Variegated Monstera is a beautiful, hardy plant that is perfect for any living space. In fact, they are my favorite houseplants!
These plants are well-known for their long vines and green leaves with cream variegation. This variegation is unique and beautiful, which is why it can be hard to find a place to buy this plant – the demand is that high.
Read on for our care guide to help ensure the healthiest growth possible.
Variegated Monstera Care Guide
The best method to maintain a variegated monstera is to follow the same care instructions as a normal monstera, however, move it closer to the sun since the variegated variety requires more light. The following variegated monstera care guide is a good place to learn more:
Light – Variegated lights need more light than plain green monsteras. Make sure they are in a spot that gets sun for at least half the day. You may also need to use grow lights for extra supplemental light.
Watering – Keep soil moist, not wet. Allow to dry slightly between waterings and never allow the plant to sit in a tray of water or remain sopping wet for extended periods of time.
Humidity – Moderate humidity is important for growing healthy variegated monstera plants. If the relative humidity drops below 50%, it is suggested to increase the humidity by misting plants, adding a humidifier, or grouping plants together.
Temperature – The best temperature for variegated monsteras is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an average temperature though, so they can survive some hotter days too.
Potting – Repot your monstera if it is in a small pot or if the plant is suffering from root rot. Repotting too often can cause rot, so it is important to only repot when necessary.
Pests – Variegated monsteras are not more or less prone to pests than green monsteras. The most common pest problems are mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale insects.
Fertilizing – Only fertilize your variegated monstera if it is potted in soil that contains slow-release fertilizer or you have been adding liquid fertilizer to the plant’s water. Over-feeding can cause rotting and an increase in pests.
Pruning – Prune off any dead leaves and cut back any long vines to maintain a healthy, compact plant.
Does a Variegated Monstera Need More Light?
Yes, variegated monsters plants need more light than other types of monstera. This is due to the fact that they have fewer chlorophyll cells than the solid green monsters.
I recommend using LED grow lights (Amazon link) on your albo monstera plant if it is not getting enough light. They are great for helping your plant thrive, as well as maintaining the variegation.
Is a Variegated Monstera Plant Poisonous?
Variegated monsteras are not poisonous and it is safe to be around them with pets and children. However, all parts of this plant will cause discomfort if ingested, so make sure there is no risk of these pieces falling into areas where people or animals could reach them.
How to Water a Variegated Monstera Plant?
Water your variegated monstera when the top few inches of soil are dry. You can test the soil by sticking your finger in about an inch. If it is dry, then you should water the plant.
Watering too much or too little can have dire consequences for your plants, so keep an eye on the soil and be ready to water it as needed. A moisture meter might be helpful if you are unsure.
What Soil Should I Use to Plant a Variegated Monstera?
Variegated monsteras are very adaptable to different types of soil for planting, but they prefer well-draining soil that has been mixed with sand or perlite. They also like it moist, but not wet.
What Temperature Does a Variegated Monstera Need?
Although variegated monsteras are more sensitive than regular green monsters, they still prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. I wouldn’t recommend letting the temperature drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit if you live in a cooler climate.
Why Is Variegated Monstera So Expensive?
Variegated monstera plants are much more expensive than solid green ones because they are harder to come by. They also take a long time to propagate, which is why you may not see them around often in stores and nurseries.
How Do I Make My Monstera More Variegated?
The only way to make a monstera more variegated is to remove the green leaves and propagate the variegated leaves. You want as much energy to go towards the white leaves, so make sure to remove the green ones.
However, it’s also important not to have too many white leaves. Monstera albo leaves that are completely white are unlikely to survive as they rely on photosynthesis to survive.
How Do You Maintain Variegation on a Variegated Monstera?
Maintain variegation on your monstera by providing plenty of light to the plant. This will ensure that the plant will receive enough light to maintain its variegation. I recommend using monstera grow lights if you are struggling to give enough light to your variegated monstera plant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, variegated monstera plants are fantastic houseplant that is worth the high price tag. They can be difficult to find, so if you do see them in stores or nurseries, I highly recommend purchasing one. However, do your due diligence by checking the plant’s health before you buy it.
For example, it’s best to stay away from variegated monstera plants that have completely white leaves. These plants are very unlikely to survive in the long run.
If you follow these care guidelines, then your variegated monstera will be a healthy addition to your home. I hope that this blog post has helped answer any questions you may have had about caring for your own variegated monsters.
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
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