Albino Monstera Plants [Do They Exist?]

If you know about albino houseplants, you will figure they are quite a catch. Albino Monstera is no different because this aroid is equally rare to find and hardly occurs in the wild.

Moreover, the variegation will differ from one Monstera species to another, making the albino appearance a rarity.

Read on to find out what makes Albino Monstera unique and where you can get them.

What is Albino Monstera?

Albino Monstera occurs from selected mutation of one or multiple variegated Monstera species.

However, Albinism occurs from a genetic mutation in plants naturally or through tissue culture in the lab.

Some variegations are fairly distributed throughout the leaf, while others may vary. These variegations occur as marbling (blended patterns), sectoral (large patches), or both.

If you are wondering, it may also occur from the lack of chlorophyll production on leaves giving them signature light patches.

Although rare, some variegated Monstera species may attain white leaves with zero green pigmentation.

Therefore, these plants would not grow precisely as other houseplants. The lack of green pigments affects the photosynthesis process, causing slow growth.

The variegation and variously shaped leaves make them unique and expensive.

Why is Albino Monstera So Expensive?

Albino Monsteras are expensive because they rarely occur in the wild.

Depending on the size and variegation, their prices could go from $100 for a sapling to thousands of dollars for a mature plant.

There are primarily two reasons why Albino Monstera is expensive.

1. Lab-grown Cultivar

Albinism or variegation in the leaves of Albino Monstera results from a rare genetic mutation in the laboratory.

You will find a variegated Monstera plant with variegation more or less proportion to white. However, the availability of these plants is limited hence the high demand.

2. Difficult to Grow and Ship

Secondly, Albino Monsteras are difficult to grow and maintain due to their slow photosynthesis.

The plant will grow much slower than other houseplants, and the variegated leaves are short-lived.

So it’s difficult to ship them in perfect condition.

Different Albino Monstera Varieties

Although not entirely Albino, you would find many variegated Monstera plants more likely to achieve white or bleached leaves.

1. Monstera Deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’

One of the most popular and widely available Monstera cultivars, Monstera Deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation,’ boasts distinct features.

If you are lucky, some leaves will obtain a completely white look.

2. Monstera Deliciosa ‘Albo Borsigiana’

Widely known as Monstera Albo, this plant boast signature split leaves with pure white variegation.

However, do not confuse it with Monstera adansonii albo or Monstera standleyana albo variegata, which produce differently shaped and sized leaves.

3. Monstera Deliciosa ‘Aurea Variegata’

A recent cultivar of Monstera Deliciosa, this adorable variety boasts oval to elliptical glossy leaves with yellow variegation.

Unlike other variegated kinds, variegation in Monstera Deliciosa Aurea occurs in a splotchy pattern.

4. Monstera Deliciosa ‘Variegata’

Deliciosa Variegata is the true variegated Monstera. However, it lacks a completely bleached look like other Monstera cultivars.

At least you will get stable variegation throughout the leaves that will stay put for a longer duration.

FAQs About Albino Monstera

Are Albino Monstera Stable?

A rare genetic mutation causes albinism that may or may not be stable.

Some variegated Monstera species are more likely to attain partial to complete albinism than others.

However, the chances are that the variegated leaves will wilt and die sooner, leaving a greener plant.

How to Maintain Monstera Variegation?

To ensure your Monstera does not revert to green, you must trim leaves with no mutation.

However, it will do more damage than good as the plant may fail to produce chlorophyll for the photosynthesis process.

Are Albino Monstera Varieties Toxic?

All Monstera species are toxic to animals and humans, albino or not.

When ingested, the plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, causing irritation to the mouth, lungs, and digestive tract.

Small animals like dogs and cats are more likely to suffer from Monstera poisoning.

What are Common Issues with Albino Monstera?

Albino Monstera is more short-lived than miniature or non-variegated Monstera plants.

It also grows slower because of the lack of chlorophyll required for photosynthesis.

The major factors that ensure healthy growth are high humidity, warm temperature, and regular watering typical to tropical plants.