19 Disadvantages of Monstera Variegatas You Should Know About

Monstera Variegatas, with their striking white and green leaves, have become a must-have for many plant lovers. Their unique appearance makes them a centerpiece in any home, but, like all things, they come with their own set of challenges. Before you fall head over heels for these beauties, it's important to be aware of the less glamorous aspects they bring to your plant collection.

In this article, we'll walk through 19 potential drawbacks of owning Monstera Variegatas. From their high maintenance needs to their susceptibility to pests, we'll cover everything you need to know. This way, you can make an informed decision and decide if this plant is the right fit for your home environment.

1. High Maintenance Needs

Monstera Variegatas aren't your average low-maintenance houseplants. They require a bit more attention and care compared to their all-green counterparts. This mostly boils down to their light requirements and watering needs.

Light Requirements: These plants need bright, indirect sunlight to maintain their variegation. Too little light, and you might notice the white parts of the leaves turning brown or dropping altogether. This can be tricky if you don't have a space that offers the right lighting conditions.

Watering Needs: Variegated Monsteras also need careful watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. It’s a balancing act that requires regular checking in to get it just right.

2. Expensive Price Tag

One of the first things you'll notice about Monstera Variegatas is their hefty price tag. They can cost significantly more than regular Monsteras. This is due to their rarity and the time it takes to cultivate these stunning plants. If you're on a budget, this might be a major drawback.

Consider this: a small, juvenile plant can set you back several hundred dollars, while a mature specimen might cost upwards of a thousand. It's a big investment, especially if you're new to the plant world and still honing your green thumb.

3. Slow Growth Rate

If you're someone who loves the rapid growth of plants, Monstera Variegatas might test your patience. Their variegated nature means they have less chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis and, consequently, growth. This results in a slower growth rate compared to their all-green siblings.

This slow growth can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your perspective. On one hand, you won't need to repot them frequently, but on the other, you might find yourself eagerly waiting for new leaves to unfurl, only to be met with a longer-than-expected waiting period.

4. Susceptibility to Pests

Monstera Variegatas, like many houseplants, can fall victim to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. These pesky invaders love the soft, tender leaves of the Monstera, making it a frequent target.

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to become speckled and discolored. Regularly misting your plant and wiping down leaves can help keep them at bay.

Mealybugs: These look like little cotton balls stuck to your plant and can be removed with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs.

Keeping an eye out for these pests and treating them promptly is crucial to maintaining the health of your Monstera Variegata.

5. Variegation Instability

One of the most appealing features of Monstera Variegatas is their striking variegation. However, this beauty can be quite unstable. It's not uncommon for the variegation to change over time, with the plant sometimes reverting to solid green if not given the right conditions.

This instability means you could end up with a plant that doesn't quite match what you initially fell in love with. To help maintain its variegation, ensure your plant receives plenty of bright, indirect light.

6. Fragility of White Leaves

The white parts of Monstera Variegatas are undoubtedly eye-catching, but they come with a downside. The lack of chlorophyll makes these sections more susceptible to damage. They can easily become scorched if exposed to direct sunlight or may turn brown if the plant is under stress.

To protect these fragile leaves, keep your Monstera Variegata away from harsh sunlight and provide consistent care to reduce stress.

7. Difficult Propagation

Propagating Monstera Variegatas can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're hoping to maintain the variegation in the new plant. Given their rarity and value, this can be a significant downside for those looking to expand their collection or share with friends.

Successful propagation requires selecting a cutting with variegated nodes, which isn't always easy to find. Additionally, the process is slow, requiring patience as you wait for roots to develop and new growth to emerge.

8. Complicated Watering Routine

Getting the watering routine right for a Monstera Variegata can be tricky. They require a balance between keeping the soil moist and allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow.

One way to avoid these problems is to use a moisture meter to check the soil before watering. Alternatively, you can stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep—if it feels dry, it's time to water.

9. Space Requirements

These plants are climbers, meaning they need space to grow and spread their beautiful leaves. If you're short on space, this could be a significant downside as they can quickly outgrow their designated area.

