Monstera Cobra (Monstera standleyana Albo-Variegata)

Monstera Cobra Plant Features

Cobra Monstera (Monstera standleyana Albo-Variegata) is an easy-care variegated houseplant that's super trendy and easy to grow. It shows off lovely variegated foliage -- the leaves are splashed and streaked with creamy white. Each leaf will be different -- some may have lots of variegation, and others will have little to no variegation. It's exciting to watch each new leaf unfurl! 

A climbing houseplant, you can grow it on a moss pole or totem, or up a trellis. If you prefer, you can also let it trail from a hanging basket, or let it scramble horizontally along a well-lit mantle or tabletop. Over time, it can grow quite large -- more than 6 feet -- in good growing conditions. 

Note: You may see this plant also sold as Philodendron Cobra, even though it is botanically a Monstera. Unlike many Monstera, the leaves do not fenestrate (develop cuts or holes) as it matures.  There is a similar variety -- Monstera standleyana Aurea-Variegata, which features golden-yellow variegation instead of this one's creamy white. 

Buy Monstera standleyana Albo-Variegata
Buy it online and have it shipped fresh from our farm, direct to your door from our online plant shop. Look for Costa Farms' Cobra Monstera in the Trending Tropicals® collection at your favorite retailer. See a list of our in-store and online retailer partners. Buy now

Monstera Cobra Growing Instructions

Light Needs for Monstera Cobra
To keep this climbing houseplant happy, grow it in a spot that receives medium to bright light. If you're unsure what that means, check to see if the plant casts a medium or strong shadow throughout the day. While this variegated houseplant enjoys bright light, it can survive in low light conditions. Without bright light, though, it will not be as full or as lush. Tip: It does not require sunlight to thrive. It grows well under natural or artificial light sources.

Water Needs for Monstera Cobra
Like many other aroids (plants in the arum family, like Pothos and Philodendron), this vine is sensitive to overwatering. Ensure the top couple of inches of the potting mix dries to the touch before you water it. The leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely if it dries out too much or is overwatered.

Humidity Needs of Monstera Cobra
This vining houseplant enjoys above-average relative humidity levels. Happily, it tolerates average and even low-humidity conditions. If you want to boost relative humidity levels for your plant, group it with other houseplants, grow it in a large terrarium or display case.

Fertilizing Monstera Cobra
Fertilize in spring and summer, if you wish, with a fertilizer formulated for use on houseplants. Just be sure to follow the directions on the product packaging. Never apply more fertilizer than the instructions recommend.

Pruning Monstera Cobra
You shouldn't need to prune this plant unless you want to control its size or keep it full and bushy as it matures. In both cases, simply pinch off the new growth. This makes it develop side shoots.

Note: This plant may have some natural degree of toxicity and may cause discomfort or illness if ingested. Additionally, exposure to the sap of this plant may cause discomfort to individuals with a sensitivity to it upon contact. Grown for ornamental purposes and not intended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Variegated

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Monstera Cobra

Moonlight Scindapsus
Moonlight Scindapsus is an elegant climbing houseplant that looks good with everything, including this Monstera.

Baltic Blue Pothos
Baltic Blue Pothos is also a vining houseplant, and likes similar growing conditions as Monstera Cobra.

White Knight Philodendron
White Knight Philodendron is another variegated houseplant with leaves marked in creamy white.