Variegata Monstera plants are rather expensive because they are uncommon/ rare. A mutation in the plant’s chlorophyll formation gives this beautiful plant a marbled or half-moon appearance to the leaves. Monstera prices vary from $100 to thousands of dollars depending on their size and variegation pattern.
Monstera is a genus of flowering plants that consists of about 50 species. The most popular variety is the Variegated Monstera, which is known for its beautiful leaves with unique markings. This extremely rare, plant is native to Central America and parts of South America, but it can be found in other parts of the world as well.
Variegated Monstera plants are becoming increasingly popular in the home decor market, and as a result, their prices have been rising steadily. In this article, we will take a closer look at why Variegated Monstera plants are so expensive and whether or not they are worth the price tag:
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why are monstera plants so expensive?
The process of propagating these plants is challenging and time-consuming, which contributes to their limited availability and high demand. Additionally, their striking visual appearance is another reason for their elevated cost.
What is Variegation?
Variegation is the result of a mutation in the plant’s chlorophyll formation, which gives the leaves a marbled or half-moon appearance. The Variegated Monstera is one of the most popular plants with this unique leaf pattern.
Marbling and sectoral variegation are the two most common types of variegation in Monsteras. Marbled variegation is characterized by leaf areas with random patches of colour, whereas sectoral variegation is characterized by a more distinct pattern with divided light and dark zones.
Sectoral variegation is more rare than marbled, and as a result, Variegated Monstera varieties of plants with this pattern are typically more expensive.
Why is variegated Monstera so expensive?
The cost of variegated Monsteras is prohibitive because of their uniqueness and appeal. Because the leaves lack chlorophyll, it needs more light and develops more slowly. Slower growth means fewer new plants are produced as a result of slower propagation.
Places that sell these unique green plants sell out quickly because the demand is so high. Even a baby cutting with two leaves may be sold for $100 USD, and people will buy it! As the demand for variegated Monsteras grows, so will prices. Variegated Monsteras are often sold at a premium, making them one of the most expensive plants on the market.
Should you buy a variegated Monstera?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a plant that will make a statement in your home, then a Variegated Monstera is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are plenty of other beautiful plants to choose from. It’s completely up to you whether the Variegated Monstera is worth the price tag.
Why you will love the Variegated Monstera
The variegated monstera – Monstera deliciosa albo-variegata – is a huge hit plant. It’s exclusive, which makes getting one of these akin to having a Picasso in the tropical plant show world. As previously said, just one cutting may sell for more than $100. Pets and people should avoid consuming the leaves since they are poisonous if ingested.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana vs Thai Constellation
The most well-known kinds of variegated Monstera are Albo Borsigiana and Thai Constellation. While they appear to be the same, there are several important distinctions between them that will impact their care, growth, accessibility, and cost.
The Thai Constellation variety has off-white (almost cream coloured) speckles throughout and generally, has larger leaves and is a more full-looking plant as it matures, making it easy to distinguish between the two most common variegated Monsteras.
The Albo has larger, chunkier variegation blocks with specks, and the variegated areas are also whiter. It’s also a little more sparse looking since the stems grow taller and have smaller leaves.
Being able to differentiate between Albo and Thai will assist you in deciding which one you would want to keep in your house:
The pattern and stability of the variegation
The Monstera Albo Borsigiana
- Has a beautiful variegation pattern. Its leaves are speckled with green, marbling, and white markings. Each leaf will be unique from the one before it.
- This variegation pattern is unstable owing to its natural variation. Albo Monsteras can revert to producing whole greener leaves, and they may develop leaves that are 100% white with no chlorophyll. This all-white foliage, while attractive, place a significant strain on the plant and will be the first to perish.
- The variegation on the leaves of an Albo is determined by the mutated cells in the stem and leaf node. Even within one plant, this can vary considerably. The colour of each leaf will be influenced by that of the preceding. You’ll be able to anticipate how much white and green there will be on the following leaf if you pay attention to your Albo’s development and variegation.
Monstera Thai Constellation
- Has a distinct separation pattern from the Albo. Thai leaves have tiny creamy splotches strewn across their surface, making them resemble a starry sky. The light patches are whiter and more creamy in colour than the Albo (those big, white splotches).
- The variegation of Thai Monsteras is also considerably more consistent. Because all of the cells in the plant have the mutation as a result of being manufactured in a laboratory, you won’t have to worry about your Thai Monstera reverting back to green leaves.
- The variegation is both steadfast and unpredictable. There is no development or decline in white or green leaves from one leaf to the next.
Inter-nodal spacing
Internodes are the gaps between the plant’s nodes. The internodal gap accounts for the final height of the plant’s stems. Internodal spacing that is too great frequently results in weak stems that aren’t capable of supporting big buds or blooms.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana has a greater leaf node, up to three-four inches (10 cm). This means the leaves are further apart. Because of this, Monstera Albo Albo may not appear as lush and green as it will later on when it becomes a vine. To get onto this variety, you’ll need something like a moss pole.
