Monstera plants have become popular among nature enthusiasts. They are beloved for their beauty, easy-to-care nature, and undeniable charm. You may have seen some variegated monstera varieties with stunning variations of white, cream, and green colors on social media platforms or nurseries.
If you’re new to monstera plants, you should know that variegation is when plant leaves and stems contain more than one color, such as green with stripes, spots, or splashes of a lighter color. While variegation is rare in nature, most variegated monstera plants available in nurseries or online are created in labs through selective breeding and genetic modification.
These plants are unique and visually appealing, but they are not common because variegation is not an evolutionarily advantageous trait. White and cream-colored leaves do not provide much to support the plant’s growth since the plant requires chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color, to carry out photosynthesis and convert sunlight into energy. The green parts of the plant often have to work harder to support variegated areas, making it less energy-efficient.
However, variegated monstera plants can thrive as houseplants with sufficient light. These stunning variegated monstera varieties can be a challenge for diehard monstera fans who want to take their gardening experience to the next level.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
If you’re looking for one of the most stunning monstera plant varieties, Monstera Albo Borsigiana should be on your list. This variegated monstera subspecies tends to mutate more often and display the variegation that many gardeners covet. Compared to the true deliciosa plant, Monstera Albo Borsigiana’s leaves are slightly smaller, but it grows faster.
To differentiate between Monstera Albo Borsigiana and the true deliciosa plant, you should check the stem’s attachment to the leaf. Unlike the true deliciosa, Monstera Albo Borsigiana doesn’t have ruffles on either side of the stem.
You can grow Monstera Albo Borsigiana from cuttings or full plants, since they cannot be grown from seeds. However, they are easier to find than variegated Monstera Deliciosa. While you may find cuttings or plants from private sellers, you may need to pay a considerable amount for a cutting and a mature plant.
Caring for Variegated Monstera Albo Borsigiana
To ensure your variegated Monstera plant thrives, you should care for it the same way you would care for non-variegated counterparts. Provide sufficient light by placing the plant in a bright room, where it can get lots of indirect sunlight. Alternatively, you can supplement the light using grow lights if you don’t have a bright room.
Use peaty, fast-draining soil, a pot with drainage, and a liquid fertilizer formulated explicitly for monstera plants. You should water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry or when a moisture meter reads 3-4. Moreover, provide your plant with a moss pole or trellis it can climb on.
Conclusion
Variegated monstera plants are unique and visually stunning. Monstera Albo Borsigiana is one of the most sought-after varieties, but it requires a lot of care to thrive. Nonetheless, if you’re up to the challenge, this plant can be rewarding for true monstera fanatics.