How to Propagate Rhapidophora Tetrasperma (Mini Monstera) - 2023 Guide

Jan 16 2023 Written by Ivy

The majority of the time, growing a less common plant requires a lot of hard work and research and is extremely stressful.

The plant seems difficult to grow and maintain when given an intimidating name like "Mini Monstera."

The story is untrue, though, as mini monstera is a adaptable plant with simple propagation requirements.

A stem cutting with a node is the only method of propagation for Mini Monsteras. The main component of the plant that promotes new growth is the node of the stem.

Due to the fact that it resembles a miniature of the Monstera plant, Mini Monstera is named after the Monstera deliciosa plant.

General Information on Mini Monstera

Common Name	Mini Monstera, monstera 'Ginny'
Scientific Name	Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Family	Araceae
Origin	Southern Thailand and Malaysia
Plant Type	Aroid
Height and Spread	Can get upto 12 feet tall, 1.5-2 feet spread
Toxicity	Mildly toxic to humans; toxic to pets
Pests and Diseases	Spiter mites and fungal root rot

Due to its high cost, Raphidopohora Tetrasperma(Mini Monstera) is frequently misidentified as Monstera deliciosa. Only purchase from reputable sellers, and exercise caution.

If you enjoyed reading this information, you would undoubtedly enjoy learning the hows and reasons for propagating this plant.

Reasons to Propagate Mini Monstera

According to the International Aroid Society, Mini Monstera is a rare aroid plant.

Although this plant is native to South East Asia, it has spread widely due to its quick growth and simple methods of propagation.

Here are a few justifications for growing Mini Monstera.

It is a cost-effective and simple method for new growth.
It aids in preventing the spread of viral plant diseases.
Compared to seed germination, propagation is a much faster method of growing new plants.
Even if your Mini Monstera is close to passing away, propagating will give it another chance at life.
It assists in resolving the problem of pest infestation.

Can You Propagate Your Mini Monstera Without a Node?

The short answer is NO. If the stem cutting doesn't contain at least one node, the mini monster won't ever grow. The leaf and stem won't develop into a new plant, even though they might stay green for a while.

What Exactly is a Node?

The points in a plant stem known as nodes are where new buds, leaves, and branches begin to grow. When it comes to plant propagation, they are an essential component.

A brown or white knob that protrudes from the location where new leaves, stems, or branches emerge can be seen.

Thankfully, a mature Mini Monstera has multiple nodes, each of which can develop into a full-grown plant.

How to Take a Proper Node Cutting?

An important part of mini monstera propagation is taking a proper node cutting.

Even though it is possible to propagate your Mini Monstera from a single piece of stem with a node, it is simpler if the node has at least one leaf.

The steps for cutting your Mini monstera's nodes correctly are listed below.

Find the spot where you want to make the cut first. Find the "V-shaped" area where a leaf is splitting off from the main stem, as shown in the illustration above.
To protect yourself from contamination, don your gardening gloves. The sap won't be able to touch your skin as a result.
Take a knife or a pair of pruning shears, and rub both sides with alcohol. This will stop diseases from spreading to your plant.
Cut very carefully a few inches below the node. Instead of sawing, try to make a quick, clean cut.
Include at least one leaf in addition to the node. Avoid over-compressing or injuring the stem.
Wait a few minutes until the cut end feels dry to the touch before using the cutting.
Your Mini Monstera is currently prepared for propagation.

Materials Needed for Propagation

A sharp knife or pair of pruning scissors
Ethanol or Alcohol for sterilization
Cotton Swab
Clean and clutter-free workplace
Garden gloves
Clean, room-temperature water for Water Propagation
Clear transparent Vase for Water Propagation
3-4 inch pot for Soil Propagation
Potting mix for Soil Propagation

Mini Monstera Propagation Method

Through roots, leaves, and seeds, numerous other plants can be reproduced. For Mini Monstera, stem propagation has proven to be the most effective and reliable method for rapid growth.

When the Mini Monstera plant is actively growing in the spring, that is the ideal time to propagate it.

Let's tackle the most crucial questions first before delving into the various ways to propagate your Mini Monstera.

1. Water Propagation Method

The fastest and easiest way to grow your Mini Monstera is by propagating it in water.

It guarantees healthy growth and lowers the risk of disease and contamination.

