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Monstera Albo: Tips & Tricks

Introduction

Monstera Albo is a stunning and easy-to-care-for plant that will spruce up any indoor garden. This houseplant is well-loved in the community of plant collectors because of its distinctive appearance and feel.

We’re sharing the most essential tips and tricks you’ll need to know to successfully raise a Monstera Albo!

To figure out if you want to buy one for yourself, we’ve put together a few reasonably priced options for you to look at. Continue reading to learn more about the Monstera’s exciting attributes.

What Is Monstera Albo?

The Monstera Albo is commonly called Albo Monstera, Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata, and Monstera Albo Variegata. It is a perennial that is well-known for its beautiful and unique foliage. This stunning plant from the Araceae family has green with marbled cream or white coloring leaves shaped like a heart.

This Monstera can be grown outside in hardiness zone 10. The rest of this article talks about how to grow it indoors.

Origin And Family

Albo Monstera, its mother plant, the Monstera Deliciosa (also known as the Swiss Cheese plant), originates from the Monstera genus, which is part of the Araceae family. These tropical plants hail from the rainforests of Central and South America. This lovely mother plant is believed to be discovered in the 1800s. However, Monstera Deliciosa’s fame is said to shoot up in the 1970s and is often attributed to Henri Matisse.

Albo Monstera came from a natural mutation of the propagated plant and reproduced. This means that each Albo Monstera is unique.

It’s become more popular recently, growing in most homes with lots of humidity. It also produces medium cream-white flowers occasionally with good care.

Where To Buy

If you are looking to buy a Monstera Albo, we have tremendous buying experiences with online sellers from Etsy. The high prices for this plant typically range between $100 for a single leaf node and $1000+ for a mature plant with multiple variegated leaves. Its high demand can be attributed to its scarce state and slow growth, which means slow propagation, hence, very few supplies.

Albo Monstera available on Etsy

Monstera Albo Plant Size

The Monstera Albo reaches between 8 feet tall and 1 foot wide when mature as a houseplant. This plant will look good near an east or west-facing window.

Monstera Albo Care Needs

When properly cared for, your Monstera Albo, like any other houseplant, will thrive. With its beautiful and unique leaves, this plant loves humidity and likes soil that isn’t too wet all year long.

Before watering your plant, be sure the top few inches of soil are dry. For most people, this is when you should do it. Allow enough time for the water to drain out of the pot’s drainage hole. To thrive, this unusual plant requires robust and indirect light.

Our comprehensive care guide may be more precise guidance, which can be seen below!

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata is easy-to-care-for. The quantity of sunshine and the well-draining soil are the most critical requirements for its beauty.

Growth Rate

The Monstera Albo Variegata reaches a height of 8 feet when grown inside a home. This plant will usually flourish more actively during spring and summer.

Most Monstera species, including the Albo, are known to grow slowly.

Potting

Monstera plants, in general, prefer a well-draining pot. A large-sized plastic, terracotta, clay, or hanging basket is recommended for your Albo Monstera. This plant is also a climber, so you can support it with a moss pole to encourage growth.

One of the primary killers of houseplants is lack of drainage, which leads to root rot. Your pot should have holes at the bottom to drain extra water.

Repotting

It’s essential to repot your Monstera Albo when you see its roots pushing out of the drainage holes. Because this plant develops slowly, you should anticipate relocating it to a larger container every two to three years.

While repotting, you can give your Monstera a nutrient boost by adding standard commercial potting soil to replace the old material.

Soil

Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata thrives on ordinary commercial potting soil. Coco coir, peat moss, and coarse perlite are the ideal components for dirt. Aeration and drainage are essential for this low-maintenance plant.

