Want to grace your living room with a variegated stunner? This Monstera Albo Care Guide will help you with just that!
Native to the rainforests of Central America, Monstera Albo is widely sought after for its unique and eye-catching variegated leaves that add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any indoor space. Learn about growing this beautiful houseplant in this all-inclusive care guide!
- Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa var. albo-variegata
- Popular as—Monstera Albo, Variegated Monstera, Albo Monstera
- Reaches an average height of 6-8 feet indoors
- Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
- Thrives in temperature range of 65-80°F or 18-27°C
- Toxic to pets and humans
What is Monstera Albo?
Member of the Arum family, Monstera Albo features large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are predominantly green with white or cream-colored patches or streaks. The variegated leaves are the result of a genetic mutation that causes the chlorophyll in the plant to be distributed unevenly, resulting in a striking color pattern. Also, the foliage exhibits heavy fenestrations that double up the plant aesthetics.
With heavy variegation and prominent fenestrations, The plant typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet in its natural habitat. However, when grown as an indoor plant, it tends to be smaller, growing to a maximum height of around 6-8 feet.
Monstera Albo Flowers
As a proud parent owner of a Monstera Albo, you’ll be fascinated to learn about its unique flowers. These plants produce an inflorescence called a spadix, which is surrounded by a white or cream-colored spathe, resembling a hood. The spadix is made up of tiny flowers that can develop into an exotic, cone-shaped fruit called Monstera fruit or ceriman.
Flowering is an extremely rare occurrence indoors, often requiring maturity and optimal growing conditions to trigger the process. You’re fortunate enough, if you get to witness your Monstera Albo bloom.
Monstera Albo vs Thai Constellation
- Monstera Albo has green leaves with white variegation that can range from small speckles to large patches, while Thai Constellation has green leaves with white or cream variegation that can form unique, random patterns.
- Monstera Albo is more sensitive to direct sunlight and can get sunburned, while Thai Constellation is more tolerant of direct light.
- Monstera Albo is a rare and expensive plant, while Thai Constellation is more widely available and affordable.
- Both plants can be propagated through stem cuttings, but Monstera Albo is more difficult to propagate due to its slow growth and tendency to revert to its non-variegated form.
- Both plants have large, heart-shaped leaves with multiple cuts or holes, giving them a distinctive look.
- Both plants require well-draining soil and moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- They both prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation benefit from high humidity, so misting or placing them in a humid environment can help keep them healthy.
- Both plants are toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Ideal Pot Size
When it comes to potting Monstera Albo plants, you must choose a container that is a little bigger than the plant’s root ball. A 4-6 inches pot with 2-3 drainage holes is good enough for a young plant. However, you may need to upgrade it to a one-size bigger container when you see the roots coming out of the drainage holes.
Monstera Albo Propagation
The easiest way to propagate a Monstera Albo is through stem cuttings. Get a healthy, disease-free parent plant and follow these steps:
- Choose a healthy stem with a few nodes and aerial roots.
- Cut the stem just below the node using a sharp, clean knife or scissors.
- Leave the cutting at a dry, cool place to let it callous over.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.
- Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and plant the cutting into it.
- Water the medium evenly and place it in a warm, shady location.
Watch out for leaf growth which typically takes a couple of weeks. Provide the baby plant with a favorable growing environment to help it thrive.
Monstera Albo Care
Light
Monstera Albo prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation and support proper growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, leading to brown or yellow spots, while insufficient light may cause the variegation to fade and slow down the plant’s growth.
Place your plant near a north or east-facing window, or use sheer curtains to filter sunlight on sunny days. If natural light is limited in your space, consider using a grow light to supplement your plant’s light needs. Regularly rotate the plant to ensure even growth and variegation on all sides of the plant.
Soil
Optimal soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix of peat moss or coco coir, perlite or pumice, and a bit of bark or orchid mix can create the perfect environment for its roots. This combination will help to mimic the natural growing conditions found in the tropical rainforests where Monstera Albo originates.
Water
Regular watering is essential for your Albo Monstera, but it’s crucial to avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out between waterings, as this plant is sensitive to both under and over-watering. To ensure the same, follow a deep watering session every week by soaking the medium until excess water drains out. Let the top layer dry out before repeating.
Depending on your home’s humidity and temperature, watering every 7-10 days should suffice. Reduce the frequency in the colder months. Use filtered or distilled water to help prevent the buildup of minerals and salts in the soil, which may harm your plant.
Temperature & Humidity
Native to the tropics, Monstera Albo prefers warm and humid environments. The ideal temperature range is between 65-80°F or 18-27°C with a minimum point of 50F or 10C. Keep the plant in indoor greenhouses or expose it to heat lamps to induce warmth on extremely cold days.
The ideal humidity level for this plant is around 60-70%. You can increase the humidity levels by misting the leaves regularly or placing a humidifier near the plant. Place a pebble tray or your humidity-loving houseplants together to create a suitable microclimate for the plant.
Fertilizer
Feed your Albo Monstera with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to provide it with the necessary nutrients and promote its vibrancy. Avoid fertilizing the plant during its dormancy in the winter months, as that can lead to root burn, thus stressing its growth. Do remember to dilute the feed to half its strength, keeping the plant from root rot.
You may also opt for fertilizer tea or diluted fish emulsion if you prefer organic options.
Pruning
Albo Monstera plants benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and prevent leggy stems. Snip out any cutting off any yellow or damaged leaves or pinch back the stems to encourage branching. You can also trim back the aerial roots if they are getting too long.
Major Troubleshooting Tips
- Wilted or Yellow Leaves: Wilted or yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Keep an eye on the top layer of the soil and do the needful. Also, ensure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent water logging.
- Curling or Crispy Leaves: Curling or crispy leaves can be a sign of low humidity levels. Boost the humidity levels by misting the leaves regularly, placing a humidifier near the plant, or grouping the plant with other plants.
- Leggy or Sparse Growth: Leggy or sparse growth can be a sign of inadequate light. Move the plant to a brighter location, or consider supplementing the natural light with artificial light using grow lights.
- Pests: Monstera Albo plants are susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Check the plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as webbing, white powdery spots, or sticky residue. Treat the infestation with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, following the instructions on the product label.
Where to Buy Monstera Albo Plant
You may visit your local nurseries and garden centers to find Monstera Albo. This allows you to see the plants in person and select the healthiest one. You can also get advice from the staff on caring for the plant.
Additionally, websites like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace often feature individual sellers who offer Monstera Albo for Sale. This can be a convenient option if you are unable to find the plant locally. However, make sure to check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase.
