Monstera deliciosa variegata: characteristics and care

Undoubtedly, the Monstera deliciosa variegata is one of the plants that can attract your attention the most. In fact, it is less known than the adansonii variegata, but it is also cheaper than it.

Now, as a variegata that it is, it is delicate. A lot. Therefore, when you invest in it, the last thing you want is to lose it. For this reason, today we want to talk to you about the characteristics of the Monstera deliciosa variegata and the most important care so that your plant feels happy and develops correctly.

How is the Monstera deliciosa variegata

First of all, we are going to talk to you about the Monstera deliciosa variegata. This tropical plant is native to Mexico and Central America and the most characteristic thing about it is its variegation, that is, the leaves have white or yellow parts, which make it very attractive to look at.

Monstera deliciosa has rather large leaves, sometimes heart-shaped. These have a coarse texture and are quite shiny. For you to realize their size, you should know that they can be up to 90 cm long and 75 cm wide. Of course, it doesn’t always happen, because it will only happen in perfect conditions (almost, almost like its natural habitat).

Regarding its size, it can grow to a height of 6 to 9 meters in its natural habitat. That means that if you have it at home, then it is normal for it to grow 2-3 meters.

Now, we must warn you and that is that, although it is a “fetish” plant because its appearance is unique (it does not have two identical leaves, the spots are never known how they will appear, etc.) its price is not cheap. It is quite expensive and often hard to find. If you add to this that it is more delicate in its care, it causes not many to dare to buy it and have it in their collection (or they do, but through cuttings and the like).

Characteristics

Having a Monstera deliciosa variegata is like having a Monstera deliciosa, only the leaves have spots. Therefore, the characteristics that you should remember about this plant are the following:

Variegation: The main characteristic of the Monstera deliciosa variegata is its variegation, which refers to the presence of white or yellow areas on the leaves. This occurs due to a lack of chlorophyll in certain areas of the leaf. Even on some occasions you can find that you get completely white sheets.

Size: The leaves of the Monstera deliciosa variegata are quite large, as we have told you, but they are usually somewhat smaller than that of the Monstera deliciosa. Sometimes this is something imperceptible. But it has something good, and that is that the heart shape, even with broken leaves, remains longer than in the normal delicious one.

Popularity: Monstera deliciosa variegata is a very popular houseplant due to its unique and striking appearance, and is prized by many gardeners and plant collectors. In fact, if the usual thing is to find delicious Monsteras for a few euros (there are some for less than 20 euros), in the case of variegatas the price may not drop below 80 euros (and that’s already cheap).

Difference between Monstera deliciosa variegata and adansonii variegata

The Monstera deliciosa variegata and the Monstera adansonii variegata are two beautiful plants, and different from each other, although sometimes you can confuse them if you do not take certain aspects into account.

As with the “normal” version of both plants, the main difference between them is the shape of their leaves. Monstera deliciosa variegata has large, oval leaves, while Monstera adansonii variegata has smaller, needle-like leaves. Also, Monstera deliciosa variegata usually has fewer leaves than Monstera adansonii variegata.

Another important difference is the way they grow. While the deliciosa is a climbing plant that can grow up to 6 meters, the adansonii does not grow that much.

Monstera deliciosa variegata care

Monstera deliciosa variegata care is similar to regular Monstera deliciosa, but due to its variegation, it can be more delicate and require some extra care. Therefore, here we are going to give you the special keys that you must follow.

location and lighting

Whenever you can, place the plant in a place with plenty of light. But don’t be direct. You can put it both inside and outside the house. But avoid areas with direct light because the leaves are very delicate and can burn easily.

Temperature

As for the temperature, as with the Monstera deliciosa, you should have it on average between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, although it usually adapts better to changes in temperature. However, in the case of the delicious variegata, you should keep in mind that it is better to give it this constant temperature because the changes can influence the health of the plant.

Substratum

When transplanting, or potting your plant, choose a soil that is rich in nutrients and that is also well drained. In this way you will prevent water from accumulating in the soil and rotting the roots.

Irrigation

The Monstera deliciosa variegata is a plant that needs regular but not constant watering, and much better abundant. The best thing you can do is water it and wait until the substrate layer dries out to do it again.

Humidity

More than irrigation, humidity is one of the most important care for Monstera deliciosa variegata. You need to spray water on the leaves. But make sure that the water is lukewarm and not to go too far because you could cause too much humidity and it would not be the most appropriate either.

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Use a fertilizer regularly to grow healthy and maintain its variegation. The best is one that is liquid for houseplants. It is best that you cast it once a month, but not all year, but only in the growing season.

Plagues and diseases

Among the pests and diseases with which you should be careful are mites, mealybugs, whiteflies and fungi.

Regarding diseases, you should mainly be careful with excess or lack of light, irrigation and temperature.

As you can see, having a Monstera deliciosa variegata can be a luxury. But if you take good care of it, the show that you will have in your home with it is worth admiring. Would you have such a plant in your house? What would be the biggest fear you would have?