Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma A Philodendron?
Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma A Philodendron? At first glance, R. tetrasperma looks like a Monstera deliciosa, and it’s sometimes misidentified as a Philodendron species. This plant, however, is not a Monstera or a Philodendron, despite the fact that they are all members of the same Araceae family (plants in this family are often referred to as…
Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma A Philodendron?
At first glance, R. tetrasperma looks like a Monstera deliciosa, and it’s sometimes misidentified as a Philodendron species.
This plant, however, is not a Monstera or a Philodendron, despite the fact that they are all members of the same Araceae family (plants in this family are often referred to as “aroids”).
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is in a different genus than those two plants and is only found in one section of the planet!
- tetrasperma is found in Southern Thailand and Malaysia, whereas Monstera and Philodendron species are native to Central and South America. Surprisingly, the Rhaphidophora genus is not closely linked to the other two genera for which it is sometimes misidentified.
Why Is My Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Turning Yellow?
Your Rhaphidophora leaves could be turning yellow for a variety of causes. Let’s look at why.
Moisture: The most common reason of yellowing leaves in Rhaphidophora plants is an insufficient amount of moisture in the soil, namely overwatering.
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Water your Rhaphidophora only when the top 75% of the soil in the pot is dry. Allow your plant to dry out a little more between waterings in the winter, but be sure to restore humidity with regular misting, a humidifier, or a pebble tray.
When watering your Rhaphidophora, make sure there is adequate liquid flowing from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot into the saucer.
It is critical to remove any extra water from the saucer and not allow your plant to sit in standing water. Your Rhaphidophora will not tolerate “wet feet,” which causes the roots to rot and the plant to die.
Level of Humidity: Low humidity and dry soil produce leaf drooping and browning on the edges, followed by overall yellowing. Use a humidifier, a pebble tray, or frequently mist your plant.
Improper Lighting: Rhaphidophora grows best in strong indirect sunlight. When exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, the foliage might burn. Rhaphidophora can adapt to low light conditions, but their growth will be slowed. Yellow leaves may form if placed in very low light.
Pests: Insect infestations are more likely in weaker or stressed Rhaphidophora. Sap-sucking insects such as spider mites can dehydrate your plant. Yellowing leaflets and fronds are the first signs of this condition. Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites are common indoor pests.
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These little bugs grow and travel all along frond parts into nooks and crannies if not destroyed early on. The insects’ piercing jaws exhaust your plant and promote yellowing, especially if your plant is already ill due to poor lighting, nutrient insufficiency, or insufficient soil moisture.
Some yellowing is unavoidable: Is your Rhaphidophora sprouting new leaves? If your plant has fresh growth and the yellowing leaves are older, especially at the bottom of the plant, this yellowing is natural. Your plant sheds its old leaves to make room for new growth.
How Big Does Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Grow?
The mini-monstera is only distantly related to its far more famous cousin, the Swiss Cheese Plant, but it is equally as beautiful in the home. Mini-monsteras (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) have the same extraordinary fenestration but are vining plants rather than upright growers.
They are easy to cultivate, have lush tropical foliage, and may grow up to 12 feet long. If you’re searching for a fast-growing plant to brighten up your home or hide a dingy area, this is it!
Even when cultivated indoors for years, the Mini Monstera will not normally have leaves larger than an adult human’s hand.
How Do You Prune Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
To keep this houseplant at its best, it will require regular pruning. It is similar to a Philodendron in this regard. Its growth can be a little wild and unruly, so if you want a certain look, you’ll have to clip it back every now and then. You may also control growth by pruning it back to the appropriate size.
- Tetrasperma is prone to becoming leggy, especially when not exposed to enough light. Instead of developing new leaves, it will stretch out its vine to come closer to the light. If you see this, transfer the plant to a brighter location. Then, trim the lanky growth.
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In summary, when your plant outgrows its supporting framework, you can either wind it back down (and then up again later) for a fuller appearance, or you can cut off the top and propagate it into a new plant.
Allow your Tetrasperma to vine its way up a wall, then cut it back after you’re satisfied with the height it achieves. Cutting above the nodes encourages the stem to branch out in many ways.
What Are The Other Names For Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
Plant collectors refer to Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma as Mini Monstera because it resembles a tiny version of M. Deliciosa and, honestly, the latter is far easier to remember.
The Mini Monstera is extremely rare in nature and has received little attention in scholarly literature.
There was a lot of uncertainty about its origin and classification when it was initially made available to the general public. As a result, humans began to label this plant in a variety of ways.
Amydrium tetrasperma, Amydrium ‘Ginnie,’ Philodendron “Ginnie”, Philodendron imbe “Ginny”, Epipremnum “Ginny”, Philodendron Minima, Mini Split-leaf Philodendron, and European Dwarf Deliciosa are all common names for R. Tetrasperma.
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The names listed above are all scientifically inaccurate.
How Do I Make My Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Fuller?
The Mini Monstera plant is unique because it has a tremendous amount of potential to become fuller and bushier. This is one of the beauties of this plant. It can be trained to grow in any way you wish, and its vining qualities are unlike any other plant.
Many people love the natural way this houseplant grows, but there may come a time when you’d like your Mini Monstera to have a more-bushy appearance.
Pruning your R. Tetrasperma vine is an effective strategy to manage its growth habit and direction. When your plant outgrows its supporting framework, you can either wind it back down (and then up again later) for a fuller appearance, or you can cut off the top and propagate it into a new plant.
Allow your Tetrasperma to vine its way up a wall, then cut it back after you’re satisfied with the height it achieves. Cutting above the nodes encourages the stem to branch out in many ways.
How Do I Get Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma To Climb?
- Tetrasperma is a natural climber in its natural habitat. It clings its host to rise upwards and strive for more light, with vast intervals between nodes and aerial roots projecting from those nodes.
When provided a sturdy structure to climb on, your Tetrasperma will flourish. This can take the form of a moss pole, a coco pole, a bamboo stick, a totem, a wooden plank, or a trellis.
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Use soft and malleable materials such as floral wire, twist ties, bread tape, hemp twines, or even yarn to connect the stem to the structure.
Tie up the stem below the nodes, taking care not to suffocate any unfurling leaves.
Will Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Grow After Cutting?
The easiest way to propagate your Mini Monstera is by cutting it. With a clean, sharp pair of pruners or scissors (don’t use garden shears), cut the stem above one of its node sections.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma nodes are simple to spot since each node has one leaf and an aerial root.
They will only deviate from this pattern if you take a cutting, therefore if you want a bushy plant, you will almost certainly need to take cuttings.
The node on an R. Tetrasperma plant is its natural point of growth. Every two to five inches along the vine, the plant will branch out into new leaves and stems.
Why Does My Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Lack Fenestration?
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No fenestrations: This indicates that the plant is either very young or is not getting enough sunlight. If you have an adult with leaves that are reverting to the smaller shape without the fenestrated leaves, move it closer to the window or provide some supplementary lighting.
Does Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Grow Slowly?
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a fast-growing vine that can quickly take over an indoor space. It grows quickly in the spring and summer, and it may even continue to sprout new leaves in the fall and winter.
This plant grows to a height of 16 feet in the rainforests of Thailand and Malaysia. Each leaf will be 4 to 13 inches long. Indoors, the leaves tend to grow smaller, and they rarely grow larger than the size of a human hand.
Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma A Climber?
These must climb if you want a healthy plant that looks good. You can use a moss pole, which you can create or buy, a trellis, or anything else that will support the plant and provide a location for the aerial roots to grip.
If you like the aesthetic of a moss pole, you should try making your own. It’s not only simple, but also enjoyable!