How to Grow Monstera Albo

Araceae family member Monstera albo, also known as Monstera borsigiana albo variegata or Monstera deliciosa albo variegata, is a rare and prized plant. It is a climbing plant that, in its native environment, can reach heights of up to 10 feet, however it can be kept smaller inside. It has broad, glossy leaves [1] with lobes that are divided by holes. Monstera albo's variegation, which results in some areas of the leaves becoming white or cream instead of green, is its most noticeable characteristic. The result is a distinctive and striking appearance for the plant.

Overview

New York Garden will explore the key characteristics, care tips, and reasons why the Monstera Albo is a must-have addition to any indoor garden.

Bloom Time	Spring, summer
Plant Type	Perennial
Sun Exposure	Partial
Botanical Name	Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Borsigiana’
Common Name	Monstera albo, variegated monstera
Soil Type	Moist but well-draining
Flower Color	Green
Native Area	Central America
Family	Araceae
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral
Hardiness Zones	9-11 (USDA)
Mature Size	10 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide (indoors) 30 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide (outdoors)

Types of Monstera Albo

Monstera albo is a term that refers to a group of variegated monstera plants with white or cream patches on their leaves. There are several types of monstera albo, each with its own characteristics and care requirements. Some of the most popular types are:

Monstera deliciosa albo variegata: This is the most common type of monstera albo, with large, split leaves that have deep green and cream colors. The variegation can vary from leaf to leaf, and some leaves may be mostly white. This type needs bright, indirect light and well-draining soil to thrive.
Monstera adansonii albo variegata: This type has smaller, more delicate leaves that have many holes (fenestrations) in them. The leaves are also cream and green, but the variegation is more evenly distributed. This type prefers high humidity and moderate light levels.
Monstera deliciosa albo borsigiana: This type is similar to the monstera deliciosa albo variegata, but it has smaller leaves and a more compact growth habit. The variegation is also more stable and less prone to reverting to green. This type is easier to propagate and care for than the other types.
Monstera adansonii f. variegata variegated laniata albo: This type is very rare and hard to find. It has tri-colored leaves that are dark green, light green, and white, some with a glossy finish. The leaves are also more elongated and pointed than the other types. This type needs high light and humidity to maintain its variegation.

Monstera albo is not a beginner-friendly plant [2], as it has specific needs and can be prone to problems. Here are some of the main aspects of monstera albo care that you need to know:

Light

Monstera albo needs bright but indirect light to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially the white parts, which are more sensitive. Too little light can cause the variegation to fade or disappear. A good spot for monstera albo is near a south-facing or east-facing window with a sheer curtain or a shade cloth.

Water

Monstera albo likes to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. The soil should be moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal infections [3]. The best way to water monstera albo is to check the top inch of the soil with your finger and water only when it feels dry. You can also use a moisture meter or a wooden skewer to test the soil moisture level. Avoid watering the leaves directly, as this can cause fungal spots or leaf rot.

Humidity

Monstera albo loves high humidity, as it mimics its tropical origin. Low humidity can cause the leaves to curl, brown, or crack. To increase the humidity around your monstera albo, you can use a humidifier, a pebble tray with water, or mist the plant regularly. You can also group your monstera albo with other humidity-loving plants [4] or place it in a bathroom or kitchen where there is more moisture in the air.

Temperature

Monstera albo prefers warm and consistent temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). It does not tolerate cold drafts, frost, or sudden temperature changes. Keep your monstera albo away from air conditioners, heaters, windows, or doors that can expose it to extreme temperatures. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to move your monstera albo indoors during winter or provide some insulation for it.

Soil

Monstera albo needs a well-draining and aerated soil that can retain some moisture but not become waterlogged. A good mix for monstera albo is equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark or coco coir. You can also add some charcoal or worm castings for extra nutrients and drainage. Avoid using heavy or compacted soil that can suffocate the roots and prevent oxygen from reaching them.

Fertilizer

Monstera albo is a fast-growing plant that needs regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks or a slow-release granular fertilizer every two months. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost tea, seaweed extract, or fish emulsion once a month. Do not fertilize your monstera albo during winter or when it is stressed or dormant.

Potting and Repotting Monstera Albo

Monstera albo is a rare and beautiful variegated plant that needs special care to thrive. Potting and repotting are important aspects of maintaining its health and appearance. Here are some tips on how to pot and repot your monstera albo.

