13 Lovely Variegated Monstera, Care, and Where to Buy

Get 13 stunning variegated Monsteras, including Monstera Thai constellation, M. standleyana albo, M. albo borsigiana, and M. Peru variegata.

But before that, we will begin by telling you more about variegated Monstera and how they occur (albo, mint, or aurea). Later, we will give you where to buy these variegated plants, care, and a lot more.

Warning: Monstera is toxic or harmful to humans, cats, dogs, pets, and other pets. If chewed, it will cause severe oral irritation, swelling, redness, drooling, etc.

What is variegation

It refers to a plant having differently colored leaves that may form patterns or occur randomly. In Monsteras, plants will have differently colored streaks, splashes, speckles, marbling, blotches, or sectors. Some plants may have half-moon blocks (covering leaves halfway).

How does Monstera variegation happen?

Monstera variegation is chimeral, meaning your plant has genetically distinctive cells or genotypes.

It occurs due to cell mutation that affects some cells and not all the plant’s DNA. So, it cannot pass from parent to offspring through sexual reproduction.

You should know that there are about 5 or 6 types of variegation. Let us look at them briefly. It will help make everything so clear and straightforward.

1. Natural or genetic variegation (pigmented or gene pattern)

The traits that cause variegation are in the plant’s DNA. So, they pass from parents to offspring through sexual reproduction, making it easy to propagate.

It’s stable, not random. An example is Calathea lancifolia

2. Chimeral variegation

Chimeral variegation occurs due to mutation of the meristem (site for cell division and active cell growth), making some areas colored differently.

Meristems have three layers, L1 (forms epidermis), L2 (forms subepidermal layer), and L3 (from innermost layers). L1 and L2 have cells dividing sideways and L3 randomly.

There are three types, i.e.,

• Periclinal chimera: Most stable, occurs when the mutation affects a single entire meristem layer. You will see it in leaves with variegated margins.
• Mericlinal chimera: It’s an unstable form that occurs on a portion of a single meristem layer. In most cases, it is only transitional to either periclinal or may revert to green.
• Sectorial chimera: Sectorial chimera is also unstable. Half a layer on each meristem layer will have mutated cells. So, you expect variegation to affect half of the leaf. It is responsible for Monstera variegation.

3. Reflective/blister variegation

It occurs due to tiny air pockets between pigmented inner and outer layers. These air pockets give a reflective or shimmery appearance. Areas with these pockets will look silvery or sparkly.

Examples of such plants include Pilea cadierei (aluminum plant) and Scindapsus pictus Exotica,

4. Viral variegation/pathogenic

Color variations occur due to viral infection, and the stability will persist so long as the causing pathogen is present. Responsible viruses are either color break virus or mosaic virus. Examples include Dasheen mosaic virus and Monstera mosaic disease.

5. Transposon variegation

Transposon or jumping genes are genetic elements that can move randomly in chromosomes. Such will result in splashes of color on leaves or flowers. Unlike chimera, seeds can carry the traits. Examples include hypericum, Barbery, and verbena appearance. 

6. Chemical or artificial variegation:

This temporary variegation occurs by feeding plants with chemicals that may prevent chlorophyll formation. It may include painting the plants. A point in the case is the Pink Congo Philodendron.

Different types of variegated Monstera 

Three main types of variegated Monsteras cut across various species., i.e., albo, aurea, and mint.

1. Albo or white variegata 

Monstera albo variegata causes white variegation. And it occurs when a mutation causes the affected sectors not to produce chlorophyll.

Albo means white in Portuguese and comes from the word albino. Ino is a diminutive suffix for little. So, to clear the record, genuine albino Monstera doesn’t exist, albo are only partial.

Popular white variegata include M. albo borsigiana, adansonii, standleyana, and lechleriana albo variegata.

2. Aurea or yellow variegata

Monstera aurea or the yellow variegata results in yellow markings on leaves. The yellow sectors have defective chloroplasts biogenesis, less chlorophyll, and more reactive oxygen species (ROS). One study also notes the accumulation of carotenoids. Carotenoids cause yellow, gold, or orange color.

