting, yellowing, drooping and leaf loss.

Reduce watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as underwatering can result in wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Use room temperature water to prevent cold shock which can cause stunted growth and leaf fall. Only water with chlorine-free water like rainwater to prevent browning of leaf tips and edges.

Select a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and eventual plant death. Always discard excess water from the catch plate or saucer to prevent soil soggines.

Light requirements

How much light does Rhaphidophora tetrasperma need?

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light); a place infront of a large, bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight or instal a light curtain to diffuse the sunrays to prevent sunscorching of the leaves.

Can Rhaphidophora tetrasperma grow in low light?

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma can grow in medium light conditions but will grow much slower and produce small, unsplit leaves. Too little light will result in stunted growth, yellowing and leggy growth. Therefore, if natural light is not sufficient, use full spectrum grow lights to complement it.

Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent leggy growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma prospers in a warmth of 16-27⁰C. Keep it from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, breezy windows and doors, heat sources among others to prevent temperature flactuations which can lead to stunted growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma prefers a humidity of 50-60%. However, prolonged periods of low humidity can result in brown leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity, group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other humid areas in the home.

Fertilizer

What is the best fertilizer for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma?

Feed Rhaphidophora tetrasperma with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing period for a lush growth. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is slowed and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn.

Occasionally, flush out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to get rid of as much salt as possible.

Potting Soil

What kind of soil does Rhaphidophora tetrasperma like?

The best potting soil for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma should be a rich, well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging while providing the required nutrients. A blend of 2 parts of potting soil and 1 part perlite is ideal for this plant as it drains easily.

Repotting

Repot Rhaphidophora tetrasperma during the growing season only when pot-bound; when you note that the roots are growing through the drainage holes.

Use a pot 1 size larger that has a drainage hole and a free-draining soil to prevent root-rot. Check out these ceramic pots on Amazon.

Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning Rhaphidophora tetrasperma involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations.

For a more bushy plant and to keep the plant in a manageable size, cutback the vines to the soil level at the beginning of the growing season. Use clean, sharp scissors to minimize injuries and transmission of diseases.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest infestation.

Does Rhaphidophora tetrasperma need a moss pole?

To encourage vertical growth and the development of larger fenestrated leaves, provide a moss pole or trellis.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Propagation

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season by use of stem cuttings or by air layering.

1. Propagating Rhaphidophora tetrasperma stem cuttings

Taking Rhaphidophora tetrasperma stem cuttings

Take a 4-5 inches stem cutting from a healthy plant by cutting at a point just below an aerial root. Ensure the cutting has at least one leaf node and some aerial roots.

The stem cuttings can be rooted in 2 ways; either in water or in soil. They root easily and have no need for a rooting hormone.

(a) Rooting Rhaphidophora tetrasperma stem cuttings in water

1. Submerge 2-3 inches of stem in a jar of clean water while ensuring at least one leaf node is below the water surface.


2. Position the set up in a well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


3. Change the water every 5-7 days until roots have developed.


4. Transfer the new plant into individual pots in moist, well-draining soil when the roots are about 2-3 inches long. Roots appear in 2–4 weeks


5. Keep the soil moist until new growth has emerged on the new plant.


6. Allow the new plant to be well established before moving the pots to their permanent position after which you can begin routine.

(b) Rooting Rhaphidophora tetrasperma stem cuttings in soil

1. Insert 2-3 inches of lower cut end of the cutting in moist, free-draining soil.


2. Cover the set up with clear polythene to create a greenhouse effect to promote rooting of the cuttings.


3. Place the set up in a warm, brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight.


4. Once rooting has taken place, gradually remove the polythene sheet over a period of two weeks to aclimate the new plants to the ordinary growing conditions. Roots appear in 3-5 weeks.


5. Allow the new plants to be well established before transplanting into individual pots after which you can begin routine care.

2. Propagating Rhaphidophora tetrasperma by air layering

There are two methods of air layering Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.

(a) Method 1

1. Notch a healthy stem and coat the cut with a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


2. Surround the notched area with damp moss and then cover it with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.


3. After the roots have formed sever the stem just below the covered part.


4. Remove the polythene and carefully pot the rooted cutting in moist free-draining soil.


5. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight.


6. Maintain the soil moist until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

(b) Method 2

1. Coat a healthy stem at a node with a rooting hormone.


2. Surround the node with damp moss and then cover it with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.


3. After the roots have formed sever the stem just below the covered part.


4. Remove the polythene and carefully pot the rooted cutting in moist free-draining soil.


5. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


6. Keep the soil moist until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Problems & Solutions

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma problems are yellow leaves, stunted growth, leaf drop, brown leaf tips & edges, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more details on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

Why are the leaves on my Rhaphidophora tetrasperma turning yellow?

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, dry air, temperature stress, low light, nutrients deficiency, salts buildup or aging

How to fix it

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together to increase humidity.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, heat sources, windy doors, drafty windows among others.

Low light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with an organic plant food every 4 weeks in spring and summer but do not feed in fall and winter.

Salts buildup: Regularly, flush out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage hole.

Aging: It is natural for the older leaves to turn yellow, brown and drop as the plant matures.

Stunted growth

Why is my Rhaphidophora tetrasperma not growing?

Your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is not growing due to too little light, lack of nutrients, temperature stress, inconsistent watering or soggy soil.

How to fix it

Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light where natural light is not sufficient.

Lack of nutrients: Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in the growing season.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts like windy doors, drafty windows, AC units, heat sources among others.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not let the soil dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil.

Leaf drop

Leaf drop on Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is caused by dry air, temperature stress, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, use of cold water among others.

How to fix it

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together to raise humidity.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, windy doors, drafty windows, hot air vents, heat sources among others.

Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and a free-draining soil.

Too little light: Place the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is not adequate.

Use of cold water: Water with room temperature (tepid) water to prevent cold shock.

Brown leaf tips & edges

Brown leaf tips and edges on Rhaphidophora tetrasperma are due to dry air or being pot-bound.

How to fix it

Dry air: To upscale humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

Being pot-bound: Check the bottom of the pot for roots growing thorough the drainage hole. Repot the plant into a pot 1-2 sizes larger to provide adequate room for growth.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth and small pale leaves on Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is caused by insufficient light.

How to fix it

Position the plant in a more brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.

Pests

Common pests on Rhaphidophora tetrasperma are mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites which are prevalent in dry air conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the infested plant to reduce spread to the rest of the plants.


2. Treat the infested plant with a neem oil or an insecticidal soap as recommended by the manufacturers.


3. Regularly inspect the plant under the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.


4. Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.


5. To elevate humidity, use a cool mist humidifier, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together.

Diseases

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is prone to the following diseases:

1. Leaf spot disease which is common in humid conditions coupled with poor air circulation. It presents as brown, soft spots on the leaves.

How to fix it

1. Remove the affected leaves immediately to reduce further spread.


2. Treat the affected plant with a neem oil as per the manufacturers' recommendations.


3. Maintain a good air flow to depress the disease occurence.


4. Avoid wetting the foliage during watering.

2. Stem-rot disease which is prevalent in humid conditions coupled with too little warmth.

How to fix it

1. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.


2. Treat the affected plant with a neem oil as per the manufacturers' instructions.


3. Decrease the frequency of watering in fall and winter to reduce occurence of the disease.

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