Your Guide to Finding Rare Variegated Monsteras in Florida
If you’ve been following plant trends online, then you’ve likely heard of the elusive Monstera albo – an exotic variegated form of the popular Swiss cheese plant with white splashes and sections on its leaves. Known for its striking appearance and rarity, the M. albo has garnered a loyal following of plant collectors ready to pay top dollar to get their hands on a specimen. But finding one for sale, especially locally in Florida, is no easy task.
As an experienced collector based in South Florida, I’ve faced the challenge of tracking down rare variegated plants like the M. albo many times. From my experience searching nurseries up and down the state, I’ve learned a thing or two about where and how to source these elusive beauties. In this guide, I’ll share my best tips and insights to help you get one step closer to adding an M. albo to your own collection.
Check specialty plant stores and greenhouses first
Your best bet is to start by checking specialty plant boutiques and greenhouses that cater to more serious collectors. While big box stores won’t typically stock hard-to-find variegated forms, these smaller shops often have connections to import rare plants. A few South Florida locations worth a look include Plant Shoppe in Miami, Leaf It to Us in Fort Lauderdale, and Peace of Green in Tampa. Be wary ofinflated pricing at some specialty shops, but you’ll find the widest selection there.
Search Facebook plant groups
Facebook has become a premiere marketplace for rare plant trading and sales. Join regional plant trading groups like “South Florida Plant Share” or “Tampa Bay Plant People” to keep an eye out for someone locally selling cuttings or established M. albo plants. These groups see new posts daily, so check back frequently. Be ready to message sellers quickly though, as highly sought-after plants get snapped up fast!
Consider buying a node cutting online
While it’s not as thrilling as finding an established plant, ordering a node cutting of M. albo online is a viable option. You’ll need patience and a green thumb to root and grow it yourself. Reputable Etsy sellers and websites like VariegatedTropicals.com occasionally have cuttings available, though prices range from $100-$300 usually. It’s a gamble in terms of variegation survival, but fun to start your own plant from scratch!
Check local plant sales and swaps
- Scan Facebook or Craigslist for listings of neighborhood plant sales/swaps happening on a given weekend.
- You never know when a local hobbyist may be thinning their collection and offering rare plants at one of these low-key events.
- It helps to chat people up and let them know you’re on the lookout for specific wishlist plants like Monstera albo.
I’ve scored some great finds this way over the years. People tend to bring leftovers home versus leaving them at sales, so it pays to arrive early and chat others up one-on-one. Always worth a shot if you find a sale happening nearby.
Request an ISO post for your local Buy Nothing group
Buy Nothing groups are online communities where neighbors give away items, request needs, and offer services – usually for free or at low cost. While plant swaps aren’t the norm, I’ve found some success requesting plants I’m on the hunt for, like making an “ISO (in search of) Monstera albo” post for your local group. You never know, a generous neighbor may have one they’re willing to divide!
Check specialty plant delivery services
If all else fails, look into plant delivery referral sites like Steve’s Leaves and Plant Pop Overnight that connect collectors to nurseries across the USA. A reputable service can track down specific rare varieties you want and ship them to your door, often overnight for $30-50 extra. It may not be a local find, but gets the job done if you’re plant-obsessed like me!
Hope this gives you some new leads to find an M. albo in Florida. It takes work but is so rewarding once you finally track one down. Seeing that striking variegation in person after your search is truly gratifying for plant lovers. Feel free to message me if you ever need help tracking a rare stunner! Good luck on your hunt.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Monstera Albo Plant for Sale in Florida
| Variegation Pattern | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Higher white variegation (50%+ white) | $150-300 |
| Medium variegation (30-50% white) | $100-200 |
| Lower variegation (under 30% white) | $75-150 |
| Plant Size | Average Price |
| Small (less than 5 leaves) | $100-200 |
| Medium (6-10 leaves) | $150-250 |
| Large (over 10 leaves) | $200-400 |
| Root Condition | Adjustment |
| Established root ball | +$25-50 |
| Loose/bare root | -$25-50 |
FAQ
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What is a monstera albo plant?
A monstera albo plant is basically a variegated monstera deliciosa, which is commonly known as a Swiss cheese plant. It’s kinda like a regular monstera but with white blotches or sections on its enormous leaves. These white areas don’t contain chlorophyll so they can’t produce their own food – how crazy is that?!
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Where can I find monstera albo for sale in Florida?
You may have some luck searching online plant shops and Facebook marketplaces for monstera albo cuttings or established plants around the Sunshine State. Appears the demand is so high that local nurseries sell out pretty quick. Nevertheless, I found a listing for a single albo node on eBay the other day – but it was going for over 500 bucks! Yikes, is that worth it?
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How difficult are they to care for?
On the whole monstera albos aren’t too fussy as houseplants go. As long as the soil stays moist but not soaked, and it receives bright, indirect sunlight, yours should flourish. You may need to stake the developing leaves to avoid them tearing beneath their own weight. At the same time, those striking white sections are prone to burning if it gets too toasty. So find the right temperate spot and you’re golden – or rather, white!
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What pests or diseases should I watch out for?
The number one pest to watch for is probably spider mites, especially on a variegated plant where they can easily spot the white sections to slurp from. Fortunately, neem oil or insecticidal soap usually does the trick. As with any indoor foliage, keep an eye peeled for signs of mealybugs too. But with some TLC your albo should stay pretty pest-free. I’d say enjoy those stunning leaves and don’t stress too much!
Those are the main questions folks seem to ask about monstera albo. Hope it helps provide a better idea of what to expect when searching for – or caring for – one of these showstoppers. Let me know if any other queries come to mind! In the meantime, maybe I’ll see if my local shops have any cuttings in stock. Fingers crossed I get as lucky as that eBay buyer, yeah?