To accommodate their growth, consider providing a moss pole or trellis for your Monstera Variegata to climb. This not only supports their natural growth habit but also helps showcase their stunning leaves.

10. Risk of Browning Leaves

Browning leaves can be a common issue with Monstera Variegatas, often caused by irregular watering, low humidity, or too much direct sunlight. This can detract from their beauty, and it's something plant parents need to monitor regularly.

Maintaining a consistent watering schedule, keeping humidity levels high, and ensuring your plant is not in direct sunlight can help mitigate this issue.

11. Temperature Sensitivity

Monstera Variegatas are sensitive to temperature changes, preferring a stable, warm environment. They don't do well in cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F (15°C). This sensitivity means you'll need to pay attention to where you place them, especially during colder months.

Keeping your plant away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents and using a space heater during the winter can help maintain the ideal temperature for your Monstera Variegata.

12. Need for High Humidity

These plants love humidity, which can be challenging to maintain in some indoor environments, especially during winter when indoor heating tends to dry out the air. Without adequate humidity, your Monstera Variegata may suffer from browning leaf edges and slow growth.

Consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels. Misting the leaves regularly can also help, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can lead to fungal issues.

13. Potential for Fungal Issues

Speaking of fungal issues, Monstera Variegatas can be prone to them, especially if their environment is too humid or their leaves remain wet for extended periods. Fungal infections can manifest as spots on the leaves or a general decline in plant health.

To prevent these issues, ensure your plant has good air circulation and avoid letting water sit on the leaves. If you notice signs of a fungal infection, treat it promptly with an appropriate fungicide.

14. Risk of Overwatering

Overwatering is a common mistake with Monstera Variegatas, often leading to root rot. This is particularly problematic because the plant's roots sit in waterlogged soil, preventing them from absorbing the oxygen they need.

To avoid overwatering, ensure your plant is in a well-draining pot and soil. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid letting the pot sit in a saucer of water.

15. Challenging Light Conditions

While Monstera Variegatas need bright, indirect light, finding the perfect spot in your home can be a challenge. Too little light can cause the plant to lose its variegation, while too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

A north or east-facing window is usually ideal, providing ample light without the harshness of direct sun. If your home doesn't have adequate natural light, consider using a grow light to supplement.

16. Variegation Can Disappear

One of the most disappointing aspects of owning a Monstera Variegata is the potential for the variegation to disappear entirely. This often happens if the plant isn't getting enough light, causing it to revert to green to maximize photosynthesis.

To help maintain variegation, keep your plant in a bright location and consider rotating it regularly to ensure even light distribution.

17. Limited Availability

Finding a Monstera Variegata can be an adventure in itself. Due to their rarity and high demand, they can be hard to come by, and you might find yourself on a waiting list or scouring multiple plant shops before snagging one.

This limited availability not only adds to their cost but can also make it challenging to find a plant with the exact variegation pattern you desire.

18. Potential for Leaf Burn

Leaf burn is a common issue with Monstera Variegatas, often caused by exposure to direct sunlight or excessively dry air. This results in crispy, brown patches on the leaves, detracting from their overall beauty.

To prevent leaf burn, monitor the plant's light exposure and maintain an appropriate humidity level in your home. Moving the plant to a location with filtered light can also help mitigate this problem.

19. Requires Regular Pruning

Last but not least, Monstera Variegatas require regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. This involves removing dead or damaged leaves, as well as cutting back any growth that isn't variegated if you're trying to maintain a specific appearance.

While pruning can be therapeutic for some, it does require a bit of knowledge and care to avoid damaging the plant. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools and make cuts just above a node to encourage new growth.

Final Thoughts

Owning a Monstera Variegata can be a rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. From their maintenance needs to their susceptibility to various issues, it's important to be prepared for the demands these beautiful plants bring.

At Cafe Planta, we're here to help you navigate these challenges. Whether you need advice on plant care or are looking to expand your collection, our team is ready to assist. Feel free to email us or reach out on Instagram. We believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and bring joy to our lives, and we're excited to share this journey with you!