The Variegated Monstera albo or Monstera albo is a rare plant. It belongs to the monstera genus and is a member of the Araceae family. It is a rare variety under the Monstera Deliciosa and features unusual foliage.
It features green fenestrated leaves. These leaves are riddled with large patches of white variegation. They do produce whitish, cream flowers but this is rare when grown indoors.
They are native to tropical regions of Central America. The Monstera variegata makes an excellent houseplant. But note that they can be toxic to pets and people.
Grow
Monstera ‘Alba’ needs certain basic environmental conditions in order to survive and thrive. If you want to grow this plant inside your home, you need to think about the plant’s basic growing needs including light, temperatures and humidity, and the growing medium you choose.
In the right location, with the right care, these plants have an average growth speed. They will usually grow 1 or 2 feet each year.
Lighting
The lighting requirements of the Albo Monstera plant should be kept average. They do well in areas with bright but indirect light. This means they do not need direct exposure to sunlight.
If they receive prolonged exposure to direct sun, the leaves would be scorched. Their variegation makes them extra sensitive to direct sunlight. Also, too little sunlight would hinder the variegation and overall growth.
Keep sunlight to a maximum of 6 hours a day. This should be bright but filtered sunlight. You can get this by placing the potted plant in an eastward window. Keep the plant a few inches from the window.
You can also make use of a light curtain or cloth. This should assist in situations where you can’t move the plant.
Temperature And Humidity
Keep temperatures between 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 60 degrees Fahrenheit should be ideal. Keep them away from cold windows or vents. And provide adequate protection from frost.
Being good tropical plants, they love high humidity. So grow your Monstera Variegata in a room with at least 55% humidity. You can achieve this with regular misting, pebble trays filled with water beneath the pot, or by grouping houseplants together. Another option would be with the use of a humidifier.
Soil
Like most Monstera plants. The Albo Variegata needs a well-draining soil type. It should also be rich soil with enough moisture-retaining capacity.
To achieve this, pour quality potting soil in a good pot. Mix some organic compost with the soil. You can also add coco coir to improve the soil texture.
The soil type should be between neutral and acidic. Use an appropriate value of 6.5 to 7.0.
Care
Caring for the Monstera albo plant can be quite difficult. This is because they need lots of attention. They can also be delicate. But if you have cared for the Monstera Deliciosa before thenthis should be no different and you should not find it too challenging to grow successfully.
Watering
Always keep watering, to a minimal level. This is because the roots are delicate, and they are prone to rot. So watering once or twice a week is ideal.
Before watering, allow the topmost part of the soil to dry out. This can be done with the use of a moisture meter. You can also try feeling the soil with your finger. If it feels a little dry, then proceed to water it.
Make sure the water being used is clean. It should be free from chlorine or other harmful chemicals. Instead, use rainwater or employ a decent water purifying system.
Feeding
The Albo Monstera needs more fertilizer than the Deliciosa. But be careful not to overdo it as they can suffer from excess fertilizer.
Provide them with fertilizer during their growing stage. This should be in the summer. Avoid feeding them during the winter or fall seasons. This is because they go dormant during these periods.
Their potting mix should contain sufficient fertilizer. However, using a liquid fertilizer once a month should help mainint growth. The fertilizer should be diluted to 50% of its initial strength.
Propagation And Pruning
This exotic plant species can be propagated through stem cuttings. Be careful when handling Albo Monstera cuttings. This is because they can cause skin irritation.
Sterilize all tools before pruning the potted plant. Be sure to cut the white monstera plant leaves from its base.
Common Health Problems
Some common disease and pest issues for these plants include:
- Root rot
- Spider mites
- Fungus gnats
- Scales
- Mealy bugs
- Thrips
Remember – most problems that arise, from yellowing leaves to drooping leaves, occur due to problems with the environmental conditions or care.
