Monstera Albo Borsigiana Care - Important Tips
I'll cover seven crucial suggestions for caring for your Monstera Albo Borsigiana in this post and explain why they are so expensive.
Monstera Borsigniana Albo, a subspecies of the monstera deliciosa, should be at the top of everyone's wish list for indoor plants. When the foliage is mature, it develops fenestration (holes) as well as long, striped stems and brilliant, bright white variegation, which make it absolutely stunning. It's no surprise that this plant has grown to be one of the most popular ones available.
Monstera plants have become widely visible in recent years on Instagram and Pinterest. This tall, tropical plant, also known as the "Swiss Cheese Plant" has uniquely perforated leaves and a vibrant green color that is reminiscent of its native jungle environment.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana Information
Scientific Name | Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata' |
Common Name | Monstera Albo, Swiss Cheese Plant, Windowleaf |
Light | Bright indirect sunlight |
Watering | Weekly, water if the top half of the soil feels dry |
Temperature | 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) |
Hardiness Zone | USDA Hardiness zone 9b to 11 |
Humidity | 70-85% |
Soil Type | Rich, quick-draining, loamy |
Soil pH | 5.5-7.0 (acidic to neutral) |
Fertilizing | Balanced fertilizer ratio applied once a month |
Repotting | When the roots begin growing out of the pot |
Pruning | When the leaves revert to green or when infected |
Propagation | Stem cuttings |
Toxicity | Toxic to humans and pets |
Mature Size | 25 to 90 cm or 10'' to 32'' long and 30 cm wide |
Bloom Time | Varies with the season |
Monstera Borsigniana Albo Origins
The Monstera Borsigniana Albo plant is indigenous to the tropical jungles of southern Mexico and Panama, where its vine-like nature allows it to cling to surfaces like tree trunks or move across the ground. However, these showy houseplants thrive in most indoor environments and can be propagated to encourage the best variegation. In nature, variegated plants are extremely rare because non-variegated leaves and plants have a growth advantage. If you've ever taken care of a Monstera deliciosa, you'll already be off to a great start because the Variegated Monstera borsigiana albo requires similar maintenance. Despite common misconceptions to the contrary, Variegated Monsteras are popular in part due to their ease of maintenance.
Why Are They So Hard to Find?
The white-variegated Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata is not an exception to the rule that plants with white variegation are typically more delicate than their green counterparts. They photosynthesize much less as a result of having less chlorophyll produced. It takes some skill to grow them, and it is a slow process. A rare plant like this is going to be difficult to find, and if you do find it, it will cost you because there is such a high demand for it.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana Care
Soil & Drainage
Monsteras prefer soil that is consistently only slightly moist. The soil mixture must be rich and permeable. For Monstera Borsigiana albos to grow successfully, the ideal soil, drainage, and nutrients must be combined in equal parts of perlite, orchid bark, coco peat, and coco coir.
You can combine equal amounts of soil, perlite, and bark. Remember that while this mixture is excellent, because it is so chunky and airy, it tends to dry out more quickly. It will delight your plants.
There is no special mixture. You will be good to go as long as the soil is well drained and the roots have plenty of air to breathe (additives like perlite and orchid bark make this happen).
Lighting and Position
The most crucial fact you should be aware of before buying a monstera borsigiana albo is that, like all other variegated plants, the white spots and stripes that can be found all over the leaves are chlorophyll-free and therefore unable to absorb sunlight. As a result, it typically needs more light than typical green monstera plants. While trying to avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunburn, find the brightest window or location you can. In order for your plant to efficiently photosynthesize, dust the leaves frequently and rotate it occasionally to ensure even growth on all sides. Do not forget to pick up any dead leaves.
Find the brightest window you can for your variegated Monstera deliciosa, but try to limit direct sunlight. The sun should be exposed for a few hours, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon.
To prevent your variegated leaves from burning and turning brown, avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight, especially midday direct sunlight.
