Monstera deliciosa 'Bulbasaur' Ø6cm

Monstera deliciosa 'Bulbasaur' is a rare, collectible variegated cultivar in which every leaf blends deep green with sectors of ivory-cream, in a pattern that never repeats. With maturity come the famous holes (fenestrations), and the cream zones light the leaf up like stained glass. A young specimen, the start of a lasting relationship with one of the most coveted houseplants. Care instructions The good news is that, beneath its rare coat, 'Bulbasaur' remains a Monstera deliciosa - one of the most forgiving houseplants in the world. It grows somewhat slower than the green form, precisely because the cream zones do not contribute to photosynthesis, but it rewards patience with ever larger and more fenestrated leaves. Give it a moss pole or a stake to climb from the start, and the plant will thank you with better-developed leaves. Nothing it asks for is complicated; here is everything you need to know, gathered in one place: Light: bright but indirect light, more than the green form. A bright east- or west-facing window filtered through a sheer curtain keeps the variegation alive. Keep it from direct midday rays, which more easily burn the cream zones lacking the protection of chlorophyll; too little light, on the other hand, pushes the plant to put out ever greener leaves. Temperature: it is happiest between 18 and 27 °C, which is exactly the comfort of a home. It favours steady temperatures; avoid cold draughts from a door or window in winter and proximity to a radiator, which dries the air. Watering: water when the top 3-4 cm of substrate has dried out, then water thoroughly and let the excess drain away completely. It does not tolerate 'wet feet': excess water leads to root rot. In winter, water less often. Humidity: it loves humid air, around 50-60% or more, which encourages large leaves and healthy aerial roots. Group it with other plants, set it on a tray of pebbles and water, or use a humidifier in dry rooms. Substrate: a loose, well-drained, airy mix - indoor potting soil blended with pine bark, perlite and a little coco fibre. A pot with drainage holes is essential. Support: give it a moss pole or a stake; the aerial roots grip it, and the plant produces larger, more fenestrated leaves than if left to trail. Feeding: in the growing season, from spring to autumn, feed every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Stop feeding in winter. Propagation: from stem cuttings with at least one node and, ideally, a portion of variegated leaf - only thus is the variegation passed on. Place the cutting in water or in warm, moist substrate; it roots within a few weeks. If small problems appear, do not be discouraged - they are signals easy to read, not obstacles. A fully green new leaf tells you the plant is reaching for more light, so move it closer to the window. Drying cream tips are natural on zones without chlorophyll and do not affect the plant's health; you can simply cut off the dry portion. Leaves without holes on a young specimen are not a sign of disease but simply age - the fenestrations come with maturity. All these adjustments are minor, and the plant responds quickly. With these few pointers, 'Bulbasaur' becomes the centrepiece of any collection and an investment that grows, quite literally, year after year.