Monstera Albo Complete Care Guide

Monstera albo is a rare, beautiful, and relatively easy care plant that is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It’s known for its large, fenestrated leaves with creamy white variegation. The variegation of monstera albo is caused by a mutation that reduces the production of chlorophyll in some parts of the leaf. This results in patches of white or cream-colored leaves.

This is a relatively easy-to-care-for climbing plant that can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat, but it will typically reach a more manageable size indoors.

Key Characteristics of Monstera Albo

Here are the key characteristics of the Monstera albo:

• Variegation: One of the most distinctive features of Monstera albo is its variegation. The leaves are typically a mix of dark green and creamy white, with the white areas lacking chlorophyll. The amount of variegation can vary greatly from plant to plant.
• Heart-shaped leaves: The leaves of Monstera albo are large and heart-shaped, with fenestrations (holes) in the mature leaves. The leaves can grow up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide.
• Climbing habit: Monstera albo is a climbing plant, and it will produce aerial roots that can be used to attach itself to supports. If you don’t provide it with a support to climb on, it will eventually become leggy and droopy.

Monstera Albo Care Requirements

While Monstera Albo is a relatively easy plant to care for, there are a few things you need to do to keep it healthy and growing strong.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to care for Monstera Albo:

Light

Monstera Albo needs plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoid placing the plant in a south-facing window. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. If you don’t have enough natural light, you can supplement with a grow light.

Water

They need to be watered regularly, but it is important to avoid overwatering. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. To check if the soil is dry, stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, it is time to water the plant.

Soil

A monstera albo is an aroid plant and needs a well-draining, chunky soil mix. A good all purpose potting mix for this plant combines 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite and 1 part orchid bark to help with drainage.

Humidity

Monstera Albo prefers humid conditions. A good way to increase the humidity around your plant is to place it near a humidifier or to group it with other plants.

Temperature

Considering that it is a tropical plant, warm temperatures are ideal. The best temperature for Monstera Albo is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may start to lose its variegation.

Fertilizer

Monstera Albo does not need a lot of fertilizer. A balanced fertilizer applied once a month during the growing season is all it needs.

Pests and Diseases

This plant is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as spider mites and mealybugs. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, it is important to treat them immediately.

Pruning

Pruning regularly is not necessary. However, you can prune it to shape it or to remove any damaged or diseased leaves.

Repotting

You will need to repot a Monstera Albo every 2-3 years. When repotting, use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot. Use a well-draining potting mix and be sure to water the plant thoroughly after repotting.

Monstera Albo Propagation

Monstera albo can be propagated from stem cuttings. To take a stem cutting, cut a piece of stem, with node, that is at least 4 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. For best results, let the stem callous overnight then put in a glass of clean water. Place in a warm, humid location. The stem cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.

While the water method is the easiest way to propagate monstera albos, you can try propagating directly into soil. The cut end can be dipped into rooting hormone for better chances. Then keep the soil moist but not soggy and place into a warm, humid location. Roots should begin to form within 4-6 weeks.

Monstera Albo All White Leaves

If your Monstera albo is producing all white leaves, it means that the plant is not receiving enough chlorophyll to sustain itself. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that allows plants to photosynthesize, which is the process of converting sunlight into energy. Without chlorophyll, the plant will eventually die.

Why this Happens

There are a few possible reasons why your Monstera albo is not receiving enough chlorophyll:

• Lack of light: Monstera albo needs bright, indirect light to photosynthesize. If the plant is not getting enough light, it will produce all white leaves as a last-ditch effort to survive. Move the plant to a location with more light, or supplement with a grow light.
• Variegation: Monstera albo is a variegated plant, which means that some of its leaves have white patches that lack chlorophyll. If the plant is producing more white leaves than green leaves, it is possible that the variegation is simply a genetic trait. However, if the plant is producing all white leaves, it is a sign of a problem.
• Pests or diseases: If your Monstera albo is infested with pests or diseases, it may be unable to photosynthesize properly. Inspect your plant for signs of pests or diseases, and treat accordingly.

How to Fix

Here are some things you can do to help your Monstera albo recover:

• Increase light: Move the plant to a location with more light, or supplement with a grow light.
• Reduce watering: When the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, water the plant thoroughly. Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot.
• Fertilize: Fertilize the plant every month during the spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength.
• Repot: If the plant is rootbound, repot it in a pot that is one or two sizes larger than the current pot.
• Monitor for pests and diseases: Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Treat accordingly.

With proper care, your Monstera albo should start to produce green leaves again.

More Monstera Albo Care Tips

Here are some additional tips for caring for your Monstera albo:

• Water your plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilize your plant monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Provide your plant with a support pole or moss pole to climb on.
• Provide a pebble tray or humidifier to increase humidity.
• Repot your plant every 1-2 years.
• Monstera Albo plants are toxic to pets and people.

With proper care, Monstera Albo can grow to be a beautiful and healthy plant that will add a touch of elegance to your home.