How to Grow Monstera Albo Variegata from Seeds
As you know that Monstera Albo variegata is not cheap. So, you may think that instead of buying it, it is better to grow it from seeds. But, how to grow Monstera Albo Variegata from seeds? Is it possible to do that? Let’s find some facts in the explanation below.
Can we Grow Monstera Albo Variegata from Seeds?
If you ask whether it is possible to grow variegated monstera from seed, according to some sources, the answer is no. Some sources claim that some seeds of monstera that you may often find in Etsy sellers are scamming. Even though it is possible to grow Monstera deliciosa from seeds, but they are not selling the seeds.
It does not mean that you are not able to grow a Monstera from seed. You can do it and even it can be a nice activity. However, you have to make sure that you do not do it to save your money. It is because you are able to buy Monstera at a very cheap price if you are able to find it in the right places.
According to someone in the National Gardening Association forum, she thinks that all of the seeds for the split leaf Monstera Albo which are sold are fake. This variegation is from propagation or something like that. It seems that there is no way to know whether the seed will be variegated until it is a grown plant for this particular variation. In addition, she also says that this type of seed must be super fresh regardless of it being variegated or not, so that it can sprout. So, if you want to have a Monstera Albo variegata, it is better for you to have it from propagation.
However, if you are curious whether you are able to grow it from seeds or not, you are able to try it of course in a right condition where it is the same as those Monsteras which are exposed to in their natural habitats. The process is straightforward and it is the same as growing other plants from seeds. However, the hard part to grow a Monstera is in finding the right seeds. It is because not all sellers are honest about the seeds that they sell. There are a lot of scary stories where there are a number of people who try to buy Monstera and they have paid a lot of dollars for a variegated Monstera seed, but they find that the plant never develops the coveted coloring.
If you want to grow a Monstera from seed, it needs some basic supplies and those include soil, plastic pots, the right amount of heat and also humidity. If you think that there are no these ideal conditions at your home, then you are able to emulate them with some equipment.
The Origin of Monstera Seeds
Even though the one at your home can not do it, but the wild Monsteras which are well-developed and established can produce fruit. The shape of the fruit is like pine cones or a corn cob and the flavour of it is like a combination of other tropical fruits including bananas and pineapples. In this fruit, you will find the seeds and they are randomly dispersed in the fruit pulp.
Usually, the harvesters gather the fruit before it is ripe. Even though it is not able to be eaten at this point, but it can be brought indoors to prepare to be harvested. The Monstera fruit has honeycomb texture so that it is easily broken apart. Also, each piece must be opened up to check for a seed.
Indoors, Monsteras seldom produce fruit. However, if you are lucky to live in an area where Monsteras can grow freely such as in Florida or Hawaii then you may be able to go out to your yard to gather some fruit. However, if you do not have a place to go to find wild Monsteras, you are able to order the seeds online from, of course, a trusted seller.
Once again that even though it is possible to grow variegated Monstera from seed, but it is extremely unlikely. It is because variegation is a recessive gene. Even seeds which have been harvested from a variegated fruit on a variegated plant are impossible to produce any variegation in the seedling.
It is also important for you to know that even a variegated Monstera leaf cutting is not guaranteed to have more variegated leaves. Sometimes, the only variegation which will happen on a whole plant is on one single leaf.
Until now, variegation is still something that major plant growers are trying to master. If you find seeds online which are claimed to be of a variegated variety, then you must be careful because it may be a scam.
How to Propagate Monstera
Instead of growing Monstera Albo from seeds, it is recommended for you to propagate it since it is the most commonly done by people. How to propagate Monstera? You are able to follow the steps below.
- The first thing you are supposed to do is get the node which has roots and cutted.
- You have to make sure that you get a cutting with a lot of green on the leaf.
- It is better for you to ask the seller air layer to propagate your plant before it is sold to you.
- Now, you are able to propagate in your greenhouse.
- It is recommended for you to propagate in the spring or summer.
How to Propagate Monstera From Seed
If you want to try to grow or propagate Monstera from seed, the first thing that you have to do is to have the seeds. You can buy it or get it from the plant. Then, you have to soak the seeds for 12 hours in lukewarm water. Then, the seeds should swell a little bit. After that, you have to plant the seed in a little soil and you have to keep the soil moist. It is good if you do it in a warm room. However, it does not need much light, so don’t place it in direct sunlight. You will see a small sapling which will arise from the soil after 10 days to three weeks.
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