Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is part of the Araceae family and its native range is native range is Peninsula Thailand to Peninsula Malaysia. Leaves are almost entirely deeply pinnatipartite to nearly pinnatisect. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma uses adventitious roots to anchor itself as it climbs, it would benefit greatly from being given a moss pole.
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘rhaphido’ meaning ‘pherô’ meaning I bear; this refers to the macroscopic needle-like unicellular trichosclereids present in tissues - the purpose of which is to protect the plant from herbivores.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2 inches of mix to dry out. Before watering, ensure the substrate isn’t compacted, if it is, aerate it with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A chunky, well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Ideally 18-28°C.
Humidity: Rhaphidophora would prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Rhaphidophora are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.