The name of “monstera variegatarefers to all those hybrids and cultivars of the genus Monstera that have leaves like this, variegated; i.e. green and white or green and yellow. They are not easy to obtain, as they are usually only sold by stores specializing in a specific type of plant, such as exotic plants that are grown indoors because they would not withstand the cold if we had them outside. exterior of the house. And not only that, but also when they go on sale they usually have a very high price, unless they are very small, in which case they will have a more affordable one.
If we take all this into account, we can get an idea of the importance of knowing how to take care of it. And that’s where it can surprise us, and a lot, because what what to do to be healthy is not complicated.
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Where to place the monstera variegata: indoors or outdoors?
Image – Wikimedia/Mokkie
It is a plant that must be protected from low temperatures, because if the thermometer drops below 0 degrees and has no type of protection, the next day it will not be found dead… or almost. It will have fallen and frost scorched leaves, and even if it has a green stem, it will be difficult to get it back.
Therefore, unless we live somewhere with a tropical climate, we will have to have it at home. Where? Good, Ideally, it should be placed in a room with lots of natural light.and also avoid placing it near those devices that generate drafts.
What substrate for the pots should I put?
One of the things that we must avoid when we intend to acquire plants, whatever their value, is planting them in any type of substrate. And it is that, in my own experience, the cheapest bag of dirt is not always the best: it may be for these autochthonous species, but not for the others.
If we are only talking about Monstera variegata, It is very important to put one that has the following characteristics: it must be spongy, light and it must quickly absorb water and filter it. For example, I like to use coir alone or mixed with 20% perlite. But you can put, for example, a universal substrate from a brand like Fertiberia or Boom Nutrients.
When should you water Monstera variegata?
Whether or not you have a Monstera adansonii f variegatanail delicious monstera ‘Albo Variegata’, or any other, are all plants that does not need to be watered often. Its roots have a lot of trouble when they are in flooded soil, so you have to control the irrigation a little so that this does not happen.
For this, what we are going to do is water them when the soil is dry. And, of course, to find out, you have to check it, for example with a wooden stick whose length is greater than the height of the pot; In other words: if the pot is four inches high, the stick should be about 6 inches to make it easy to handle.
Once we have it, we have to get it into the ground and then carefully extract it. Then we just have to see if it’s dry, in which case we will water the monstera, or not.
Another topic we should talk about is how to water. And it is that it is necessary to use rainwater, or failing that, that which can be consumed. Likewise, we will water by wetting the earthnever plant it.
When to fertilize it so that it grows faster?
Image – lyasolisblog.ie
monstera variegata it grows quite fast, but we can make it grow a little more if we fertilize it between the spring months and, above all, the summer. As it likes heat (but not extreme: it should never be left unprotected if the thermometer exceeds 35°C), it is clear that it will be in the weeks when it grows the most. Therefore, it will be during this period that we will have to pay it.
We will preferably use organic fertilizers, such as guano (not mixed with fertilizers), manure or seaweed fertilizer. Of course, you can also use fertilizers, such as nails or liquids, such as the specific one for green plants (on sale here) or the universal one (on sale here). Now we don’t have to mix them because otherwise we would be left without plants.
Should I change pot?
Monstera variegata should be repotted from time to time. We will do this when the roots have run out of space and start peeking through the holes in the container.. And it will be done in the middle of spring, when the temperatures will remain above 18 ºC.
The pot will need to be about six or seven centimeters wider and taller than the one you have, and it will also need to have holes in the base. It is important that it is not planted in one without holes, otherwise it would run a very high risk of dying from excess water.
How to propagate a monstera variegata?
Picture – homepursuit.com
All monstera variegata propagate by stem cuttings throughout spring. The most advisable thing is to wait until they have aerial roots, because then it is enough to cut it and plant it in a pot with, for example, coconut fiber.
But if you’re in a hurry, locate the base of the stem and see if it has any buds (protrusions or small bumps) where the roots will come out of. Then make a cut below these buds, and put the stem in a glass of water, which you will need to change every 2-4 days until it sends out its roots and you can plant it in a pot. .
We hope it helps you take care of your monstera variegata.