Here are some great growth media alternatives to consider:

Photo Title Price Buy
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting...image Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Grows beautiful Houseplants, 6 qt. (2 Pack) $13.42 ($0.03 / Ounce)
Burpee, 9 Quarts...image Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant $12.99 ($0.04 / Ounce)
Sun Gro Horticulture...image Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A $16.04 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix,...image Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, Potting Soil for Outdoor and Indoor Plants, Enriched with Plant Food, 2 cu. ft. $34.60
FoxFarm Ocean Forest...image FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake $23.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)

pH

For this Monstera Albo Variegata, you’ll need a soil pH of around 5.5-7.0, which is neutral to acidic. If you’re concerned about pH, you may get a basic pH meter online.

Your soil’s pH may be adjusted by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

You may use baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, and wood ash to raise the pH of your soil.

Water

Albo Monstera is a humidity-loving plant that needs relatively dry soil throughout the year.

In the spring and summer, water just below the soil surface is dry. Drench the soil until it drains out the bottom hole of the plastic, terracotta, clay, or hanging baskets container. If you’re using a collecting tray, be careful to empty the water to avoid root rot and other infections.

Winter watering is less necessary. Keep watering thoroughly but less regularly.

Avoid putting your Monstera Albo in direct sunlight, which could severely damage or even kill it.

Light

Monstera Albo prefers bright indirect light for 8-12 hours per day. Remember, you’re trying to recreate the growing conditions of its native habitat in the rainforests of Central and South America. In most cases, placing this plant near an east or west-facing window works nicely.

You’ll know your Monstera Albo is getting too much bright light when its leaves appear burned. On the other hand, if left in a low-light environment for an extended period, it may lose its white variegation.

Fertilizer

Plants, like people, need more food when they are actively growing because they are using up a lot of their energy. For the Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata, this growth spurt usually happens in spring and summer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during this time.

In the winter, you don’t need to fertilize because plants’ roots usually go dormant in the cold. This means they won’t need extra food for growth.

Avoid supplying fertilizers to your Albo Monstera, as it may severely damage or even kill it.

Propagating Monstera Albo

Perhaps you’re impatient to see your Monstera Albo sprout new leaves. In that case, you can prune back the stem to encourage new growing points. The cuttings you’ve pruned back can then be propagated to develop a new plant!

We’ve laid out various propagation methods for you to choose from.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Directly planting stem cuttings into the soil is the easiest method to propagate a Albo Monstera. Plants that grow best in the early spring and fall should be cut.

1. Cut. Cut off a stem piece with new leaves and at least one node. Without a node, your cutting can’t grow fresh leaves.

2. Disinfect. If cinnamon or rooting powder is available, you can dip the cutting into it to clean the wound and speed up the rooting.

3. Plant. Push the clipping into a fresh potting mix. This will help keep the cutting safe. Nodes should be buried.

4. Water. Water the soil and keep it wet at all times (but not soggy).

5. Maintain. Place your new plant in a bright, shaded area with good airflow. It should grow roots within 2-3 weeks.

Stem Cuttings In Water

With six simple steps, a Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata can be propagated in water.

1. Cut. Remove a part of the stem with new growth and at least one node.

2. Submerge. To monitor root development, place the cutting in a glass of water or any other clear container.

3. Maintain. Keep the cutting in a well-ventilated, well-lit location.

4. Refill. To prevent a bacterial illness, replenish the water every 3-5 days.

5. Transplant. After two weeks, evaluate your development. Plant the clipping into a sterile potting mix if the roots are an inch or longer.

6. Wait. Your new plant may look wilted initially, but this is normal while its roots adjust to the soil. Apply no fertilizer or treatments until your plant has had a chance to settle.

Air Layering Technique

Air layering is the ideal propagation strategy to ensure that your Monstera Albo Variegata cutting develops a robust root system before being detached from the mother plant, and it’s believed to be a safer option than soil or water propagation.

Follow these methods to air-layer your plant:

1. Identify the cutting. Look for a healthy portion of the plant with at least two nodes for a higher likelihood of success.

2. Prepare the moss bag. Damp sphagnum peat moss or coco coir should be placed in a plastic bag, Ziploc bag, or paper cup.

3. (Optional) Wound the stem. Make tiny, nearly imperceptible incisions in the selected region of your plant, then add a modest quantity of rooting powder to the wounds to encourage root development. You may choose to skip this step.

