Monstera Minima
Scientific Name
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
AKA
Mini monstera, Philodendron/monstera "Ginny", Monstera minima
Origins / Hardiness Zones
Africa, Asia / 9-12 USDA
About
Named for their resemblance to the magnificent Monstera deliciosa, the mini monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma) is actually not a monstera but a part of an independent genus, Rhaphidophora.
As their common name implies, this unique fenestrated plant is a great option if you are looking for a small vining plant to add to your collection. Indoors, the mini monstera normally tops out at about 6 to 8 feet tall. In its native environment, the mini monstera is a climbing plant, so it will thrive if provided with a support to climb indoors such as a moss pole or trellis.
Light Needs
Water Schedule
Temperature
Humidity Levels
Toxicity
Anything above 55°F and 50% humidity is going to work. That being said, these plants still grow plenty well under regular household conditions too. If you can add a humidifier and can keep them away from extremes of temperatures (e.g. cold or hot drafts) you'll be set.
Mini Monstera leaves are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting.
Mini monstera grow best with several hours of bright, indirect light every day. Avoid exposing this tropical understory plant to direct sunlight as the leaves can burn easily. If your plant starts growing leaves without fenestrations, this is an indication that it needs more light and should be moved to a brighter location.
Always water thoroughly, but allow the top inch or two to dry out completely before watering again. Be particularly vigilant in winter to avoid overwatering.
Warm, humid conditions are best for mini monsteras. Typical household temperature levels are adequate for these tropical plants, as long as temperatures don’t dip below 55°F.
When grown indoors, mini monstera are susceptible to a number of common houseplant pests. Keep an eye out for spider mites, fungus gnats, and scale in particular and treat with an appropriate insecticide at the first sign of an infestation.
All you need to propagate a Mini Monstera is a piece of stem with a node or aerial root. This is particularly easy to spot since it's a brown knob or full on wiggly root sticking out along the green stem. Try to cut just below this node and remove the lower leaves to ensure a clear stem before rooting. This cutting will grow roots directly in water and in just a few weeks! Once the roots are a couple inches long, you can pot up as you would with any plant.
Try to repot every 1-2 years in the spring, especially when tending to a younger plant. Increase the pot size by about 2 inches each time or until you're satisfied with the size. It's still important to repot at this stage, but it'll be an exercise of refreshing the soil, keeping the pot size the same, and possibly doing some root trimming to restrict the plant's growth.
Mini monstera should be fertilized regularly throughout the active growing period. Apply a balanced, liquid fertilizer once a month throughout the spring and summer to help support strong, healthy growth.
Yellowing leaves can be indicative of a few potential problems, but the most common culprits are overwatering and a lack of light. Try moving your plant to a brighter location and cutting back on watering slightly to see if this improves the issue.
Due to their sensitive roots, if your mini monstera is left to dry out for too long it is possible for the roots to start drying up and dying, which will result in leaves that curl and droop downwards as a result of a lack of moisture.
Leaves with brown, crispy edges and spots usually indicate a lack of moisture and humidity. Ensure that you are keeping the soil consistently moist, and try increasing the humidity around the plant with a humidifier or pebble tray.
Your Mini Monstera can look a bit floppy and sparse on its own. To keep your plant looking lush, you may need to support the stems with stakes or, better yet, a moss pole!
Repotting
Propagation
Pests / Diseases
Common Problems
Pro-Tip
Fertilizer
