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This is a group of five Monstera plants that look different from most Monstera plants. They have many of the same qualities and care needs as other Monstera plants but simply put, they don’t look like them. Because of their looks, they can also have a high price tag.
How to Identify Variegated Monstera
These plants are actually very easy to identify. Any Monstera plant that displays leaves with color variegation is considered a variegated Monstera. To help parse this out, let’s look at the five Monstera plants that are advertised as variegated and learn more about what sets them apart from the rest.
Thai Constellation (Monstera Deliciosa)
This variegated Monstera usually displays variegation on most or all of its leaves. The patterns of variegation found on Thai Constellation are reminiscent of gazing at the stars at night and come in a creamy-white color or light yellow.
Albo Borsigiana (Monstera Deliciosa)
This variegated Monstera is more compact than others. The patterns of variegation found on Albo Borsigiana are solid and chunky. It is not uncommon to find a plant with a leaf that is entirely white.
Aurea (Monstera Deliciosa)
This is another compact variety of Monstera plants. The patterns of variegation found on Aurea are less pronounced than other types of Monstera; in fact, it is not uncommon to find leaves on this plant that are solid green. Variegation on this plant is usually in a light yellow color.
Mint Monstera
This is a new and rather difficult-to-find variety of Monstera. The patterns of variegation found on Mint Monstera look very marbled and come in mint green or white-green colors.
Variegata (Monstera Deliciosa)
This is the only truly variegated Monstera because its color variegation is due to a genetic mutation after its seed is germinated. Since its variegation is due to mutations, its patterns are unpredictable. It can produce variegation in a variety of colors and patterns. Another interesting fact about this particular Monstera plant is that it is uncommon for it to be sold commercially.
How to Grow Variegated Monstera from Seed
Unfortunately, it is not possible to grow a Variegated Monstera from seed. While it is possible to grow a Monstera plant from seed, there is no guarantee that the plant will be a variegated type. The only way to have any chance of growing a Monstera plant with variegated leaves is to grow one from lab cultures or from stem cuttings.
To grow a regular Monstera plant from seed, follow these steps:
- Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours
- Fill a container with a seed starting soil mix
- Plant the seeds in the soil mix
- Water the soil so that it is moist but not soggy
- Place plastic wrap over the top of the container
- Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
- Once sprouts appear above the soil level, acclimatize them to open air
- Once the plants are established, move them to a more permanent plant container
How to Propagate Variegated Monstera
This type of plant is incredibly easy to propagate via stem cuttings. It is important to use stem cuttings with leaves that are not highly variegated. This is because the less color there is on the leaves, the less chlorophyll there is in the leaves the less likely the plant can grow well.
There are two methods for working through this process. They are propagation in water and propagation in soil. The steps are similar but do have some differing aspects. Let us look at both methods in more detail.
Propagation in Water
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
- Set the stem in a container filled with water
- Set the container in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight
- Change the water every other week
- Once roots have been established on the stem, plant the stem in a container filled with potting soil that contains a mixture of perlite
- Water the potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy
- Set the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight
Propagation in Soil
- Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
- Pull off any leaves that are near the bottom of the stem
- Fill a plant container with potting soil and set the stem 2 to 3 inches into the soil
- Moisten the soil with water
- Set the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect sunlight
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry
- Shoots should appear on the plant after a few weeks
Variegated Monstera Growing Conditions
The natural environment of Monstera plants is the rainforests of South and Central America. This means that they should be provided with a similar environment indoors and outdoors.
When caring for a Monstera plant that is kept indoors, provide it with temperatures that range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels above 50%. Plant humidifiers, pebble trays, and plant heat mats are three tools that can create this type of environment without making the indoors uncomfortable for people and animals living there.
Monstera plants that are kept outdoors should only be planted in the ground in USDA Hardiness Zones 10, 11, or 12; otherwise, they should be kept in a plant container that can be carried indoors during cold temperatures.
How to Plant Variegated Monstera
On average, this type of plant may need to be repotted every three years. Repotting will provide it with new, fresh soil that contains nutrients for healthy growth. The steps for repotting a Monstera plant are:
- Fill the new container with potting soil
- Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
- Carefully remove the plant from its current container
- Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
- Set the plant into the hole in the new container
- Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
- Set a moss pole in its container so it can attach to it
- Water the plant
- Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight
Variegated Monstera Potting & Soil
When it comes to soil conditions, Monstera plants require soil that has acidic or neutral pH levels. A Soil pH Meter is the best way to determine soil pH levels.
Neutral pH levels are not the only soil conditions that Monstera plants require. They also need soil that has the ability to drain well but still hold some moisture. This homemade soil recipe is an excellent choice for any type of Monstera plant.
Variegated Monstera Water Requirements
The best way to know when this type of plant needs water is to test the moisture level of its soil. If the top two inches of its soil is dry, it can use a drink. If, however, the top two inches are still moist, it does not need any more water.
Use the soak and dry method to ensure that the plant is not overwatered. The steps for doing this are as follows:
- Test the soil moisture level before giving it a drink.
- If the plant needs a drink, fill a tray with a few inches of water.
- Set the plant container in the tray of water.
- Let the plant soak in the water for fifteen minutes. The roots will soak up water from the bottom of the container.
- Take the plant container out of the water.
- Allow the excess water to drain from the holes in the bottom of the plant container.
Try using a plant watering app to track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.
