Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is popular for its beautiful ornamental leaves. It is one of the most precious and easy plants to grow indoors. They have similarities with Monstera Deliciosa. That is why people also called them Mini Monstera.
Like other indoor plants, Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma also has some common problems. Wilting is one of them. This problem may also be the cause of the death of your plant. Yes, you read that right.
So it is important to know the causes and remedies of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma wilting.
Now the question is what conditions make them wilt? The watering issues, Low humidity, Over-fertilizing, Lack of sunlight, Repotting and, Pests are the main causes of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma wilting.
Quick Caring Guide of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Failing Off
Reason | Solution |
| Watering | Water your plant every seven to ten days in growing seasons and once a month in dormant seasons. |
| Humidity | The humidity level must be 50-60%. |
| Fertilizer | Use slow-release indoor plant fertilizer. |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect sunlight must be ensured. |
| Repotting | Repot your plant when it is needed. |
| Pests | Be careful about spider mites. |
It’s a short-term quick guide. But if you want a proper treatment guide, please read my full article.
In this article, I will give you the solution for every variety of your Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma including Decursiva, Hayi, Cryptantha, Korthalsii, and Foraminifera. So let’s get started without wasting time.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Wilting – 6 Reason And Treatment Guide
1. Watering Issue
Overwatering and less watering are the two parts of watering issues. Water must be according to the plant’s demand. Less water and too much water Inhibit the respiratory process of your plants. Which ultimately makes your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma wilt.
Due to Lack of watering your plants show wilting, dry soil, dead leaf, and slow growth-like symptoms. When you give excess water, your plant develops yellow leaves. Overwatering in winter may kill your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma.
How To Treat
First of all, you must be aware of watering your plants. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma watering can be divided into two parts. One is growing seasons watering and another is dormant seasons watering.
Water your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma every seven to ten days in growing seasons and repeatedly when the temperature rises. In the dormant season water your plant once a month.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma doesn’t like wet or waterlogged soil. In that case, you have to check the soil conditions before watering. You can do a test for knowing the water demand of your plants.
Take one of your fingers two inches deep into the soil. If it’s wet then there is no need for water. You can also take a moisture meter to check the water demand level of the soil (Our pick: SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester)
In addition, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma requires well-draining soil, you have to make sure of a drainage system for your soil container.
2. Low Humidity
Did you ever notice the nature of your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma? They are tropical plants and prefer a bit higher humidity level.
And when you fail to ensure the required humidity level your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma shows wilting root rot, and curly leaves.
How To Treat
50-60% humidity level is best for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Generally, our houses have low humidity levels. So it is important to ensure the required humidity level.
You can mist the leaves frequently. But that is not the only way to increase the humidity level. Keep your plant too close to the other plants in your garden.
The best way to maintain the humidity is to buy a humidifier. It is available in the market (our pick: Pure Enrichment® MistAire™ Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier)
3. Lack of Sunlight
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma can’t tolerate a lot of direct sunlight, so bright indirect sunlight is best for it. I know what you are thinking about indirect sunlight. Okay, Let’s do an experiment.
Take two Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Place one of them in a darker corner of your room and another close to your window where direct sunlight is present. Keep them here for some days.
After 3-4 days, observe them carefully. Both of them become wilt. So what’s the problem? The problem is indirect sunlight does not mean dark places. Rather a place where sunlight, as well as shade, can be found.
How To Treat
Keep your tree in a place where there is indirect sunlight. Indoors, direct sun is acceptable. Place your plant near a west-facing window.
Sometimes also keep your plant outdoors to get a touch of morning sun under a bright shade. For this, you can buy a plant shade cloth (Our pick: winemana 40% Black Shade Cloth)
However, protect your plant when temperatures exceed 85F. During winter and autumn, keep your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma in direct sunlight for some extra time. It will be beneficial for your plant.
