Mini monstera
Also called Monstera minima, Ginny philodendron.
| Light | bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 6 days in the growing season, every 12 in winter |
| Humidity | high |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Height | Up to 250 cm (98 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats not known, dogs not known |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, no entry for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
Sold under two names it has no right to, this is neither a monstera nor a philodendron but a Rhaphidophora from Thailand and Malaysia. What it is, is fast. Given a pole, warmth and bright light it will put out a new split leaf every fortnight through the summer and reach the ceiling in two years. Given a dim corner it does the opposite very obviously, producing small unsplit leaves on a stretching stem, which makes it a useful plant for learning to read light. Keep the compost open and airy, feed it more than you would a monstera, and cut it back whenever it gets away from you. Every piece with a node on it roots.
Ailments observed
| New leaves with no splits or holes | Too little light, or no support to climb. Give it a pole and the brightest spot short of direct sun. On this plant the splits appear or disappear within two or three new leaves of a move. |
|---|---|
| Long bare stems and pale new leaves | A long bare stem with small leaves, which is the same problem earlier. Cut it back to a node and root the top. It will branch from below, and the cutting roots in water in a fortnight. |
Filed underPlants that forgive a beginner, Plants for a balcony or a small space
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