In this article, we will tell you everything there is to know about the Monstera aurea variegata plant.
Keep on reading to learn:
- Monstera aurea care tips
- Variegated monstera plants
- How to propagate monstera aurea
- Its varieties
And more!
Genus
The Monstera aurea variegata is one of many Monstera plants belonging to the Monstera genus.
The genus comprises more than 30 accepted species of plants and over 100 different types, which include variegated monstera plants and subspecies.
All these species, subspecies, and variegated types of Monsteras genus differ in leaf shape and size, overall plant size, color distribution and patterns, and color variation.
Common Names
The Monstera aurea is known by many names owing to its unique variegation.
One of the most sought-after variegated monstera plants, it is known worldwide by several names, such as:
- Monstera deliciosa aurea
- Monstera borsigiana aurea
- Monstera marmorata
- Yellow variegated Monstera
The Monstera aurea also goes by the names Monstera aurea variegata and variegated Monstera aurea.
All these names refer to the same plant.
Botanical Names
The botanical name for this trendy variegated monstera variety is Monstera aurea.
It belongs to the aroid family, which is also known as the Araceae family. However, the Monstera aurea is particularly popular due to its yellow variegation, which sets it apart from other varieties.
Varieties of Monstera Aurea
Monstera aurea variegata has become an umbrella term for many yellow variegated monstera plants.
Variegated plants are not uncommon in the Monstera genus. However, the pigmentation is typically marked by a complete lack of chlorophyll, which gives the leaves a white color.
On the other hand, the Monstera aurea plant features beautiful yellow variegation and split leaves.
While the original Monstera aurea is a type of variegated Monstera deliciosa, many other yellow variegated monstera plants now fall under the term “aurea.”
Furthermore, aurea variegata from the Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii plants is sometimes called the Swiss cheese plant. However, the name is meant for non-variegated true deliciosa and Monstera adansonii plants.
Monstera Standleyana Aurea
The standleyana is a variety of the Monstera borsigiana aurea with oval-shaped, glossy, deep-green leaves.
The variegated plant has markings on its leaves, which can be speckled, streaked, or marbled. In addition to the yellow variegation, it also has half-moon markings on the leaves.
Monstera Deliciosa Aurea/ True Deliciosa Aurea
The Monstera deliciosa aurea is arguably the most popular variegated Monstera aurea type. It has glossy, heart-shaped green leaves which have both fenestrations and splits. The fenestrations, or holes, can cause indents on the leaves, causing them to split.
Furthermore, the markings on this Monstera aurea include blotches, streaks, splashes, half-moons, and even marbling patterns.
Monstera Adansonii Aurea
This Monstera aurea variegata variety is characterized by deep green leaves and glossy fenestrations.
It is also one of the more unique varieties since its fenestration does not cause the leaves to split like the Monstera deliciosa aurea.
Monstera Variegated Peru
This variegated Monstera is the only Monstera aurea variegata variety whose leaves remain constant through all stages of maturity.
Their shape is ovate and elongated with yellow variegations and light green markings.
Other variegated varieties of Monstera plants include:
- Monstera albo variegata/ Monstera borsigiana albo/ albo variegata
- Monstera Thai constellation
- Monstera mint
- Monstera obliqua/ Monstera adansonii obliqua
Origin Of Monstera Aurea
The Monstera borsigiana aurea is native to Central America, including Panama and Mexico.
Many varieties, like the Thai constellation, Monstera albo, Monstera obliqua, and Monstera mint originated as spontaneous mutations.
The same is the case with Monstera borsigiana aurea. The burning question regarding the variegated plant is: is the Monstera aurea stable?
The short answer is yes, but from a genetic standpoint, variegation occurs from spontaneous mutations in the plant cell’s DNA.
Since spontaneous mutations rarely ever pass on to progeny, it’s not possible to propagate variegated monstera plants through seeds.
Therefore, even though the Monstera aurea originated in the wild, most plants today are sold as cuttings of parent Monstera aurea plants or as cultivars grown in labs.
Just remember that stable variations are extremely rare, which is what makes a variegated plant so popular.
Care Guidelines
Monstera aurea care guidelines are pretty straightforward. The Monstera plants are not high maintenance, whether they are variegated plants or non-variegated Monsteras.
Your Monstera aurea requires ideal potting soil, the correct temperature, bright indirect light, adequate watering, and optimum humidity levels to grow well.
You can grow your plant indoors and outdoors, although outdoor plant size is always larger.
Light
Since these plants grow in tropical climates in jungles, they rarely receive direct sunlight.
Therefore, you can easily grow them indoors in indirect light. Variegated plants do not have adequate chlorophyll to utilize the sun.
The absence of green color in a variegated plant accurately indicates a lack of chlorophyll. You can notice this in the Thai constellation, Monstera albo variegata, Monstera mint, Monstera obliqua, and many variegated Monstera deliciosa plants.