4. Cover the nodes. Wrap the stem in peat moss or coco coir using the bag from before. To adequately encircle the plant nodes, you may need to cut the bag in certain places.

5. Secure the covering. Use twist ties or hemp twines to keep the moss bag in place.

6. Water the propagated section. Leave a tiny gap in the moss bag so that water may be poured from above to protect the growing root ball from drying out.

7. Transplant. After 3-5 weeks, check for any aerial roots poking out from the moss bag. Cut the propagated section from the mother plant and transplant it into the soil. Don’t forget to remove the moss bag, which can girdle the growing roots.

Humidity And Aeration

This Monstera is a rare plant that prefers high humidity between 40%-70%.

If the leaves of your Monstera Albo are curling or crispy with brown edges, you may try buying a humidifier. This gadget is intended to continuously emit steam and considerably increase the humidity in a room.

Temperature

Your Monstera Albo Variegata will prosper in a warm area, keeping the temperature between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like most indoor plants, this stunning houseplant will appreciate consistent temperatures throughout the year. Avoid using hot or cold water when watering your plant. Keep it away from heat sources (such as furnaces and vents) and cold (such as open windows during the winter).

Flowers

If you’re fortunate, your variegated plant may sometimes blossom with tiny cream-white flowers if you take good care of it. However, this doesn’t typically happen in an indoor growing location. In the right conditions, they produce fruits that later on become edible. The edible fruit is yellow when ripe, has a delectable aroma, and tastes like banana and pineapple.

Toxic

Unfortunately, the Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata is harmful to pets and people. If you ingest it, you might anticipate the following symptoms: tongue and throat swelling, soreness, and skin irritation. In most cases, this plant is not known to cause death.

Soil Care Specifics
Botanical Name Monstera Albo
Common Name Albo Monstera, Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata, Monstera Albo Variegata
Plant Family Araceae
Origin Central and South America
Plant Type perennial
Leaf Shape heart-shaped
Leaf Color green marbled with cream or white coloring
Recommended Home Placement near an east or west-facing window
Growth Rate slow
Light bright indirect light
Soil standard commercial potting soil
When To Water Water when the top several inches of the soil are dry.
When To Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during growing season
Preferred pH 5.5-7.0
Humidity Range 40%-70%
Toxic To Pets? Yes – symptoms include swelling sensation in the tongue and throat area, pain, and skin irritation
Common Pests & Diseases spider mites, brown tips, fungus gnuts, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, aphids, mealy bugs, drooping leaves

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Monstera Albo is not a resistant plant to several bugs, issues, and diseases. In the sections below, I’ll go through some of the most prevalent Monstera Albo problems, along with suggestions and strategies for dealing with them.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common pests, particularly among Monstera Albo Variegata plants. It starts out with small, brown, or yellow spots on your plant’s leaves. Another thing you might find out is that your plant has slowed down or not grown at all.

A garden hose or a sink nozzle might help you get rid of spider mites. Bugs may be killed using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Spray the leaves with oil or soap to get rid of them. It’s essential to make sure that you spray on every surface – even the undersides of the leaves!

The “Spider Mite Destroyer” beetles can also be used to get rid of the spider mites. You can also get ladybugs and lacewings and “Stethorus picipes” beetles. Spider mites can’t hurt your plant because these bugs will eat them.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny insects that eat organic substances in the soil. Their larvae are known to devour the roots of plants, which is terrible news for your Albo Monstera.

Products such as Pyrethrin sprays, neem oil, and hydrogen peroxide target both the flies and the larvae. If you reapply frequently, you should be able to exterminate these annoying insects in weeks.

We’ve used yellow sticky traps to deal with these gnats on our hydroponics systems, and they work pretty well.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are very slow-moving and have waxy coatings on their bodies. They will give birth to tiny crawling bugs.

When armored scales are removed, you will need to be very careful. You can use an old ID card or your fingers to scrape them off, and you don’t want to rip the leaves of your Monstera Albo plant.

