Variegated Monstera

The Variegated Monstera are another Araceae from the rainforests of South America. The variegation in the plant occurs due to a lack of chlorophyll (the chemical that makes leaves appear green). 

Propagation:

This plant will propagate in both water and soil. Water propagation is my preference because you can see things happen as it grows!

Place your cutting in a jar/vase/tube of room temperature water. Make sure the nodes (small bumps on the plant) are submerged in the water.
Keep it somewhere that matches the light and temperature specifications shared below. 

When propagating plants, it’s key to keep the humidity UP while the plants root. Higher humidity levels help boost the propagation process.

Change out the water once a week or when it looks murky, and top it up when needed. Fresh water will help oxygenate the cutting and prevent algae build-up.

Roots should start to develop within 3-4 weeks. 

Pot the plant up when the roots are approximately 5cm long.

View our propagation guide for more info!

Lighting:

This plant will thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct contact with the sun as this can burn the white parts of the leaves. The Variegated Monstera needs more light than other Monstera because of the lower levels of chlorophyll in the leaves.

Temperature:

Compared to other tropical plants, this Monstera can tolerate lower temperatures. Aim for 18-24℃

Humidity:

It requires high humidity of 60% minimum. This can be achieved by using a humidifier, grouping plants together, or by growing the plant in a sealed mini greenhouse. A big cookie jar, clear tub or terrarium will do the trick!

The white edges of the plant will go brown and crispy if it doesn’t have enough humidity.

Potting:

It’s important to use a well-draining soil mix that contains lots of bark and perlite. Also key is to use a pot that has drainage holes at the bottom. Monsteras also like to climb so I would recommend using a moss pole or any other supportive structure to help the plant grow faster!. This plant does not like to be rootbound, so aim to re-pot it every 2-3 years. 

Watering:

This plant is quite tolerant. Water thoroughly to mimic tropical jungle conditions and allow the water to drain through properly before returning the plant to its decorative pot. Wait for the soil to dry a bit before you water the plant again. 

Invest in a moisture meter to help you monitor the levels of moisture in the soil so that you can only water it as needed.

Fertilising:

As with most tropical plants, you should feed this plant during the growing season. Aim to feed it every second week.

Other information:

Note that this plant is toxic to pets so be sure to keep it out of reach of your fur babies.
Each leaf is unique! The white parts of the leaves do not photosynthesise, so the rest of the plant has to work quite hard to make up for this.

Cleaning your leaves regularly will help prevent pests. Rosecare Spray can be used if you come into contact with any pests.