Monstera Dubia vs Rhaphidophora Cryptantha (Key Differences)

Monstera Dubia vs Rhaphidophora Cryptantha. People frequently mix these two, which isn’t a surprise, considering that they appear similar in their young forms. Although both have similar physical characteristics, they develop differently as they age.

Monstera Dubia, as well as Rhaphidophora Cryptantha, are both tropical shingle plants. Their leaves are flat against the trunk or wall of the tree they grow on, exposing their top foliage on the other side.

The two species have different development patterns. When Monstera Dubia matures from its youthful form, its shingle leaves grow gradually more prominent and eventually have openings and holes. However, Rhaphidophora Cryptantha retains its compact roof form throughout its existence.

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This article will discuss the similarities and differences between the two species. If you’re a fan or lover of exotic plants, I’m hoping you will find this helpful guide in separating Monstera Dubia and Rhaphidophora.

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Monstera Dubia vs Rhaphidophora Cryptantha – Comparison

Monstera Dubiait is indigenous in Central and South America, growing in low elevation areas.

Its most distinctive growth pattern is to climb up the surface of the tree’s trunks. The plant is sometimes called a “shingle plant” since its leaves lay flat against the trunk they are climbing, making it reminiscent of shingles. The young plants have tiny heart-shaped leaves with varying shades of dark and light green.

Monstera Dubia will first produce small, heart-shaped leaves that feature different shades of dark and light green, followed by pinnatifid and then perforated leaves. The final process of foliage is the growth of huge leaves that feature monstera’s famous holes and slits. These leaves can develop from multiple branches and create spathes that are green in the beginning stages and yellow when they reach maturity.

The mature Monstera Dubia plants with large terminal leaves that are fenestrated can only be found in the wild.

Rhaphidophora Cryptantha is indigenous to the region of the tropical rainforests of Africa and Southeast Asia but can currently be found in many nations like Bali, Thailand, New Zealand and Australia.

The plant grows in the direction that it tends. The leaves are small and broad but also blunt, and some overlap. The pattern of overlap is seen more in mature leaves, whereas the leaves of juveniles are shorter and are, therefore, less compactly packed together. This is why Rhaphidophora Cryptanthais is often called”the “shingle plant”.

The leaves range from medium to dark green, with prominent veins. Leaves that are flattened with white markings appear to have been painted onto the walls.

Rhaphidophora Cryptantha is reticent to display its flowers. You won’t be able to glimpse the flowers from a distance as they are usually found on the side of the plant’s leaf. They are completely hidden by the leaves that have shriveled, but the top of the spathe can be visible. The flowers mature into tiny fruit-like berries inside the spadix and contain seeds.

In terms of appearance, Monstera Dubia and Rhaphidophora Cryptantha are alike in their juvenile form. They both weave vertically against flat surfaces with blades alternating on each side. The leaf patterns of both are identical.

There are, however, specific notable differences between these two plants.

The leaves of Monstera Dubia are mainly light-colored, with dark veins of green. The reverse is true for Rhaphidophora Cryptantha, in which the leaves tend to be dark green, with veins of light color.

Another significant distinction is the direction in which the leaves point at. Monstera Dubia points diagonally downwards, and Rhaphidophora Cryptantha points vertically upwards.

The distinctions between these two plants become apparent as they get older.

Monstera Dubia has a more heteroblastic growth. The leaves develop into various shapes and sizes as they grow. The leaves are flat on the surface at the beginning of their development. The leaves get more extensive when they reach adulthood with holes and perforations. Petioles are also longer, meaning leaf blades may be no longer pressing against the slope.

However, Rhaphidophora Cryptantha retains its shape of shingle from the time of its birth until adulthood and continues to maintain the neotenic style of living.

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Monstera Dubia vs Rhaphidophora Cryptantha – Maintenence

Monstera Dubia and Rhaphidophora Cryptantha are both tropical plants that share the same environmental conditions for them to flourish. Both require the highest humidity levels and aren’t found within the southern part of the hemisphere or in cooler areas. They are typically found in forests.

Finding these shingle plant species is difficult, even without spending a lot of money. I was fortunate enough to purchase this Monstera Dubia for a bargain online at just $35.

To ensure that Monstera Dubia is kept in an environment that is not tropical, I keep it indoors in my office space with an air humidifier. It’s next to a window that has direct light that is bright and bright. This is planted into well-drained soil which has small pieces of trees and perlite. Let topsoil air dry before watering it again at least seven to ten days in a row.

Maintaining Rhaphidophora Cryptantha is very much like Monstera Dubia. It should be located in humid and moist soil, similar to the conditions in a tropical forest. Both shingle plants require support materials like a totem pole or a wooden plank.

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Monstera Dubia Care:

The most important thing to understand about caring for this plant is that it requires adequate humidity and well-drained soil. Because they can naturally grow on trees using only pieces of bark, they will soon take root if they are left in typical moist soil.

Monstera Dubia Light Requirements

A monstera dubia requires a lot of direct, intense light.

When Should I Water?

Every week, examine Monstera dubias to determine if they need watering; however, only water if the top inch or two of soil is dry. Leave it for another week if it’s still moist, especially in the winter. These plants enjoy a little moisture, but if the soil becomes too wet, it can cause root rot.

Fertilizer

In the summer, use a balanced feed once a month. Although it is not necessary, it can promote growth.

Monstera Dubia Soil

Use a perlite-added, rich soil that drains nicely. They want rich soil that drains appropriately to promote growth and avoid water logging.

Rhaphidophora Cryptantha Care:

The Rhaphidophora Cryptantha is a shingling plant that implies it climbs walls, trees, and wood. It has tiny, exquisitely veined leaves that ascend alternately if supported by a wood or moss pole.

Rhaphidophora Cryptantha Light Requirements

The optimal light for development is bright indirect light. It’s fine to sit a little further away from the window.

When Should I Water?

In the spring and summer, check on the plant twice a week and once a week, respectively. If the top half of the soil is dry, water them.

Fertilizer

In the spring and summer, a well-diluted, balanced feed applied once per month will aid in growth. In the winter, avoid feeding.

Rhaphidophora Cryptantha Soil

For your Rhaphidophora Cryptantha, a mixture of orchid bark, potting compost, and perlite will provide a lovely, well-draining and chunky medium.

Conclusion

Monstera Dubia and Rhaphidophora Cryptantha have many similarities: they’re both tropical shingle plants that grow vertically against flat surfaces. Additionally, they thrive in environments similar to rainforests, such as high humidity, warm temperatures, and wet soil.

Both plants look very alike in their early stage. However, they start to diverge as they grow. Monster Dubia becomes increasingly larger particularly on its leaves, while Rhaphidophora Cryptantha is the same.

If you’re considering buying either of them, but you’re not sure which one to choose which one to purchase, why not both?

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