Monstera minima is a tropical vining houseplant with green fenestrated leaves. It comes from Southern Thailand and Malaysia but is not often found growing in the wild.
Despite its name, monstera minima is not a part of the Monstera genus of plants. It is also mistaken for a Philodendron. Monstera minima actually belongs to the Rhaphidophora genus. It only has the common name of monstera minima because of its resemblance to Monstera deliciosa, also known as monstera split-leaf.
The scientific name for mini monstera is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. It is a part of the Araceae family, along with calla lilies, dumb cane, and Devil’s ivy.
Monstera Minima Care
Have you recently purchased a monstera minima? If so, you will be happy to know that this plant is relatively easy to care for.
To ensure your rare plant thrives, here is everything you need to know about monstera minima care.
Soil
Mini monstera thrives in moist but well-drained soil with a mildly acidic pH. An indoor potting soil with an addition of perlite or orchard bark is optimal for this plant.
Watering
You want to keep the soil of a Rhaphidophora tetrasperma moist but not soaked. Four times a month throughout the spring and summer is recommended. When fall and winter arrive, you can reduce the watering to two times a month.
Lighting
The best lighting for a monstera split-leaf minima is bright but indirect light for several hours a day. Direct lighting can cause the delicate leaves to burn. A sign that your mini monstera may not have enough light is if the leaves begin growing without their signature splits/fenestrations.
Humidity & Temperature
The proper temperature for a mini monstera or Rhaphidophora tetrasperma plant is best kept above 65℉ or 18.33°C. Because of its tropical origins, it flourishes when the humidity is high. To achieve the right humidity conditions for the monstera minima, mist its leaves regularly or place a humidifier near its pot. Another way to keep the humidity up is by closely surrounding your monster minima with other tropical plants.
Fertilizing
For the best results, fertilize your monstera minima regularly while it’s growing. Using a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer will ensure you maintain a healthy plant.
Propagation
Propagating a mini monstera involves cutting a stem from the plant with two to three nodes attached. You will then want to remove the leaves from the bottom of one or two nodes and submerge the exposed nodes in a glass of water. You should then place the glass in a location with bright but indirect light and change the water once a week. Once you see roots between 1in and 2in long, you can plant your propagated monstera minima.
Diseases & Pests
Spider mites, fungus gnats, and scale are common pests found on mini monstera plants. When you see these pests on your plants, use an appropriate insecticide immediately. Root rot and sunburn are two more things you want to be wary of with your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Proper lighting and watering care should keep these diseases at bay.
Toxicity
Monstera split-leaf minima plants contain insoluble calcium oxalates, a toxic compound for cats and dogs. When ingested, a cat or dog may experience mouth swelling, vomiting, and hypersalivation.
Monstera Minima Variegated
A variegated monstera minima is rarer than the solid green foliage variety.
The rare white-splotched treasure costs a fortune to own.
A few leaves of a monstera minima variegated plant once sold for $19,297 on a New Zealand website.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma vs Monstera Deliciosa
Despite their similar foliage, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma and Monstera deliciosa are not the same plants. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, also known as mini monstera, is smaller than a mature Monstera deliciosa. Monstera deliciosa, also known as monstera split-leaf, can reach up to 10ft to 15ft tall; Rhaphidophora tetrasperma grows to 8ft tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
A monstera minima plant, also known as a mini monstera, can grow 6ft to 8ft tall and spread 1ft to 2ft wide. It is smaller than its namesake plant, the Monstera deliciosa.
You have to prune mini monstera to encourage fuller foliage. You can also prune mini monstera when you want to propagate the plant.
A monster minima plant or Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a fast-growing species. With proper care, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma can grow 1ft to 2ft every year. Some monstera minima plants have grown 6ft in a year.