The mini monstera is popular for its compact size and unique fenestrated leaves, making it a great choice for smaller spaces.
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If you adore plants or simply can’t resist the tropical charm of monsteras, then you’ll definitely want to add the mini monstera also known as Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, to your plant collection. Despite its name, this gorgeous plant isn’t technically in the Monstera genus, but belongs to the genus Rhaphidophora. The mini monstera is native to Southeast Asia, particilarly Thailand and Malaysia.
In contrast to its larger counterpart, the Monstera deliciosa, the mini monstera has a much more manageable size, making it an excellent option for small indoor spaces as well as hanging baskets. In its natural habitat, mini monsteras use trees as support for climbing, so providing a trellis or pole for your plant will help it vine out.
Toxicity
While the plant is safe to touch, it’s important to note that all parts of the mini monstera are toxic for humans and pets if ingested. So it’s recommended to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children.
| Common name | Mini monstera, mini split-leaf, ginny philodendron, monstera minima |
| Botanical name | Rhaphidophora tetrasperma |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant type | Perennial, tropical vine |
| Native area | Southeast Asia |
| Mature plant size | 2m tall (6-8ft), 50-100cm wide (3ft) |
| Hardiness zones | 9-12 |
| Sunlight | Partial sun |
| Soil | Well-draining, moist, rich |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic, neutral |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and pets |
Where to Buy Mini Monstera
Mini Monstera Care
Light
Mini monsteras prefer bright, indirect light. Keep your plant near a sunny window, but avoid direct sunlight as this can burn the leaves and cause them to develop brown spots. Too little light will cause the leaves to grow small and not develop any splits.
Water
One of the keys to keeping your mini monstera thriving is to strike the right balance when it comes to watering. These plants prefer consistently moist soil, but be careful of watering too much. If the leaves of your mini monstera are yellowing, this could be a sign of overwatering. To avoid this problem, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering. Also, make sure to have lots of drainage holes in your pot so that the roots are not sitting in water as it can lead to root rot. On the other hand, underwatering will cause the leaves to droop and curl up.
Soil and Fertilizer
Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that is slightly acidic. Look for soil that is designed for indoor plants, or create your own blend by combining potting soil with 50% perlite, orchid bark, or coconut fiber. This will help the soil retain moisture while still allowing for proper drainage.
Fertilizing your mini monstera is also essential for healthy and strong growth. Use a diluted balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and apply it every 3-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). During the winter there is no need to fertilize because the plant goes dormant, however, if you do notice that your plant is still putting on new growth even in the winter time, then you can fertilize, but very lightly as over-fertilizing will cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Temperature and Humidity
When it comes to temperature, the mini monstera is a tropical plant so it prefers warm, consistent conditions. Try to keep the plant between the range of 18°C and 29°C (65°F-85°F). Avoid exposing your mini monstera to drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as this can cause stress and potentially cause leaf drop.
The mini monstera loves a humid environment. If your home is dry, you can mist the leaves regularly, place your plant on a pebble tray, or use a humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant. Another neat trick is to place your plant in the bathroom while taking a shower to give it a humidity boost! This will help keep the leaves of your mini monstera from turning crispy and developing brown edges.
Pruning
As your mini monstera grows, you may need to prune it to maintain its shape and size. However, if you have enough room, you can let it grow without any pruning.
When pruning, make sure to use clean, sharp scissors or shears to cut just above a node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem) in order to encourage new growth. Using the pruned stem for propagation is a great way to multiply your plant!
Regularly remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves to keep your plant looking nice and healthy. Be careful not to prune any aerial roots growing off the stem.
Propagating Your Mini Monstera
Propagating mini monstera is a fairly simple process and a great way to create new plants for yourself or to share with friends.
1. Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 nodes and an aerial root. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners to make a clean cut just below a node.
2. Remove all the lower leaves on the stem, this helps it focus energy on root development rather than leaf growth.
3. Place the cutting either in water or in a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Make sure that the nodes are submerged.
4. Place the cutting in a warm, humid environment, away from direct sunlight. Change the water weekly. If using a soil medium, make sure it is consistently kept moist.
5. New roots should emerge in 2-4 weeks. Once the cutting has developed a robust root system, gradually acclimate it to brighter light. After a few months, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Repotting
Mini monstera plants grow quite quickly when compared to other house plants, so you’ll need to repot them often. It’s generally recommended to repot every 12 to 18 months or when you notice roots starting to emerge from the drainage holes. The best time to repot would be in the spring or summer.
When choosing a new pot, select one that is only slightly larger than the current one, as mini monsteras prefer to be some what root-bound. A too-large pot can cause overwatering and eventually lead to root rot. Use well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and add a trellis or pole for supporting your mini monstera.
Common Pests and Diseases
A few common pests that may affect your mini monsteras include spider mites, fungus gnats, and scale. Using neem oil as a natural pesticide may be effective in treating spider mites and scale. The best way to treat fungus gnats is by bottom watering your plants. It is important to regularly inspect the plant’s leaves and stems, and to address any problems immediately.
Watch out for fungal diseases such as root rot, rust, and bacterial leaf spot. These diseases can occur due to overwatering, poor air circulation, or contact with contaminated soil. To prevent them, it’s important to maintain proper watering and drainage and to avoid letting the plant’s leaves or soil become too wet. If a fungal disease does occur, treat the plant with a fungicide designed for houseplants.
FAQ
How big will a mini monstera get?
Mini monstera typically grows to a height of about 1-2m (5-6ft) indoors, although in the wild they can reach much taller heights. Mini monsteras grow more vertically compared to horizontally but can be kept bushy by pruning regularly
Where should I place my mini monstera?
Your mini monstera will thrive in bright, indirect light, so placing it near a window is ideal. However, be sure to protect it from very bright sunlight to prevent leaf damage. The mini monstera prefers a warm and humid environment, so keeping your plant in the bathroom or kithcen is also a great option.
Why doesn’t my mini monstera have any fenestrations (splits/holes)?
If your mini monstera is still very young, that could be why it doesn’t have any splits. Other reasons for this might be that your plant isn’t getting enough light or that there is a lack of humidity in the air. You can solve these issues by providing adequate light for your plant and regularly misting it to increase humidity levels.
What is the best support for a mini monstera plant?
There are many different types of supports that you can use to help your mini monstera climb. Some excellent choices are moss poles, bamboo canes, or, just a regular plank of wood will also do just fine.
Do mini monsteras bloom?
In their natural habitat, mini monsteras produce white flowers, however, when grown indoors they usually don’t bloom.
