Rhaphidophora tetrasperma and Monstera deliciosa are two commonly confused species of plants, often referred to as “Philodendron” due to their similar appearances. However, there are several key differences between the two species.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma has small dark green leaves with deep lobes, where Monstera deliciosa’s leaves have oval, less deeply lobed shapes with bright green, glossy surfaces and holes or “fenestrations” that arise as the plant matures and grows larger.
Additionally, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a vining plant that produces aerial roots which anchor and climb, while Monstera deliciosa is a clumping species with large leaves that grow rapidly in their maturity.
Finally, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma blooms with small white spathes while Monstera deliciosa produces clusters of white/pale yellow edible fruits.
Is tetrasperma same as Monstera?
No, tetrasperma is not the same as Monstera. Tetrasperma is an epiphytic or lithophytic evergreen perennial vine that is found in parts of Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia. It is part of the Araceae family and has thin, glossy, three to four-lobed leaves with long petioles that are heavily covered in sparse, small hairs.
Monstera is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. Monsteras are tropical, perennial climbers with large glossy, perforated leaves and thick, aerial roots that grab onto other support structures.
The foliage of Monstera is much more dramatic than the foliage of tetrasperma, often having larger leaves and more distinct lobing.
Is Rhaphidophora a Monstera?
No, Rhaphidophora is not a Monstera. Although they may look similar due to their large leaves with unique shape, they belong to different species of plants. Monstera is a genus of tropical vines and epiphytes native to Central and South America, whereas Rhaphidophora is a genus of plants found in South and Southeast Asia.
Even though some Rhaphidophora species may have highly lobed leaves and a fenestrated appearance similar to Monstera, they don’t have the same characteristics. Some of the common differences between Rhaphidophora and Monstera are; foliage, growth habit, propagation, and requirements.
Monstera plants have wider and large, heart-shaped leaves and require a more humid and warmer climate, while Rhaphidophora have thinner, more lacy, undivided leaves, and need the warmth of partial sunlight.
Rhaphidophora is also propagated through leaf cuttings, while Monstera is propagated via cuttings of aerial roots. Additionally, Rhaphidophora grows and cascades downwards, whereas Monstera tends to adjust themselves in or around a surface or trellis to climb upwards.
Is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma a rare plant?
Yes, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is considered rare in much of its native range, which includes the tropical forests of India, Laos, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the Philippines. In some areas, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find wild specimens.
It is an aroid, meaning it belongs to the same family as the philodendron; however, its unique leaves and climbing habit have earned it the nickname “mini monstera” or “fake bird’s nest fern”. Its popularity has soared in recent years and it is now a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.
In other parts of the world, where it is not native, it can still be found in nurseries and garden centers, though it is a bit more expensive than other houseplants.
What is the rarest Monstera?
The rarest Monstera is the Monstera deliciosa ssp. laniata. It is a rare, endemic species from Mexico, where it only grows in a few isolated, high elevation areas on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range.
The plant has a distinct, marbled leaf pattern and an unusual, thick, velvety foliage. This particular variety of Monstera is extremely difficult to find in cultivation, and is highly sought after by plant collectors.
The rarity of this species makes it a valuable addition to any collection, and it is sure to be a focal point in any garden or home.
Why does my Monstera have no holes?
One possibility is that your Monstera is still young, and hasn’t had the opportunity to develop them yet. Generally, Monstera leaves develop their holes as they mature and grow.
Another possibility is that your Monstera is not getting enough light, or the wrong kind of light. Monsteras require bright, indirect light to grow and develop their characteristic holes. Make sure you are not keeping it in a dark spot or in too much direct sunlight.
Lastly, it could be an issue of nutrient deficiency. Monsteras need the right balance of nutrients to grow properly, and not getting enough of the right nutrients can prevent their leaves from developing holes.
Make sure to feed your plant regularly, using a fertilizer that is specific for Monsteras, and that you’re not over-fertilizing it.
