Are you in need of an update for your home garden? Then, a pot of Rhaphidophora or Tetrasperma. Both are beautiful tropical plants with lovely foliage.
But both varieties of Rhaphidophora are often mistaken for each other. However, an expert eye can quickly tell them apart.
So, if you are considering this unique addition, we will help you get to know Rhaphidophora Pertusa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma.
By understanding the features of each plant and their significant differences, you can easily decide on Rhaphidophora Pertusa and Tetrasperma.
Table of Contents
What is Rhaphidophora Pertusa?
Rhaphidophora Pertusa falls into the category of unique houseplants. It is a climbing vine plant native to the tropical parts of Asia. It is commonly found in the countries of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
This plant is one of the Araceae plant family members and belongs to the Rhaphidophora genus.
This evergreen plant gets particularly confused with many varieties of monstera. The fenestrated leaves could be the reason for this common confusion. Younger versions of this plant do not feature any splits or fenestrations.
However, it develops them as the plant matures. The oval leaves of Rhaphidophora Pertusa have a smooth surface and a robust green color.
Despite being toxic to humans and animals, this plant was used as a herbal remedy due to its antibacterial properties. It is still not safe for pets or children to touch or eat.
What is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma?
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is another lovely and unusual ornamental plant frequently confused with monstera varieties. Despite the lack of physical similarities, you can even find this plant labeled as one of the philodendrons.
This plant finds a home in the tropical parts of Thailand and can also be found in Malaysia. The plant is widely known as the mini monstera plant.
The plant has small glossy leaves and aerial roots that allow it to climb or trail. It is also famous for demanding minimal care. With both growing options available, this plant looks more attractive as a climber. So, you’d better give it proper support from a moss pole.
Differences between Rhaphidophora Pertusa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora Pertusa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma are both rare tropical decorative plants. They come from the same aroid family and the same genus.
Beginner growers can easily confuse the leaves of each plant, as they are green, lush, and split. But an in-depth look helps you easily identify the differences.
1. Leaf size
Looking at the leaves of mature plants can help indicate which plant is which. The leaves of a grown Rhaphidophora Pertusa are nearly 40 cm long. They also reach an average of 20 cm in diameter.
The leaves of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma are much smaller than the leaves of Pertusa. They reach a height of 15 cm. So, the leaves of Rhaphidophora Pertusa are double the size of Tetraspermama leaves.
2. Stem size
Stem size is another defining factor in comparing Rhaphidophora Pertusa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma. The stem of Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is slimmer and taller than the stem of Rhaphidophora pertusa.
A mature stem of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma reaches about 14 cm in height. The stems spread around one cm in width.
The stems of Rhaphidophora Pertusa are fleshier and fatter but shorter too. The height of their stems won’t exceed 10 cm, but their width reaches around 3.5 cm.
3. Leaf shape
The shape of these plants’ leaves can be a major source of confusion. Looking at both leaves side-by-side can reveal different patterns. Both plants have oval leaves, but they have different physical appearances.
The leaves of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma are strictly narrow oval, while the leaves of Rhaphidophora Pertusa are wider and oblong with a tendency to be a bit round.
4. Petioles feature
Both plants have petioles that might look similar to an inexperienced eye. These stalks look different as the Rhaphidophora Pertusa possesses a curved one that thrives upward.
The stalks of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, on the other hand, feature grooving. Also, the sheath of Rhaphidophora Pertusa is pretty short, while it is rather lengthy in the Tetrasperma plant.
5. Split pattern
Both plants feature splits or fenestrations as they grow. However, the leaves of Rhaphidophora Pertusa tend to have random fenestration patterns.
The splits on the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma leaves are more organized and almost similar on all the leaves. Also, the splits of Rhaphidophora Pertusa are bigger than the ones on Tetrasperma leaves.
6. Light needs
Both plants have a tropical nature, which means they grow surrounded by dense trees. So, they thrive when there is indirect bright light. However, there needs to be a slight difference in this matter.
For instance, Rhaphidophora Pertusa requires bright indirect sunlight for at least 12 hours daily.
If this was not a possibility, you could integrate artificial lights. Otherwise, the plant will lose its robust foliage. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma thrives on the same level of light too. However, it can survive under poorer light conditions.
7. Temperature needs
Another significant distinction between Rhaphidophora Pertusa and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma care is the right temperature. They both like warm and humid weather. However, the ideal temperature is different for each of them.
The Pertusa plant needs an average temperature of between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 and 27 degrees Celsius). The Tetrasperma plant can survive when it is 12 degrees Celsius and tolerate temperatures up to 30 degrees Celsius.
Rhaphidophora Pertusa vs Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma: are they the same?
No, Rhaphidophora pertusa and Rhaphidophora tetrasperma are not the same plants. They have the same genus and family. They have toxic features that make them unsafe for humans and pets.
Their leaves are fenestrated, but the pattern is not the same. The splits on Pertusa leaves are larger and more random than those on Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma.
The leaves of Tetrasperma are more oval and smaller than those of Pertusa. The Pertusa leaves are oblong with a bit of a rounded edge. The stems of each plant show contrasting features. The stems of Tetrasperma are long and very thin. Pertusa has thick, fleshy, and short stems.
The stalks of petioles contribute to the differences between both plants. Rhaphidophora Pertusa has shorter, upward-curved stalks. The stalks of Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma are longer and grooved.
As for growth requirements, Rhaphidophora Pertusa requires better light and higher temperatures. But generally, both plants are not demanding when it comes to caring.
