Chances are, you’ve probably heard of variegated Monstera plants if you’re familiar with Monsteras. Maybe even if you aren’t.
These gorgeous plants are always plastered on blogs and posts, and there is a reason for that: variegated Monstera plants are stunning, especially Albo Variegata.
These plants come with a hefty price tag, and they are on the wish list of many across the globe because of their unique variegation on each leaf.
Interested in growing your own Monstera Albo Variegata? Here’s everything you need to know to care for this dream plant.
At A Glance: What You Should Know About Monstera Albo Variegata
Botanically known as Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Borsigiana’, this stunning variety of the Swiss Cheese plant features striking white variegation against a bright green backdrop of fenestrated leaves.
It’s a difficult plant to resist, even for those houseplant enthusiasts who have the strongest willpower, as it is an incredibly beautiful plant.
It reaches the same sort of height as the solid green version, capable of reaching 10 feet tall indoors, and about 30 feet tall outdoors, provided that the conditions are right.
Much like the solid green version of Monstera deliciosa, it’s important to keep this plant supported so it grows healthily.
If you’re planning on growing this plant outdoors instead of as a houseplant (which isn’t recommended because you can’t control the growing conditions as easily), you’ll need to live in a USDA zone between 9 and 11.
How To Grow Monstera Albo Variegata
It’s incredibly important to get the care for this plant right from the beginning.
Ensuring that your plant has a healthy start is vital when you are probably buying it online to begin with, as it means that it is less likely to develop problems, and recover quicker from its stressful journey in the mail.
The good news is that these plants are not difficult to care for, as they hail from the rainforests of Central America, so they do pretty well indoors.
If you’ve grown a Swiss Cheese plant before, you already have an advantage. Most of the care is similar, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind.
Sunlight And Position
Bright and indirect sunlight is the best way to go. These plants need plenty of bright light to keep the variegation balanced, otherwise, they may revert to solid green (and this is the last thing you want with these gorgeous plants!)
These are not low-light plants, so if you don’t have the right sort of window, it may be worth using a grow light.
Keep Monstera Albo in a room that has warm and stable temperatures between 65°F and 80°F for best results, and if you can, give the plant a little more humidity.
Ideal Soil For Monstera Albo Variegata
It’s important to get the soil right as a foundation for a healthy root system. The healthier the root system, the stronger the plant will be.
If you can, mix equal parts houseplant compost, orchid bark, and perlite to give the plant the right drainage.
This will also allow plenty of oxygen to the roots, making it difficult to overwater your plant.
When To Water Monstera Albo Variegata
Do not water your Monstera Albo on a rigid schedule, as this can kill your plant. Instead, check the plant regularly to see if it needs watering.
Allow the top two inches of compost to dry out between watering, making sure to throw away any that collects in the pot or saucer.
When To Feed Monstera Albo Variegata
It’s a good idea to feed this plant regularly to help support its growth. Feed every fourth watering or so with good-quality houseplant feed, making sure it is balanced.
Do not feed your plant when the soil is too dry, and always follow the instructions on the label.
How To Propagate Monstera Albo Variegata
The only reliable way to propagate a variegated Monstera plant is to take stem cuttings.
This is the only method that preserves the variegation well, meaning that any new plants you create will also be variegated.
It’s worth knowing that the variegation does slow down the propagation process, so be prepared to wait!
Take healthy stem cuttings, making sure that each one has at least one node. You don’t have to include leaves, but it can give the cuttings a better chance.
Root your cuttings in damp sphagnum moss for best results, but you could also use water or soil if you prefer.
Keep the plant moist, preferably somewhere warm and bright with no direct sunlight.
Problems To Watch Out For When Growing Monstera Albo Variegata
The most common problems include spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnats. Make a habit of inspecting the leaves (including the undersides) weekly to catch any issues early, and treat them as soon as you can.
Things To Consider When Growing Monstera Albo Variegata
Light Levels And Variegation
Variegated plants need a delicate balance when it comes to light. They need enough light, so they have plenty of energy to support the variegation, but not so much that it scorches the leaves.
Keep the plant somewhere bright and indirect.
Toxicity
Monstera deliciosa is toxic to pets, so keep it well out of reach.
Final Thoughts
Variegated Monstera plants are gorgeous, and aren’t difficult to look after, provided that you give them plenty of light, nutrients, warmth, and water. Make sure to keep these aspects of care in balance so you don’t run into any problems.