Scale bugs can be killed with insecticide soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. When you see crawlers moving around, spray your plant with a general pesticide to get rid of them. You should do this for another week and then try again. We have some suggestions for you below:

Aphids

Aphids are small insects that feed on Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata sap. Some aphids are crawlers, while others are winged, and they may be brown, black, red, green, white, and various other hues.

Aphids live under leaves, young shoots, and stem sections that are easily accessible. If you encounter these insects (generally in a group), act before they spread to other houseplants!

Before you do anything else, put a plastic bag over the soil to keep it safe. Then, give your plant a good scrub with soap and water. A sponge is also a good idea because you don’t want to miss any areas when you clean your house. After you wash your plant, put it in a place that isn’t too hot and has a lot of airflow, so its leaves don’t get burned by the soap.

If the aphids come back, spray your Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata with neem oil, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol. Remember to dilute these products first.

Mealybugs

It’s possible that mealybugs will infest your Monstera Albo Variegata. The white fluff on these parasites is a sign that they need to be taken care of quickly. As soon as they touch, mealies die and turn brown or orange. A cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol will do this right away. A diluted spray of Neem oil also works well to keep yourself from getting sick.

Brown Leaf Tips

The edges of your Albo Monstera’s leaves may turn brown if it’s not getting the sufficient amount of moisture it needs, both from the air and through its roots. Water your plant on time and check if the humidity level in its location is consistent with its needs.

You may also need to consider the amount and frequency of applying fertilizers. Overfeeding can burn your houseplants’ foliage, and this is typically manifested as browning edges on their leaves.

Drooping Leaves

The leaves of your Monstera Albo might start to droop if it’s not getting the proper amount of moisture and light that it needs. Check out the Water and Light sections above to see the recommended care practices for your plant.

Drooping leaves can also be an issue that comes with low humidity, so make sure you check the humidity levels in your area and make sure that it matches your plant’s needs.

Yellow Leaves

If you find that the Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata leaves are becoming yellow, you should look for any recent changes in your care methods or weather.

Overwatering, underwatering, over fertilizing, under fertilizing, too much light, lack of light, root damage, temperature swings, and pests can cause yellowing leaves.

Root Rot

Root rot is a significant threat to Monstera Albo Variegata. Indoor gardeners tend to overwater their plants or forget to provide proper drainage. Rotting roots will appear black and mushy and will lead to the decline and eventual death. Prevention, as the old saying goes, is always better than cure.

The easiest way to prevent root rot is to regulate water intake. Prolong the gap between watering schedules, especially when your plant doesn’t receive enough sunlight and wind to dry the soil. Drill holes to enable the water to drain!

Soil aeration is just as crucial in preventing root rot. If your soil tends to become compact and water-logged, add chunky and airy materials such as perlite, pumice, orchid bark, horticultural coal, coco chunks, river sand, and many others.

Similar Plants

Love Albo Monstera? Here are some other plants you should try:

Philodendron Pedatum is great for interior decor and will provide a splash of color to any indoor garden with its simple plant care routine.

Philodendron Pastazanum – This plant, sometimes known on social media as “My Pasta,” has terrific vein patterns. Each deep fissure is formed by a focal point that extends out drastically over the whole leaf.

Philodendron Mayoi is a versatile accent plant that will appeal to new plant lovers and expert gardeners because it requires little care.

Philodendron Mamei: As a beautiful potted plant, this Philodendron will give your space a tropical vibe. You can easily enjoy caring for this plant as it requires little effort to keep it alive.

Conclusion

If you’re a plant lover looking for a houseplant with some wow factor, the Monstera Albo is an excellent choice. Your plant will quickly achieve its maximum development potential if you follow the instructions we’ve provided above!

Can’t get enough of Monstera plant guides? Check out these great Two Peas In A Condo possibilities!

Let’s grow together! We get paid if you click our affiliate links and buy anything we recommend. However, all of our opinions are our own, and we do not accept money for good reviews.

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