Notable species include M. standleyana aurea, deliciosa, adansonii, and variegated M.  Peru. M. deliciosa marmorata is also had yellowish variegation.

3. Mint

Mint Monstera is a less common variegation characterized by green leaves with mint variegation. We have seen this variegation only in M. adansonii and M. deliciosa.

4. Half-moon

 A half-moon Monstera isn’t a type of variegation but rather how it occurs. Plants will have half-green and half-variegated leaves. It could be albo, aurea, or mint.

13 Most adorable variegated Monstera

Let us now look at the variegated Monstera to buy, from albo to aurea to mint.

1. Monstera Thai Constellation

Monstera deliciosa Thai constellation is the most adorable, relatively stable, variegated Monstera plant to buy.

It has split and fenestrated deep green leaves with cream to white scattered speckles, spots, splashes, and a few sectors that resemble a constellation in the sky. The name Thai comes from the fact that it was produced by tissue culture in Thailand.

Variegations are stable (unlikely to revert), but each leaf is different from another.

Currently, prices range between $150 to $1000 or more, depending on the plant size. But if you are patient, wait until Costa farms release it as part of their Trending Tropicals® Collection in 2023. We bet it will be much cheaper.

2. Monstera albo borsigiana

Monstera albo borsigiana is a variegated form M. deliciosa var. borsigiana. It has split and fenestrated glossy green leaves with cream to white streaks, marbling, sectors, with some plants having half-moon leaves. Also, some may have some of the leaves entirely white.

Unlike the Thai constellation, the markings are unstable and may revert. Also, it has narrower vine-like stems and slightly smaller leaves.

This albo variegata costs $170 to $1200.

3. Monstera Standleyana albo variegata (Philodendron Cobra)

Monstera Standleyana albo variegata is a lovely plant whose green leaves have white splashes, speckles, and sectors. Some leaves will be half-moon variegated. Mature leaves don’t split, and they hardly have holes. But the juvenile stage is what sells as a houseplant.

Unlike other variegated Monstera, you won’t break your bank to buy it. With as little as $25, you may get a plant. But the usual price range is $25 to $100.

4. Monstera adansonii albo variegata

The glossy green leaves with holes and entire margin make M. adansonii a much-sought houseplant and the second most popular after M. deliciosa. You can go for the narrow or wide form or any of its varieties, including var. laniata (friedrichsthalii), subsp. blanchetii, etc.

But if you want something more colorful, M. adansonii albo variegata with white variegations is a perfect choice. You will get plants with green leaves and white marbling, sectors including half-moon, and so on.

Common ones in the market include half-moon leaf, M. adansonii archipelago, Albo Japanese Tricolor, etc. Tricolor has three colors.

Prices for this variegated Monstera vary, but you will spend anything from $250 to $2500.

5. Monstera Standleyana aurea

Monstera Standleyana aurea has deep green leaves with yellow streaks marbling, speckles, and sectors, including half-moon. It is one of the cheap variegated Monstera. Its price ranges from $60 to $300.

6. Monstera deliciosa aurea

Imagine your usual heart-shaped, deep-green leaved M. deliciosa having yellow variegations? This is what you get with this adorable plant.

You will find mainly the var. borsigiana aurea plants, and they go for between $400 and $3000.

7. Monstera adansonii aurea

This yellow variegated M. adansonii has glossy green leaves with yellowish streaks, marbling, and sectors, with many plants having half-moon leaves. Prices range from $280 for a cutting to as much as $3000 for a large, established plant.

8. Variegated Monstera Peru

In variegated Monstera Peru, the usual oval bullate leaves with dark and light green markings have yellow marbling, streaks, and sectors, including half-moon variegations.

The other name for M. Peru is Monstera Karstenianum. Up to 2022, it isn’t an officially accepted Monstera species. Unlike other species, leaves don’t change much when it matures, i.e., they don’t get fenestrated or split or even become very large.

