Unveiling the 7 Most Popular Species for Rare Plant Collectors
Unveiling the 7 Most Coveted Monstera Species for Collectors
The Monstera genus boasts a dazzling array of foliage plants, captivating collectors worldwide with their unique leaf shapes, mesmerizing variegation patterns, and lush, tropical vibes. Within this popular group, several Monstera species reign supreme, fetching premium prices and igniting a passionate pursuit among plant enthusiasts. Let's delve into the world of these 7 coveted Monstera, exploring their characteristics, care requirements, and the allure they hold for collectors.
1. Monstera Borsigiana Albo: A Symphony in White and Green
The Monstera borsigiana albo is a stunning variation of the classic Monstera deliciosa. This beauty boasts the iconic fenestrations (split leaves) but with captivating white variegation that dances across its foliage. The variegation pattern can vary greatly, ranging from a subtle hint of white to heavy marbling or splashes, to large, prominent patches known as sectoral variegation. This unpredictable nature adds to the plant's allure, making each specimen truly one-of-a-kind.
Care: Monstera borsigiana albo thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Water when the top inch of soil dries out and maintain high humidity levels (around 60-80%) for optimal growth. Due to the variegated foliage having less chlorophyll for photosynthesis, Albo varieties may require slightly more light than their fully green counterparts.
Collector's Allure: The striking white variegation combined with its large tropical leaves are the primary drivers of the albo's popularity. Owning a Monstera borsigiana albo signifies belonging to a community of passionate plant collectors.
2. Monstera Borsigiana Aurea: Gleaming with Golden Touches
The Monstera borsigiana aurea offers a touch of sunshine to any collection. This stunning variety features vibrant yellow variegation that graces its foliage, adding a touch of luxury to its tropical charm. Similar to the Albo, the variegation pattern can vary, with some leaves boasting prominent golden patches or the prized half moon, while others display a marbling effect.
Care: Monstera borsigiana aurea requires similar care to the albo. Provide bright, indirect sunlight, water when the top inch of soil dries out, and maintain high humidity. Due to the variegated foliage, aurea varieties may also require slightly more light than fully green Monstera.
Collector's Allure: The vibrant yellow variegation of the aurea makes it a showstopper in any collection.
3. Monstera Thai Constellation: A Constellation of Beauty
Hailing from the tropical paradise of Thailand, the Monstera Thai constellation mesmerizes with its speckled variegation pattern. Unlike the albo and aurea variations, these rarely develop marbled or sectoral variegation but rather a constellation-like sprinkling of creamy white to light green speckles and periodic chunks of color. This creates a mesmerizing effect, as if the plant itself is adorned with a starry night sky.
Care: The Monstera Thai Constellation requires bright, indirect sunlight and consistent watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Maintain high humidity levels (around 60-80%) for optimal growth.
Collector's Allure: The unique, starry-night variegation pattern of the Monstera Thai Constellation sets it apart. This unpredictable and mesmerizing characteristic makes it highly sought-after by collectors.
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4. Monstera Adansonii Albo: An Eye-Catching Variegated Climber
The Monstera adansonii albo, sometimes referred to as the Swiss cheese plant, offers a different perspective on the Monstera genus. This charming climber features smaller, almost heart-shaped leaves with stunning white variegation patterns. The climbing nature of the plant allows it to gracefully trail or climb up a moss pole, adding a vertical element to any collection. Like the borsigiana, the adansonii can also be found in an aurea variety.
Care: Monstera adansonii albo thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and enjoy consistent moisture. Water when the top inch of soil dries out and provide a moss pole or other support structure for it to climb. Maintain high humidity levels (around 60-80%) for optimal growth.
Collector's Allure: The variegated foliage and climbing habit of the Monstera adansonii albo make it a desired addition to any collection. The white variegation adds a touch of whimsy, and the climbing nature allows collectors to showcase the plant in creative ways, weaving its foliage amongst other plants or training it up a stylish support structure.
5. Monstera Burle Marx Flame: A Fiery Foliage Display
The Monstera Burle Marx flame, named after the legendary Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, is a captivating departure from the typical Monstera aesthetic. Though it doesn't have any variegation, the mature leaf develops a delicate and mesmerizing "flame" shape that makes it a conversation starter in any collection.
Care: Monstera Burle Marx flame thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and enjoy consistent watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again and maintain moderate to high humidity levels (around 50-70%).
Collector's Allure: Though more common than it once was, the Burle Marx flame is still highly sought after and rare to see in most collections. The unique, flame-like shape of the mature leaves truly sets the Monstera Burle Marx Flame apart from other Monstera varieties. Owning a Burle Marx Flame signifies an appreciation for the more unusual and unexpected beauty within the Monstera genus.
6. Monstera Obliqua Peru: Once The Holy Grail for Collectors
The Monstera obliqua var. Peru, once a holy grail for most plant collectors, is now relatively affordable and easily obtained. It boasts deeply perforated leaves, with some of the more eye-catching specimens being more hole than actual leaf material. This creates a mesmerizing, skeletal structure unlike any other Monstera species. Mature specimens can develop surprisingly large leaves, further adding to their allure.
Care: Monstera obliqua var. Peru requires bright, indirect sunlight and consistent moisture. Water when the top inch of soil dries out and maintain high humidity levels (around 70-80%) for optimal growth.
Collector's Allure: The Monstera obliqua's extreme fenestrations and delicate foliage make it an interesting addition to any Aroid enthusiast's collection. Owning a Monstera Obliqua signifies not only a passion for Monstera but also the ability to cultivate a truly unique and incredible specimen.
7. Sport Variegated Monstera Deliciosa: The Classic with a New Twist
Monstera Deliciosa come in a mind-boggling variety of variegation options with new sport mutations appearing in cultivation or tissue culture labs all the time. Some of the rarest and most unique types (as of the time of publication) are the Monstera Deliciosa "Devil Monster", which sold for $40,000 at the Bangkok International Plant show in 2024; Monstera tricolor "Miracle"; Monstera "White Lava"; Monstera "Creme Brulee"; and Monstera "Medusa".
Care: While each type mar require slightly different care and conditions, Monstera Deliciosa generally thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and enjoy consistent watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again and maintain moderate humidity levels (around 60-80%).
Collector's Allure: Each variegated Monstera deliciosa is a specimen unto itself. Maintaining the beautiful large leaves and tropical appearance of the original but with unique variegation patterns, sport mutations of the deliciosa are still rare and often command 5-figure prices on the international market. Any true collector would be elated to have one in their collection.
Monstera Monstera Everywhere
The Monstera genus offers a fascinating array of foliage plants for collectors of all levels. These 7 coveted species, with their unique characteristics, captivating variegation patterns, and enchanting growth habits, continue to ignite the passion of plant enthusiasts worldwide.