Monstera Adansonii Mint - The Softer Side of Variegation
For those who love variegated plants but prefer something subtler than stark white, the Monstera Adansonii Mint offers a refreshingly different take on variegated Monstera. Instead of the bold white sectors of an Albo or the creamy speckles of a Thai Constellation, this beauty displays soft mint-green variegation that creates an almost watercolour effect across those iconic fenestrated leaves.
The mint colouring comes from a fascinating quirk of plant biology. When certain cells in the leaf fail to produce chlorophyll, they appear white. But when you see that white layer through a thin green epidermis, the result is that gorgeous pastel mint shade that makes this plant so distinctive.
Every leaf emerges as a surprise, with variegation patterns that range from subtle mottling to bold marbled sections. Some leaves may show a tri-colour effect with dark green, light green, and mint cream all dancing together on the same leaf.
Understanding the Variegation
The mint variegation in this cultivar originated from the Indonesian form of Monstera adansonii. While there were initial concerns about stability, experience from growers worldwide confirms that well-cared-for plants maintain their variegation reliably.
That said, variegation management is part of caring for this plant. Providing adequate light is essential as insufficient light can cause the plant to produce more green leaves. If you notice the variegation fading or leaves emerging solid green, increasing light levels often helps restore the pattern.
Conversely, leaves with too much mint and not enough green will struggle to photosynthesise effectively. A healthy balance of green and variegated sections keeps the plant thriving.
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light is essential for the Mint Adansonii, and it needs more light than a standard green adansonii. Those variegated sections contain less chlorophyll, so the plant needs brighter conditions to compensate.
An east-facing window or a position near (but not directly in front of) a north-facing window works well. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate variegated portions of the leaves even more easily than the green sections.
If your space is on the darker side, consider supplemental lighting with a grow light to maintain strong variegation and healthy growth.
Watering
Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings. This plant is susceptible to root rot if kept too wet, and overwatering is one of the quickest ways to lose a variegated plant.
The variegated sections are more prone to browning if the plant experiences water stress, either too much or too little. Consistency is key. Check the soil regularly rather than watering on a fixed schedule.
Humidity
Coming from tropical rainforest origins, the Mint Adansonii appreciates higher humidity levels of 60-80%. Low humidity can cause leaf edges to crisp and brown, which is particularly noticeable on the lighter variegated portions.
Group with other humidity-loving plants, use a humidifier, or create a pebble tray to raise humidity around your plant. Good air circulation is also important to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Support and Display
Like all Monstera adansonii, this is naturally a climbing plant. Providing a moss pole or Grow Vertical Propstick encourages larger leaves with more impressive fenestrations. Without support, it will trail beautifully from a hanging basket or shelf.
Climbing tends to promote larger, more mature foliage with better fenestration development. The choice between climbing and trailing is yours, both display options showcase the unique variegation beautifully.
Potting and Soil
Use a well-draining, chunky aroid mix that provides excellent aeration. A combination of orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and peat works well. Good drainage is non-negotiable for this variety.
Our Ultimate Aroid Mix provides the perfect growing conditions for variegated Monstera.
Feeding
Feed with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3ml per litre during the growing season. The reduced chlorophyll means this plant is a lighter feeder than its fully green counterpart, so avoid over-fertilising.
Add Growth Technology Rootzone at 0.5-1ml per litre every 2-4 weeks to support healthy root development. Some growers also add Growth Technology Silica to help strengthen the variegated portions of leaves.
Perfect For
- Collectors seeking rare variegated Monstera
- Those who prefer subtle variegation over stark white
- Growers who can provide bright indirect light
- Hanging baskets or climbing displays
- Adding a unique twist to any indoor jungle
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from Monstera Adansonii Albo?
The Albo features pure white, blocky or sectoral variegation that creates high contrast against the dark green. The Mint has softer, pastel mint-green variegation in a more mottled or marbled pattern. The mint colour is gentler and more subtle than the stark white of an Albo.
Will the variegation fade or revert?
With proper care, particularly adequate bright indirect light, the variegation should remain stable. If leaves start emerging with less variegation, increase light levels. You can also prune back to a well-variegated node to encourage variegated new growth.
Why is it slower growing than regular adansonii?
The variegated portions contain less chlorophyll and therefore photosynthesise less efficiently. This means the plant produces energy more slowly, resulting in slower overall growth. This is normal for all variegated plants.
Is this the same as Indonesian Marble?
Yes, Monstera Adansonii Mint is sometimes sold as Indonesian Marble, referring to its origins from the Indonesian form of adansonii. You may also see it labelled as Mottled Mint or simply Mint Variegata.
Can I propagate this plant?
Yes, it propagates via stem cuttings just like regular adansonii. Take cuttings that include nodes with good variegation to increase the chances of variegated new growth. Cuttings from solid green sections may produce less variegated plants.
Please Keep in Mind
Variegation is variable. Each leaf will display a unique pattern, and the amount of mint colouring can vary from leaf to leaf. This is the nature of variegated plants and part of what makes each one special. New leaves may emerge looking different from mature leaves. Variegation often shows more clearly as leaves harden off and mature. This plant grows more slowly than standard Monstera adansonii. Patience is part of the journey with variegated plants.
Monstera Adansonii Mint is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep out of reach of curious pets and children.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
LET'S TALK ABOUT HOW YOUR PLANTS GET TO YOU & HOW YOU CAN PICK THEM UP!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit & Pick Up from the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'BOOK TO VISIT' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WE DO NOT SHARE THE GREENHOUSE ADDRESS PUBLICLY BECAUSE ITS OUR HOME ASWELL AS BUSINESS, AFTER YOU BOOK YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL OR TEXT WITH OUR ADDRESS, IF THE GATE IS CLOSED ON ARRIVAL DON'T WORRY WILL BE RIGHT WITH YOU :) AND PLEASE NO BIG BOUNCY DOGS AS ITS A SMALL SPACE & PLANTS GET DAMAGED WITH HAPPY TAILS :)
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