9. Monstera adansonii mint

If you love adansonii, we bet you will love this mint variegated version with vibrant, light green marbling markings on the leaves. It is affordable, going for between $150 to $400, and looks incredibly charming.

10. Monstera deliciosa mint

Monstera deliciosa mint has heart-shaped, glossy deep green leaves with light, vibrant green markings, mainly marbling, and streaks.

This variegated Monstera is extremely rare and very expensive. If you are lucky to find one, you will spend between $3,500-$16,000 to lay your hands on it.

11. Monstera lechleriana albo  

Lechleriana albo has white streaks, marbling, and sectors on its oval to lance-shaped green glossy leaves. When this plant matures, leaves will have elliptic holes, but the margin will remain entire.

What distinguishes M. lechleriana from other species is that leaves form a tight-head cluster of 10-15 leaves it has.

12. Monstera adansonii var. laniata albo variegated

This lovely, white variegated form of Monstera adansonii var. laniata has white sectors and marbling, including half-moon. Like M. adansonii, it has holes and an entire margin. But it has an uneven margin and a vaginate petiole with deciduous sheath wings.

13. Monstera deliciosa green on green

This rare and expensive Monstera has deep green leaves with light green variegation. We cannot confirm if it is the same as the mint variegata or a different plant. It goes for between $3500 and $5000.

Will variegated Monstera seeds work?

As seen, the variegation is due to cell mutation. So, it means that the mutated traits don’t pass to offspring via sexual reproduction. It, therefore, goes without saying that seeds of a variegated Monstera will not bear variegated plants.

We are not ruling out it not happening altogether, but the probability is only about 1 in 100,000 seeds.

How to propagate variegated Monstera

Variegated Monstera propagation is by stem cutting either in soil or water. The other way is air layering. Please note that seeds will not bear a variegated plant.

Wait until spring to propagate your plant. But summer is still ok if done early. Otherwise, your plant will not have enough time to root by the end of the growing season.

Will my variegated Monstera revert?

Since the sectorial chimera responsible for the is unstable and unpredictable, your plant may revert to green. At times, it may start producing leaves entirely yellow or white leaves.

These plants revert because of the following reasons:

• Survival tactic: Turning green will make more food and increase survival chances.
• Cell mutation: They may revert in case of another cell mutation
• To adapt to prevailing conditions: Reverting for going all white or yellow may be due to heat, coldness, and so on.

If your variegated Monstera starts reverting or going all white/yellow, you should prune it. Cut after the last variegate leaf. The new offshoot will be variegated.

Where to find variegated Monstera on sale

If you are looking for variegated Monstera on sale, be it M. deliciosa, var. borsigiana, M. adansonii, M. standleyana, or any other species, here are places to try.

1. Etsy.com

Etsy.com is our favorite place for anyone looking for not just variegated Monstera but any other plant as well as creative and unique goods.

It has many vendors from all over the world, and you will get a vendor from your location, be it the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Philippines, etc. Also, you will get some sellers willing to ship across the globe.

Just search the plant you need and see what is available. You are likely to get all the variegated Monsteras we have discussed.

2. eBay

eBay is much more like Etsy.com and is available in various regions across the globe. But it is more of an auction site where the highest bidder wins. Also, it doesn’t have as many plants as those you will find at Etsy.com

3. Facebook pages, groups, and Instagram

The other place we highly recommend if you are particularly looking for the very rare variegated Monstera is Facebook groups, pages, and Instagram. Most of the rare plant collectors are on these social media platforms.

4. More places

Craigslist, Logee’s, Steve’s Leaves, Peaceloveandhappiness.club, Pistilsnursery.com, and Monstera.com.au (Australia). Others are happyhouseplants.co.uk (UK), Kijiji.ca (Canada), Planthouse.co.nz (New Zealand), etc.

5. Use search engines

The final way to get variegated Monstera on sale is, try using search engines like google. Just type “variegated Monstera for sale” or the specific one you need. For instance, you could search for “Variegated Monstera deliciosa for sale.” We bet you will find some websites and vendors near you.

