This article, “Why is Monstera Albo So Expensive,” will cover ten reasons why this Monstera with white or green leaves is so expensive in the houseplant market. Read on to discover:
- An overview of variegation on variegated Monstera.
- Why variegated Monsteras are so expensive.
- A Comparison between common variegated Monstera varieties.
- Answers to common questions about the rare plant—Monstera Albo.
The benefits of indoor plants are far-reaching, and if any houseplant has caught the eyes of plant parents in recent years, it has to be the Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant.
Native to the rainforests of Central America, these vining plants’ lush, tropical-looking foliage boasts hollow and variegated leaves that can enrich the decor of any space.
Even though variegated Monstera plants seem to be from another world, they are surprisingly simple to care for (even the baby plants); however, they are quite an investment.
What is Variegation on “Variegated Monstera”?
Variegation is the term used to describe lighter areas that appear naturally on Monstera leaves. Depending on the growing plant, these areas might be yellowish, light green, or even white.
On the other hand, when it comes to the variegation pattern on the variegated Monsteras, it may be blocky, speckled, or splotchy—depending on the exact cultivar or variety.
The less chlorophyll in the Swiss Cheese Plant is indeed problematic for the plant since it reduces the available surface area for photosynthesis on the leaves, which is why variegated Monstera often develop at a rate much lower than their non-variegated counterparts.
Since those particular portions do not have the plant’s chlorophyll formation, photosynthesis, the process through which a plant generates its own energy source, cannot take place.
Marbling and sectoral variegation are the two primary types of variegation patterns that may be seen on the green leaves of the variegated plant. (Sectoral is rarer than marbling).
The marbled variegation is marked with alternating regions of uniformly dispersed bright and dark coloration, while in sectoral variegation, the surface of leaves has larger white areas.
Why is Monstera Albo So Expensive?
Monsteras always manage to create a striking impact with their prominent foliage because of their large leaves, which are not only large but also serrated, perforated, and cut fashionably.
Common Names
The Monstera Albo is also known as the Monstera Deliciosa Albo-Variegata: however, some individuals refer to this variegated plant as the Split-leaf Philodendron. In addition, it may be found under the names Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera Borsigiana ‘Albo,’ Monstera Albo Borsigiana, Monstera Deliciosa Variegata, or Variegated Monstera Albo, or ‘Variegata.’
The Plant’s Fame
Due to the eye-catching variegation that may appear on the leaves, the Monstera ‘Albo’ is quickly becoming one of the most expensive plants available in local nurseries and plant shops.
Since the leaves are deficient in chlorophyll, the plant grows more slowly and requires more light. As a direct effect of slower propagation, slower growth results in fewer new plants.
10 Factors That Make Monstera Albo Expensive
This plant, also known as the Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata, is highly regarded for the exquisite appearance of its leaves, which include a combination of green and white patterns.
Though Albos come with a hefty price tag, you may be curious about the reasons why they are so expensive. Note that the high price of Monstera Albos may be attributed to a few factors.
Reason #1: Unpredictable Variegation
It is possible for there to be a diversity of light-patched areas on the green leaves since the mutated cells that cause the variegation are not distributed uniformly throughout the plant.
The mutated cells the plant produces results in a variable quantity of variegated leaves that may be reproduced from each plant while maintaining the desired coloration.
Reason #2: Unreliable Seed Growth
Since the variation shown on Monstera ‘Albo results from a spontaneous, natural mutation, it may take thousands upon thousands of seeds before another altered mother plant is found.
It is important to note that the mutation does affect the genetic material of the Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata, but it is not something that is passed on to the seeds.
Reason #3: Distinct Propagation
When it comes to propagating the beautiful plant—Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata, stem cuttings are a reasonably simple method—followed by many plant parents and local nurseries.
The exceptional variation, on the other hand, causes the Variegated Monstera Albo to mature more slowly compared to other kinds of variegated plants of the same type (not all plants).
This indicates that the cuttings have the potential to die before they are given a chance to grow new roots, making Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata extremely rare and expensive.
Reason #4: Exceptionally Slow Growth
The absence of chlorophyll in the leaves of Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata results in a reduced rate of photosynthesis, contributing to the variegated Monstera’s slow growth.
The process of cultivating them is not only tediously slow but also calls for a certain degree of expertise. (Read the propagation section again for more clarity).
Reason #5: High Market Demand
In the world of houseplants, variegation is highly desired, and variegated Monstera plants, especially Monstera Albo are among the rarest yet beautiful plants in this category.
Bringing these two elements together results in a plant that any plant enthusiast will want. Consequently, collectors move rapidly to acquire any popular plants offered for sale.
Reason #6: Limited Availability
The combination of the plant’s slow growth and its unexpected variegation, followed by skilled propagation, results in a few numbers of stem cuttings and a mature plant.
