Species: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma albo variegata

Cultivar: albo variegata

Plant Genus: Rhaphidophora

Plant Family: Araceae

Plant Origin: Southern Thailand and Malaysia

Soil Drainage: well-draining, we recommend a substrate mix composed of coco coir, perlite, cocoa bark, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, pumice

Soil pH: acidic

Fertilizers: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma albo requires a moderate level of fertilization, therefore we recommend using a bio-type fertilizer (we use the BioBizz brand for the plants we cultivate) from early March to late November, supplemented with Silica.

Air Humidity: it is perfectly acclimatized to the indoor environment, with air humidity between 40% and 60%.

Temperature: 18-26 degrees Celsius

Light: full indirect light

Height with pot included: 15-20cm

Pot diameter: 9cm

Did you know:) that a specimen of Rhaphidophora tetrasperma albo variegata was sold at an online auction for a record sum of NZ$27,100 (approximately US$19,300).

Often confused with Monstera due to the pinnatifid appearance of the leaves - in fact, one of the popular names is "Monstera minima" - Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a climbing plant with a rapid growth rate.

Resulting from a genetic mutation, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma albo variegata is characterized by the same pinnatifid leaves but additionally, compared to the classic deliciosa variant, it has unique patterns of white variegation.

This is, of course, spectacular, but it requires a higher level of attention. Thus, due to the fact that the variegated areas of the leaves do not produce chlorophyll, over time they necrotize and have an unpleasant appearance, with most owners of Rhaphidophora tetrasperma albo variegata preferring to simply cut off the dead areas with scissors. We recommend a fertilization plan that includes a silica supplement, which strengthens the mechanical properties of cell walls, making the plant resistant to unfavorable environmental conditions or pests and overall improves the photosynthesis process.

It has a very good growth rate under optimal conditions, namely full indirect light (east-facing windows are the best option), fertilization from March to November, and a substrate watered when the top two cm have dried.

Attention! To check the humidity level of the substrate, the finger inserted into the pot to a depth of 2 cm is the best device for measuring soil moisture.

So, if you feel the substrate is wet, keep the watering can away from it for one or two days, and if you feel it is dry, water it.

Attention 2! When we talk about watering, we must consider the pot in which the plant is planted, as well as the amount of substrate and its degree of aeration. That is, we do not pour a liter of water into a pot with a diameter and height of 12 cm, because we drown the plant's roots. It is best to throw away the excess water from the collector pot half an hour after watering.

As it develops, it needs a support pole wrapped in coconut fiber, in which case the aerial roots will cling to this support, resulting in a plant with a more vigorous stem and increasingly larger leaves, with multiple fenestrations.

Good luck with caring for it! And don't forget to give us updates about your plant, using the hashtag #greenmirrors and tag @green.mirrors in your Instagram posts! We promise to share them in stories.

Tags: Rhaphidophora, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma albo variegata, Araceae, rare plants, unusual plants, decorative foliage plants, climbing plants, purifying plants, indoor decorative plants