All plants benefit from some direct sunlight during the winter if you live in a region with dark, brief days like I do in Ohio.
You can definitely supplement with a good grow light if your home does not have a good location for natural light.
Watering
If Monstera albo is overwatered, root rot can occur, so it's crucial to let the soil slightly dry out in between irrigations. When the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil have dried, water thoroughly, letting the extra water drain through the drainage holes in the pot. (Read More: Monstera Root Rot - Signs & How to Treat)
It's best to water your plant thoroughly until water begins to drain from the drainage holes. Then just wait until the top quarter of the potting soil is dry, and repeat. Simple as that!
However, even under more severe circumstances, these plants are fairly tolerant. They go through both a wet and a dry season as they grow in nature, making them fairly hardy plants.
Humidity
They thrive in environments with at least 60% humidity, which is generally higher than the humidity levels found in most homes. To place nearby or with other plants, you can spend money on a cheap humidifier. A bathroom or kitchen, which are naturally humid rooms, can also be excellent choices. It can still thrive in low humidity environments, but it will probably grow more slowly and be more prone to having its leaves turn brown from being too dry or too cold.
Fertilizer
Although these plants are not heavy feeders, for best results, they should be fed during the growing season. Feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer once per month. During the fall and winter, when the plant is not actively growing, completely stop feeding.
Although it costs a little more than most fertilizers, aren't your pricey plants worth it? For almost all of my indoor plant collection, I use this fertilizer.
Don't use the full concentration of your fertilizer, regardless of what the label says. Every time I water it throughout the growing season, I like to use the low end of the range and use this solution.
Typically, a liquid fertilizer at half-strength with a 20-20-20 (NPK) balanced fertilizer ratio is used. Your plant will remain content as a result, and it will be able to grow a set of robust leaves.
For variegated Monstera Albo, avoid overfertilizing as this can build up in the soil and harm the plant over time. Avoid buying cheap fertilizers, and make sure to buy them only from reputable vendors.
Propagation
Only stem cuttings are used to reproduce Monstera albo. The stem must have at least one node, and ideally more, for the stem cutting to be successful. To start the node's root formation, you could rest it in water before cutting it. Once the monstera albo has been cut, you must decide between sphagnum moss, water, leca, or perlite. Your chosen medium should be prepared in a small container with moistened perlite, leca, and sphagnum moss. Make sure the remaining leaves are not submerged in the medium, only the exposed nodes at the bottom of the cutting. A bright, shaded area is best for the cutting. Please make sure that your rooting medium remains consistently moist, or if you are using water, change the water once a week. Bacteria can be lessened by adding charcoal to water. When growing is active, which is in the spring and summer, is the best time to propagate.
Pruning
Growing the non-variegated counterpart is easier than caring for a variegated plant.
You know those beautiful, all-white leaves that everyone adores?
Although they are unquestionably beautiful and stunning, they won't last for very long because they lack chlorophyll. These leaves will eventually fall off, but while they do, you can still enjoy them now and then!
As a result, if you have a variegated Monstera, some upkeep and pruning will be necessary to promote leaves with more even variegation.
You will need to prune your plant if it starts to produce only green leaves or only white leaves.
Start visually examining your vine. Move down the vine, starting at the top. Reduce the vine to a leaf with good, balanced variegation—not too white or too green!) Make sure you can see the growing eye when you trim your vine (as I demonstrated earlier in this article).
The plant's expanding eye should then result in a vine with more even variegation and a healthier, more attractive plant!
Toxicity
For both people and animals, this genus of plants is only slightly toxic. Oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth are signs of exposure. It's best to keep these plants away from children and pets. Furthermore, the plant is too good to eat!
For Humans
The majority of Monsteras contain raphides, which are sharp, insoluble oxalate crystals that, when consumed in large quantities by people, can cause severe irritation, a burning sensation in the mouth, diarrhea, trouble breathing, and nausea. The monstera plant's entire body, including the leaves, roots, and flowers, are poisonous and toxic.
