The Monstera Variegata has unique and captivating foliage. It has become a coveted houseplant. Its heart-shaped leaves show a mesmerizing mix of green and white. Each leaf has a distinct pattern that adds to its beauty.
Plant enthusiasts from worldwide love this variety. Its beauty and botanical interest draw them to it. But how well-acquainted are you with this remarkable species? At Xu Farm, we’re excited to show you the top 4 most popular Monstera Variegata plants. They reveal the variety and beauty in this species.
Understanding the Monstera Variegata Plant
The Monstera Variegata is a distinct variant of the Monstera plant. Its colored leaves are well-known. The plant’s leaves have mutations. These cause them to be white, yellow, cream, and light green, rather than the usual green. This trait is unique. It makes the plant captivating and striking. It’s a great addition to any indoor garden.
The term “Monstera” includes about 50 flowering plant species. They are in the Araceae family. These plants thrive in shaded or partly sunny places. This has made them popular for indoor cultivation over the years.
Unveiling the Rarity of Monstera Variegata
The Monstera Variegata is rare because it lacks chlorophyll. This deficiency makes it more delicate in the wild. This deficiency leads to less chlorophyll. It lowers photosynthesis rates because the leaves lack complete green pigmentation. So, its growth rate is slower, demanding specific care and expertise.
The plant is scarce because of high demand and the challenges of growing it. This makes it a prized possession for many.
The Monstera Variegata’s leaves are captivating. They are large, glossy, and heart-shaped. As the plant grows, they change color. This gives an ever-changing show.
Exploring Popular Varieties of Monstera Variegata Plants
1. Monstera Thai Constellation
People call it Thai Constellation. It is a type of Monstera Variegata that came from a laboratory in Thailand. Initially, this laboratory could only supply limited quantities to a select few growers. But, due to soaring demand, production scaled up .
Buyers receive these plants in propagation containers. They can grow and sell them. The genetic mutation in Monstera Thai Constellation is stable. When the plant matures, growers can propagate it through cuttings. The offspring will still have white spots on their leaves. Monstera Thai Constellation also has big, light patches. These are like those of Monstera Borsigiana and Monstera Deliciosa Variegata. They often lean towards yellow, not pure white. But, the timing and quantity of these white patches can vary among individual plants.
2. Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana Variegata
It is often shortened to Monstera Borsigiana or Monstera Borsi. Related is Monstera Deliciosa. But, it has smaller mature leaves and grows faster.
Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana Variegata is common in the market. It’s more common than other mutated types. It keeps its variegation pattern when propagated. This is thanks to its many aerial roots and long stem nodes. This makes it easy to understand. It’s a good choice for newcomers entering the world of houseplants.
Please note:
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Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana cannot be grown from seeds or tissue culture. You can only get them from individual sellers or plant enthusiasts.
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Sellers or the buyer’s willingness to pay determine the prices of these plants. They cost a lot. So, they are often sold as cuttings, not full plants.
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The easiest way to distinguish Deliciosa from Borsigiana is to look at the leaf petioles. They are the points where the leaf and stem connect. Monstera Deliciosa features wavy, protruding ridges in this area, while Borsigiana does not.
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Make sure you’re examining mature leaves. Young Deliciosa leaves lack these ridges.
3. Monstera Deliciosa Variegata
A genuine Monstera Deliciosa Variegata is grown from seeds. Commercial growers buy large quantities of seeds for cultivation. The unique part is that you need to sow these seeds after harvesting. This leaves little time for germination.
When these seeds germinate, Monstera Deliciosa plants with standard green leaves sprout. But, on occasion, unintended genetic mutations occur. This mutation process turns a Monstera Deliciosa into a Monstera Deliciosa Variegata.
4. Monstera Deliciosa Mint Variegata
The appearance of this plant resembles the Monstera Albo variety. But, it has green veins on a white background. This creates a pale greenish-white, mint-like appearance.
We can’t predict which seeds will mutate or what colors they will be. We don’t know if the mutations will be strong or weak. We also don’t know if the variegation will continue, grow stronger, or fade.
These traits are both distinctive and elusive. Encountering a real Monstera Deliciosa mutation is very rare.
The most desired mutation variants are likely those with white or cream mutations. They are also likely those with mint mutations. This is because they are rare and look nice. Verdant Dwellings is an Australian plant nursery. They say that out of 180,000 seeds that sprouted over three years, only 35 had mutations. Of these 35, only 4 had large white/cream mutations. The other 31 had minor, sporadic mutations on their leaves.
As a result, finding a Deliciosa mutation sold as a grown plant is rare. This rarity is because of the big risks of propagation by cutting.
5. Monstera Adansonii Variegata
The Adansonii Variegata is less common than the Monstera Deliciosa Variegata. It is also less common than the variegated heart-shaped Monstera. Due to its unique and rare nature, the cost of acquiring these plants is also quite high.
Many collectors are willing to pay a significant amount to own this particular plant. Unlike the split-leaf or heart-shaped Monstera types. The Adansonii Variegata has leaves with distinctive holes.
The Monstera Adansonii Variegata is charming and petite. It has a unique shape and colors. It can captivate anyone. Its good looks are a key reason why people want this plant. It ranks among the favorite varieties of Monstera Variegata.
Comprehensive Guide to Caring for Monstera
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Caring for the Monstera plant demands attention and effort. But, with the right approach, you can enjoy its beauty for years.
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Optimal Potting and Soil Conditions:
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Ensure you pot your plant in a container with good drainage. This stops water from building up in the soil.
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Use a well-aerated soil mix by incorporating sand or wood chips.
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Ideal Lighting:
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Monstera thrives in medium light. But, its leaves can get scorched by direct sunlight, so you should shield it.
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Put the plant where it gets gentle sunlight in the morning or late afternoon.
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Watering Requirements:
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Consistent watering is essential. Maintain the soil’s moisture without overwatering.
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Adjust your watering frequency based on temperature and humidity levels.
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Allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent excessive moisture.
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Leaf Care:
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Regularly clean the leaves to preserve their beauty and health.
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Fertilization:
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Fertilizing is a crucial aspect of care. Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Use it as directed on the package.
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During the growing season, fertilize every two weeks. Reduce this frequency to once a month during winter.
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Environmental Considerations:
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Shield the plant from extreme temperatures and strong winds.
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Consider placing it in a room with a stable, controlled temperature and humidity.
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In summary, the Monstera Variegata is a prized houseplant. It has unique, variegated leaves that attract plant fans worldwide. This plant is rare. Its appearance evolves and it has many varieties. This makes it a captivating addition to any indoor space. With proper care, it can thrive and enhance the beauty of your home.
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