Exposing these plants and the aurea variegata to direct, bright light can damage the leaves and cause sun-scald.
Avoiding direct sunlight is particularly important during the growing season when the light is intense. Exposure to it during the summertime can spell trouble for healthy leaves, and they might lose their vigor or variegation. They can also wilt and die as a result.
On the other hand, too little light or placing the aurea variegata in full shade will also be detrimental to plant health. Your Monstera aurea requires ample indirect light to grow well, so you should place it near a north or south-facing window.
Watering
The monstera aurea plant’s roots require a lot of moisture and humidity, so you’ll need to water the plants thoroughly.
However, be sure not to overwater the plants since the Monstera aurea and all variegated varieties are prone to root rot.
Ideally, it would help if you watered your aurea plants once or twice a week during summertime and only once a week during winter.
Compared to insufficient light, overwatering or underwatering are the quickest ways to kill your plant. In fact, other plants at your home can also become affected if you’re growing them in the same pots or on the ground.
Therefore, always check the first two inches of the topsoil before watering your aurea plant. When you do water, only stop once you observe the excess water leaving the drainage holes.
Humidity
Since the aurea plant is a tropical perennial, it thrives in humid environments.
65%-90% humidity is best for the Monstera aurea plant, and it cannot survive below 50% humidity.
However, maintaining such high levels can be extremely difficult, especially in arid areas.
You can increase the moisture level by using good quality potting soil, keeping a water-filled pebble tray under the plant, or using mist fans and humidifiers.
Similarly, grouping the Monstera deliciosa aurea with other plants will do the trick. Watch out for signs like browning since these might be symptoms of inadequate humidity.
Fertilizer
Your Monstera deliciosa aurea won’t have demanding fertilizing requirements. However, providing extra nutrition twice or thrice a year will do the trick.
Many growers also go for fertilizing once a month, but it depends on the quality of your potting mix. Only a few healthy leaves on an otherwise large plant indicate its nutritional requirements are not met.
Whether you’re fertilizing once a month or thrice yearly, apply it six inches away from the plant and water it thoroughly. You don’t want it to burn the plant roots.
Organic slow-release fertilizer is the go-to choice for many growers, although we suggest a liquid feed. A diluted liquid feed will require more frequent applications, but it’s based on organic matter and won’t damage your plant!
You’ll also have to feed your plant in the winter months, although it will be dormant.
Finally, remember not to over-fertilize your Monstera aurea, especially a new plant. Like the Thai constellation and Monstera obliqua, it is an extremely rare plant, and you don’t want it dying on you.
Soil Mix Recommendations
Like its cousins, the Thai constellation, Monstera borsigiana albo, Monstera deliciosa variegata, and Monstera adansonii, the Monstera marmorata aurea thrives in well-draining soil.
Soggy soil can lead to root rot, while stagnant water can drown the aerial roots. Therefore, always use a well-draining soil mix since it can release excess moisture and prevents waterlogging.
Excluding these issues, the Monstera plant loves moist soil. The ideal soil for your plant will be a well-drained potting mix, rich in organic matter and with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0.
Avoid both heavy and sandy soils. While the former will retain too much water, the latter will drain very quickly and release too much of it.
Using a mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, horticultural charcoal, and compost for your plant will be perfect, or you could always buy a commercially manufactured mix from a nursery.
Pot Types and Pot Sizes
Like all other variegated Monsteras, the Monstera deliciosa aurea does not grow as vigorously as your average non-variegated plant.
Therefore, you can start with a small-to-medium-sized pot for a young plant. A stem cutting should preferably be grown in a nursery pot.
You can increase pot size, add vertical support, and use a hanging basket once you plan for repotting.
All pots and containers should have plenty of drainage holes to keep your plant Monstera deliciosa aurea healthy.
Repotting
There are two reasons for repotting: when the plant gets root-bound and when the soil becomes too stiff, preventing air from reaching the roots.
Repotting should preferably be done in spring when the Monstera deliciosa aurea variegata experiences the most growth.
You tip the pot to one side and use a trowel to lever out the plant. Pulling it out will damage the stem.
Massage the root ball to loosen up the old, dry soil and eliminate as much as possible. Plant the Monstera in new soil, in a pot two to three inches larger than the old one.
Top with more soil and thoroughly water the plant to help it settle. Transplant shock and drooping are natural after repotting, so you shouldn’t worry too much.
Adding support like a moss pole will help your growing plant’s vertical growth. Monstera plants are excellent climbers!
Ideal Growing Zones
Since the Monstera aurea variegata thrives in tropical climates, USDA Zones 9b to 11 is perfect for the plant.
In fact, you can easily propagate a new plant outdoors and keep it there all year round!
Propagation
Although the plant has stable