Most people struggle to distinguish between Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and Monstera Deliciosa. These plants are similar to some of those people yet distinctive to others. Both of these plants have the same appearance, making it difficult to tell them apart.

Although the genus of these two plants is different, they both come from cousin families and belong to the same family, order, as well as class.

If, however, you believe that these plants are similar, you need not worry. You can get an idea of the distinctive qualities of these plants from this guide. It will also stop you from purchasing the incorrect plant for your place.

Key differences between Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and Monstera Deliciosa

To prevent you from becoming confused with Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma vs Monstera Deliciosa, I’d like to start by outlining their key differences.

Here are some things to look for to determine whether the indoor plant is a Monstera Deliciosa or a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma.

•    Taxonomy

These plants fall within a completely different taxonomic category. Let’s look more closely. Although it is clear that both plants are members of the Plantae kingdom, the Mini Monstera is a member of the Embryophyta subkingdom, and the Deliciosa is a member of the Viridiplantae subkingdom.

The Monstera Deliciosa, as well as Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, are both members of the Magnoliopsida class, which is a subclass of the Liliopsida. The Ginny Philodendron is a member of the JussAraceae family, whereas the Swiss Cheese plant is a member of the Arums of the Araceae family.

The genus plays a role in the final taxonomic distinction. Rhaphidophora is the genus of Mini Monstera, while Monstera Adans is the genus of Monstera Deliciosa.

•    Shape and texture of leaves

These two houseplants’ leaves feature identical heart-shaped structures, leading one to believe that they are merely 2 different plants. But there is a noticeable difference when you put them side by side.

Monstera Deliciosa is significantly bigger than Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, despite its monster nickname. The single leaves of a monstera plant can grow up to 2 feet long, while the entire plant can reach a height of 8 feet.

Rhaphidophora, on the other hand, can reach heights of up to five feet, but its leaves only reach lengths of less than a foot.

Compared to the dull, light-green leaves of Rhaphidophora, Monstera’s leaves are glossier as well as darker in color.

If you look closely, you can also detect some holes in the middle of Monstera leaves that are elliptical or spherical but are absent in Rhaphidophora leaves.

When comparing younger leaves, there is also a noticeable difference because Rhaphidophora already has splits and holes while Monstera does not.

•    Flower and fruit

When grown indoors, monstera has a minimal possibility of blossoming, but when planted outside, it would take about 2-3 years for it to fully bloom.

After flowering for a year, Monstera develops an elongated edible fruit that is picked when the base fruitlets’ caps begin to show. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, on the other hand, never yields any eatable fruit.

•    Growth Pattern

As long as their needs for water, nutrients, and sunlight are met, both Monstera, as well as Rhaphidophora are quick-growing houseplants.  Rhaphidophora, on the other hand, grows far more quickly on average. It is one of the aroid species that grows the fastest. Allowing both of these plants to climb on will help them swiftly branch out in all directions and produce the best growing outcomes.

•    Fenestration and splits (holes)

Both plants could have cracks or holes. However, Monstera deliciosa has more evenly distributed pinnatifid leaves that, except in a few unusual instances, will contain a sequence of 1–5 elliptic holes.

In addition, the sinuses, the space between the pinnae, are smaller. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, on the other hand, has very few splits, bigger sinuses, as well as thicker pinnae.

The majority of plants lack holes. Fenestrations, however, are few, rhombic in shape, and positioned around the midrib. They don’t happen in a series, either.

•    Price Variations

If someone wants to grow these plants at home, they should be aware of the price variations. When compared to Rhaphidophora, Monstera is more expensive, according to the price comparison.

The Mini Monstera plant (Rhaphidophora) costs between $5 and $20, whereas the Monstera Deliciosa costs, on average, between $20 and $40. The location, size, as well as variegation of these plants are all factors that affect their cost.

•    Sunlight

Rhaphidophora, as well as Monstera, are native to warm climates; therefore, they will likely thrive in a setting with lots of sunlight. Both of them will prosper in environments with direct, bright sunlight.

However, particularly during hot seasons, excessive exposure could burn the foliage. Simply expressed, it is best to place them in an east-facing window because the sunshine is more frequent there. Installing a window shade is another suggestion for limiting light entry.

Similarities between Monstera Deliciosa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

1.     Both of these plants have certain similarities in addition to their differences. Both of these plants have a warm climate-related background, so they both need sunlight. Direct sunlight, however, must be avoided because plants thrive in bright, diffused light. A shade near the window might be installed to help.

2.     Both of these plants are moisture-loving and rely on aerial roots for support. The plants can better drain thanks to this wetness.

3.     Thrips, as well as spider mites, are common pests.

4.     The humidity ranges from 40 percent to 50 percent.

Care needs of Monstera Deliciosa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Monstera deliciosa and Rhaphidophora tetrasperma have comparable requirements for growth as well as care. Tetrasperma, however, grows more quickly than deliciosa, so keep that in mind.

They both require a warm, moist environment as well as bright, indirect light. Mini Monstera, on the other hand, can thrive in typical house humidity, or 40 percent to 50 percent, while Monstera deliciosa needs slightly higher humidity, 50 percent to 60 percent or more.

These plants both require soil that is organically rich, well-drained, and neutral to slightly acidic. It’ll be beneficial to get a mixture of aroids for both plants.

Additionally, they have comparable fertilizer requirements; during the growing seasons, they require a modest feeding with balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month. Tetrasperma, however, can be fed more frequently because it develops more quickly.

Not only that. Both plants require about the same amount of water, so you should water them both when the top 1 to 2 inches of the potting soil are dry. Tetrasperma will require frequent watering because it grows more quickly.

But make sure to nourish their soil. Lastly, they will both like a place to climb, and that other maintenance requirements, such as pruning, are identical. Tetrasperma, however, requires potting more frequently because of its rapid growth.

Conclusion

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma and Monstera Deliciosa may share a similar appearance or structure; however, they differ greatly in terms of taxonomy, leaf form, growth habit, fertilizer usage, and even some growing requirements.

Now that you know the difference and similarities as well as their characteristics, you can easily decide whether you want to grow a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma or a Monstera Deliciosa at your home.