Monstera deliciosa ‘Bulbasaur’

Monstera deliciosa ‘Bulbasaur’ is an unusual and highly collectable tropical houseplant admired for its beautifully patterned foliage. Its large, heart-shaped leaves feature a striking mix of green and lighter variegated markings, which can develop into intricate speckles, marbling and patches as the plant matures. Like other Monsteras, established plants can produce dramatic splits and natural holes in their leaves, making this a fantastic statement plant for collectors of unusual foliage.

Scientific Name
Monstera deliciosa ‘Bulbasaur’ (horticultural trade name)

Common Name(s)
Bulbasaur Monstera, Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant, Variegated Monstera

Origin
A cultivated variegated form associated with Monstera deliciosa, a species native to tropical regions of Central America, particularly southern Mexico and Panama, where it grows as a climbing vine in warm, humid rainforests.

Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Variegated Monsteras need good light to support healthy growth, as the lighter sections of their leaves contain less chlorophyll. Avoid prolonged strong direct sunlight, which can scorch the pale areas of the foliage.

Water
Water when the top few centimetres of soil have dried, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Keep the growing medium lightly moist during active growth but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering slightly during autumn and winter when growth slows.

Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally around 60% or above. Higher humidity can help support healthy leaf development and prevent crispy edges, particularly on the lighter variegated sections. Good airflow is also important.

Soil
Use a chunky, airy and well-draining aroid mix. A combination of orchid bark, perlite, coco coir and peat-free houseplant compost works well. Its roots appreciate plenty of airflow while retaining some moisture.

Food
Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.

Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 18–28°C. Protect from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and prolonged temperatures below 15°C.

Pet-safe
No. Like other Monsteras, Monstera deliciosa contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Sprouts Top Tips
Give your ‘Bulbasaur’ a sturdy moss pole or climbing support to encourage larger, more mature leaves with impressive fenestrations. Plenty of bright, indirect light will help support healthy growth and maintain its beautiful variegation.

Avoid overwatering, particularly if your plant has large areas of pale colouring, as variegated plants can grow more slowly than their fully green counterparts.

Extras
As the plant matures, its leaves can become considerably larger and develop the characteristic splits and holes associated with Monstera deliciosa.

The amount and distribution of variegation can vary between individual leaves, making every plant unique. Some leaves may display fine speckles, while others develop larger patches of contrasting colour.

Did You Know?
The name ‘Bulbasaur’ is inspired by the well-known Pokémon character and is used in the horticultural trade for this unusual Monstera.

Like other variegated plants, the lighter sections of its leaves contain reduced amounts of chlorophyll. This means the plant relies more heavily on its green areas for photosynthesis, making good light particularly important for healthy growth.