Rhaphidophora is a genus of around 100 species of plant in the same family as Philodendrons. Among others, they are tropical plants native to Africa, then spreading East. They are perennial climbers and they often have fibrous leaves, though this fact is usually not apparent until a leaf is torn. Rhaphidophora are often confused with Epipremnums, which themselves go under the false moniker of ‘Pothos’ when they are not being confused with Philodendrons. Some owners might also be interested to know that there is a species of cricket called Rhaphidophora, though this is coincidental.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a very little but very unique plant native to Thailand and Malaysia. Its characteristic pinnate leaves lead to it often being dubbed a ‘Mini Monstera’ or sold as a miniature Philodendron. A matureTetrasperma will display eye-catching, deep green leaves which hang slightly from their planter.
Although this plant, like the Monstera, grows with a natural set of holes, it can be clearly differentiated from the Monstera in two ways:
- Young Monstera are variegated, and their holes develop as they mature, whereas even an immature Tetrasperma will have holes in its leaves.
- A Monstera plant’s holes are enclosed in its leaf, whereas a Tetrasperma’s holes appear as pieces out of the edges of the leaf.
In short, the bare outline of a Monstera of any age would appear as if it did not have holes, whereas a Tetrasperma’s outline would clearly accommodate its holes even as an immature plant. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma are easy to care for and grow fairly rapidly. As tropical plants in the Araceae family, they will thank owners for growing them in bright shade, but not direct sunlight, and are equally grateful for regular watering. Unlike some of their relatives, they are not overly bothered by damp or moist soils; whilst they will grow well in a draining soil, they have been known to flourish in peat or moss-based soils.
Plant Care
Try and keep this plant fairly moist, but not waterlogged
General potting mix
Toxic if ingested
These little guys will need an extra helping hand, their flimsy back will require some support to help it grow and climb. Think of it like a pre-rehabilitation exercise!