4. Over Fertilizing
To lead a healthy life in addition to the food we also need some vitamins and minerals, Right? The same formula applies to plants too. They need fertilizer along with water.
But over-fertilizing is dangerous for Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Over-fertilizing destroys your plant’s natural body mechanism and develops wilting, root rot, and yellow spotting like problems.
How To Treat
Use a slow-release indoor plant fertilizer every three months. You can also use liquid fertilizer twice a month (our pick: Indoor Plant Food: All-Purpose Ready-to-use Fertilizer for houseplants).
Don’t want to use artificial fertilizer? Then use the formula of homemade compost.
#Recipe 1: Compost Making Recipe
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Every two to three months, weed out the soil of your container to prevent too much salt. Use a liquid fertilizer about half a month after weeding out.
5. Repotting
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is a slow-growing tropical plant. Repotting your plant is good for its rapid growth. But repotting should be at the right time and in the right way.
Irregular or unplanned repotting can develop wilting and root burn-like symptoms in Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. Sometimes it may cause the death of your plants.
How To Treat
Firstly you have to notice the very slow growth and slow draining signs. showing such a sign by your plant indicates the repotting alarm.
Repot your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma in the correct way.
Don’t know how to repot? Don’t worry, here I am sharing some tips.
- Extract your plant very carefully from the current pot.
- Wash the roots to remove extra soil.
- Take a new pot and fill it in half with new soil.
- Place your Rhaphidophora tetrasperma on it carefully.
- Fill the last half again with new soil.
6. Pests
Spider mites are the main insect that attacks Rhaphidophora tetrasperma seriously. They are too tiny and you can’t see them with the naked eye.
But there are ways to identify them. Hold a white piece of paper under a brown branch and shake it. Then look at the paper. A slight movement of some things will be noticed.
Also if your plants are webbing under the leaves and show wilting-like symptoms then it must be the attack of spider mites.
Those insects feed on the sap of Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. The bad news is your whole plant could die if no action is taken.
How To Treat
Spider mites are a big threat to Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. So, immediate action should be taken.
A good insecticide is an effective way to remove spider mites. There are many types of pesticides available on the market. You can buy one of them (our pick: Natria 706250A Neem Oil Spray)
Don’t want to spend money? No problem. There are alternative ways. You can make it yourself. And believe me, homemade insecticides are also as effective as artificial ones.
Garlic spray and neem oil spray work effectively in killing mites. You can make them by following the recipe below.
#Recipe-1: Garlic Spray
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#Recipe-2: Neem Oil Spray
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Note: Homemade mixtures always have some issues. If the ratio of the ingredients differs or the steps don’t follow carefully then the mixture will not work properly. So be careful about the steps.
How To Grow The Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma – Quick Guide
To grow the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma like a pro, maintain the following steps-
- Make sure about the bright indirect sunlight according to your plant’s demand.
- Never let the soil stay waterlogged for a long time.
- Water them with proper timing. Never get too much water.
- Fertilize your plants in the growing seasons. Don’t give too much fertilizer.
- Prune off the dead and damaged parts regularly.
- Be careful when repotting your plant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Toxic?
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is mildly toxic to humans. Perhaps it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to dogs and cats.
Is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma easy to propagate?
Propagating Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is not so easy. But the easiest way is by cutting in water. Cut off a stem with a node and put it in a water jar. Then pop up when the roots are shown.
Is Rhaphidophora tetrasperma a monstera?
No. They are not monstera. Due to similarities with monstera deliciosa sometimes people call it mini monstera. But there still are a lot of dissimilarities between Rhaphidophora tetrasperma and monstera.
Conclusion
When you see your Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (Decursiva, Hayi, Cryptantha, Korthalsii, and Foraminifera) wilting, you must follow the article and try to understand what your plant is trying to tell you.
Taking regular care can protect your plant from the factors mentioned. You have to maintain this process for the rapid growth of your plants.
I hope my experience will help you to revive your loving Rhaphidophora tetrasperma from wilting.
Happy gardening.
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