White trend plants: why variegated rarities cost so much

Plants with white leaves or white leaf areas are showing up everywhere right now, and prices for some specimens are correspondingly high. ZDF gardening expert Elmar Mai explains what is behind this and which cheaper alternatives are available.

The problem with white plant parts is that they lack chlorophyll, which plants need for photosynthesis. Variegated plants are therefore often less vital and need more light and care. Purely white plants cannot survive on their own at all and have to be grafted onto a healthy plant of the same species. Most are side shoots with a genetic defect, which makes them very rare.

With Monstera, there are two things to know. According to the article, special forms such as the Thai Monstera come from labs, where cells are propagated through tissue culture. And variegation is often genetically unstable, so the white areas can shrink or disappear altogether. Variegated varieties sold at garden centers, such as the devil's ivy, are cheaper and usually more stable.

For care, 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and high humidity are ideal. Depending on the amount of white, the plants need more light but cannot tolerate direct sun. The substrate should be loose and well aerated, and waterlogging should be avoided. Fittonia and Maranta are named as cheap alternatives. I find the advice useful: before buying an expensive rarity, first think about how stable the pattern is.

Source: ZDFheute