Place the plant in a high-traffic area, such as window sills or table corners, and away from young children. Consult your doctor right away if your child exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned above. Put up signage or warning signs if the plant is grown outdoors.
For Pets
It is crucial to keep the plant away from animals because they enjoy chewing on whatever they can find. Since cats are able to jump to higher places, it might be best to grow the plant outside, away from commonplace items.
In addition to oral irritation and blisters, other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and restlessness. Bring all of your animal companions right away to the vet if they exhibit toxic symptoms.
If grown outdoors, you can enclose the plant with a fence to prevent animals from nibbling on its components.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, scale, mealybugs, fungus gnats and thrips. To detect any potential infestations early, inspect frequently. As a preventative measure, you can also regularly spray insecticide on the plant.
What's Unique About Monstera Albo?
The Monstera albo plant is a subspecies of the Monstera deliciosa and is becoming one of the hottest plants being sold on the market. One would not be able to resist the flowering plant's charm due to its stunning set of foliage with abundant variegation!
The Monstera albo plants are of tropical descent and are native to Americas, both Central and South No wonder it's turning into a highly sought-after ornamental plant, with its heavy variegation and large, glossy heart-shaped leaves.
In contrast to typical green leaves, the creamy stripes lack chlorophyll. Despite the fact that these areas are not capable of photosynthesis, the plant should still be able to receive plenty of sunlight and affection.
Why Are Variegated Monstera Borsigiana Albo So Expensive?
Variegated Monsteras are rare, hard to come by, slow to propagate, and extremely popular—all of which have increased their prices to nearly astronomical levels. Simply put, it comes down to supply and demand, and there is no doubt that there is a demand for these trendy plants. While most plants are mass-produced through tissue culture, Monstera borsigianas have had little to no success in this area because it is notoriously difficult to maintain the mother plants' variegation.
What's the Difference Between a Monstera Borsigiano Albo & Monstera Thai Constellation
Many Variegated Monstera are available for purchase. What distinguishes Monstera Deliciosa Albo-Variegata, Monstera Borsigiana Albo, Monstera Thai Constellation, and Monstera Deliciosa Aurea from one another? The renowned Monstera that we are all familiar with and adore is the Monstera Deliciosa. The variegated Monstera Deliciosa Albo-Variegata is distinguished by its large leaves. In contrast to the Variegated Deliciosa, the Monstera Borsigiana is more like a vine; it will grow as a vine and is ideal for growing up totems. In comparison to the Deliciosa, its leaves are typically smaller. The Geniculum is the most straightforward way to distinguish between the two, especially when the plants are younger. The top of the stem, just before the leaf starts, is known as the geniculum. While the Borsigianas has a smooth form, a Monstera Deliciosas geniculum will be wavered. Monstera Thai Constellation is a hybrid that was created in a tissue culture lab and is not a naturally occurring species, meaning it cannot be found in nature. In contrast to the other two variegated monsteras, the Thai Constellations' variegation pattern is distinguished by smaller splatters of white or cream color. In contrast to the other plants mentioned, the variegated Monstera Aurea stands out the most due to its distinctive yellow rather than white variegation.
Common Problems of Monstera Albo
Overwatering or underwatering are the two most frequent problems with Monstera Albo Variegata, both of which can result in the browning and yellowing of the leaves. Furthermore, if problems with pests and diseases are not resolved right away, the plant may suffer. Below are some of the most common Monstera Albo problems and their treatments:
Pests
Two infamous Monstera albo pests are spider mites and scale bugs; they feed on the plant sap and have the potential to kill the plant if they are present in large populations. Tiny drops and sweet molds on the underside of the leaves are indicators of an infestation, and ants are frequently present as well.
Use of horticultural oils like neem oil and citronella is one all-natural way to stop insects from damaging your Monstera Albo Variegata on a regular basis. You can also make a homemade natural detergent and chili pepper spray. Regularly wiping the leaves to remove dust and debris is also a good practice.
