Monstera deliciosa 'Mint Tea'

🌿 The Monstera deliciosa 'Mint Tea' is a stunning variegated cultivar of the classic Swiss Cheese Plant, belonging to the Araceae family. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, this climbing aroid has captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts with its unique mint-green and creamy white variegation that dances across its iconic fenestrated leaves. This is an intermediate-level plant that rewards patience with breathtaking foliage. Fun fact: In its natural habitat, Monstera deliciosa produces edible fruit that tastes like a blend of pineapple and banana, though it takes over a year to ripen and is rarely seen in indoor cultivation.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This climbing variety grows upright when supported with a moss pole or trellis, developing impressive aerial roots that help it anchor and climb. The large, heart-shaped leaves develop deep splits and holes as the plant matures, a characteristic called fenestration. What sets 'Mint Tea' apart is its soft variegation in shades of pale green, minty cream, and white that creates a watercolour effect across the glossy, leathery leaves. Each leaf unfurls with slightly different patterning, making every growth point an exciting surprise.
FLOWER DETAILS
Monstera deliciosa can produce creamy white spadix flowers surrounded by a boat-shaped white spathe, though flowering indoors is uncommon and typically only occurs on very mature plants. The flowers have a subtle, sweet fragrance and appear during the growing season. While the blooms are interesting, this plant is grown primarily for its spectacular foliage. To encourage the possibility of flowering, provide bright indirect light, maintain consistent warmth, and allow the plant to reach full maturity over several years with proper support and nutrition.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is ideal. The variegated sections need more light than standard green Monstera to maintain their colouring. Aim for 6-8 hours of filtered light daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the pale variegation.
💧 Water: Water when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry, usually every 7-10 days in summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Reduce watering during cooler months. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer. Bottom watering works well for even moisture distribution.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 60-70% humidity but adapts to average home conditions around 40-50%. Higher humidity encourages larger leaves and healthier variegation.
🪴 Soil: Use a chunky, well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir. The soil should retain some moisture but never stay waterlogged.
🏺 Potting: Plant in a pot with drainage holes, sized just 5-7 cm wider than the root ball. Terracotta or ceramic pots work well. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots fill the container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to slow grower, producing 1-2 leaves per month during the growing season. In 6 months, expect 3-6 new leaves. Over a year, the plant can grow 30-60 cm in height with proper support. Mature size can reach 2-3 metres indoors.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. All parts of Monstera deliciosa are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets due to calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Monstera deliciosa 'Mint Tea' thrives in bright living rooms near east or west-facing windows with sheer curtains, or in home offices where it can climb a support structure and make a statement. Bathrooms with windows provide ideal humidity, and bedrooms work if they receive adequate natural light. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near heating vents, or in rooms with cold drafts from windows during Canadian winters. Keep it away from areas where pets can access the foliage.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
sought-after