Choose a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark, or buy a ready-made aroid mix. Avoid using soil that is too dense or compacted, as this can cause root rot and suffocation.
Select a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of your plant, and has drainage holes at the bottom. You can use a plastic, ceramic, or terracotta pot, depending on your preference. Make sure the pot is clean and sterilized before use.
Gently remove your monstera albo from its current pot, and inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease. Trim off any brown, mushy, or rotten roots with a sharp and sterile knife or scissors. You can also prune any excess aerial roots if they are too long or unruly.
Place some fresh potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, and position your monstera albo in the center. Fill in the gaps with more potting mix, and press it lightly around the roots. Leave some space between the soil surface and the rim of the pot for watering.
Water your monstera albo thoroughly until water drains out of the holes. You can also add some liquid fertilizer at half-strength to give your plant a boost. Place your monstera albo in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, and avoid direct sun exposure that can scorch its leaves.
Repot your monstera albo every year or two, or when you notice that the roots are overcrowded or coming out of the drainage holes. You can also repot if you want to change the pot size or style, or if you suspect any root problems. The best time to repot is in spring or summer, when your plant is actively growing.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Monstera albo is a beautiful variegated plant that can brighten up any indoor space. However, like other plants, it can be affected by some pests and diseases that can harm its health and appearance. Here are some of the most common problems and how to deal with them:

Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the leaves, causing white spots or webbing. To get rid of them, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap, paying attention to the underside of the leaves.
Mealybugs: These are small, white, fluffy insects that can be found on the stems and leaves. They also suck the sap of the plant and produce honeydew, which can attract other pests or fungi. To remove them, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap and wipe them off.
Scale: These are small, flat, brown insects that stick to the stems and leaves. They also feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing or drooping. To treat them, use a horticultural oil or spray formulated for houseplants. You can also scrape them off with your fingernail or a toothbrush.
Bacterial leaf spot: This is a disease caused by bacteria that enter through wounds or openings in the leaves. It causes brown spots with yellow halos on the leaves, which can eventually fall off. To prevent it, avoid overwatering or splashing water on the leaves. To treat it, cut off the infected leaves and dispose of them. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant.
Root rot: This is a disease caused by fungi that thrive in wet and poorly drained soil. It causes the roots to decay and turn brown or black. It also affects the growth and health of the plant above ground. To prevent it, use a well-draining potting mix and water only when the top layer of soil is dry. To treat it, repot the plant in fresh soil and cut off any rotten roots.

How to Get Monstera Albo to Bloom

Monstera albo is a rare and coveted variety of monstera deliciosa with white variegated leaves. Many plant lovers want to grow this stunning plant in their homes, but they may wonder how to make it bloom. The truth is, monstera albo rarely produces flowers indoors, and it can take several years for it to reach maturity and be able to bloom. The flowers are not very showy compared to the foliage, and they consist of a greenish spadix surrounded by a white spathe. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a monstera albo bloom, you need to provide it with bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, moderate watering, and warm temperatures. You can also feed it with a balanced organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season. However, don't be disappointed if your monstera albo doesn't flower, as it is still a beautiful and rewarding plant to grow.

FAQs

Monstera albo, also known as Monstera deliciosa 'Albo-Variegata', is a rare and highly sought-after houseplant with stunning white variegation on its green leaves. This plant is a tropical vine that can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors with proper care and support. In this blog post, we will answer some frequently asked questions about how to grow and maintain a healthy Monstera albo.

How do I propagate Monstera albo?

There are two main methods of propagating Monstera albo: stem cuttings and air layering.

Stem cuttings are the easiest and most common way to propagate this plant. You simply need to cut a stem segment with at least one node (the point where the leaf attaches to the stem) and one leaf. You can then place the cutting in water or moist soil and wait for roots to develop.
Air layering is a more advanced technique that involves making a small wound on the stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. This encourages roots to form on the stem without cutting it off from the mother plant. Once the roots are established, you can cut off the stem and pot it up.

How much light does Monstera albo need?

Monstera albo prefers bright indirect light, but can tolerate some direct sun in the morning or evening. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to lose their variegation, while too little light can cause them to become leggy and dull. A good spot for Monstera albo is near a south-facing or east-facing window with a sheer curtain or blinds to filter the light.

How do I fertilize Monstera albo?

Monstera albo does not need a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant. Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage the roots and leaves.

How do I prune Monstera albo?

Monstera albo does not require much pruning, but you can trim off any dead or damaged leaves or stems as needed. You can also prune your plant to control its size and shape, or to encourage more branching and variegation. To prune your plant, use sharp and clean scissors or pruners and make clean cuts just above a node or leaf axil.

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