Diseases
The most typical disease that can affect your Monstera Albo Variegata is brown leaf spots, which can be brought on by either fungi or bacteria. Overwatering is frequently to blame for the disease, which may also be a covert sign of root rot.
By adhering to appropriate cultural management, avoid Monstera Albo diseases. Maintain the ideal temperature and humidity levels, and don't let the plant sit in wet soil for too long.
Pro tip: If the plants are already displaying symptoms of infection, prune the infected plant parts and isolate them if necessary. To get rid of any stains, thoroughly blot the foliage with an alcohol spray.
Growing Problems
Inadequate irrigation and excessive fertilization can cause growing issues. When working with a sick plant, pay close attention to the symptoms and the specific areas of the plant that are exhibiting clear signs of infection.
Avert both overwatering and plant dehydration. Additionally, enhancing the medium's drainage capacity can aid in reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections. Avoid using cheap fertilizers because they tend to build up in the growing medium and harm the roots.
Tip: Avoid exposing the plant to full sun and water it as needed. Also, use the right amount of potting soil.
Monstera Albo Appearance
The appearance of Monstera Albo requires no introduction. They are a tropical ornamental plant that is highly sought after worldwide due to their exquisite foliage and variegation. Your senses will be stimulated by having them in your yard or house. When thinking about purchasing this beauty, there are a few details listed below that you definitely wouldn't want to skip.
Foliage
The Monstera Albo's most desirable characteristic is its foliage. Each broad leaf is supported by long, striped stems that are speckled with creamy white variegation. The plant will gradually start to grow, and the mature leaves will have slits in them.
The Monstera albo is widely variegated, as evidenced by the presence of creamy hues on the stems as well. Ghost leaves are when a plant occasionally turns whiter and loses all traces of its original green color. This needs to be cut back in order to maintain plant life and boost chlorophyll synthesis for photosynthesis.
Flowering
Monstera Albo can flower, but it takes a long time for the plant to produce an inflorescence. Like most arum plants, the Monstera Albo Variegata flower has a spathe that is a creamy white color and a spadix in the center. Although the plant rarely blooms indoors, the blooming period varies.
2-4 clusters of spadices are produced by the majority of monstera plant species. The peduncle, or flower stalk, is 2 to 18 inches long. They are available in flat or rounded shapes, and their thickness varies.
The plant can produce immature fruits, unopened inflorescence, and ripe fruits all at once because it takes the fruits a very long time to ripen (roughly 12–14 months).
Size and Growth
The length and width of Monstera albo can vary from 10 to 32 inches or 25 to 90 centimeters. As the plant can grow to a maximum height of 6.5 to 10 feet, growing Monstera albo requires a rather adaptable pot.
In comparison to all of its competitors, the Monstera Albo Variegata grows more quickly. If the right conditions are present for growth, the plant can grow up to 1 to 2 feet per year, and its delightfully long foliage can reach a length of 35 inches. Every few months, new leaves can also be produced by it.
Monstera Albo Fragrance
Strongly sweet and sometimes even compared to a pineapple, the distinctive scent known as Monstera Albo fragrance is hard to miss. For example, when a fruit ripens, its scales or platelets fall off, emitting a potent and enticing odor.
Additionally, there are certain scents that you should be on the lookout for because they may indicate a disease or insect infestation on the plant. Decomposing plant material frequently has a smell to it. To treat and revive your Monstera Albo, remove any infected parts of the plant as soon as they appear.
Suggested Uses for Monstera Albo
As an indoor specimen or as a decorative element in an outdoor garden, Monstera Albo plants are widely grown. When ripe, the fleshy fruit can also be consumed and is said to taste fruity and similar to pineapple. It is also a rich source of vitamins C and B.
The plant is frequently grown indoors to brighten drab spaces because of its lovely leaves and cheerful demeanor. It is becoming an extremely sought-after architectural feature among establishments because of its rarity.
