Monstera Deliciosa vs Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma splits its leaves immediately and stays apartment-sized. Monstera deliciosa needs years, a pole and far more floor space.
Monstera Deliciosa reaches 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) and belongs on the floor. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma tops out around 30-90 cm (1-3 ft), so it suits a side table or plant stand. Monstera Deliciosa originates in Central America; Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma in Thailand, Malaysia. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated easy, both want bright indirect light, both take moderate watering and both are happy in the same humidity.
Choose
Monstera Deliciosa if…
- ✓you want a floor-filling plant (90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft))
- ✓the look is what you are after: The Monstera Deliciosa is famous for its stunning split leaves and easy care. A statement plant that can grow quite large.
Choose
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma if…
- ✓shelf space is what you have (30-90 cm (1-3 ft))
- ✓the look is what you are after: Despite its nickname, this fast-growing viner isnt a true Monstera. Features small fenestrated leaves that give it a miniature Monstera look.
Monstera Deliciosa vs Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma: side by side
| Attribute |
Monstera Deliciosa
|
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Foliage | Foliage |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Light | ●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
| Water | ●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
| Humidity | ●●●●○ 4/5 Above average |
●●●●○ 4/5 Above average |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Large 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Air purifying | Yes | Yes |
| Native to | Central America | Thailand, Malaysia |
Key differences between Monstera Deliciosa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Monstera Deliciosa is the bigger plant
Monstera Deliciosa reaches 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) and belongs on the floor. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma tops out around 30-90 cm (1-3 ft), so it suits a side table or plant stand.
They come from different habitats
Monstera Deliciosa originates in Central America; Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma in Thailand, Malaysia. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Monstera Deliciosa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma apart
The 'mini monstera' is not a monstera at all. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma splits its leaves from day one on a fast, thin vine and stays apartment-sized. Monstera deliciosa needs years and a sturdy pole before it fenestrates, then it keeps getting bigger. Buy the rhaphidophora if you want the look without the floor space.
Care at a glance
Monstera Deliciosa
Swiss Cheese Plant, Split-Leaf Philodendron
The Monstera Deliciosa is famous for its stunning split leaves and easy care. A statement plant that can grow quite large.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water when top inch dry, mist occasionally.
Full Monstera Deliciosa care guide →
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Mini Monstera, Ginny Philodendron
Despite its nickname, this fast-growing viner isnt a true Monstera. Features small fenestrated leaves that give it a miniature Monstera look.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, water when top inch dry, provide climbing support.
Full Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma care guide →Monstera Deliciosa vs Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma: common questions
What is the difference between Monstera Deliciosa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma? +
The 'mini monstera' is not a monstera at all. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma splits its leaves from day one on a fast, thin vine and stays apartment-sized. Monstera deliciosa needs years and a sturdy pole before it fenestrates, then it keeps getting bigger. Buy the rhaphidophora if you want the look without the floor space. On care, monstera Deliciosa reaches 90-180+ cm (3-6+ ft) and belongs on the floor. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma tops out around 30-90 cm (1-3 ft), so it suits a side table or plant stand.
Which is easier to care for, Monstera Deliciosa or Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma? +
Neither - both are rated easy. The practical difference is monstera deliciosa is the bigger plant.
Is Monstera Deliciosa or Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Monstera Deliciosa is toxic to cats and dogs and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Monstera Deliciosa or Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma? +
They are the same. Both score 4/5 for light, meaning beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which needs more water, Monstera Deliciosa or Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma? +
Neither - both score 3/5. For each one, water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
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