Variegated Monstera Deliciosa

There are 22 species of monstera, but the best known is split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa), which produces corn-cob-shaped green fruit that tastes like a combination of banana, mango, and pineapple.

Monstera’s leathery, dark-green or variegated leaves can grow to more than 2 feet wide outdoors and can be marked by deep holes or splits, earning it the common name “Swiss-cheese plant.”

However, don’t let the name fool you: Every part of the monstera plant is poisonous, except for the edible, mature fruit of Monstera deliciosa.

Variegated Monstera Deliciosa was once reserved for collectors. They are now an everyday staple in many homes and plant collections. You may wonder what is so special about variegated Monstera deliciosas. Well, here is the information on Monstera deliciosa.

What is Variegation?

Variegation is the term used to describe the appearance of different colored zones on the stems and leaves of plants. Variegation is caused by a deficiency in chlorophyll, most often due to cell mutation.

Fungal diseases can also cause variegation. Foliage variegation may appear in two-toned, tricolored, or quadricolored leaves.

It can also occur in various patterns like splotches and stripes as well as dots and blocks.

Variegated plants can be divisive. Gardeners may be compelled to look for cultivars with split-colored leaves, while others will avoid cultivars with dual-toned foliage.

Variegation can be a tempting world for those who want to transform their plant displays by creating color contrast.

Different types of variegated monsteras

There are five types of variegated Monstera Delicias, including the “true” variety.

Bright, indirect light, well-drained, moderately moist soil, and high humidity are all important for the survival of these five species.

Monstera deliciosa “Thai Constellation”

Monstera delicciosa The ‘Thai Constellation’ is the most widely available variegated monstera species in the United States.

The distinctive star-like variegation patterns in creamy white and light yellow of Thai constellation monsters can be used to identify them.

Many, if not all, of the leaves of a Thai-symbolic monster will have some form of variegation.

This distinguishes the Thai constellation monstera from other varieties that have both variegated or non-variegated foliage.

Monstera deliciosa “Albo Borsigiana”

The Variegated Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the albo monstera, is a close second to the Thai constellation monstera. This plant has a stunning pure white variegation as well as a blocky, splotchy pattern of variegation.

It is distinguished from the speckled Thai constellation mondras. In fact, it is quite common to see mature albo monsteras with pure white leaves. It is also smaller-leaved, making it compacter in maturity.

Monstera deliciosa “Aurea” (or ‘Marmorata”)

The Monstera delicciosa ‘Aurea,’ also known as Monstera Borsigiana Aurea or simply Monstera Aurea, is a less common cultivator of variegated monstera.

The area, unlike the Thai constellation or albo monster, has yellow variegation in a splotchy manner. Monstera aurea leaves are similar to the albo monstrosa.

They grow smaller and rarely exceed two feet at maturity. Monstera aurea leaves are more variegated than other varieties, and some may not develop any variegation.

Mint Monstera

The mint beasta‘ variegated monstera is the latest on the market. It will not be easy to find this one if you want to add it to your collection.

The mint monstera is characterized by a white-green or minty-green variegation and a marbled pattern of variegation. This cultivar isn’t well-known. However, the bright green variegation can often be found throughout the plant.

Variegated Monstera Deliciosa

This is a truly variegated monstera. The variegation happens naturally after germination. This variegation can be unpredictable and occur in many colors and patterns.

True variegated monsters don’t exist and aren’t usually sold commercially because the variegation is more a fluke than a result of genetic mutation and is therefore not predictable.

What makes Variegated Monstera so Expensive?

You will likely spend a lot of money looking to add variegated monsteras to your collection. Variegated monsteras have been growing in popularity, but they are still scarce.

Single-leafed cuts can be found for as low as a few hundred dollars. A few thousand USD a piece is possible for some varieties, such as the mint monstera or monstera aurea.

Variegated monsteras are more expensive than the usual houseplant.

First, these variegated cultivators can’t be grown from seeds. They are either lab-cultivated (like the Thai constellation) or are cut from one mutated parent plant (like the monstera albo).

These plants are not readily available, so prices have soared for variegated monsteras.

Variegated monsteras can be more difficult to grow and are more fragile than the Monstera delicciosa. This makes it more difficult to ship them and make them available for distribution.

Variegated monsteras are not for everyone, so they are often propagated and grown by collectors or specialty nurseries.

Where to Buy a Variegated Monstera Deliciosa

There are few things to consider when buying variegated Monstera online. Don’t fall for the scams of people trying to sell you Thai constellation or albo monstera ‘seeds.’

It is essential that a cutting you purchase has at least one node on its stem. The cutting will not grow roots or develop into a fully grown plant if it does not have a node.

A cutting or plant with lots of variegation may be appealing, but it is best to avoid buying a variegated monstera or fully white cutting. Cuttings will die if they lack the necessary chlorophyll to survive.