Monstera Standleyana Albo-Variegata, also known as Monstera Cobra, is an easy to grow houseplant with white markings on dark green leaves. Learn all about Monstera Standleyana and get my best care tips.
What is Monstera Standleyana? What is Monstera Cobra?
Monstera Standleyana and Monstera Cobra are two different names for the same plant. It is a tropical houseplant that many love for its gorgeous leaves with white markings.
Jump to:
- What is Monstera Standleyana? What is Monstera Cobra?
- Monstera Standleyana Albo, Monstera Cobra, and Other Names
- Monstera Cobra Appearance and Variegation
- Monstera Standleyana Care
- How Much Light Does Monstera Standleyana Need?
- What Potting Mix for Monstera Cobra?
- How Often To Water Monstera Cobra?
- Is Monstera Standleyana Rare?
- More Variegated Houseplants
- Love the Planter?
Monstera Standleyana Albo, Monstera Cobra, and Other Names
You can find this plant labeled and sold as Monstera Standleyana Albo, Monstera Standleyana Albo Variegata, Monstera Cobra, Philodendron Cobra, Philodendron Standleyana, Variegated Monstera Standleyana, and any other combinations of the above.
Why does this plant have so many names?
To be clear, this plant is a Monstera, but shops often incorrectly label it as a Philodendron. Monstera and Philodendron are often confused with one another because while they are different species of a plant, they both belong to the same larger family, Araceae. In the past, Monsteras were also considered to be Philodendrons. So the confusion likely partly relates to nurseries using a holdover name too.
Why do shops sell this plant using the name Cobra? The way I think about it is that often plants have common street names for various reasons. The name can be easier to remember, more marketable, and sound catchy and desirable.
Monstera Standleyana Albo-Variegata's street name is Monstera Cobra. Isn't it a lot easier to remember?
Monstera Cobra Appearance and Variegation
Monstera Standleyana Albo is a gorgeous houseplant that has dark green leaves with white markings. The "Albo" part of the name refers to the white variegations.
A related plant is the Monstera Standleyana Aurea Variegata. The "Aurea" means yellow variegation.
Markings
This gorgeous plant shows off white markings in various ways. Some leaves are speckled with white dots, like stars in the galaxy. Other leaves have short brush marks. Even more, some leaves can show half-moon white coloring.
In the many ways the white presents itself, the color jumps out against the rich dark green leaves.
Texture
Leaves are glossy in appearance on the top. The sheen is very obvious when it reflects any sunlight.
The leaves are also thick. I find the thickness most similar to a Scindapsus, as opposed to leaves on a photos or philodendron. It feels most similar to a Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight.
Growth Pattern
The leaves grow along thick vines. This plant is a naturally a climber, so you can give it a trellis or moss pole to climb on.
Personally, I allow my plant to vine and trail. Since I took these photos, the vine has grown much longer and runs across my shelf. From the soil to the tip of the root, it's nearly 2 feet, and runs beautifully across the surface of the shelf.
Size
Leaves are roughly 6"-8" in length, and do not get much larger than that. They have a mostly oval shape, and sort of remind me of a gigantic jalapeño pepper.
Does Monstera Standleyana Fenestrate?
No. The Monstera Standleyana (Cobra) does not fenestrate. In this respect, it's very different from many other Monstera plants.
Monstera Standleyana Care
This Monstera Standleyana is an easy-care houseplant that doesn't require much attention. Here are three basic requirements:
- Light: Bright indirect light, but it can tolerate medium light levels
- Potting Mix: Airy and chunky potting mix, like my homemade mix
- Water: Water when the top few inches of the soil is dry
How Much Light Does Monstera Standleyana Need?
Monstera Strandleyana does best with bright indirect light. It can tolerate medium indirect light, but the growth will be slower.
Currently, I have my plant sitting next to a large south facing sliding door. It is very happy in this location and has put out a lot of new growth.
What Potting Mix for Monstera Cobra?
Like most Monsteras, the Cobra likes a chunky potting mix so the roots do not get water logged. I use a mixture of tropical potting mix, pumice stones, and orchard bark.
I have found that my plant grow well when I use the following:
- 2 parts Tropical Potting Soil
- 1 part mix of airy material such as pumice, lava rocks, perlite
- 1 part Orchiata bark
You can read more about my Aroid Chunky Potting Mix, and why it works.
How Often To Water Monstera Cobra?
Like other Monsteras and aroid plants, this plant requires watering when the top couple inches of the soil feel dry to the touch.
As a general guideline, in the winter, I water my plant about every 12-14 days. In the summer months when it is hotter, sunnier, and the plant is putting out more growth, I give it water about every 7 days.
The best way to water this plant is by bottom watering. That simply means setting the plant in a bowl full of water, and allowing the water to come up to the roots through the bottom drainage holes.
Bottom watering works great for Monstera because the roots do not like to be overwatered. Once the soil has soaked up enough water, allow the extra water to fully drain out.
Is Monstera Standleyana Rare?
The Monstera Standleyana Albo is a new cultivar, so it is pretty rare. If you want this plant, the most reliable way to get it is to order it online.
Canopy Plant Co. sometimes has it in stock, and I've had great experience buying plants from there.
A few years ago, this plant was extremely expensive. Plant lovers paid a lot for a small cutting of it.
However it's worth noting that now a big producer, Costa Farms sells this plant. Some people have found it in person at a big box store, such as Home Depot or Walmart. That being said, it's not one that I have ever seen in person at a big box store.
I ordered mine online, and the plant is sturdy enough to be shipped.
More Variegated Houseplants
Variegated houseplants are special and truly add a unique touch to any plant shelf and home. They look great as decor, and can fit in so many different spaces.
Here are a few other variegated houseplants that I absolutely love:
Love the Planter?
Do you love the planter it's in? I painted it myself! Learn how to upgrade any plastic planter pot with my handy guide on How to Spray Paint Planter Pots.
Any questions? Please feel free to ask in the comments below. I'd love to hear about your plants too!
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