Light
To keep its variegation bright and plentiful, provide your Monstera albo with lots of bright, indirect light. At least six to seven hours of filtered light is recommended. It is important to keep these plants out of direct sunlight as the variegated parts of their leaves are extra sensitive to sunburn. If Monstera albos do not get enough light, they will start to lose their variegation, so they are not good low light plants.
Soil
A rich, well-draining soil mix is important. A combination of equal parts perlite, orchid bark, coco peat, and coco coir will provide the drainage and nutrients that Monstera albos require. Mixing in some natural fertilizers like worm castings is also a good idea and will provide an extra boost.
Water
These tropical plants are susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so it’s important to let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry and then water well, allowing the excess water to drain from the pot’s drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
As with other plants in the Monstera genus, the albo does best in warm temperatures, ideally between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it well-suited to indoor growing, although it can also be grown outdoors during the summer or year-round in USDA zones 9 to 11. They do best with at least 60% humidity which is generally higher than most household humidity levels. That means you will likely need to provide added humidity,which can be done by placing a humidifer nearby, grouping it with other plants, or moving it to a naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen.
Fertilizer
To produce their variegated foliage albos require more diligent feeding than regular Monstera deliciosas. That being said, these monsteras are also susceptible to over-fertilizing, so getting it just right is important. In addition to a potting mix that is enriched with natural fertilizers, feed your plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Stop feeding altogether during the fall and winter months when the plant is no longer actively growing.
Propagating Monstera Albo
Since their stunning white variegation is naturally occurring, propagating Monstera albo is the only way to produce more of these amazing plants and is very popular as a result. It is pretty simple to do and is nearly identical to propagating regular Monstera deliciosa. However, propagating variegated Monsteras takes much longer than regular Monsteras, so be patient. It is also common to purchase these variegated monsteras as new or established stem cuttings, so if you are looking for tips on how to care for your new Monstera albo cutting, you can also follow these steps. Before you begin, it’s important to note that Monstera albo are propagated by stem cuttings only. In order to succeed, the stem cutting must have at least one node on the stem, preferably more.
Potting and Repotting Monstera Albo
These Monsteras are slow-growing and will likely only need to be repotted every two to three years. It is best to repot your Monstera albo in the early to late spring, or in the summer. Avoid repotting in the fall or winter months as the plant enters dormancy. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the previous pot, or 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter. The first step is to carefully remove the plant from its old pot and loosen the rootball as much as you can without breaking any roots. You want to remove as much of the old soil as possible. Next, place the root ball of the plant in the new pot and cover it with fresh potting mix, and then water it well. Return it to its original location and resume its regular watering schedule.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, scale, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and thrips. Regularly inspecting your plant is the best way to catch any potential infestations early. You can also regularly apply insecticide to the plant as a preventative measure.
Common Problems With Monstera Albo
Monstera albo are generally easy to care for, especially if you have experience growing other types of Monsteras. However, as with any houseplant, there are a few common issues that you may run into while growing these tropical plants indoors.
Drooping Leaves
If your Monstera albo is displaying limp, drooping leaves, there are a few possible reasons. First, the plant may be in shock, especially if you just brought it home. Sensitive to changes in their environment, it may take a while to acclimate to a new space. Provide it with plenty of humidity and warm temperatures, which is likely what it’s accustomed to. If your plant is established in your home and is still exhibiting signs of drooping leaves, then it may be underwatered, or has developed root rot.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves are an indication that something in your plant’s growing environment is not right. Usually, it is a sign of overwatering, underwatering, lack of light, or improper fertilization. You will need to assess your plant’s growing environment in order to find the most likely cause.
Losing Variegation
If you notice that your plant is losing variegation, it is likely not receiving enough light. Give it at least 6 to 7 hours of bright, indirect light. Consider adding a grow light to your set up if you cannot provide your albo with adequate natural light.
Brown Leaves
The most common causes of browning leaves are lack of humidity, underwatering, and sunburn. Monstera albo are particularly susceptible to brown patches on their leaves compared to the all green Monstera deliciosa, especially in their white variegation.