Keep in mind that even with the right light and nutrient levels, it may take months for your Monstera to start displaying holes. Just be sure to have patience, provide your Monstera with the right conditions, and in time you should begin to see new leaves with their characteristic holes.
Are there different types of Monstera?
Yes, there are multiple types of Monstera plants, sometimes referred to as Swiss Cheese Plants. All Monsteras belong to the genus Monstera, which is part of the Araceae family. Some popular varieties within this species include Monstera Deliciosa, Monstera Adansonii, Monstera Borsigiana, and Monstera Siltepecana.
Monstera Deliciosa is a vining plant with iconic splits in its foliage known as fenestrations, which can get up to 2 feet in length. Monstera Adansonii is an epiphytic species native to Central and South America, with leaves that can quickly grow up to 2 feet.
It also has large, coin-shaped holes in its leaves that are much different than the typical fenestrations of Monstera Deliciosa.
Monstera Borsigiana also has large fenestrations in its foliage, but a much smaller size than the Monstera Deliciosa, reaching only 7-8 inches in length. While its leaves appear very similar to Monstera Deliciosa, it is a much more compact plant.
Monstera Siltepecana is native to Mexico and has deeply serrated leaves and a trailing habit. It’s very similar to Monstera Adansonii, though its leaves tend to be darker in color.
Each type of Monstera has its own unique appearance, but all require similar cultural practices for successful growth. All Monstera plants should be kept in bright, indirect light with access to warmth and humidity, and regular watering.
They can all be easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings, making them great for those who want to share the fun of owning a Monstera with family and friends.
How do you take care of Tetrasperma?
Taking care of Tetrasperma is relatively easy and only requires a few steps. First, you want to make sure that the water has the right parameters to house your Tetrasperma. It should have a temperature between 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit (22-28 degrees Celsius), a pH level between 6.5-7.
5, and a hardness between 5-15 KH. You should also keep the tank clean by doing water changes every 1-2 weeks or as needed. The water needs to be siphoned out or vacuumed to remove any build-up of debris and uneaten food which could cause an increase in toxins in the water.
When choosing a tank for your Tetrasperma, you want to also make sure it can provide enough room for them to move around. It should be large enough to fit at least 20 gallons of water and have plenty of hiding spots and caves for them to explore.
It’s also important to have plenty of plants, rocks, or wood to provide cover and buffer the pH.
When it comes to food, Tetrasperma should be fed a variety of flake and frozen food along with some live foods. You want to make sure that the food is live, which can include worms, crickets, shrimp, and small insects.
Furthermore, you should feed them in small portions several times a day to ensure the leftover food will not cause a water quality issue.
Overall, taking care of Tetrasperma is fairly straightforward and can provide you with a lot of enjoyment in the end. With the right parameters, clean tank, and good diet, you can have a thriving group of Tetrasperma in no time.
How much light does a tetrasperma need?
Tetrasperma plants need moderate lighting, such as indirect sunlight or fluorescent light with a spectrum of 5,000 to 10,000K. They prefer to be kept in light that is not too bright, as this can lead to excessive growth and not enough flowering.
When grown indoors, fluorescent lighting for 12-14 hours per day is usually sufficient for these plants. They can also tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Generally, when used indoors the distance of the light should be adjusted depending on how bright the light source is.
If the light source is too bright, the distance should be increased. In this way, tetraspermas will receive light that is not too intense.
How do I make my mini Monstera bushy?
To make a mini Monstera bushy, prune the stems and leaves, let the soil dry between waterings, and provide adequate light so the plant can photosynthesize. Pruning your Monstera is the most effective way of promoting bushiness.
You can prune the stems by cutting off the tips of the vines and, in doing so, you will be stimulating the plant to produce more leaves, resulting in bushy growth. Make sure you use clean, sharp scissors to ensure a clean cut and to prevent damage to the plant.