Variegated Monstera Light Requirements
The leaves of this type of plant can get burnt and lose their variegation if set in direct sunlight; conversely, its leaves can also lose their variegation when they do not get enough sunlight. Variegated Monstera does best in bright, but indirect or filtered sunlight. To ensure that this plant is receiving adequate amounts of sunlight, use a light meter to test indoor light capacity.
Best Variegated Monstera Fertilizer
This type of plant does not need a lot of fertilizer and should only be fed during its growing season (spring and summer). If needed, it can be given one of the following types of fertilizer every few weeks while it is growing.
Best Variegated Monstera Companion Plantings
Clustering tropical plants together is a great way to design a garden space while providing them with the extra humidity that they so long for. The following three plants are just a sampling of options that will look lovely next to a Variegated Monstera plant.
Peperomia Hope
This is a vining succulent plant that is also from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has many of the same care requirements as Monstera plants, which makes it easy to care for both types of plants at the same time.
Light Requirements
Peperomia Hope should be set in a place that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Peperomia Hope should be placed in well-draining soil that is made from a 50/50 ratio of peat moss and perlite. The soil’s pH levels should also be kept within a range of 6 to 6.5.
Water Requirements
Peperomia Hope should only be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. It should be watered in the soak and dry method.
Pros
- It is a hassle-free plant
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Monstera plants
- It is not toxic
Cons
- It is susceptible to infestations of aphids, mealybugs, and scale bugs
- It is not cold tolerant
Neon Pothos
This is a tropical plant with leaves that are a luminous yellow-green color. Its vibrant look is certainly appealing and will only provide more of a feature attraction when set next to a Variegated Monstera.
Light Requirements
Set Neon Pothos plants in a spot that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Neon Pothos plants require soil that is well-draining, includes organic material, and has a pH level range of 6.1 to 6.5.
Water Requirements
Neon Pothos plants require plenty of water and should not be allowed to sit in dry soil. It is best to water this plant using the soak and dry method.
Pros
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Monstera Plants
- It is easy to care for
- It is a unique-looking plant
Cons
- It is toxic
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs
- It is susceptible to root rot
- It is susceptible to manganese toxicity
Arrowhead Vine
This plant is so easygoing that it can still flourish when neglected. Not only is it a great option for novice gardeners, but it also has similar care requirements to Monstera plants.
Light Requirements
Arrowhead Vine should be set in a place that receives partial shade.
Soil Requirements
Arrowhead Vine requires soil that is well-draining and has pH levels that are neutral to acidic.
Water Requirements
Arrowhead Vine should be watered when the top two inches of its soil is dry. Its soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
Pros
- It has a lot of common care requirements with Monstera Plants
- It is a hassle-free plant
- It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
Cons
- It is toxic
- It is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs, aphids, and scale bugs
Variegated Monstera Diseases and Common Problems
These plants are relatively hassle-free and should not face too many problems. The most common problems they face are:
Aphids
This type of infestation looks likes tiny insects that are shaped like teardrops.
Mealybugs
This type of infestation looks like cotton that has attached itself to a plant’s stems and leaves.
Scale Bugs
This type of infestation looks like tiny brown bumps on the backs of the plant’s leaves.
Spider Mites
This type of infestation looks like webbing spread over the plant’s leaves and stems.
Thrips
This type of infestation looks like tiny lobster-shaped bugs on the plant when they are magnified.
Variegated Monstera Diseases and Common Problems
While this type of plant does face infestations by several kinds of insects, if they are dealt with quickly, they are all curable. These are the steps to treat the most common problems faced by Monstera plants.
Aphids
To deal with an infestation of aphids, follow these steps:
- Spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and soapy water
- Wipe down the leaves of the plant
- Apply neem oil to the leaves to prevent another infestation
Mealybugs
To deal with an infestation of mealybugs, follow these steps:
- Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
- Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
- Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every few days
Scale Bugs
To deal with an infestation of scale bugs, follow these steps:
- Spray them off with a hose
- Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
- Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly
Spider Mites
To treat this type of infestation, follow these steps:
- Fill a spray bottle with a quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsps. Of neem oil
- Spray and wipe the leaves and stems of the plant clean
- Repeat as necessary
Thrips
To treat this type of infestation, follow these steps:
- Spray the plant with a hose
- Remove any visible insects left on the plant
- Wipe down the leaves of the plant with neem oil
- Treat the plant once a week until the infestation has been removed
Where to Buy Variegated Monstera Seeds Online
Unfortunately, it is not possible to determine if a Monstera seed will grow into a Variegated Monstera plant. It is recommended that seeds that are sold as Variegated Monstera be avoided since they are usually counterfeit.
Regular Monstera Seeds can be purchase at Plantflix.
Where to Buy Mature Variegated Monstera Online
Purchase a mature plant from one of these online shops:
Variegated Monstera plants are uniquely beautiful and that beauty can come with a price tag. It is best to do a little research before purchasing one of these so that the chance of paying too much for a phony plant is lessened.
FAQs
Question: Are Variegated Monstera Plants Toxic?
Answer: Yes, these plants are known to be toxic to humans and animals. If someone has consumed a part of these plants, contact a medical professional or poison control.
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Question: Why Are These Plants so Rare and Expensive?
Answer: The features that make these plants unique-looking and beautiful are the reason why they are rare and expensive. The variegated colors on their leaves are actually patches that lack chlorophyll. Due to less chlorophyll in their leaves, these plants grow slower, which leads to a lack of supply for the huge demand.