Variegated Monstera

You won’t find a variegated Monstera in the wild. In fact, it’s very hard to come by anywhere. This extraordinary plant is the result of some very careful cultivation. It’s so rare and so prized that plants have been known to exchange hands for thousands of pounds.

The reason it doesn’t appear in the wild is because the plant naturally wants to be all green. The white variegation makes it more delicate. The green parts of the leaf contain chlorophyll, which allows plants to absorb light, which they turn into energy. The white parts contain no chlorophyll. So variegated plants have to work harder to live. 

This cultivar of variegated monstera is known as Thai Constellation. Its variegation has an almost camouflage pattern, with sprays of white across dark green leaves. It’s a bit more easygoing than some other variegated plants. It likes a lot of light, but is otherwise pretty simple to care for. If you don’t have ample light, the all-green monstera, Chaz, is an ideal alternative. It can happily live in semi-shade. 

If you have the right conditions for the variegated variety, you are in for a treat. This plant is basically a celebrity.

Did you know?

Variegated monsteras are so desired that some varieties are developed in high-tech laboratories.