The procedures for growing your Mini Monstera in water are as follows.

As previously suggested, perform a proper node cutting on your Mini Monstera.
Prior to making any cuts, make sure the equipment is sterilized with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab.
Put the cut stem in a clear vase with fresh water.
Don't let the stem's base touch the vase's base if at all possible.
The water should be sufficient to completely cover the cutting node.
The plant should be able to receive bright indirect sunlight where the vase is situated.
Every few days, the water needs to be checked, and when it becomes murky, it needs to be changed.
Before inserting your cutting into a potting mix, wait until the root has reached a length of two to four inches.
For optimal growth, choose a container that is two to three inches larger than the root system.

2. Soil Propagation Method

The plant can also be propagated directly into potting soil if that's what you prefer.

Avoiding the hassle of moving the plant to a pot is possible by propagating in the soil.

The drawback is that the majority of people assert that soil propagation is slower than water propagation.

You can directly propagate your Mini Monstera in a pot by following the instructions below.

For your Mini Monstera, perform the necessary node cutting.
Insert the cutting right into the potting soil.
Make sure the node is completely covered by the potting soil (the node is where the root spawns from).
Maintain the container in a wet location where the plant can get bright indirect light.
The roots can take several weeks to a month to reach a length of two to three inches.
At this point, you can start watering and take pleasure in watching your new plant grow.

Tips to Care for Mini Monstera After Propagation

This plant is simple to maintain and propagate, just like it is. (Read More: Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Mini Monstera Care)

It can reach a maximum height of 12 feet with the right care. These are the key elements you need to watch out for if you want your Mini Monstera to grow properly.

Factors	Optimal Care Condition
Light	Bright filtered indirect light
Temperature	50-85°F
Humidity	50-60% relative humidity
Soil	Peat-based, fertile soil mixed with perlite, pine bark, or coco chips
Fertilizer	During the growing season, twice per month. In the winter, once a month.
Watering	In the summer, twice per week. or less frequently during the winter.
Mechanical Support	Use moss pole or trellis
Repotting	In the early spring, repotting works best. Ideal pots are 2-3 inches wider than the root system.

1. Light Requirement

Any plant must have access to light to grow. It is the step in the photosynthesis process that prepares the food.

Mini Monstera prefers bright, filtered indirect sunlight because it is a tropical plant. It ought to be put close to a window that lets in lots of filtered light.

You can leave it exposed to direct sunlight in the morning if that's what you prefer.

As afternoon light can harm the plant's leaves and foliage, be sure to keep it out of the direct sunlight.

If the leaves are smaller or don't split evenly, you should be cautious. It usually involves little sunlight, so it needs to be handled accordingly.

2. Temperature Requirement

The climate in Malaysia and Thailand is the most favorable for this plant's growth. Its growth requires a temperature range of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoiding exposing this plant to temperature extremes is crucial when taking care of it. High temperatures can stress plants out during droughts, whereas low temperatures can harm their foliage.

Avoid exposing your plant to temperatures above 85°F or below 50°F generally. Your Mini Monstera will be able to grow in those conditions if you feel at ease with the temperature in your room.

3. Maintain Humidity

Most people have trouble maintaining a proper humidity level in their surroundings. It needs a lot of humidity, just like most tropical plants do.

The ideal humidity range for your Mini Monstera is between 50% and 60%. There are a few things you can do to make sure your humidity level stays ideal because the typical room humidity can be low for your plant.

Room Humidifier

Online retailers like Amazon offer a variety of humidifiers. Despite being a little more expensive, investing in a humidifier will guarantee a suitable environment for your plant to grow without any hassle.

Humidifying Tray

Placing your Mini Monstera plant in a pebble tray is the cheapest and simplest way to humidify it. Water and pebbles should be added to a shallow tray that is wider than your pot. Your natural humidifier is prepared once the pot is set on the pebble tray.

Misting Spray

Up to twice a week, mist your plants with clean water from your spray bottle. In order to prevent diseases like brown spots from spreading, try to avoid directly spraying the leaves. The best place to spray is above and around the plant using a fine spray. Although it can be used to some extent, this method won't be sufficient to guarantee the right moisture conditions.

