It’s known as the Picasso of the plant world, the gem of all variegated plants. The Monstera Variegata has become the ultimate collector’s item due to its unparalleled beauty and rareness.
You might have one of these unique Monstera variegated plants on your wish list, but you are overwhelmed by the sheer number of available varieties available. So read on for our top 13 favorite varieties to discover which one would be your perfect match.
What Does a Variegated Monstera Plant Look Like?
The mutation in a variegated Monstera plant can result in three different colors. Knowing the names of the different colors will help you decipher the full names of the plants. You can get yellow (Aurea), light green (Sport) and cream or white variegated Monstera (Albo). For example, when you read ‘Monstera deliciosa Aurea’, you know it will be a yellow variegated monstera.
Not only do you get different colors, but also different types of variegation in monsteras. The first is a marbled monstera. Marble variegation implies that there are roughly equal amounts of green and white leafage. Then you get the half-moon or full-moon variegation. In half-moon variegation, the leaves are perfectly split: one is pure white and the other green. In full-moon variegation, you see greater white parts and sometimes even entire white leaves.
13 Show-Stopping Types of Variegated Monstera Varieties
- Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’
This plant lives up to its name as the creamy-white splotches look like thousands of galaxies on the leaves. The origins of this species can be traced back to its creation in a tissue culture laboratory in Thailand. The variegation is stable, which means that once your plant is mature, you will be able to make cuttings that will maintain their speckled variegation.
The majority, if not all, of the leaves will have variegation on them. This is a unique feature as most other variegated monsteras have variegated and non-variegated leaves.
- Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Borsigiana’
This Monstera is known for its brilliant pure white variegation and its splotchy and blocky variegation pattern. This plant can easily be mistaken for the Thai Constellation, but it has more white variegation. It’s also not uncommon to find pure white leaves on this plant once it reaches maturity. Smaller leaves also characterize this variety.
- Monstera deliciosa ‘Aurea’ (or ‘Marmorata’)
This is one of the lesser-known cultivars of monsteras, and it’s characterized by yellow variegation in a splotchy pattern. Like the Albo Monstera, the Monstera Aurea has more compact leaves, and they rarely grow more than two feet in diameter. They tend to have less variegation on the leaves than their other variegated monstera counterparts. It’s also common for some leaves to not develop any variegation at all.
- Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana ‘Mint Variegata’
The Mint Monstera is still the new kid on the block and, therefore, relatively rare. They have white-green or minty green variegation that occurs in a marbled pattern. You won’t necessarily find the mint green variegation everywhere on the whole plant. Instead, it’s possible also to get bright white variegation throughout the leaves.
- Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’
This variety is often considered the “true” variegated Monstera as the variegation occurs due to a genetic mutation only after germination. In contrast to lab-grown monsteras, the variegation is not considered stable, and it can occur in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- Monstera deliciosa var. Borsigiana ‘Albo Variegata’
The variegated Monstera borsigiana has green leaves and can have bold variegation on them. These variegations can include off-white to white streaks, marbling, half-moon, or almost entirely white leaves. In addition, variegation is not stable and can be unpredictable due to natural mutation. Therefore, seeds from this variety don’t guarantee that you will get a variegated plant, so you have to obtain a cutting.
- Monstera adansonii ‘Variegata’
This is the variegated version of the plant known as the Monstera Monkey Mask. This is a two-tone plant of green and cream with smaller leaves. The holes in the plant can sometimes be relatively big, compromising 50% of the surface of the leave.
- Monstera obliqua ‘Variegata’
This Monstera should come with a warning as not being the best option for a complete beginner. The size of the holes can comprise up to 90% of the entire leaf. This is a scarce plant, and a Monstera adansonii is often wrongly sold as a Monstera obliqua.
- Monstera Lechleriana albo ‘Variegata’
It’s extremely rare to find a variegated Monstera Lechleriana, so this is one for the serious plant collectors among us. It’s a close relative of the Monstera Adansonii, but its leaves are generally 2-3 times larger.
- Monstera standleyana ‘Variegata’
This Monstera is also known as the Five Holes Plant, and it looks a bit different than the rest of the Monsteras on this list as it doesn’t typically have any holes. For this reason, the plant is often wrongly mislabeled as a Philodendron. These plants can be white or yellow variegated.
- Monstera karstenianum ‘Variegated’ (Monstera Peru)
This type of plant has a fascinating leaf structure, with relatively thick, dark green leaves. Variegated versions also have a wonderful yellow-greenish play of colors on the leaves, making this species very special.
- Monstera Siltepecana
This variegated plant is also known as a Silver Monstera. The appearance of this plant begins to change as it matures and begins to develop large tear-shaped fenestrated leaves with smaller holes near the central vein. The Siltepecana is also generally lighter in color than other monstera varieties.
- Monstera Pinnipartita
This Monstera has slightly bullate and oval leaves with light green variegation. Plants that have matured might have huge split dark green leaves or leaves that have lost their bicolored appearance. This plant generally doesn’t have any holes, although there is the occasional exception.
Variegated Monstera Care: General Tips
Variegated Monsteras are, without a doubt, more difficult to care for than a regular Monstera. This doesn’t mean you should be wary of getting one, but you must do your homework on what your particular plant needs.
The variegation that makes them so unique also makes them extra delicate.
There are still, however, some general commonalities with the non variegated Monstera. Make sure to keep the leaves clean, turn your plant so it grows evenly, ensure it gets an adequate amount of indirect sunlight and be wary of overwatering.
Each and every variegated monstera has slightly different needs, it’s best to check with your vendor how to properly care for them!
Why Are Variegated Monsteras So Expensive?
Simply put, they are so expensive because of their rarity and popularity. And since the start of the pandemic, their popularity has skyrocketed!
For example, the average price for a Monstera Thai Constellation is around $150 and $700 USD, but it could be much more for a mature plant.
Two main factors contribute to them being relatively scarce.
First, many variegated cultivars can’t be grown directly from seed. Instead, they are grown from a cutting of a variegated mother plant or lab-cultured. So, the combination of limited supply and sky-high demand leads to a hefty price tag.
Second, as mentioned, variegated monsteras are very delicate and challenging to grow, so speciality nurseries and collectors cultivate them. Their delicateness also makes it hard to ship and distribute them.
Where Can I Buy a Variegated Monstera?
It’s unlikely you will find these rare beauties in your local chain stores or local nurseries. Your best bet is often to find them online either at specialist plant stores or online platforms such as Etsy. Always take simple precautions such as reading the seller’s reviews, checking their rating and return policy. If you’re buying from a seller from abroad, double-check their policy on shipping overseas. You don’t want your plant to be confiscated at customs.
If you are only buying a cutting, ensure it has at least one node on the stem; otherwise, it will never grow roots to develop into a plant. Also, avoid the temptation to buy a cutting that is entirely white or has a large amount of variegation. Due to the lack of chlorophyll necessary for a plant to feed itself, the cutting won’t survive.
Don’t forget to put your new Monstera at the center of your room, so it gets the attention it deserves!