Surprisingly, the Monstera Albo plant has the power to purify the air and lower the dangerous airborne contaminants that can lead to air pollution.
FAQs of Monstera Albo
What is Monstera Albo?
Monstera ‘Albo' is a beautiful variety of Monstera deliciosa species. It is well known for having leaves with different shades of green and white that are marbling on their surface.
How to Identify Monstera Albo?
Monstera 'Albo' has marbling on its leaves. A stunning variegation is produced when the colors green and white are combined. Like other varieties of Monstera deliciosa, there are also fenestrations.
How to Care for Monstera Albo?
Put it in direct, bright sunlight. Keep the soil just barely damp but don't overwater it. High humidity is also important; the plant will be content.
How to Grow Monstera Albo Indoors?
Make sure there is enough light coming into it. The light needs to be strong enough for the plant to produce enough food for itself. Do not, however, leave it out in the sun.
How to Grow Monstera Albo Outdoors?
Pick a location that receives plenty of light and afternoon shade. By doing this, the plant's delicate leaves won't be scorched by the intense heat.
How Fast Does Monstera Albo Grow?
The Monster Albo grows between one and two inches per year and has a comparatively quick rate of development. Every few months, it may also sprout new leaves.
How Tall Does Monstera Albo Grow?
The Monstera Albo can reach lengths of 10 to 32 inches, or 25 to 90 cm. However, it has a maximum height of 10 feet. tall in its wild habitat.
How to Make Monstera Albo Grow Faster?
Use a 20-20-20 balanced fertilizer ratio and apply it in the spring and summer, when the growing season typically takes place, to promote quicker growth.
How to Stake Monstera Albo?
Pick a length for your stake, place it behind your monstera plant, secure a few of the branches to it, and direct the aerial roots toward the pole.
How to Pot Monstera Albo?
Fresh potting soil should be prepared, and only half of it should be placed in the container. Organize the container so that the plant is in the center. The soil should be filled in, firmed up, and thoroughly watered.
How to Revive Monstera Albo?
You can tell a Monstera is overwatered or on the verge of dehydration by the way it wilts. Make sure to water only when the topsoil feels dry, and apply fertilizer as necessary.
Why is My Monstera Albo Dying?
Your plant may not be growing properly if its leaves begin to brown, wilt, or yellow. To prevent root rot, be sure to water only when necessary.
Why is My Monstera Albo Drooping?
Due to too much or not enough moisture in the soil, Monstera Albo may be drooping. Additionally, search for any indications of infection or infestation.
How Cold Can Monstera Albo Tolerate?
The majority of monstera species can withstand temperatures as low as 50 °F (10 °C). However, extremely cold temperatures are not ideal for monsteras,
How to Get Rid of Pests on Monstera Albo?
Use an alcohol spray and horticultural oil, such as citronella or neem oil. Establish the practice of periodically wiping off the leaves and other debris.
Is Monstera Albo Toxic to Cats?
The calcium oxalate crystals present in monstera albo, which can be painful to consume, make it toxic to cats. Drooling, mouth swelling, and restlessness are some symptoms.
Is Monstera Albo Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, the needle-like calcium oxalate crystals in monstera albo are toxic to dogs. Symptoms can include agitation, mouth swelling, drooling, and pawning.
Is Monstera Albo Toxic to Children?
Yes, Monstera Albo is particularly harmful to young children. The calcium oxalate crystals may result in nausea, vomiting, wheezing, skin and mouth irritation, and breathing problems.
Is Monstera Albo Toxic to Humans?
The amount consumed determines how toxic Monstera Albo is to an adult human. Mouth blisters, severe irritability, and vomiting are all possible symptoms.
Does Monstera Albo Have a Scent?
Its ripe fruit is primarily to blame for the Monstera Albo's sweet, fruity aroma. Some people have compared the aroma to that of pineapple fruit.