Variegated Monstera plants are a new trend amongst the already very popular Monstera Plant. So for those of you who want to add to your collection, or are looking for the perfect plant to grow indoors, a variegated Monstera is a plant you should consider.
And trust me, they will not disappoint.
The amazing thing with variegated Monstera is that it comes in different types- varying in size, shape and colour. Hence, you have a variety of different beautiful Monstera leaves to choose from.
Let’s dive in.
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What are variegated Monstera plants
Variegation is a natural process that can happen through gene expression. This disrupts the even distribution of chlorophyll in a plant. This causes a change in plant colour and appearance.
Variegated plants show distinct colours on their leaves or stems, with a sectoral or a marbled pattern. With marbled, colour patches are evenly distributed on the leaf. Whereas with sectoral, there are large patches on one side of a leaf.
The parts of a leaf with chlorophyll will give a green colour. Whilst parts where there is no chlorophyll (or less), will give white patches (or yellow, off-green).
Rare and expensive
These plants are beautiful. But they rely on a natural process that is not common.
Hence, the availability of variegated Monstera is rare and can be expensive. Price can range from a hundred pounds to a couple of thousand. This depends on the size, appearance and rarity of what you choose.
Distinguish between variegated and other
Variegated plants can be difficult to distinguish. An off yellow, whitish colour is an alarm bell when there is a lack of care to a plant.
For example, overwatering a Monstera can lead to yellow leaves. Or, poor use of a fertiliser can also cause the leaves to turn yellow.
If yellowish leaves appear, there are simple checks to diagnose the cause:
- Check the soil. If it is dry or moist, you are underwatering or overwatering
- Check the roots, and if they are black, it’s due to root rot
- If leaves wrinkle and look burnt, it may be because of overexposure to the sun.
Simple checks like this can confirm if your Monstera has undergone a mutation. It probably isn’t a mutation, but hey, the checks above can help confirm that.
Not trying to make this more confusing, but be careful not to mistake discolouration for mosaic disease. This is a disease that attacks plant cells and can cause plant colour to fade.
Hence, rule number one– always check for problems if you see a colour change. Otherwise, you will either lose a very rare plant thinking it is dying and the leaves need pruning. Or, you will kill your plant thinking it is variegated.
Slow growth
Variegated plants have a slow growth compared to non-variegated Monstera. This is because variegated leaves have less chlorophyll. There is less light absorption for photosynthesis to take place. And less photosynthesis means slower growth.
Hence, expect your plant to grow slow. Do not be alarmed or think there is an issue with the plant, especially if you have a Monstera and are used to rapid growth.
The most common variegated Monstera Plants
Below are some of the most common variegated Monstera’s:
Monstera Deliciosa Variegata
It is very rare to get natural variegation with the Monstera Deliciosa.
The chance is around 1:100,000. Doing the maths, you will get a variegated monstera with every 100,000 cuttings!
Yes, that is extremely rare.
Hence, if you want a variegated Monstera, you are better off buying it. It will be expensive but most likely, will be cheaper than having 100,000 cuttings and taking your 1 in 100,000 chance.
Monstera Thai Constellation Variegata
The ‘Thai’ in the term comes from the fact that they make this variegation in a lab in Thailand.
It is a variation of the Monstera Deliciosa. The leaves have a similar shape but with the Thai- you find the leaves are marbled and have little islets in the patterns. The colours are more white and yellow, compared to a bold green of the Deliciosa.
Nurseries in Thailand can ship this directly online. Some local nurseries may have them and sell the variegated varieties when they are mature. However, the bigger the size, the more expensive they are!
Good Tip!
The Thai Monstera is more stable than the naturally occurring variegated Monstera plants. If you are new to plants, this is an ideal option.
Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana Variegata (Monstera Albo)
This variety mutates more often than the others and is famously known amongst planters as a ‘half-moon’. This is because half of the leaf is white, giving the glossy leaves a distinct, bold look.
This makes them one of the more popular plants. But I warn you- their demand can make them expensive too.
Overall, it is a great perennial plant that grows well with little maintenance. Compared to the classic Monstera Deliciosa, it has smaller leaves but grows faster.
