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Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is often confused with:
Monstera deliciosa Potted form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Alocasia x mortfontanensis Dark metallic green leaves with white veins.
Dischidia ovata
Monstera siltepecana Climber with shiny, silvery, veiny leaves

Monstera Ginny Rhaphidophora tetrasperma

Phonetic Spelling
raf-FI-doh-FOR-ah teh-trah-SPUR-mah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Mini Monstera is a member of the arum family (Araceae). It is a tropical, climbing, evergreen herbaceous perennial from the wet tropics of the peninsula of Thailand and the peninsula of Malaysia. The species epithet means "four-seeded" and describes the berries. The plant's common names, Mini Monstera and Philodendron Ginny, may be a bit confusing. Mini Monstera is not a monstera nor a philodendron; however, they all belong to the same family. The common name, Mini Monstera, was selected because the plant's appearance is much like a "mini' version of Monstera deliciosa. The Mini Monstera also has smaller leaves, and the fenestrations appear at an earlier age than Monstera deliciosa.

The Mini Monstera prefers bright, indirect light, and moist, well-drained potting mix. It may tolerate a small amount of direct sunlight, but too much bright sun will cause leaf burn. Water the plant when the top 1 inch of the potting mix is dry. It will tolerate temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be kept out of drafts. The plant will thrive in high humidity levels of 60%. For adequate support for this vining plant, consider a trellis, totem, or moss pole. It may be propagated by stem cuttings. 

The green stems are slender and have aerial roots that help the plant attach itself and climb. The leaves are dark green, ovate or lanceolate, up to 6 to 12 inches long, and some of the leaf blades have fenestrations (holes in the leaves) and the tips split.  As a houseplant, they rarely flower. If flowering occurs, the blooms are borne on a white spadix surrounded by a cream-colored spathe. 

The Mini Monstera has become popular and is easy to grow as a houseplant in a container with added support or in a hanging basket with the vines trailing over the planter. It is also perfect for a shelf or tabletop. Exercise caution when pets or children are nearby since it is toxic if ingested. To avoid skin irritation, wearing gloves is recommended when handling this plant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: As a houseplant, it is susceptible to spider mites, fungus gnats, and scale. Potential diseases include bacterial leaf spot and fungal diseases such as root rot. Yellowing of the leaves may occur from overwatering or inadequate light. Drooping or curling of leaves result from the lack of water. Brown margins and spots are related to lack of moisture or humidity.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Variegata'
    tiny plant, variegated and deeply serrated leaves
'Variegata'
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#epiphytic#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#climbing vines#herbaceous perennial#acidic soils tolerant#vine#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#partial shade
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Variegata'
    tiny plant, variegated and deeply serrated leaves
'Variegata'
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#epiphytic#interesting leaves#hanging baskets#climbing vines#herbaceous perennial#acidic soils tolerant#vine#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#contact dermatitis#container plant#poisonous if ingested#partial shade
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Rhaphidophora
    Species:
    tetrasperma
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Peninsula of Thailand to Peninsula of Malaysia
    Distribution:
    Malaya and Thailand
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Climbing Method:
    Clinging
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Epiphyte
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Vine
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are borne on white spadix surrounded by a cream-colored spathe. As a houseplant, it rarely flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are dark green, ovate to lanceolate, and can reach 6 10 12 inches long. Some of the leaf blades are fenestrated or look like windows in the leaf.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems are slender and have aerial roots to help the plant attach itself and climb.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Toxic, if ingested. Symptoms include mouth irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, and stomach irritation. Skin irritation can result from handling this plant. Wearing gloves is suggested.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Calcium oxalate crystals
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Stems