A Guide on How to Care for rhaphidophora tetrasperma

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Care Guide

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a green leafy tropical plant that grows fast and one of the best plants among indoor enthusiasts.  This vine plant is easy to care for and has split leaves that make it look like the Monstera deliciosa. 

This is a new plant that has a huge demand, everyone wanting to try it out. This plant is from the late 1800s and, it is a native in Southern Thailand and parts of Malaysia. 

In some parts of the world, this plant is rare, you are among the lucky ones if you grow it. If you like to grow Monstera deliciosa in your house but have limited space, rhaphidophora tetrasperma is an excellent option. It has a similar flair but takes up a smaller space. These two plants are members of the aroid plant family.

How To Care For Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma 

There are a few essential care requirements for the RT plant. 

  • Adequate Lighting. Give your RT plant bright indirect light! Direct sunlight is not recommended, but some of it is fine. The afternoon direct sun can be too much for this plant some morning sun is healthy. Be sure to diffuse the sun using a window. Poor light gives you the plant’s slow growth and small foliage.
  • Best Soil Quality. Well-drained soil is the best to avoid giving the plant root rot. A mixture of organic matter with perlite and sphagnum is best.
  • Provide a Moss Pole. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a climbing plant that will need a moss pole to support it. You will also need to trim it so that it does not grow in every direction.

  • Humidity. The perfect humidity for the RT plant is between 30 to 40%. Sometimes household humidity is usually too low for this plant to thrive. If you notice mist on its leaves, use a humidifier or plant other houseplants to help it get the right humidity. Use a humidifier during winter to increase the moisture levels.
  • Watering. Keep the plant well moist but do not waterlog it. This plant does not like to dry out it thrives inadequate moisture. If you let it dry out you will notice the lower leaves turning yellow. Water the plant until the water flows out of the drainage hole. Wait until the top inch of the pot is dry before you water again. During winter, be careful not to waterlog your plant as the soil takes longer to dry out. Always feel the soil to know whether it needs more water before you can water it. Do not follow a watering schedule blindly. 

How To Propagate Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (Mini Monstera Plant)

The best way to propagate the RT plant is via stem cuttings.

  • Cut the plant into sections that contain 1 or 2 nodes.
  • Place it in water and wait for several weeks or a month for the roots to form.
  • Finally, plant your new plant in a well-draining potting mix.

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FAQs

Is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma easy to care for?

If you live in a warm, sunny area, then yes, it's probably fine. It can get quite large and I wouldn't recommend planting it in a pot though. It should do well in the garden, but you may have to keep watering it. It also needs more water in dry seasons. 

In dry areas, like in the Southwest, it can be a little bit difficult. You might consider keeping it in the shade.  I've seen some plants growing in a pot that was at least 5 inches in diameter. It's possible to grow them in smaller pots, but you might have to water more often. They do need fertilizer.

How often should I water my Rhaphidophora tetrasperma?

The average temperature for the day of watering is 72°F. Water your plant when the soil surface is dry to the touch, but still has some moisture. Use a regular, hand-held sprayer and apply an even layer of water over the top of the pot.

Wait until the water begins to soak into the soil before you water again. The plant will absorb water faster if you water in the morning or evening rather than during the day. When it's time to water, do so thoroughly but only once a week. If you wait too long between waterings, the plant may become stressed. If you notice any leaves yellowing or wilting, don't water at all for several days. Instead, place the pot in a sunny window. Check the soil and see if there are any problems, such as mold or pests.

How do I grow Rhaphidophora tetrasperma?

Your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma may be grown from seed or from root cuttings. If you order a Rhaphidophora tetrasperma plant from a nursery, the plant should come with instructions on how to care for it. Follow the care instructions carefully. Your plant will look best if you water it regularly. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist. If you notice any leaves yellowing or wilting, don't water at all for several days. Instead, place the pot in a sunny window. Check the soil and see if there are any problems, such as mold or pests.

It will grow in most types of pots, including plastic, terracotta, clay and stone. Use a standard 10 to 12-inch pot. A 12-inch pot is large enough for plants to grow up to 4 inches tall. What light does Rhaphidophora tetrasperma need? This plant grows best with filtered or natural light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause the plant to wilt.

How big do Rhaphidophora tetrasperma leaves get?

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, also known as the four-leaf waterwheel plant, is a perennial aquatic herb that grows in lakes, ponds, and slow moving streams. It has been called the "queen of the lotus" because its leaves are arranged in a distinctive four-leaf rosette. The leaves grow from a thick, creeping rhizome and are usually about 2 inches long.

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is native to Asia but it can be found in many other countries. In Europe, the plant is very rare and is protected by law. In North America, the plant is common and widespread and may be found in almost any pond or lake. The leaves of R. tetrasperma are arranged in a circular pattern on the top of the stem. They are covered with small hairs and have tiny spines along their edges. The underside of each leaf is smooth. Each leaf grows from a thick creeping root that spreads out from the base of the plant.

Conclusion

RT is one of the fastest-growing plants in the Aroid family. Given the right conditions, the plant can grow up to 6 to 12 feet in a single season. You have every reason to get this amazing plant as part of your household plants collection.