PlantFiles: Split-leaf Philodendron
Monstera deliciosa 'Variegata'

This beauty was in my small patio yard when I moved in 16+ years ago. It has grown so large that it is top heavy and needs propping up to keep it from falling to the ground. Does anyone know if a pruning back of the trunk will kill it or if it will continue to leaf and grow?

The monstera(s) described are most likely Philodendron Monstera Borsigiana albo variegata. There is only one albo variegata. The 'half white leaf & half green leaf" is the same plant, not a separate cultivar. The mutant tissue travels around the apical meristem and appears on the leaf dependant upon where the mutant tissue is at the time of growth. It is only chance that sometimes the leaf is variegated in this fashion; it can just as easily exhibit the splotched or patchy type variegation described. Oftentimes this variegate will produce entire white leaves as well.

This variety of Monstera deliciosa has attractive, green-and-white splotches and stripes on the leaves. It is a variegated form.

It is useful like the non-variegated, original form for growing indoors or outdoors in zones 10a through 11. It is a vining species and is best for climbing up a moss pole in a container or basket. It can also be useful as a groundcover or spreading, climbing vine outdoors in warm areas, such as south Florida and Hawaii - just like the non-variegated form.

Unlike the 'Albo variegated' type, this type does not have one white side of the leaf and one green side. It is variegated with white and green stripes, spots and splotches all over.