Variegated Monsteras have quickly become the staple of any plant lover’s collection. The showy leaves with the characteristic holes make these plants stand out in any home. 

What further separates monsteras from other house plants is the various forms of variegation. Variegation gives monstera leaves a unique appearance that is unforgettable. But what is variegation, and how do you find a variegated type for your home? Keep reading to find out. 

What Does Variegated Monstera Look Like? 

There are a wide variety of variegated monsteras. At a basic level, all variegation means is a pattern in the typical monstera leaves. 

The patterns could come in one of three colors, white, yellow, and light green. Depending on what color your monstera has, it will change the name slightly. Monsteras with white or cream variegation will have the name albo, monstera with yellow would be called aurea, and monsteras with light green would be called variegated sport monstera. There have been some experiments with forced mutation to create a pink variegated monstera.

The patterns of variation could be different as well. For example, some variegated ones have completely white leaves. Some have white on just one side of the leaf. Others may have green streaks or yellow spots. There is no end to the patterns you may find on your monstera leaves. 

Variegated Monstera Types

There are wide varieties of variegated monstera plants. We’ll list out just some of the more popular types.

• Albo Variegata: Patches of white or half white, half green leaves
• Thai Constellation: White spots like a starry sky 
• Adansonii Variegata: Small white leaves with lots of holes and large patches of white
• Albo Borsigana: Small dark green leaves with patches of white
• Marmorata (or Aurea): Yellow patches
• Variegated Mint Monstera: A variegated mini monstera with light green patches
• Miss Piggy: Pink patches 

Can I Make My Monstera Variegated?

In most cases, a regular monstera will not become variegated over time. However, in sporadic cases, your monstera can start to become variegated as it grows older. 

If your monstera is already showing signs of variegation, you can encourage more variegation by placing your monstera near a bright window. 

Why Is Variegated Monstera So Expensive? 

Variegation is caused by a genetic mutation. Naturally, this makes them extremely rare as new variegated ones can only come from these already mutated plants. Additionally, not all variegation types are known to be stable, so they will revert to all green leaves if not appropriately treated. 

Depending on what type of variegation you are looking for, a simple cutting may cost anywhere from $100 to $300. The cost goes upwards as more parts of the plant are included. The most expensive plants are those that contain roots and a few leaves. These can cost over $2000. 

The most expensive monstera ever sold was an Adansonii Variegata for $38,000. 

If you plan on buying a variegated type, you will need to purchase either a cutting or a rooted plant. While it is possible to grow a monstera from seeds, you will have no guarantee that seeds listed as variegated monsteras will grow to be variegated monsters. To be safe, always buy cuttings or rooted plants. 

How to Grow the Variegated Monstera? 

Variegated monsters need mostly all the same care as their non-variegated relatives. The only difference in care is that variegated varieties may need more sunlight in order to maintain the variegation in the leaves. You may also notice that variegated plants, in general, are slower to grow than non-variegated varieties. 

Monsteras do well in well-draining soil. They will be thrilled with some added organic matter. 

All monsteras love a hot, humid environment. Try to keep the temperature in your house between 65 to 80 Fahrenheit, and consider misting them regularly. If you live in a dry place, you could try placing a humidifier next to it. 

Monsteras like moist but not water-logged soil. As a general rule of thumb, water them when the first two inches of soil is dry. 

Variegated Monstera Care and Propagation

There are a couple of different ways to propagate a monstera. 

One option is to dampen some sphagnum moss and wrap it around a leaf axil with an aerial root. Within a few months, you will begin seeing new roots sprouting from this part of the stem. When they do, you can cut the plant below the new roots and simply repot. 

You can also propagate variegated monstera cuttings directly in water. 

Conclusion

Variegated monstera has a stunning, unique appearance that can be a showstopper in any home. Though they can be challenging to find and costly to buy, they are thankfully easy to care for, so you won’t need to worry about losing your investment if the time comes. Just give your monstera plenty of light and humidity, and it will be lighting up your home for years to come.