Monstera deliciosa variegata – Monstera variegata

It's not only in the kitchen that we revisit the classics. In gardening too. A hybrid variety derived from Monstera deliciosa, Monstera deliciosa variegata also grows in Central America, from Mexico to Guatemala. It has the same varnished, cut leaves. But they are distinguished by their variegated color.

How to recognize Monstera deliciosa variegata?

A hemiepiphytic perennial with a climbing habit, Monstera deliciosa grows up to three meters tall when cultivated in pots. But in its native rainforests, its lianas can exceed 20 meters.

The plant clings to and wraps itself around trees thanks to its brown aerial roots. They also provide nourishment by capturing moisture naturally present in the air.

The tough, heart-shaped leaves grow on a long, hairless petiole. The largest, at the top of the plant, are up to a metre long. Their cut foliage lets light through to the limbs at the base. The latter are smaller and entire. As with monstera dubia, the leaves are multi-colored. But here, no silver highlights. The dark green blades are variegated with white or cream. Some are even completely immaculate.

In the wild, Monstera deliciosa variegata blooms in spring. A pale yellow flower spike, protected by a white spathe, hatches.

The inflorescence then gives rise to a fruit, a green ovoid cone. Its flavor is said to be halfway between pineapple and banana.

But the fruit is the only part you can eat. The rest of the plant is toxic to humans and animals. If your dog or cat nibbles your Monstera variegata, they risk stomach ache and respiratory problems. The sap is also dangerous. It causes skin irritation.

Diseases / Threats