The Monstera deliciosa Mint Variegated is a subspecies of the Monstera deliciosa Variegata. As such, it has similarly shaped leaves with the exception of the unique white variegations, which are very different than that of the Monstera Albo Variegata.
Monstera deliciosa Mint variegated houseplants are very rare and sought after because of these very unique speckled white variegations. Like the Monstera Aura, they have very distinct colors that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Super Rare Monstera Deliciosa Mint Variegated
Houseplants are booming. Monstera plants in particular have been all over Instagram and Pinterest feeds in recent years. This comes as no surprise, seeing as this tall, tropical plant native to Central America also known as the 'Swiss Cheese Plant' has uniquely perforated leaves in vibrant green colors reminiscent of a native jungle environment.
Photo by @chefping_surakit
And who doesn't want to bring those spectacular tropical greens into their home? There are many different types of Monstera, and many of them can show variegation, which is a kind of mutation. But a beautiful one.
Sold for $15,000
Not too long ago, this rare and very expensive plant was sold at an auction for a whopping $15,000! And no, that's not a typo. In this case, it wasn't an 'ordinary' Monstera deliciosa Mint variegated but a very well taken care of houseplant with big, beautiful leaves and amazing variegations.
That said, you might have to reach a little deeper into your pockets to bring one of these stunning houseplants home with you but as you can see, they are worth it.
Monstera Mint What?
Monstera deliciosa Mint variegated is quite the mouthful, so when looking for these plants online, keep in mind that it actually goes by several different names and shouldn't be confused with the Monstera adansonii Mint, which is a very different type of Monstera.
These names include:
- Mint Monstera
- Monstera Mint Variegated
- Variegated Monstera Mint
- Monstera deliciosa Mint
- Monstera Mint Variegata
- Monstera Variegata Mint
Why Are They So Hard to Find?
Many plants with white variegation - or in this case we call it mint variegation - tend to be more delicate than their green counterparts, and the Monstera Deliciosa Mint variegated, just like the famous Monstera deliciosa Albo Variegata, is no exception.
They produce less chlorophyll, and as such photosynthesize a great deal less. Growing them is not only slow but also requires a certain level of skill. Combine this with incredibly high demand, and you’ve got a rare plant that is going to be tough to find, very expensive, but highly attractive with its unique foliage, leaving a lasting impression.
Monstera Deliciosa Mint Variegata
The variegation on this plant usually occurs if the meristem cells in the L2 layer fail to produce chlorophyll, which makes them white on the affected area. The mint color comes from seeing the white layer through a green epidermis.
In fact, the mint is really just a light vibrant shade of green achieved by the white added to the vivid green leaves. Another possible explanation for this rare color could be that it comes from a cell mutation that affects chlorophyll and other pigments usually present in leaves but either way, with the Monstera deliciosa Mint Variegata you have something incredibly special on your hands.
Will the Mint Color Revert?
Since the cell mutation responsible for the variegation is unstable, your plant can revert to green or turn entirely mint, which is a rare happenstance for the latter. But don't let that keep you from buying one of these amazing plants because you can prevent reverting by trimming any branches or stems that start producing leaves that are not variegated.
Care Tips for Your Monstera Deliciosa Mint Variegated
You can care for your Monstera deliciosa Mint Variegated just as other Monstera species. The most important thing to keep in mind is to ensure they get plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Variegated plants tend to need more light since some of the leaf sections cannot photosynthesize.
Just as with most tropical plants, make sure your Monstera Mint Variegata gets adequate humidity, keep it away from cold and drafts, and try to avoid direct sunlight. The variegated areas tend to suffer faster in case of wrong growing conditions. Water your Monstera every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. Pro tip: Monsteras can benefit from filtered water or water left out overnight before use.
Prune your Monstera deliciosa Mint variegated when necessary and note that it will benefit from being repotted after 1-2 years or if rootbound, just as it benefits from a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Though not a common occurrence with this species, always check your plant regularly to check for any diseases or pests.
Feature image by @chefping_surakit, header image by @bkkplantnation.
