The variegated Monstera adansonii, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, features eye-catching creamy white patterns on its lush green foliage. These white patterns can appear as tiny dots, elongated streaks, or sizable blotches. One of the plant’s charms lies in the excitement of not being able to predict the exact appearance of its new variegated growth.
This cultivar has gained significant popularity because of its stunning look and distinct contrast to its non-variegated counterpart. While its care requirements closely resemble those of the non-variegated variety, there are some additional suggestions to ensure its continued health and vitality.
Essential Care Tips for Variegated Monstera Adansonii
- Provide your Monstera Adansonii with indirect sunlight.
- Use a light and well-aerated potting soil blend that includes peat moss to help maintain acidity.
- Water consistently, but be careful not to overwater; ensure the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.
- The colorful Swiss cheese plant thrives in high humidity and warm conditions; a bright bathroom with indirect sunlight and adequate airflow makes an ideal environment for it.
- This plant has a tendency to exceed the size of its pots rapidly, so it’s advisable to repot it every couple of years.
Lighting
The variegated monstera adansonii thrives in dappled or indirect light, similar to the conditions found in its native environment under the shade of larger trees. It’s important to steer clear of excessive direct sunlight, as this can lead to leaf burn.
Moisture and Humidity
Adequate watering is essential for the health of this plant. The variegated monstera adansonii enjoys a humid environment, but excessive watering can lead to root rot. Check the top inch of the soil in the pot; only water when it feels dry to the touch, ensuring a thorough soak when you do.
Maintaining adequate humidity levels is crucial. Consider using a pebble tray or a humidifier if the air in your home becomes dry due to heating. Placing this plant in a bathroom can help ensure a consistently humid atmosphere.
Soil
The variegated monstera adansonii thrives in soil that drains well. To enhance its texture and drainage capabilities, consider incorporating amendments such as peat moss, rice hulls, or shredded bark.
Fertilizing
Allow your variegated monstera adansonii to become well-established in its new pot for a minimum of six months before starting any fertilization routine. From March to September, you can apply a balanced NPK fertilizer, ideally with a 5-2-3 ratio, on a monthly basis. Make sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package to prevent any damage to the plant or its roots.
Is the Variegated Monstera Adansonii considered a rare plant?
The variegated monstera adansonii is certainly more elusive compared to the standard monstera adansonii and other monstera types. However, with some effort in searching, you can often locate it available for purchase through online retailers.
Growth Rate of Variegated Monstera Adansonii
Similar to other varieties of Monstera, this type exhibits a relatively rapid growth rate. You can anticipate that Monstera adansonii will reach approximately one foot in height each year.
Ways to Promote Variegation in Monstera Adansonii
To promote greater variegation in monster adansonii, it’s essential to provide ample light and to prune the plant regularly. Pruning stimulates new growth, resulting in leaves that are more prone to variegation. Additionally, by trimming away the solid green leaves, the plant can focus its energy on the variegated leaves, allowing them to grow larger. However, it’s important not to remove too many leaves at once, as this can hinder the plant’s overall health.
Consider slowly enhancing the amount of sunlight your plant receives to boost its variegation. This is particularly effective if you can position the plant in a window that receives sunlight from the east to the west throughout the day.
Transplanting and Replanting
This rapidly expanding plant requires repotting approximately every two years to maintain a healthy root system. Select a new pot that is about an inch wider in diameter than the existing one. If you see the roots emerging from the top of the soil or the sides of the pot, it indicates that repotting is necessary. During the repotting process, carefully remove the old soil from the roots and incorporate fresh soil into the pot. Once the plant is in its new container, water it lightly and top off with additional soil to ensure the pot is filled.
What makes a variegated Monstera Adansonii so costly?
Variegated monstera adansonii tends to be costly due to its rarity and the difficulty in locating these plants, which increases both their appeal and market value.
What distinguishes monstera deliciosa from monstera adansonii?
Monstera deliciosa features larger, more intricately divided leaves and more pronounced fenestrations compared to monstera adansonii, which possesses smaller leaves that are more densely dotted with holes.
Is it possible for a variegated monstera adansonii to lose its variegation and return to a non-variegated state?
Variegation is thought to be a genetic trait, making a complete reversion to a non-variegated state improbable, though a reduction in variegation can occur. If your variegated Swiss cheese plant begins to produce entirely green leaves, trim them away to promote the growth of more variegated foliage, and think about increasing its light exposure.