Because of the longer leaf node, it is also simple to take cuttings. Pruning shears have plenty of room to reach in.
The internodal distance between Monstera Thai Constellation’s leaves is extremely short, sometimes only an inch (2–3 cm). This gives the Thai Monstera leaves a compact, bushy form that is quite lush. Because there isn’t much room for the scissors, this makes it more difficult to take cuttings.
The size of their leaves
Monstera Borsigiana is a sub-species of M. Deliciosa that has smaller leaves than the common Monstera deliciosa. Its leaves are no more than 30 cm (12 in) wide. In comparison, the Thai Constellation is considerably larger and more like a typical Monstera.
Their Pricing
The Variegated Monstera Albo is usually more expensive than the Thai Constellation. This is primarily because it’s harder to find and propagate. The Variegated Monstera Albo is also less stable, so there’s a greater chance that your plant will revert back to all green leaves.
The Variegated Monstera Thai Constellation is less expensive but still quite pricey. It’s easier to find and propagate, but its variegation isn’t as consistent as the Variegated Monstera Albo.
A Monstera Thai Constellation will set you back between \$150 and \$700 USD at the time of this posting, which is less than the price of a similar-sized Monstera Albo. Mature Thai Constellations may cost more than $1,000. This species’ cuttings are uncommon, but can still be found.
How rare are they?
Monstera Albo Borsigiana is a lot less prevalent than the Thai Constellation. It may be reproduced through cuttings, as opposed to being cultivated in a lab, whereas Thai is grown for commercial production. Although the Albo monstera grows more slowly than Thai, it takes longer for it to reach sexual maturity and produce offspring! Thai Monstera is still difficult to come by. They are made only in one laboratory, and they can produce only a limited number.
How to Find a Variegated Monstera?
The Variegated Monstera Albo is more difficult to find than the Thai Constellation. This is primarily because it’s harder to propagate. The Variegated Monstera Albo is also less stable, so there’s a greater chance that your plant will revert back to all green leaves.
You can try looking for Variegated Monstera Albo plants at your local nursery or garden centre (more probably they won’t have them). You can also check online retailers or plant forums. If you’re lucky, you may be able to find a cutting from someone who already has a Variegated Monstera Albo.
People Also Ask
Light or shade?
It will thrive in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered thoroughly on a daily basis. As a variegated plant, it requires light, but intense sun is preferred. Because there is less chlorophyll present, some of the adjacent near-white leaves may be scorched.
Where should I put it?
Once a week, mist the leaves. The large leaves accumulate dust, so wipe them with a wet cloth and blow dry them gently. Water the plant once a week and don’t let the compost dry out completely. It thrives at temperatures of 18–27C, but it can survive temperatures as low as 12C if necessary.
Can I make my Monstera variegated?
The chances of randomly developing a variegated Monstera are only about 1 in 100,000… So, unless you have a cutting from a variegated plant, it’s very unlikely that your Monstera will develop variegation on its own.
How much should I pay for a variegated Monstera?
Variegated Monstera (Low end: $700; Mid range: $5000; High end: $7000)
How do you induce variegation?
Variegation can be induced by a number of different stressors, including changes in temperature, light exposure, nutrients, or water. However, it’s important to note that not all plants will respond to these stressors in the same way. It’s also possible that your plant will revert back to its all-green form if the stressor is removed.
How do I make my plants leaves variegated?
The easiest, but a more time-consuming method to produce variegation is to take cuttings from the branches with more blotchy variegation in the leaf rather than the all-white form (no chlorophyll) and just continue to plant. This approach takes much longer to create volume.
What is the meaning of variegation?
Variegation is the appearance of differently coloured zones in the leaves, flowers, or other parts of plants. Variegated leaves occur when there is a loss or reduction of chlorophyll in the cells that make up the leaf. This can happen due to a number of factors, including genetics, stressors, or disease.
What are variegated plants?
A variegated plant is one that has leaves with different colours or patterns. The most common type of variegation is called “chimeral variegation,” which is when two different types of cells are present in the same leaf. This can happen due to a number of factors, including stressors, disease, or genetics.
Why are variegated plants so expensive?
Variegated plants are typically more expensive than their all-green counterparts because they are more difficult to propagate and care for. They also tend to be less stable, meaning there is a greater chance that your plant will revert back to its all-green form.
Is Monstera Borsigiana real?
The only recognized species is Monstera deliciosa. Monstera borsigiana is a synonym for Monstera deliciosa, not a distinct species.
Is Monstera Borsigiana a fruit?
What Is Monstera Borsigiana and Where Does It Come From? Monstera borsigiana is a woody perennial native to Mexico and Panama that produces flowers and fruit. Its leaves have holes (fenestrations) known as the “Swiss-cheese plant.”
How often should I water Monstera Borsigiana?
Make sure to water Monstera plants when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch or when a moisture meter reads 3-4. Slowly pour water into the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom, then empty the drainage tray as soon as possible.
