Please note: This is a pre-order, please allow up to 14 working days to recieve the plant. The plant will arrive in a single package as per the image and will be fresh out of flask. Please read the section on how to acclimate TC before purchasing. With variegated plants there is some variability in the first leaves, please see the images as examples of what you will recieve.

Monstera 'Bulbasaur' is a rare, highly contrasted cultivar of Monstera deliciosa. It is distinguished by a stable, mosaic-style variegation where irregular splashes of cream-white, mint-green, and yellow are layered over a deep green background. This cultivar originated as a natural whole-plant mutation and is now commonly produced via tissue culture to preserve its unique, multi-layered colour patterns. As a "large form" Monstera, it maintains tight internodal spacing and a more robust, bushy growth habit compared to climbing "small form" varieties.

The name is inspired by the Pokémon character due to the minty colour which resembles the colour of Bulbasaur. Unlike many variegated plants that suffer from reduced vigor, Monstera 'Bulbasaur' possesses a balanced distribution of chlorophyll within its lighter sectors, allowing it to maintain the vitality of a fully green plant. Leaf colouration is notably temperature-sensitive; higher temperatures typically encourage creamy-yellow variegation, while cooler conditions promote pure white or silver tones. This robust physiological stability and unique aesthetic makes it perfect for growing indoors as a centerpiece.

Native to: This is a cultivated variety. The base species Monstera deliciosa is native to the tropical rainforests of Southern Mexico and Central America. This specific mutation was first identified in China before entering commercial horticulture.

Water: Keep the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water thoroughly once the top 2–3 cm of the growing medium has dried out. Ensuring excellent drainage is vital to prevent root rot, particularly for young tissue culture specimens.

Light: Prefers bright filtered light to sustain its high-contrast variegation. While it is more resistant to browning than many other variegated monsteras, direct midday sun should be strictly avoided as it will scorch the leaves. Insufficient light may lead to a reduction in the intensity of the mosaic patterning.

Humidity: Requires high humidity, ideally consistently above 90% when first acclimated. Once stable, 60%+ is ideal. Low humidity can lead to browning of the leaf margins and reduced vigor in young plants. 

Temperature: Maintain stable indoor temperatures between 20–30 °C for optimal growth. Growth slows down significantly if temperatures drop below 18 °C. Protect the plant from cold drafts and avoid exposure to temperatures below 15 °C to prevent cold stress.

How to Succeed with TC Plants

1. The Clean-Up (Crucial Step)

Once you remove the plantlets from the package, you must wash off the plant so it's completely clean

• Why: Sometimes the plantlets have Agar left on them. Agar is sugar-rich; if left on the roots, it acts as an all-you-can-eat buffet for mold and bacteria.

• How: Use sterile lukewarm water and a soft brush or your fingers. Be gentle—TC roots are brittle.

2. The "Hardening Off" Environment

You need to recreate the flask's humidity while slowly introducing airflow.

• The Medium: Use a sterile, airy mix. A blend of fine moss and perlite or small-grade tree fern fiber works best. Avoid heavy potting soil for now.

• The Enclosure: Place the potted plantlets in a humidity dome, a clear plastic bin, or even a Ziploc bag.

• The Light: Keep them in bright, indirect light. No direct sun—they will cook inside their humidity chamber.

3. The Gradual Introduction

Over the next 2 to 4 weeks, you will slowly lower the humidity:

• Week 1: Keep the dome completely sealed.

• Week 2: Open the vents slightly or crack the lid for 30 minutes a day.

• Week 3: Increase the "open lid" time to several hours.

• Week 4: If the leaves aren't wilting, you can leave the lid off entirely.

4. Pro-Tips for Success

• Fungicide: A quick dip in a diluted, systemic fungicide before planting can prevent "damping off" (sudden rot).

• Hands Off: Resist the urge to tug on them to check for root growth. TC plants focus on root establishment first; if the top looks stagnant, the bottom is likely working hard.

• No Fertilizer: The plantlets are stressed. Wait until you see the first "post-flask" leaf emerge before using a very diluted (1/4 strength) fertilizer.