When it comes to water, mini Monsteras prefer to dry out between waterings, so it’s important to wait until the top 1-2” of soil is dry before adding more water. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Finally, ensure adequate light for your mini Monstera. Monsteras need bright, indirect light–so, in your home, make sure to place your Monstera near a window that gets direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
Not enough light will hamper photosynthesis and result in an un-bushy Monstera.
When should I repot my mini Monstera?
If your mini Monstera has outgrown its current container and soil, it’s time to repot it. To check if it’s time to repot, inspect the roots. If they’re tightly bound in a tangled mass, popping out the top of the soil, or winding around the bottom and edges of the pot, they’ve outgrown their current home.
You’ll also want to re-pot if the leaves feel cramped and are slightly yellow.
If these signs of overcrowding are present, choose a slightly bigger pot, about two inches wider than its current home. Make sure the drainage holes in the bottom of the new pot are not blocked. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil and carefully remove the Monstera from its old pot.
Take pauses to check for any roots that may have been accidentally damaged with the removal process. Rinse off any dirt from the roots with water, then lightly spread the roots out in the new pot and fill the rest of the container with soil.
Finally, water the Monstera thoroughly and make sure to water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Should I mist my Rhaphidophora?
Yes, you should mist your Rhaphidophora to keep the leaves hydrated and healthy. You should mist your plant 1-2 times daily, or until the plant is fully saturated. Be sure to avoid misting the leaves too much and let the plant dry out between mistings to prevent fungus and rot.
When misting your plant, aim the nozzle between the leaves, not directly on them. Additionally, try to use warm or room temperature water so you don’t shock the plant. Proper drainage is also important to avoid over-watering.
Make sure the soil is moist and not soggy so the water does not pool in the bottom of the pot.
Should I cut yellow leaves off Monstera?
Yes, you should cut yellow leaves off of your Monstera plant. Yellow leaves can indicate a nutrient deficiency or other problem, which can harm the plant if left untreated. Removing yellow leaves can help promote healthy growth and prevent problems from spreading to other leaves.
When cutting off yellow leaves, be sure to use clean, sharp scissors to ensure a clean cut and minimize the risk of damage to surrounding leaves and stems. Make sure to dispose of any leaves you cut off using a composting system, as the leaves still contain nutrients the plant can reabsorb.
Why is my mini Monstera leaves turning yellow?
Mini Monstera leaves turning yellow can be caused by a variety of factors. Possible causes include too much direct sunlight, underwatering, or overwatering. It could also be an indication of a nutrient deficiency, or of pests/diseases.
To determine the exact cause, inspect the plant’s leaves, roots, and stem for signs of nutrient deficiency, pests, or disease. Also, check the surrounding environment for too much or too little sunlight or moisture.
Since environmental factors can change, it is important to regularly adjust and monitor the environment for signs of distress. Additionally, ensure correct fertilizing according to the plant’s specific needs, and ensure the soil has good drainage.
Finally, check for pests, and if present, take appropriate measures such as removing the pests by hand and treating the plant with an insecticide to remove the infestation. Taking these steps will help to prevent your Mini Monstera leaves from turning yellow.
What’s the difference between monstera and mini Monstera?
Monstera and mini Monstera are both a type of tropical plant, native to Mexico and Central America, but there are some important differences between these two varieties.
Monstera is a large vining plant with long, perforated leaves, typically reaching heights of 5-8 feet. It is commonly used as a foliage plant and popular in home decor. Mini Monstera, on the other hand, is a smaller variety of Monstera which grows to heights of 1-2 feet.
It has smaller, rounder leaves and a fuller bush like structure. Mini Monstera is a popular houseplant, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces, or for those looking for something more compact.
Another key difference between monstera and mini Monstera is the soil requirements. Monstera prefers regular moisture and can do well in most soil types, whereas mini Monstera does best in a well-draining soil mix.
Additionally, monstera is best pruned to keep it under control, whereas mini Monstera can usually be left to grow on its own.