Monstera Albo Variegata
Variegated Monstera
The Monstera Albo Variegata, with its stunning set of foliage having generous variegation, is one of the hottest plants being sold on the market. Many plants with white variegation tend to be more delicate than their green counterparts, and the Monstera Albo Variegata is no exception. If you’re looking for a spectacular plant to add to your collection the regular swiss cheese plant doesn’t quite cut it. The Variegated Monstera got those same familiar jungle vibes, plus beautiful mottled foliage that really catch the eye. They produce less chlorophyll, and as such photosynthesize a great deal less.
This plant has remarkably perforated leaves and a bright green colour that is reminiscent of its local forest environment. Monsteras are a species of evergreen tropical vines and shrubs that are native to Central America. They are famous for their natural leaf-holes, which has led to the rise of their nickname, Swiss Cheese Plant. The Monstera’s leaf-holes are called fenestrations and are theorized to maximize sun fleck capture on the forest floor by increasing the spread of the leaf while decreasing the mass of leaf cells to support.
It is a subspecies of the popular Monstera Deliciosa, characterized by large patches of white, naturally occurring variegation. The plant has a vining habit and often grows entwined in and around itself, with new leaves and vines sometimes growing through the holes in existing leaves. This can lead to leaves tearing which gives the plant a shabby chic rather that pristine appeal.
One of the most known dissimilarities between the Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Borsigiana is the geniculum. For plants, geniculum refers to the joint of the stem that connects it to a leaf or leafstalk. Monstera Deliciosa has a wavy or wrinkly geniculum at the end of each petiole where it meets a leaf. Some people call them “ruffles” due to their appearance and curvy texture. This distinct structure of the plant allows movement or flexibility.
Place the Monstera in a semi shady or light spot, in filtered sunlight. Make sure the potting soil is always mildly moist, but not wet. It’s best to water the plant regularly, and to give small amount of water each time, just enough to moisten the potting soil. We also recommend regularly misting the leaves to maintain a high humidity.
