Monstera standleyana 'Albo Variegata'
Base species: southeastern Nicaragua to northwestern Colombia
First described by G.S. Bunting. (1967)
Narrow oval to lance-shaped glossy leaves with white or cream sectoral and splash variegation. Unlike many Monsteras, houseplant leaves usually do not fenestrate.
A root-climbing aroid vine that benefits from a pole or plank. Juvenile growth can look compact until it starts climbing.
Monstera refers to unusual/monstrous foliage in the genus; standleyana honours botanist Paul C. Standley; albo variegata means white-variegated.
Photo/label mismatch: the label says Philodendron hederaceum, but the plant shown has the narrow glossy variegated juvenile leaves typical of Monstera standleyana 'Albo Variegata', commonly sold incorrectly as Philodendron Cobra. Marked unverified until Mom confirms with another photo as it grows.
Give bright indirect light to support variegation. Let the top few centimeters dry before watering. Provide support if you want larger leaves and tidier growth.
Use a chunky aroid mix with bark, perlite and coco/peat. Repot when rootbound; add a pole/plank early so roots can attach.
Monthly at half strength during active growth.
- Browning white patches from strong sun or underwatering; root rot from soggy soil; spider mites, thrips and mealybugs.
- The “Philodendron Cobra” name is a trade nickname; this plant is a Monstera, not a Philodendron.