Everything You Need to Know About the Monstera Borsigiana Variegata
The monstera borsigiana variegata is one of the most coveted houseplants today due to its stunning white variegation. If you’ve searched for information on this plant, you likely have several questions that I’ll aim to answer in this comprehensive guide.
What Is a Monstera Borsigiana Variegata?
The monstera borsigiana variegata is a variegated cultivar of the monstera deliciosa species. It grows in a similar climbing vine form but features beautiful white splotches, streaks or sections of coloration on its leaves. Its scientific name refers to its variegated trait (variegata) and the fact that it’s a type of monstera borsigiana, which is similar to the monstera deliciosa that many people are familiar with.
Where Can I Find One?
These variegated monsters are quite rare in the plant world. From my experience searching for uncommon houseplants, the monstera borsigiana variegata is notoriously difficult to find. It’s not readily available even at large commercial nurseries. Your best bet is checking specialty houseplant stores, browsing online plant marketplaces, or contacting independent collectors within your local plant community on Facebook.
Be prepared to pay top dollar – upwards of $500 or more – for a well-established specimen. Smaller cuttings go for $100 or higher. The demand vastly outweighs the supply, so prices remain steep. It’s a steep investment, but having this showpiece plant can be worth it for serious plant collectors.
Care Requirements
Despite its price tag, the care requirements for a monstera borsigiana variegata are similar to its green monstera relatives. It thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates high humidity levels around 50%. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
The variegated sections are more prone to sunburn, so someextra shade may be needed topreserve the plant’spristine appearance. Fertilize monthly in the growing season with a balanced houseplant formula. Provide a moss pole or support for the vines to climb. With these basic care steps, your monstera should reward you with new lush growth.
Will the Variegation Remain Stable?
This is a major concern for anyone purchasing a variegated monstera. Unfortunately, the variegation may not stay consistent as the plant grows. New leaves could revert completely green or the white markings may become striped or spotted inconsistently.
From what I’ve seen in propagating my own variegated monsters, the variegation often shifts over time. Providing optimal care helps maintain stability long-term but does not guarantee the plant will look exactly the same forever. Patience and accepting minor changes are key to long-term enjoyment of these finicky plants.
Is It Possible to Propagate Cuttings?
Yes, propagating variegated monstera cuttings is totally possible if you follow some basic steps:
- Take 4-6″ cuttings with at least 2-3 intact nodes from the mother plant.
- Allow the cut ends to callus over in indirect light for 5-7 days.
- Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix like perlite, vermiculite or coco coir.
- Mist the soil daily and place in a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth.
- New leaves should form within 2-3 months once roots are established.
There is no guarantee the new growth will match the mother plant’s variegation. But with care, propagation is a fun way to increase your plant collection or share cuttings with friends.
Common Pests and Diseases
Monstera are prone to a few major issues in my experience as an avid houseplant keeper. Optimal care helps prevent most problems, but keeping an eye out is still important:
Spider mites love monsteras and can turn leaves yellow and dusty. Control with neem oil or insecticide sprays as needed.
Mealybugs cause fluffy white masses and leaf spotting. Isolate infected plants and treat thoroughly.
Overwatering leads to yellow leaves and root rot. The signs are obvious – let soil dry more between waterings.
Addressing pests or issues early helps your plant bounce back quickly. Monitoring plant health is key to long-term success with any finicky houseplant.
Final Thoughts
While pricey and prone to changes, owning a variegated monstera can be highly rewarding. Their dramatic foliage really makes a statement in any home or office space. With patience and proper care, your plant’s variegation may stabilize over time.
From cuttings to mature specimens, these beauties are a treasure to discover. I hope this guide has helped answer your questions so you can decide if adding one to your collection is right for you. Let me know if you have any other monstera curiosities!
Monstera Borsigiana Variegata Care Table
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun will burn leaves. |
| Soil | Well-draining, airy potting mix. Does not like to be soggy. |
| Water | Water when top inch of soil is dry. Allowexcess water to drain. |
| Humidity | High humidity preferred. Use pebble tray or humidifier. |
| Fertilizer | Feed monthly spring-fall with diluted liquid fertilizer. |
| Temperature | Grow year-round between 65-80°F for new growth. |
FAQ
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What is a monstera borsigiana variegata?
Basically, it’s a type of tropical plant that’s kinda like a monstera deliciosa but with white splashes or stripes on its giant leaves. Kinda funky looking if you ask me!
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Where does it come from?
Believe it or not, this plant is native to Costa Rica and Panama. I guess you could say it likes the warmer, more humid climate down there despite looking so wild.
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How rare is it?
From what I’ve heard, it’s actually pretty uncommon in its natural habitat. Only a small number exist apparently. Because of this, it tends to fetch a high price on the plant market. Maybe that’s why everyone wants one!
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How do I care for one?
They like similar conditions to a regular monstera – lots of indirect sunlight, high humidity, and never letting the soil dry out too much. Water it when the top inch or two feels dry. Does that help care for your beauty? Let me know if you have any other questions!
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Will the variegation stay stable?
This is maybe one of the biggest questions about these plants. Sometimes the white stripes hold their pattern, but other times they may revert more green over time. It’s kind of a gamble! I’ve heard some plant practitioners say keeping humidity high helps, but who knows for sure.
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How fast does it grow?
On the one hand, since it likes warm tropical conditions, it may grow somewhat faster than a typical houseplant. But on the other hand, it still grows at an average pace. Don’t expect it to double in size each month or anything wild like that. Just be patient and enjoy its lovely leaves!
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Should I propagate it?
If you want more plants, propagating is definitely an option. You can try rooting stem or leaf cuttings in moist soil. However, new growth may turn out differently variegated than the mother plant. I’ve heard mixed results from people on whether the variegation carries through. Guess you never know til you try!