Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigiana Albo Introduction

A subspecies of the monstera deliciosa, Monstera Borsigniana Albo is on everyone’s wish list for houseplants and rightfully so! The foliage is stunning with its brilliant bright white variegation, fenestration (holes) when matured and long striped stems. There’s no wonder that this plant has become one of the hottest plants on the market!

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Origins

The Monstera Borsigniana Albo plant is native to the tropical jungles of southern Mexico and Panama, where its vine like nature will see it climb up tree trunks or across the ground. In nature variegated plants are extremely rare as non-variegated leaves and plants have a growing advantage but these showy houseplants grow well in most indoor conditions and can be propagated to promote the best variegation. If you’ve cared for a Monstera deliciosa before, then you’ll already have a great head start since caring for the Variegated Monstera Borsigiana albo is pretty similar. People often fear that Variegated Monsteras will be a difficult high-maintenance plant, but their popularity is partly because they are relatively simple to care for. In saying that there are some notable differences worth keeping in mind, which we’ll cover here.

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Soil & Drainage

Monsteras prefer soil that is consistently lightly moist. A rich, well-draining soil mix is important. A combination of equal parts perlite, orchid bark, coco peat, and coco coir will provide the perfect soil, drainage and nutrients that Monstera Borsigiana albos require.

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Lighting and Position

The most important thing you need to know about owning a monstera borsigiana albo, is that the white stripes and splashes found throughout the leaves, like any other variegated plants, do not contain chlorophyll and therefore can’t absorb sunlight. It therefore generally requires more light than typical, all green monstera plants. Find the brightest window or spot you can but avoid direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. Rotate your plant periodically to ensure even growth on all sides and dust the leaves often so the plant can photosynthesize efficiently. Remember to remove any dry leaves.

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Watering

Monstera albo is susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so it’s important to let the soil dry slightly between watering. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry and then water well, allowing the excess water to drain from the pot’s drainage holes.

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Humidity

They do best with at least 60% humidity which is generally higher than most household humidity levels. You can invest to a cheap humidifier to place nearby or group it with other plants. Alternatively, naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen can be great options. In lower humidity conditions it can still do well but is likely to grow more slowly and be more susceptible to their leaves browning from dryness or being too cold.

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Fertiliser

These plants are not heavy feeders, but they do need to be fed during the growing season for best results. Feed your plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Stop feeding altogether during the autumn and winter months when the plant is no longer actively growing.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Propagation

Monstera albo are propagated by stem cuttings only. In order to succeed, the stem cutting must have at least one node on the stem, preferably more. One option is to rest the node in water prior to cutting to allow it to start developing into roots. After cutting the monstera albo, you need to choose sphagnum moss, water, leca or perlite. Prepare a small container with your chosen medium (be sure to moistened up sphagnum moss, leca and perlite). Ensure that the exposed nodes at the bottom of the cutting are submerged in the medium and the remaining leaves are not. Place the cutting in a bright shaded location. Please ensure that your rooting medium stays consistently moist or if you are using water, change the water once a week. Adding charcoal to water can help to reduce bacteria. Best to propagate in the active growing seasons of Spring and Summer.

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Toxicity to Pets

This genus of plans is mildly toxic to humans and pets. Symptoms of exposure include: oral irritation, pain and swelling mouth, tongue and lips. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach of pets and children. Besides, it’s too good a plant to eat! ;)

Variegated Monstera – Monstera Borsigniana Albo Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, scale, mealybugs, fungus gnats and thrips. Inspect regularly to catch any potential infestations early. You can also regularly apply insecticide to the plant as a preventive measure.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.

Why are Variegated Monstera Borsigiana albo so expensive?

Variegated Monsteras are rare, hard to come by, slow to propagate, and extremely popular—all of which have increased their prices to nearly astronomical levels. To put it simply, it’s an issue of supply and demand—and these trendy plants are certainly in demand. Whilst most plants are mass produced through Tissue Culture, to date there has been little to no success with Monstera Borsigianas in Tissue Culture where maintaining the mother plants variegation is notoriously difficult.

What are the Variegated Monsteras & what’s the difference between a Monstera Borsigiano albo and Monstera Thai Constellation

There are a number of Variegated Monstera on the market. Monstera Deliciosa Albo-Variegata, Monstera Borsigiana Albo, Monstera Thai Constellation and Monstera Deliciosa Aurea, so what’s the difference between them all? The Monstera Deliciosa is the famous Monstera we all know and love. The Monstera Deliciosa Albo-Variegata is a variegated version, most notable for it’s huge leaves. The Monstera Borsigiana is more of a vine in comparison to the Variegated Deliciosa, it will grow as a vine and is perfect for growing up totems. It’s leaves are generally smaller than the Deliciosa. The most obvious way to tell the difference between the two, especially while younger plants is through the Geniculum. The Geniculum is the top of the stem just before where the leaf begins. A Monstera Deliciosas Geniculum will have a wavy form whilst the Borsigianas is smooth. Monstera Thai Constellation is not a naturally occurring species, meaning it isn’t found in nature but is a hybrid produced in a Tissue Culture lab. The Thai Constellations variegation pattern is also different characterized by smaller splatters of white/cream variegation while the other two Variegated Monsteras can have large chunks of white variegation. Variegated Monstera Aurea is the most obviously distinguishable from all of the above with it’s iconic yellow variegation rather than white.