Warning

Before buying from any vendor online, ask for the actual pictures, not pictures of the mother plant that many people have. If you purchase variegated monstera cutting, ensure it has a variegated node leaf.

That is not all. See seller rating, buyers comments, reviews, etc. It will help you know what kind of dealer you got. Pick ones with lots of positive reviews.

Last but not least, buy from a trusted vendor, especially if you are going for the costly ones.

Variegated Monstera care

Variegated Monstera care is much less like other non-variegated Monstera species except for light and humidity.

Here is variegated Monstera care: 

• USDA hardiness zone: 10b to 12. Not frost-hardy and freezing temperatures will kill your plant.
• Temperature: Ideal temperature is 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or heat stress.
• Humidity: Provide a slightly higher humidity, i.e., 60% or more, since the variegated parts are susceptible to low humidity. Use a humidifier like AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Humidifier (Amazon's best seller), mist your plants, have a pebble tray, or take them to humid rooms like bathrooms if well lit.
• Light: They have slightly higher light needs since variegated sectors don’t photosynthesize as usual. So, provide bright, indirect light for about 12 hours a day. But avoid direct sunlight as it will cause sunburn. If your house is not well lit, use artificial grow lights. See Monstera light needs.
• Best soil: Use a slightly acidic to neutral pH 5.5 to 7.5, well-drained potting mix high in organic matter. You don’t need a unique variegated Monstera soil. See aroid mixes at Etsy.com.
• Watering: Water when a few top inches of the potting mix feel dry. Don’t follow a watering schedule. Why? Because how often to water your Monstera depends on your conditions, pot type size, soil mix, etc.,
• Feeding: Feed your plant only monthly during the growing months with an all-purpose, balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer like Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid).
• Pruning: Routinely cut dead, diseased, or damaged leaves with sterilized pruning scissors, and in spring or summer, cut back your plant control shape, growth, and size. Also, don’t forget to clean dust or leaves.
• Repotting: Repot after every 1 to 2 years when actively growing and after 2-3 when it reaches the size you need.
• Staking or support (optional): Provide your plant with a moss pole, trellis, etc., since it’s a natural climber.

Pests

Instances of pests for indoor Monstera plants are rare but do occur. Culprits involved are scale insects, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These sap-sucking insects will drink plant juices causing white, yellow, brown, or black spots and holes. Heavy infestation may cause deformed leaves, leaves falling, yellowing, etc.

Signs depend on the bugs present. Look for things like honeydew, silvery stippling, sooty mold, webbing, etc.

Hose your plant to dislodge these bugs in case of a minor infestation. Otherwise, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural spray oils. Also, don’t forget to check any new plants for signs of pests.

Diseases

The most common disease is root rot. But your plants may also have fungal and bacterial leaf spot disease that will cause brown to yellow lesions.

Practice proper sanitation (sterilize gardening tools and wash hands), isolate the infected disease, and discard those with bacterial infections. For fungal cases, cut affected parts and use a fungicide.

If your plant has root rot, you need to repot it. While doing so, cut any mushy, brown, or black roots with a sterilized scissor. Afterward, use a fungicide. Next, fix overwatering issues (ensure soil drains, let the soil slightly dry in-between watering, among other ways). See more on Monstera root rot.

Common issues and problems

Besides pests and disease, your plant may have other issues, commonly browning on the variegated sectors. H

Here are the problems and likely causes:

• Yellow leaves: Mostly like an overwatering issue or too little light. Other causes may include underwatering, low humidity, nutritional deficiency, etc.
• Leaves curling: Underwatering, low humidity, heat stress, or too much light are the common causes.
• Leaves drooping: It means your plant doesn’t have enough water in cells to keep them turgid. Causes are underwatering, low humidity, too much light, heat stress, etc. Things like repotting, rootbound plant, root rot, etc., may also cause it.
• Black spots or leaves turning black: Pests and diseases are the most likely cause. But it may be overwatering or cold drafts if you see splotches.
• Brown spots, edges, tips, or leaves: They signify sunburn, heat stress, low humidity, and underwatering. But transplant shock, fertilizer burn, and other things may cause it.