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This post is all about Variegated Monstera Deliciosa care.
Your variegated Monstera deliciosa is a breathtaking plant. Leaf holes, also known as fenestration, plus large leaf size make a standard Monstera deliciosa highly desirable. But add in variegation (white stripes) and the Monstera deliciosa becomes an irresistible plant. In fact, it is highly desired by plant collectors all around the world.
Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to buy one of these fantastic plants. Or maybe you’re thinking about getting one. If either applies, then this guide is for you. Here’s everything you need to about variegated Monstera deliciosa care.
Keep in mind that there are different varieties of variegated Monstera deliciosa. For the most part, the same care requirements apply to all.
Quick Guide for Variegated Monstera Deliciosa Care
Soil: well-draining, chunky soil that contains perlite and orchid bark
Potting: use a pot with large drainage holes and use a moss pole to help the plant climb
Light: bright indirect light. Some early morning direct sunlight is fine, but don’t give this plant too much direct sunlight.
Watering: allow to dry out completely between watering, then do a full watering. Test soil moisture to determine when to water.
Humidity: above 60%
Temperature: between 65-80ºF (18-27ºC)
Fertilizer: fertilize once a month in the Spring and Summer months only with 20-20-20 NPK-Fertilizer or worm castings or fish emulsion.
Soil
Monsteras would not normally be in general purpose potting soil in the wild. It’s important to give your variegated Monstera deliciosa proper soil mix for the best growth possible. Plant your variegated monstera in a chunky aroid mix consisting of perlite and orchid bark. Check out this post on our best aroid soil recipe. It’s a chunkier soil mix which allows the roots to grip the substrate. Monstera roots love to grip onto something, so this type of soil will make it very happy. And a happy plant equals a healthy plant. You’ll see that eventually this soil mix will help your plant push out bigger leaves.
This is also a great well-draining soil, which is absolutely necessary for Monsteras. Monsteras need to dry out quickly between waterings and a good soil mix will help it do just that. More on watering below.
Potting
A pot with large drainage holes is perfect for your variegated Monstera deliciosa. This will allow your soil to quickly drain in between waterings.
Variegated Monstera Deliciosa Care: Moss pole is a MUST
Along with using a pot with large drainage holes, a moss pole or wooden pole is also a must for this plant. Monsteras love to climb. Train your plant upward with a moss pole or wooden pole. This will help your plant develop more and larger fenestrated leaves.
As your variegated Monstera grows, it will develop aerial roots. Tie the plant to the pole so that the aerial roots are touching the pole. You can use soft plant twist ties or plant velcro strips. Then, mist the area where the aerial roots are touching the pole to increase the humidity for the aerial roots. This will trick the plant into thinking that it is growing up a tree. As a result, your plant will begin to produce larger leaves with more fenestration.
Light
Give your variegated Monstera deliciosa the brightest indirect sunlight possible. Brighter light results in more variegation. Lower light produces less variegated leaves. Bright light is a must to maintain the variegation, but never keep the plant in direct sunlight. This will burn the leaves. A little bit of direct early morning sunlight is okay and might even be good for the plant. However, too much direct sunlight, especially from the intense afternoon sun, may cause sunburned leaves. If possible, keep your variegated Monstera deliciosa in an east-facing window that gets some direct early morning sunlight and then bright indirect sunlight throughout the rest of the day.
Remember, the white areas of the leaves do not have chlorophyll. As a result, those areas do not participate in photosynthesis. That is why the variegated Monstera requires slightly more light than the green form.
Watering
Variegated Monstera deliciosa does best when you allow it to dry out completely between waterings. A fast draining soil, as mentioned above, will help you achieve that.
If you keep your Monstera outside, you will most likely need to water your plant more frequently. The opposite is true if you keep your plant indoors. Less evaporation happens indoors, so your plant will need less frequent watering.
Use a moisture meter to help you determine when your plant is dry and needs to be watered.
Alternatively, you can do the wooden chopstick test to check for moisture. Insert a wooden chopstick 2 inches into the soil and pull it out. If the chopstick looks damp or has soil sticking to it, it’s not time to water yet. If it comes out completely dry, it’s time to thoroughly water your plant.
To thoroughly water your plant, saturate all areas of the soil that you can see. Then, continue to saturate the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Humidity
Variegated Monstera deliciosa thrives in high humidity. In fact, these plants require higher humidity than the green form . A humidity above 60% is ideal for the variegated form. You can achieve higher humidity levels by properly using a humidifier in your home.
Temperature
Variegated Monstera deliciosa is a tropical aroid that grows best between 65-80ºF (18-27ºC). Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50ºF (10ºC) may stop it’s growth and cause damage to the plant.
Fertilizer
Fertilize once a month in the Spring and Summer months only with a 20-20-20 NPK-Fertilizer at half strength. Avoid fertilizing during the Fall and Winter months when your variegated Monstera deliciosa is not actively growing. Alternatively, you can fertilize with worm castings or fish emulsion at quarter strength weekly to bi-weekly.
Variegated Monstera Deliciosa Care: Maintaining Variegation
Maintaining about 50% variegation on the leaf is best for the health of the plant. Remember, most plants use chlorophyll for photosynthesis, so the green parts of the leaf are so important for its health. The white areas of the leaves lack chlorophyll. As a result, those areas do not participate in photosynthesis.
If your leaves develop too much variegation or white areas, place your Monstera in an area with lower light levels. The lower light conditions will help your plant’s new leaves develop more green areas over time.
A variegated Monstera deliciosa is an extremely rewarding plant for your collection. Although it is highly priced, caring for one is easy with the right guidance. In addition, you will certainly enjoy all its beauty and that makes it all worth it.
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