Monstera Aurea, a cultivar of Monstera deliciosa, is prized for its striking yellow-gold variegation on lush green leaves. Its unique patterns, from subtle streaks to bold splashes, make it a highly sought-after addition to indoor plant collections.
Understanding Plant Reversion
Plant reversion occurs when a variegated plant loses its characteristic patterned foliage and returns to its original, non-variegated, green form. This happens because variegation is often a genetic mutation, or “sport,” leading to a mosaic of cells with and without chlorophyll. Green parts contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis, while variegated sections are less efficient.
When a plant reverts, it favors dominant, chlorophyll-producing green cells. This shift is a plant’s survival mechanism, as fully green leaves are more efficient at gathering solar energy and providing more fuel for growth. For plant owners, reversion is a concern because it diminishes the plant’s unique aesthetic appeal.
The Possibility of Reversion in Monstera Aurea
Monstera Aurea can revert to an all-green form. Its variegation is often unstable, meaning it may not persist indefinitely. This instability is rooted in its genetic makeup, which can favor the proliferation of green, chlorophyll-rich cells over the less photosynthetically active yellow sections.
While a Monstera Aurea may display stunning yellow variegation, new growth could emerge completely green. The presence of variegated sections on the stem is a better indicator of future variegation than the leaves themselves.
Factors Contributing to Reversion
Several factors can encourage a Monstera Aurea to revert, primarily stemming from the plant’s natural drive to maximize photosynthesis.
Insufficient Light
Low light levels are a common cause. The plant needs to produce more chlorophyll to compensate, prioritizing green growth to efficiently convert light into energy. This leads to a fading or loss of variegation.
Genetic Instability
Monstera Aurea’s variegation is a spontaneous mutation not always consistently expressed. This inherent instability makes reversion a natural tendency for the plant.
Environmental Stressors
Extreme temperature fluctuations, pest infestations, or improper watering can stress the plant. This causes it to revert to its more robust, fully green form as a survival tactic.
Propagation Methods
If a cutting is taken from an all-green or heavily green part of the plant, new growth is more likely to be entirely green. Variegation on the stem, particularly a stripe through the node, is important for promoting variegated growth in new propagations.
Strategies to Maintain Variegation
Maintaining the vibrant variegation of a Monstera Aurea depends on providing optimal care conditions.
Bright, Indirect Light
Bright, indirect light is important for encouraging and sustaining variegation. Place the plant near an east or south-facing window with filtered light. Supplemental grow lights can be beneficial, especially during darker months, to ensure consistent light exposure.
Balanced Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer regimen is important, as excessive nitrogen can promote lush green growth at the expense of variegation. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a gentle liquid fertilizer, such as one with an N-P-K ratio around 5-2-3.
Proper Watering and Humidity
Consistent and proper watering is essential; allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot. High humidity, around 40-80%, and consistent temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) reduce overall plant stress.
Pruning Green Growth
Pruning any fully green growth is a proactive measure. This encourages the plant to put energy into variegated sections and prevents more vigorous green parts from outcompeting less photosynthetically efficient variegated sections.
Managing Reversion If It Occurs
If a Monstera Aurea begins to revert, prompt action can help encourage the return of variegation.
Identify and Prune Reverted Growth
Identify any stems or leaves that are entirely green, as these reverted sections contain more chlorophyll and will grow more vigorously, potentially overtaking the variegated parts of the plant. These fully green shoots can be easily recognized during the growing season.
Carefully prune back any reverted stems to a node that still shows signs of variegation. This strategic cut aims to stimulate new growth from a point where the genetic mutation for variegation is still present, increasing the likelihood of variegated new leaves. It is important to ensure the node itself has a variegated stripe for the best chance of success.
Reassess Care Routine
After pruning, reassess the plant’s light conditions and overall care routine. Adjusting light levels to provide brighter, indirect illumination is often the most impactful change to prevent further reversion. While pruning and care adjustments can help, sometimes reversion is persistent due to the plant’s inherent genetic instability. It may be necessary to accept that some plants have a stronger tendency to revert and that complete restoration of variegation is not always achievable.