- Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, usually called Monstera Minima or Philodendron Piccolo, is not the dwarf version of Monstera Deliciosa. Indeed, it is not a Monstera at all, but this plant looks very similar to Monstera Deliciosa with heart-shaped, fenestrated, split leaves and climbing vines, hence the nickname! Like Monstera plants, Tetrasperma is also an effective natural air purifier.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is perfect for people who love the beauty of large, lush green split leaves of the Monstera Deliciosa but have limited spaces. While Deliciosa can grow up to 8 feet tall with 2 to 3 feet long leaves, Minima is much more compact and manageable. It has smaller cordate leaves and only reaches up to 5 feet tall.
Unlike a Deliciosa plant, which produces fenestrated leaves only when it is mature, Minima has split leaves already at a very young age. Native to the tropical rainforests of Malaysia and Thailand, Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma gives a nice exotic, tropical vibe to any living space.
- Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma loves bright, indirect light. This plant tolerates some shade but it will grow more slowly and new leaves will be smaller. Low light conditions also make it leggy. Minima grows best in a bright room with lots of filter light, protected from harsh direct sunlight.
Monstera minima needs watering frequently to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. It is recommended that you monitor the soil moisture level regularly and water when the top 2" of the soil is dry to the touch. Your watering schedule depends on your indoor environment, climate, and the size of your planter. Water slowly or use the bottom watering method and drain well to avoid root rot.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma likes nutrient-rich and well-draining soils or soilless potting mediums. Adding some peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark to general potting soil would do the trick to increase drainage and aeration. You should also pick a planter with at least one drainage hole.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma grows well at normal room temperature (between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and average room humidity (40-50%), but it grows faster with a bit more air moisture, so mist your plant and use a humidifier in dry days. This plant can be grown outside in USDA Zone 10-12, but it does not tolerate temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
This plant should be fertilized once per month during the growing season (spring/summer) with diluted houseplant fertilizer.
This plant is mildly toxic to humans, and toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested, so keep it away from curious pets and children.
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USDA Zone 10-12
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)