Mini Monstera, Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, Minima

Selling size: Single plant | 2.5-4″ Pot included | Secure Packing

The Mini Monstera, Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, Minima is a popular houseplant due to its unique split leaves and relatively easy care. Despite its common name, it is not actually in the Monstera genus but shares a similar appearance. It has smaller leaves than Monstera deliciosa, but they bear its dramatic fenestration–the splits and holes in leaves–at an earlier age. It’s a climbing houseplant you can grow as a vine or trim back to keep it more full and bushy.

Here is a guide to keeping your Mini Monstera, Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, Minima healthy and thriving:

Light

• Bright, indirect light is best. This plant thrives in a spot where it receives plenty of filtered sunlight.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, leading to yellowing or brown spots.
• Can tolerate lower light, but growth will slow. In low-light conditions, the plant may become “leggy,” with smaller leaves and wider gaps between them. If you want faster growth and more splits in the leaves, provide more light.
• Rotate the plant. To ensure even growth, rotate the pot every few weeks so all sides receive adequate light.

Watering

• Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. This is a crucial step to prevent root rot, which is a common problem for this plant.
• Be careful not to overwater. It’s better to slightly underwater than to overwater. Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering.
• Ensure proper drainage. Use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
• Watering frequency varies. In warmer months, you may need to water more frequently (e.g., once a week), while in the winter, the plant’s growth slows, and it will need less water.

Soil

• Use a well-draining, chunky potting mix. This is essential to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
• A good mix can be created yourself. A mix with equal parts potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite is often recommended. Other good components include peat moss, pumice, and coco coir.
• A high-quality potting mix for a Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) needs to be chunky and airy to provide excellent drainage and aeration, while still retaining some moisture. This helps prevent root rot, which is common in plants that are left in soggy soil. 
  Here are the components for an effective potting mix and some pre-made product options.
  DIY potting mix recipe
  You can create a successful mix by combining these components: 
  • 1 part Potting Soil

    : Use a standard, high-quality indoor potting mix as a base.

  • 1 part Perlite

     or Pumice: These lightweight, porous materials improve drainage and prevent soil compaction. Perlite is more common, but pumice retains less water and is a good option if you tend to overwater.

  • 1 part Orchid Bark

     or Coco Chips: The chunky pieces of bark or coconut chips mimic the plant’s natural environment and provide essential aeration for the roots.

  • 1/4 to 1/2 part Coco Coir

    : This sustainable alternative to peat moss retains moisture while still allowing for good drainage. Some recipes suggest using a 1/2 potting soil, 1/2 coco fiber mix.

  • Worm Castings (optional): A handful of worm castings can provide extra nutrients to the mix. 
  Pre-made potting mixes
  If you prefer not to mix your own, look for a commercially available “aroid mix” or a specialized “Monstera mix,” as these have similar requirements to Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. 

Temperature & Humidity

• Warm temperatures are ideal. The Mini Monstera prefers temperatures between 55-95°F (13-35°C). Avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents and cold drafts.
• Humidity is a plus. While it can adapt to average household humidity (40-50%), it will thrive in higher humidity (50-70%). You can increase humidity by using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, or keeping it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom.

Support

• This is a climbing plant. In its natural habitat, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma climbs trees. Providing a moss pole, trellis, or stake to climb will encourage it to grow upright and help the leaves develop their signature splits.

Fertilizer

• Fertilize during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
• Dilute the fertilizer. Diluting the fertilizer more than the recommended amount can help prevent “fertilizer burn.”
• Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter. The plant’s growth slows during the colder months, and it does not need extra nutrients.

Other Care Tips:

• Pruning: Regularly pruning your plant will help it maintain its shape and promote bushier, healthier growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Toxicity: Be aware that Rhaphidophora tetrasperma contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of children and animals.