How to Grow A Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a very easy and forgiving houseplant to have in your collection. Although it is also called a “mini monstera” it is not a Monstera. The Tetrasperma is part of the Araceae family just like the Monstera but the Monstera is not in the Raphidophora genus. I like to treat it like its a Monstera when it comes to care. So lets make this super easy.

In order to grow a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma you need proper lighting, soil, pot and watering schedule.

How to grow a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

1. Light
2. Soil
3. Water
4. Pot

Light

The Rhaphidophora does best in bright indirect light. If your window pours in direct sun move your plant back a few feet. These plants live in the understory of the forest and can handle only a short period of sun before burning.

Soil

Rhaps do well in a moisture retentive chunky soil mixture. You can make one by using coir, pearlite and orchid bark. This will allow the soil to hold moisture but not for too long and bark to give the roots something cling to will adding drainage along with the pearlite. If you prefer not to buy all of these separate items for a mix. You can use a prepared bagged soil and add orchid bark.

Water

This plant is so forgiving if you happen to forget to water. It can take a while before it shows signs of dehydration. If you are seeing signs of dehydration such as wilting, dying foliage or leaf spots you have waited too long to water. Give this plant a full drink of water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Depending on your pot size and type you may need to water sooner or later if its a pot that holds moisture. My Rhaps that are in plastic or ceramic get watered every two- three weeks. My Rhaps that are in terra cotta are watered every week to week and a half.

Pot

You can grow the Rhaphidophora in just about any type of pot. Remember your pot must have a drainage hole in order to properly grow any plant. If you are growing your plant in ceramic or plastic adjust your soil mix to have more drainage by adding more orchid bark or pearlite because those types of materials help to hold in moisture. If you are growing in terracotta your soil mix will dry a lot faster so make your soil mix more moisture retentive.

The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a fun houseplant to have in your collection. It’s one of the more easy plants to grow indoors and if you take good care of it, it’ll reward you with gorgeous new foliage.

Happy Gardening,

Ciearra