4. Soil Requirement

All varieties of aroids, including Mini Monstera, thrive in aerated, well-drained soil. Perlite, pine bark, or coco chips mixed into a peat-based, fertile potting mix will work well for this plant. Maintaining the pH of the soil between 6 and 6.5 will enable plants to absorb more nutrients.

For your Mini Monstera to grow properly, the potting mixture listed below is the best option.

3 part potting soil
2 part peat
4 part bark
1 part Perlite or Sphagnum Moss

The capacity of the soil to aerate is increased by adding bark and perlite, whereas the capacity to retain water is increased by adding sphagnum moss and peat.

5. Fertilizer Requirement

You should fertilize your Mini Monstera frequently to ensure its success indoors.

The Mini Monstera is a plant that frequently burns from fertilizer exposure. Half the recommended dilution level of a high-quality, balanced fertilizer should be applied to this plant.

The best fertilizers for this plant are slow-release fertilizers like Miracle-Gro plant food and Indoor plant food, which gradually release nutrients in the soil. Additionally, some gardeners favor the pellet form of Osmocote 14-14-14 or Nutricote 13-13-13.

To make sure that your plant receives the vital nutrients it needs, you can choose organic fertilizers like tea extract, kelp, fish emulsion, worm castings, or plant extracts.

It is advised to fertilize twice a month during the growing season (Spring and Summer). Once a month should be adequate during the winter.

To prevent burning the roots, you can water the potting soil very lightly before adding fertilizer if it is dry.

6. Water Requirement

Any plant that wants to grow needs to be properly watered. Aroids, particularly Mini Monstera, prefer to be kept moist and cool.

Although it may seem simple, watering your Mini Monstera properly depends on a number of variables, including the amount of light, the time of year, the humidity, and whether or not it is the growing season.

Use your finger to feel the soil to determine the moisture level as a simple practical method. Water it until it emerges from the pothole if it is dry. You shouldn't water the soil any more if it is sufficiently moist.

Overwatering is extremely harmful to Mini Monstera. Therefore, it is preferable to submerge it than to overwater it.

In the summer, twice weekly watering is sufficient. In the winter, once a week or less suffices.

7. Repotting

You should always be ready to perform the occasional repotting because Mini Monstera can grow rather quickly.

It is sufficient to use a pot that is 2–3 inches wider than the root's diameter. Repotting should be done in the early spring, which is the plant's growing season.

8. Mechanical Support

The propensity of this plant to climb is one of its cool features. They look for climbing aids and will cling to anything they deem suitable.

Your Mini Monstera will grow quickly if you give it a moss-covered stick or a trellis (no pun intended).

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, it guarantees that your Mini Monstera will develop larger leaves and more vibrant foliage.

9. Pruning Your Mini Monstera

Pruning is equally as crucial to a plant's health as having the right amount of water, fertilizer, and other factors.

Pruning aids in removing extra leaves that are useless to the plant and enables it to make the best use of its resources.

It will help your plant grow and regulate your plant's size and shape. It is a crucial element that shouldn't be overlooked because it aids in the removal of unnecessary leaves from your Mini Monstera and the distribution of vital plant nutrients to the appropriate areas.

The Mini Monstera is a hardy plant, so pruning it is fortunately not too difficult.

Steps for pruning your Mini Monstera

Put on your gloves to prevent contamination while you are pruning. Avoiding getting the sap on the skin will also be beneficial because it can irritate some people.
Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean your pruning shears or knife, as appropriate.
Find the tangled branches or dead leaves.
Cut the part in one swift motion. In order to make the cleanest cut, avoid sawing-off.
If you want to promote growth, the best time to prune is in the springtime.
For example, if you want to promote growth at a particular location, cut there. Make a top cut if you want the plant to grow tall.

Caring for Mini Monstera

Therefore, your attempt to propagate a mini monstera was successful. The cutting has taken root and has been planted in the medium of your choice. The good news is that caring for your new plant is not at all difficult, so if you're unsure of what to do next, read on. Mini Monsteras enjoy slightly moist soil, bright indirect light, and good drainage.

Conclusion

A well-cared-for mini monstera plant can fill your house with beauty and a fresh scent.

Even a few years ago, this plant was fairly expensive, but its cost has since significantly decreased, making it widely accessible.

You won't have to spend more money on additional expenses to maintain your Mini Monstera's health and perpetual greenness through propagation.