Monstera deliciosa 'bulbasaur'

Description

Monstera deliciosa 'Bulbasaur' is a collector tropical climbing aroid prized for its beautifully marbled foliage blending deep green, mint green and cream. Every leaf develops a different pattern, giving the plant a constantly evolving appearance.

Supplied in a Ø 6 cm pot, this young Monstera is ideal for establishing on roots, moss poles, cork or vertical supports. As it matures, it gradually develops larger, split and fenestrated leaves.

Botanical family

Araceae

Genus

Monstera

Species

Monstera deliciosa

Cultivar

Monstera deliciosa 'Bulbasaur'

Pot size

Ø 6 cm

Origin

Monstera deliciosa is native to humid tropical forests of Central America. 'Bulbasaur' is a horticultural selection grown for its distinctive variegated foliage.

Foliage

The leaves display an irregular blend of deep green, pale green, mint and occasional cream. The variegation appears as marbling, splashes and diffused patterns that make every leaf unique.

The distribution of colour naturally varies between leaves and evolves as the plant matures.

Fenestrations

As the plant grows and climbs on a suitable vertical support, Monstera 'Bulbasaur' gradually develops the characteristic splits and perforations of Monstera deliciosa.

Fenestrations may appear relatively early under favourable growing conditions.

Growth habit

Monstera 'Bulbasaur' has a naturally climbing growth habit. Its aerial roots allow it to attach to trunks, roots, poles and vertical backgrounds.

Vertical cultivation generally encourages larger, more mature and more strongly fenestrated foliage.

Terrarium compatibility

• Large humid tropical terrarium: Yes, mainly while young
• Bioactive terrarium: Yes, while young
• Paludarium: Yes, emerged section
• Climbing cultivation: Excellent
• Root or cork cultivation: Excellent
• Nano terrarium: Temporary while juvenile
• Submerged cultivation: No

Recommended support

Grow the plant on a natural root, moss pole, cork panel or planted vertical background.

A slightly humid surface encourages aerial root development and attachment.

Recommended substrate

Use a highly aerated and free-draining aroid mix containing coco chips, bark, perlite, sphagnum moss and light organic material.

The substrate should retain light moisture while allowing plenty of air around the roots.

Watering

Water when the upper layer of the substrate begins to dry slightly.

Avoid stagnant water and permanently saturated conditions.

Humidity

Humidity of approximately 60% to 85% is highly suitable.

Higher humidity encourages aerial root and foliage development, but adequate airflow remains important.

Temperature

Ideal growing temperature: approximately 20°C to 28°C.

Avoid prolonged temperatures below 15°C.

Light

Monstera 'Bulbasaur' prefers bright filtered light.

Good lighting highlights the mint and cream tones while supporting vigorous growth. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, especially on the palest areas.

Growth

Moderate to relatively fast growth for a variegated Monstera under warm, bright and humid conditions.

The juvenile 6 cm pot size makes it possible to follow the entire development of the plant towards mature foliage.

Flowering

Mature Monstera deliciosa may produce typical aroid inflorescences consisting of a spathe surrounding a spadix.

In cultivation, 'Bulbasaur' is primarily valued for its marbled foliage.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly carried out from stem cuttings containing at least one node and ideally an aerial root.

Maintenance

Train new shoots onto their support and prune overly long stems when necessary.

Remove old or damaged foliage and monitor heavily variegated areas, which are naturally more delicate.

Fertilisation

Use a low-strength tropical plant or aroid fertiliser during active growth.

Avoid excessive feeding, especially while the plant is still growing in its small pot.

Why choose Monstera 'Bulbasaur'?

With its blend of mint green, cream and deep green marbling, 'Bulbasaur' offers a softer and more nuanced appearance than classic white-variegated Monsteras. Every new leaf can reveal anything from fine speckles to broad marbled areas.

The young 6 cm size allows you to establish it on a support from the beginning and watch it gradually transform into a mature Monstera with large, deeply fenestrated foliage.

JungleBox advice

Give it a vertical support early. A natural root or slightly humid moss pole will encourage aerial root attachment and help the plant develop larger, more mature leaves sooner.

Precaution

Like many Araceae, Monstera deliciosa contains calcium oxalate crystals. The sap may be irritating and the plant should not be ingested.

Additional information

• Botanical name: Monstera deliciosa 'Bulbasaur'
• Family: Araceae
• Origin: Horticultural cultivar of Monstera deliciosa
• Pot size: Ø 6 cm
• Type: Variegated tropical climbing aroid
• Foliage: Deep green, mint green and cream
• Variegation: Marbled and speckled
• Mature foliage: Split and fenestrated
• Growth habit: Climbing
• Exposure: Bright filtered light
• Substrate: Highly aerated and free-draining
• Humidity: 60 to 85%
• Temperature: 20 to 28°C
• Growth rate: Moderate to relatively fast
• Support cultivation: Excellent
• Large tropical terrarium compatible: Yes, mainly while young
• Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
• Submerged cultivation: No