Monstera Rhaphidophora Care Guide
Common name: Mini Swiss Cheese Plant
Family: Araceae
Genus: Rhaphidophora
Botanical Name: Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Durability: Easy to maintain
Light
These guys love bright indirect sunlight, but will thrive under grow lights. They need a little more light than a monstera deliciosa because they grow so fast. They love a good west or east facing window!
Water
This plant is one thirsty guy! They do well when watered every seven to ten days during the growing months. In the cooler seasons when they don’t grow as much, they can be watered every other week. Check to see if the top inch of soil is dry, and then water them thoroughly until it fills the drainage tray.
Climate
Mini swiss cheese plants prefer to be in 40% humidity. They also love random bursts of humidity, so don’t freak out if you can’t maintain that specific humidity level. This random shift in humidity will prevent growth of any unwanted microorganisms. They love temperatures ranging from 68°-80°F.
Soil
Mini swiss cheese plants can suffer burns from the type of soil they’re in. They do well in an aerated soil that promotes root growth, and they do not like fertilizer that is filled with harsh chemicals.
Pests and Diseases
They are the most susceptible to spider mites and root rot. You should always check for root rot when repotting them once they have outgrown their home. To prevent and get rid of spider plants, you can use Neem oil or olive oil if you want to use a more natural pesticide.
Tips
Keep your mini swiss cheese plant by a stable trellis for their aerial roots to reach for as they grow. This will allow them to vine!
Surround them with other plants to maintain the humidity around them.
If you want to propagate from them, cut a stem that has little baby leaves and place it in water.
Signs your mini swiss cheese plant is unhappy
Yellow Leaves: too much water!
Plant is root bound: poorly draining soil or pot
Curling leaves and crispy tips: over fertilizing or low humidity
Droopy leaves: too much or too little water
How to propagate
This guy can be propagated in water pretty easily. Take your cutting from a stem that has at least two nodes. Always be sure to use a sharp, clean pair of scissors when taking a cutting. Now that you have your cutting, place it into a container with a slim neck that will help hold your plant in place. Fill it a little less than halfway with water, and then leave it be until the water needs to be changed. Let the roots grow two inches or more before potting them into a damp potting mix.
Fun Facts
Mini swiss cheese plants are the perfect option if you love the monstera deliciosa but don’t have room for them in your house!
These guys can be propagated in water or in potting mix.
They’re originally from Malaysia and Southern Thailand.
Hardiness Zones
Before you move your plant outside, be sure to check the hardiness zone to save yourself some grief and the loss of a beloved plant.
The hardiness zone for mini swiss cheese plants are : 9b-12. Bring them inside when it gets cold.
If you live in Tennessee, here’s a hardiness map to help you decide if your plant can survive outside!