Since the fundamental principles of supply and demand are also followed in the houseplant market, having fewer variegated Monstera or Monstera Albo results in higher pricing.
Reason #7: Availability of White Patches
Albo’s value increases in proportion to the availability of white leaves. However, if the majority are white, they will rapidly die since they cannot create enough energy for the plant.
Using such leaves as stem cutting for propagation is impossible since they do not contain mutable cells, which is why local nurseries sell variegated Monsteras at a higher price.
Reason #8: Social Media Star
Intrinsically, gaining rapid stardom on social media and the fact that Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata may become more costly due to increased demand is quite predictable.
Individuals worldwide, including social media celebrities, plant bloggers, vloggers, and everyday people, have characterized Monstera Albo as one of the most expensive plants.
This is the primary reason why Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata has evolved into one of the plants with the highest market value in the world—and will continue to be so.
Reason #9: Luxurious Appearance
It’s possible that the high cost of Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata is because it’s sold under the name ‘half moon’ or ‘plant with blotchy variegation,’ which attracts many plant parents.
When you look at this plant for the first time, we are certain that you will fall in love with it. Individuals just like having a lush tropical indoor plant, and this plant is very gorgeous.
Reason #10: They Are Extremely Rare
The fact that Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata is extremely rare and quite difficult to locate is one of the primary contributors to Albo being among the most expensive plants.
Liebmann, a Danish botanist, was the first to formally describe the Monstera Deliciosa in 1840 after finally locating the plant in Mexico, which is why Monstera Albo is quite rare, too.
This is because young plants grown from seeds mature very slowly and often die in uncultivated environments. Therefore, there is no reason for them to reside in a remote area.
Albo vs. Variegated Monstera Thai Constellation
Variegated Monstera Thai Constellation is another type of variegated Monstera plant, which results from laboratory manipulation that aims to replicate the appearance of the night sky.
Since the plant is grown in a laboratory, mutation may be found in every cell, indicating that the variation will not return to its original, more uniform shade of green and is thus stable.
Thai Constellation vs. Monstera Albo Borsigiana
Monsteras with variegated leaf patterns include Albo Borsigiana and Monstera Thai Constellation, two of the most well-known varieties. Even though they look the same, some major distinctions affect how they are cared for, growth patterns, accessibility, and costs.
Mature Thai Constellations have bigger Thai leaves and a fuller-looking plant, making it simple to differentiate between the two most prevalent types of variegated Monstera. The off-white speckles (tiny creamy splotches) found throughout the Thai Monstera give it its name.
The Albo has bigger, chunkier variegation blocks and whiter sections. Additionally, the stems grow higher and have smaller leaves, which contributes to the appearance of less density.
Compared to the Monstera Borsigiana, Thai Monsteras exhibit fewer and more subtle sectoral variations. No need to be concerned about Thai Monstera reverting to all-green leaves.
So there you have it, the top ten reasons Monstera Albo is so expensive. If you’re a plant enthusiast who wants to spruce up the houseplant collection, know that growing one of the types, as mentioned earlier, of variegated Monstera varieties can help your space stand out.
Answers to Common Questions About Monstera Albo
Whether you’re planning to include Monstera Albo in your Monstera plants collection or just feeding your brain with some general information about Albos, we hope this article helped. Here, we’ll answer some common questions about variegated Monsteras. Read on.
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How Often Should You Water Monstera Borsigiana?
These plants need just a little to moderate watering, and you must ensure that the top three to four inches of soil are allowed to go completely dry before future watering sessions.
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What is the Rarest Variegated Monstera?
Monstera Obliqua is the rarest since it has the most fragile white or green leaves of all variegated Monstera species, contributing to the plant’s extraordinarily sluggish growth rate.
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How Much Do Monstera Albo Plants Cost?
A cutting from Monstera ‘Albo’ costs about $100. If you want a mature mother plant with several leaves and various patterns, you should expect to spend at least hundreds of dollars.
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How Variegated Leaves Occur on Thai Constellations?
The typical Monstera may be seen on Thai Constellations; however, these particular ones feature a striped pattern, often due to the lack of chlorophyll in the parent Monstera.
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Is Albo One of the Most Expensive Plants in the World?
After botanists engaged in a heated online bidding war for the Monsteras, the plant was eventually sold for over $5,000.
By the time the online auction on the New Zealand website Trade Me came to a close, there had been 182 bids placed for the Monstera Albo Variegata.
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How to Water Monstera Plants and Thai Constellation?
Before watering Monstera, always check the moisture level. Thai Constellation should be watered consistently once per week but reduce the water frequency during the colder months.
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Can You Propagate Monstera Nodes Without Leaves?
A Monstera stem node may be propagated even without a leaf. You may make a little greenhouse out of a ziplock bag, put an inch of sphagnum moss, and then bury it.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
