The Tiny Monstera Impostor [Mini Monstera Guide]

Have you ever come across a plant that looks strikingly similar to the Monstera, but upon closer inspection, you realize that it’s not the real deal?

Meet the Mini Monstera, also known as Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, the tiny monstera impostor that had everyone fooled!

Its appearance may deceive you, as this plant is not related to the Monstera at all. In fact, it belongs to a different family of plants altogether.

However, its uncanny resemblance to the Monstera has made it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts and has even earned it the nickname “Monstera Ginny” or “Philodendron Ginny.”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about the Mini Monstera, from its origins to its care requirements.

A Botanical Overview

The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a member of the Araceae family, hailing from Thailand and Malaysia.

Its climbing nature and the unique leaf fenestration make it resemble a Monstera, leading to its popular nickname. However, upon closer inspection, the differences are clear.

The leaves of a mature Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma are smaller, typically measuring 6-8 inches in length, with distinctively split edges, unlike the Swiss cheese-like holes found in a true Monstera.

Best Growing Conditions for the Mini Monstera

Mini Monsteras are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow indoors.

They have long stems and are climbers by nature, so they will thrive if provided with a support to climb, such as a trellis, wall, or stick.

Whatever support you choose, the Mini Monstera will use it to climb as it gradually grows upward.

Light

This plant enjoys indirect light. If it’s inside, make sure it’s not too close to the window to prevent the leaves from getting burnt or developing unsightly brown spots due to excessive sunlight exposure.

Soil

Mini Monsteras prefer a moist but well-draining soil mixture that is rich in nutrients and mildly acidic.

If you have regular potting soil, you can amend it by mixing in some perlite or orchid bark to achieve the well-draining results needed.

Check out this all natural horticultural perlite on Amazon. 

Water

When watering your plant, err on the side of caution. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid overwatering.

Their roots are sensitive, so keeping the soil consistently moist, but never soaking, is optimal.

Go for a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom, as standing water can lead to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

During the warmer months, you can place the plant on a covered porch — especially if you live somewhere with high humidity.

If you keep your mini Monstera inside where conditions are dryer, there are some creative ways to provide it with the required moisture.

One of these ways is to place the plant in your sink while you’re taking a shower, or in the kitchen when you’re cooking, especially if you’re making a meal that involves boiling water.

If you don’t cook often, try placing the plant next to your coffee maker in the morning.

Fertilizer

During the active growing period, Mini Monsteras should be fertilized regularly.

Once established, it’s advisable to fertilize it once a month and not at all during the winter time.

Propagation

Propagating Mini Monstera is best done by using stem cuttings. The process involves taking a stem cutting from a mature, healthy plant that has at least 2-3 nodes along the stem.

The bottom 1-2 nodes of the stem need to be leaf-free before it is submerged along with the exposed nodes in water using a glass or small vase.

The stem cutting needs to be in a location that receives medium to bright indirect sunlight and the water should be changed once weekly.

Once the cutting has roots that are at least 1-2 inches long, it can be transferred to a pre-moistened soil mixture.

The soil should be kept consistently moist to allow the new roots to acclimate to growing in soil.

Should I Mist My Mini Monstera?

While some sources suggest misting once or twice a week depending on the plant’s environment and humidity requirements, others advise against it.

Misting can raise humidity levels for a short period and increase the likelihood of pest infestations and fungal diseases.

Instead, adding a humidifier or moss pole to raise the humidity level is recommended.

Therefore, misting mini Monstera plants is not necessary and other options should be considered for providing them with proper humidity levels.

Do Mini Monsteras Stay Small?

Mini Monstera plants are generally smaller than their larger counterpart, but they still grow and can reach up to 6 to 8 feet tall indoors.

While they can be encouraged to stay smaller by limiting their exposure to light, pruning back leaves, stems, and roots, and choosing not to repot the plant, they will still grow at a speedy rate.

Therefore, mini Monstera plants do not necessarily stay small, but their growth can be managed with proper care.

Can You Keep Mini Monstera in Water?

While some Monstera plants can grow in water, it is not recommended to keep mini Monstera plants in water alone.

While cuttings with nodes can survive for a while in water, they will eventually need to be transplanted into soil to continue growing and thriving.

Mini Monstera plants need soil to anchor their roots, absorb nutrients, and regulate water uptake.

Therefore, it is not advisable to keep mini Monstera plants in water for an extended period.

A Mini Plant With Big Potential

With its charming appearance, manageable size, and easy-to-care-for nature, this tiny Monstera impostor is sure to bring joy and life to your home.

By following the tips and tricks in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving mini Monstera and watching it grow into a beautiful, healthy plant.

So go ahead and give it a try – you might just be surprised by how much you love this little green plant!

For more Monstera varieties, check out these other articles:

10 Monstera Varieties You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

The One Monstera Variety You Should Never Try To Get: Monstera Obliqua