Are you looking for a fenestrated-leaf aroid for smaller spaces? Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is an exotic aroid vine. Introduced in the year 1893, it belongs to the tropical regions of Southern Thailand and Malaysia. Dark green, heart-shaped, shiny leaves develop the typical fenestrations with age, giving a beautiful appearance to the plant.
This short domestic plant is famous for its cute appearance and resilient nature. There is a common misconception about confusing it with other plants like the Monstera deliciosa, Epipremnum pinnatum, and some other philodendrons.
However, this is a different species belonging to a totally different genus. Interesting? Let us know more about the low-maintenance and small-sized Tetrasperma Rhaphidophora plant along with its care and propagation.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Classification and Common Names
The plant species R.tetrasperma belongs to the family Araceae and the genus Rhaphidophora.
The not so unique appearance of this plant makes a number of common names associated with it. These include;
- Amydrium Gennie
- Epipremnum Ginny
- Mini Split-leaf philodendron
- Philodendron Ginny
- Philodendron piccolo
- Mini philodendron
Features of the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Plant
Height
- The height of a mature plant remains around 4 feet.
- This heterophyllus climber needs growing support especially in the adult stage.
Leaves
- Each mature leaf gets about 6 to 8 inches in size. It is important to mention here, that young leaves don’t have prominent fenestrations. In the juvenile state, these leaves resemble heart-shaped philodendrons like the Epipremnum aureum or the money plant.
- During growth, the leaves get small holes. These holes finally turn into fenestrations giving the typical look to the plant.
Toxicity
Members of the Rhaphidophora genus are toxic for both humans and animals. So, make sure you don’t let the kids and pets mingle with the tetrasperma plant.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Variegated
The variegated tetrasperma varieties are even rare. It is a popular opinion that these variegations are not natural. Botanists create them by injecting certain chemicals during tissue culture technology. You can find these Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Variegated plants online. However, this variegation does not last longer and vanishes slowly with the growth of the plant.
You can clearly see the lighter shades of green on different sections of leaf in the variegated forms. However, all the features and requirements of these variegated forms are similar to the parent plant.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Care
One of the key features of the popularity of this plant is its low-maintenance nature. Let us have a look at what all you need to do for bringing up this baby.
Water Requirement
The plant loves moist soil and frequent watering especially in the growing season. Water as soon as the upper 2 inches of the soil gets dry. Make sure the root ball doesn’t get dry. As far as frequency is concerned, twice to thrice a week is enough for the summer. However, water consumption of the plants generally decreases. Thus, once or twice a week will be enough to keep the plant happy.
This plant is highly sensitive to over-watering. Moreover, the soil should never become mulch. So, make sure you never over-water this pal as it may lead to quick root rot.
Sunlight Requirements
Tetrasperma plant loves the bright filtered sun. Just make sure you avoid direct sunlight, as it harms the delicate foliage.
Lesser light shows prominent results in form of poor growth and unhealthy foliage. If you see smaller leaves with slow development and pale shade, check for optimum sunlight availability.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 60 to 75 °F. These delicate peeps can’t bear harsh weather. Thus, consider moving them to a pleasant temperature, as soon as the weather gets harsh.
Soil Requirements
Any quick-draining soil with large particles is suitable to grow your Philodendron Ginny. You can use a common aroid mix. In case you are mixing the materials at home, potting soil in equal proportion with perlite, peat moss, horticulture charcoal, the bark of fine and sphagnum moss would do the job.
Humidity Requirements
The plant can survive well in the normal humidity range of your area. However, the moisture level of around 60% and higher results in healthy and lush green foliage.
Fertilizer Requirements
Use a common nitrogen-based fertilizer once a month in the growing season. Make sure you dilute the fertilizers or follow the instructions on the pack. Moreover, colder days don’t need any additional nutrition for the plant.
Pot Requirement
The best setup for the plant is a pot with drainage and support. Thus, make sure you use a pot with drainage holes at the base and support for the foliage.
Pruning Requirements
This quick-growing plant needs regular running. This will help you to maintain the health and appearance of the plant.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Propagation
You can propagate the plant using the stem-cuttings in the growing season.
- Just snap off a 6 to 10 inches stem from the base along with at least one leaf. Make sure you have at least one aerial root and a node.
- Now take a jar of water and dip the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma cutting in it. The aerial root and node should be dipped in water.
- Keep the set up in bright indirect light. In addition, change the water every week before it gets mucky.
- Wait for about three to four weeks for baby roots to develop.
- Now, you can plant the rooted cutting in soil. Moreover, you can use any quick drying growing mix with large particles.
- Keep spraying the soil about once or twice a week. Six to eight weeks will show the development of roots as a successful propagation.
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Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Care
Summary
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a rare exotic climbing aroid. Short to medium height and a low-maintenance are the key features for its popularity as a houseplant. The glossy green heart-shaped leaves develop beautiful fenestrations during development.
The Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care includes bright indirect light and frequent watering. These cute plants are perfect for people who are looking for perforated plants happy to dwell in smaller spaces. These peeps are toxic in nature. So, make sure you keep kids and pets at a bay from the Teterasperma Rhaphidophora plants.
