Monstera adansonii 'Ghost' is a rare and highly sought-after form of Monstera adansonii with extraordinary pale foliage. New leaves emerge almost entirely creamy white to pale mint-green, giving the plant a ghostly appearance. As the leaves mature they often deepen slightly to a soft green with lighter variegation, though some leaves can remain almost completely pale.

Like a standard Monstera adansonii, the leaves are elongated with the characteristic natural holes or fenestrations, but on ‘Ghost’ the pale colouring makes these openings stand out even more. Each leaf is unique, with some showing a marbled mix of white and green whilst others appear almost completely ghost-white.

Monstera adansonii ‘Ghost’ has a climbing or trailing growth habit and grows best with support such as a moss pole or trellis. Given the right conditions it can produce larger, more dramatic leaves over time. Indoors it can eventually reach well over 1m in length.

Because of its very pale foliage, this plant is especially eye-catching and would fit beautifully into your Variegated Houseplant Collection alongside Maranta ‘Variegated’ and Ficus benjamina ‘Variegata’. The lighter tones also contrast well with the darker foliage in your Dark Collection.

Detailed Care Guide

Light

Monstera adansonii ‘Ghost’ needs bright, indirect light to maintain its pale variegation.

Place it close to a bright window, ideally east or west-facing with filtered light. Because the leaves contain less chlorophyll than a standard Monstera adansonii, it needs more light than greener forms to grow well.

Avoid strong direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, as the pale leaves can scorch very easily.

Too little light can cause:

• Smaller leaves
• Less variegation
• Slower growth
• Leaves reverting to greener colouring

Watering

Allow the top 3–5cm of compost to dry out before watering.

• Water thoroughly, then allow excess to drain away
• Never leave the pot sitting in water
• Reduce watering slightly during winter

Monstera adansonii ‘Ghost’ prefers slightly moist compost but dislikes being constantly wet. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot, especially because this variety tends to grow more slowly.

Humidity

This plant enjoys higher humidity, ideally around 60–80%.

It grows best in:

• Bright bathrooms
• Near a humidifier
• A group of other tropical houseplants
• A cabinet or greenhouse-style environment

Low humidity can cause the pale leaves to develop brown, crispy edges.

Temperature

Monstera adansonii ‘Ghost’ prefers temperatures between 18–27°C.

Keep it away from:

• Cold draughts
• Temperatures below 15°C
• Radiators or heaters
• Sudden changes in temperature

Compost

Use a loose, chunky, well-draining aroid mix.

A good blend is:

• 2 parts houseplant compost or coco coir
• 1 part orchid bark
• 1 part perlite
• Optional handful of horticultural charcoal

This provides the airflow around the roots that Monsteras prefer.

Feeding

Feed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half strength.

Because variegated plants grow more slowly, avoid overfeeding. Too much fertiliser can damage the roots and scorch the pale leaves.

Support

Monstera adansonii ‘Ghost’ grows best when allowed to climb.

A moss pole, plank or trellis will encourage:

• Larger leaves
• More fenestrations
• Faster, stronger growth

Trailing stems can also be left to cascade from a shelf or hanging pot, though the leaves usually remain smaller this way.

Repotting

Repot every 1–2 years in spring when:

• Roots begin growing through the drainage holes
• The plant dries out very quickly
• Growth slows despite good care

Only move up one pot size at a time.

Common Problems

• Brown crispy patches: Usually low humidity or too much direct sun
• Yellow leaves: Overwatering
• Pale leaves turning brown: Sun scorch or inconsistent watering
• Reverting to greener leaves: Not enough light
• Slow growth: Often normal due to the high variegation, but can also indicate low light or cold conditions

Pet Safety

Monstera adansonii ‘Ghost’ is toxic if eaten and should be kept away from pets and young children. The leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and stomach upset if consumed.