Why is My Variegated Monstera Turning Green? – Ferb Vu Answers
My heart sank when I spotted it – a splash of green amongst the beautiful variegated leaves of my prized Monstera. Fear not, fellow plant enthusiasts! This isn’t necessarily a death knell for your leafy friend. Variegated Monsteras, particularly the Thai Constellation and Albo varieties, are prone to what’s known as sectoral variegation reversion. In simpler terms, the plant is producing new leaves with less or even no variegation.
Here, I’ll address some of the most common reasons behind this green turn and how to get your Monstera back on track to producing those stunning variegated leaves.
Is My Monstera Just Different from Other Plants?
Not quite. Unlike standard Monstera Deliciosa, which boast lush green foliage, variegated varieties have a genetic mutation that disrupts chlorophyll production in certain areas of the leaves. This creates the beautiful white or cream variegation we love. However, this mutation can sometimes become unstable, causing the plant to revert to producing all-green leaves to maximize chlorophyll production and boost photosynthesis.
What Could Be Causing the Reversion?
Several factors can trigger this green takeover:
- Light Levels: Variegated Monsteras crave bright, indirect sunlight. Stuck in a dimly lit corner? The plant might be sacrificing variegation to produce more chlorophyll and survive.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can stress your Monstera, leading to reduced variegation. Aim for a consistent temperature range between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C).
- Nutrient Imbalance: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, can affect variegation. Consider a balanced fertilizer formulated for aroids, applied according to the package instructions.
- Propagation Methods: When propagating variegated Monsteras, ensure you’re cutting from a node with good variegation. Nodes that lack variegation will likely produce entirely green leaves.
Can I Reverse the Greenification?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic potion to turn existing green leaves variegated. However, you can encourage future growth to exhibit the desired variegation:
- Light Up Its Life: Move your Monstera to a spot receiving bright, indirect sunlight for several hours daily. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch leaves.
- Feed It Right: Provide a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (usually spring and summer). Follow the recommended dilution and frequency on the product label.
- Strategic Pruning: Sometimes, a green leaf can “hog” the nutrients meant for a variegated node. Prune green leaves to encourage the plant to push out new growth with variegation. However, only prune if the plant is healthy overall.
Should I Prune the Entire Green Stem?
This is a personal decision. Severely reverted stems with minimal variegation might not produce variegated leaves again. However, if there’s some sectoral variegation present on the stem, it’s worth keeping for potential future growth.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
While a lack of variegation can be disappointing, remember that your Monstera is a living organism. Sometimes, green leaves are a sign the plant is adapting to its environment. By providing optimal care and addressing potential issues, you can increase your chances of getting those beautiful variegated leaves back.
Key Takeaways:
- Variegated Monsteras can revert to producing green leaves due to various factors.
- Ensure your Monstera receives bright, indirect sunlight, consistent temperature, and balanced fertilization.
- Prune strategically to encourage variegated growth.
- Enjoy your Monstera journey, even with the occasional green surprise!