Monstera Adansonii Variegata
Amongst plant marketers, this is also known as the Monstera Monkey Mask. The Adansonii also has a ‘half-moon’ appearance, but its mutated colour can either be an off-yellow or a strong yellow colour. Sometimes, the faded colour could be light mint green.
The Adansonii is a climbing vine and often pot in hanging baskets. However, the leaves can get tricky to take care of because of their large, leathery, and awkward nature.
With the Adansonii, you can grow a new plant from a single cutting of the node from the mother plant. Hence, it is may easier to get this variation compared to others.
To learn how to propagate a Monstera, cheek out this post: A How to Guide: Propagating a Monstera
Stability of the plants
Variegated Monstera come in two types: stable and unstable
Monstera Thai are cultured in a lab, hence why their variegation is more stable. But, they can be unpredictable. New leaves can appear but you will not know if they have undergone variegation.
The other types undergo natural variegation and are unstable. They can revert to a non-variegated state if not taken care of.
You can take a cutting of a variegated plant, but the node needs to have a lot of mutated cells. Hence, you will never know if a cutting will give a variegated plant.
Hence why, most private sellers only sell potted plants once they know leaves from a cutting have mutated cells.
They wait until the leaf grows to determine if it is variegated.
Where to buy your variegated Monstera Plant
There are a few different ways to buy a variegated Monstera.
I would recommend buying from well-known online sellers. This includes:
- eBay
- Facebook market
- Amazon
You may find it difficult, but have a good browse and eventually, you will find what you are looking for.
Private sellers are another option. Look for sellers who are reputable and have good customer reviews.
Good Tip!
Try to find a local store or seller to avoid potential damage to the plant with delivery.
Supply and demand
The reason variegated Monstera plants are pricey is because of the law of supply and demand.
The chances of you growing a Monstera and for it to mutate are slim. A natural gene expression in a plant does not happen often. Hence, this makes variegated plants rare and in short supply.
Variegated Monsteras are trending. There is a great demand for them and they sell quickly.
The issue is- the supply cannot match the demand and for that reason, people sell at an outrageous price.
How to care for a Variegated Monstera Plant
To care for a variegated Monstera is not too different to a non-variegated Monstera.
Check out the post: The Ultimate Guide: Monstera for Beginners for a more detailed look into how to care for a Monstera.
However, with variegated, there are a few ‘extra’ things to be careful of:
Slower growth
Variegated plants have less chlorophyll. Hence, the plant will absorb less light and produce less energy. Hence, the plant will grow a lot slower.
But this isn’t the case for all variegated Monstera plants. Ablo has smaller leaves and can grow quickly.
Plant less healthy
Because of less energy being produced during photosynthesis, the plant is more fragile.
There is a higher risk of the plant becoming unhealthy as the plant does not get the essential nutrients it needs.
Try to use fertilizer at least once a month.
Leaves burning
Variegated patches have lighter coloured patches when compared to non-variegated Monstera plants. This causes a big problem. Lighter areas of the plant are more likely to get burned.
Growing Albo requires a lot of skill. This is because half of the leaf is green and prefer a lot of the sun. While the other half is white and will burn with the same exposure to the sun.
Be careful if you are growing Adansonii as well. Large parts of these plants have a lighter colour hence, are also prone to sun damage.
If your leaves turn black, it could be due to excess sun exposure. However, there could be other reasons. Check out my post How to combat: Monstera leaves turning black for a better understanding of what could have gone wrong.
Final Words
If you love Monstera and want to add to your collection, then a variegated Monstera plant is a brilliant choice.
Its rarity makes it a cool collectable to your plant alumni and is a plant you will fall in love with.
Not only that, variegated Monstera has a distinctly modern look. Their glossy big leaves have amazing marbled or sectoral patterns, adding beauty and comfort wherever you decide to grow.
But they are rare and can be expensive. They require more care and are more sensitive to change compared to non-variegated Monstera.
But overall, they are lush and easy to maintain. You can count yourself lucky if you can grow this amazing but rare plant.
Good Luck!
