Thai Constellation Monstera: Variegated Monstera Plant Care

The Thai Constellation Monstera, scientifically known as Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation,’ is part of the Araceae plant family. This rare plant has gained immense popularity among gardening enthusiasts and houseplant collectors worldwide due to its unique variegated leaves.

Thai Constellation Monstera’s origins are that of a mutation within the Monstera deliciosa, which resulted in the distinctive marble-like variegation pattern on its leaves.

As a result, the Thai Constellation variant has become a desirable monstera variety to many plant growers. In fact, the plant nurseries that are responsible for propagating and distributing them cannot keep up with demand. There are even reports of this plant costing more than US$1,000!

In this post, we will explore what makes the Thai Constellation Monstera so special and how to care for one if you decide to grow one yourself.

What is a Thai Constellation Monstera?

The Thai Constellation Monstera plant, or Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’, is a unique variant of the popular houseplant that originated in Thailand.

Horticulturists created this variant using tissue culture techniques, and it became well-known for its striking leaf colors.

Its remarkable features include variegated, large, heart-shaped leaves with fenestrations, which enhance its appearance and grow well in any setting indoors or outdoors.

This plant’s variegation is stable due to the distinct patterning in its cell structure, ensuring its appearance remains consistent as it grows.

Though its cream-colored variegation affects its photosynthesis efficiency, this plant thrives indoors with adequate care, including bright, indirect sunlight, moderate watering, and a humid environment.

In fact, the Thai Constellation Monstera was named the “Favorite New Foliage Plant” at the Tropical Plant International Expo in 2020.

History and Origins of the Thai Constellation Monstera

A genetic mutation occurred during the development of these tissue cultures, resulting in the formation of the Thai Constellation Monstera.

This mutation was beneficial because it caused the plant’s leaves to have a beautiful variegated pattern, with patches of creamy white and yellow scattered among the green foliage.

It quickly gained popularity due to its striking colors, and horticulturists began commercially propagating this one-of-a-kind specimen.

Variegated Foilage of the Thai Constellation Monstera

The Thai Constellation Monstera is a variegated form of the well-known houseplant Monstera deliciosa. Its distinctive cream-colored speckles and patches on its leaves make it a popular plant among gardeners and collectors.

The Thai Constellation’s leaves are not only variegated but also large and heart-shaped, lending the plant a distinct appearance. As the plant matures, the leaves develop fenestrations, which are natural holes that add to the plant’s striking appearance.

The holes and slits improve air circulation and light exposure, allowing the plant to thrive in its natural surroundings.

The variegation on the Thai Constellation Monstera is stable, which means it will not fade away as the plant grows. This is due to the distinct patterning in the cell structure, which allows the plant to retain its distinct appearance throughout its life.

Further, the absence of chlorophyll causes cream-colored variegation in the leaves, impairing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently. Despite this, with proper care, the Thai Constellation Monstera is more than capable of thriving indoors.

Availability and Price of Thai Constellation Monstera Plants

Due to its rarity, the price of a Thai Constellation Monstera can be quite high, often ranging from $100 for a cutting or small plant to well over $1,000 for a fully grown plant.

There are many factors that contribute to the Monstera Thai Constellation’s high price.

• The main cause is its scarcity and distinctive look. The variegated leaves, which feature a mix of creamy white and green colors, are unique and no other houseplant has such a pattern on its foliage.
• Secondly, because of its mutated genes, the propagation of this plant is slower and more difficult than that of conventional Monstera plants, resulting in a lot fewer plants being created in any given year.
• Finally, because of its appeal among plant collectors and house plant aficionados, the demand for this plant has skyrocketed, driving up the price even more.

When looking to purchase a Thai Constellation Monstera, it’s essential to consider factors such as:

• Size of the plant: Smaller, younger plants are usually less expensive than mature specimens.
• Health of the plant: A healthy plant with a strong root system and minimal damage to the leaves is worth a higher price.
• Availability: The plant’s rarity means that it may be harder to find in local nurseries, making online shopping a more convenient option for potential buyers.

Despite its limited availability and potentially high price, the Thai Constellation Monstera remains a coveted addition to many home gardens. It’s eye-catching appearance and unique variegation make it a statement piece and a prized possession among plant collectors.

Where to Buy Thai Constellation Monstera Plants

We suggest checking out private sellers (and even Amazon) to buy Thai Constellation plants.

Regardless of who you buy from, you can be confident that your plant will be shipped with care, ensuring that it arrives at your door in healthy condition. These sellers are aware of the delicate nature of these plants and take great care during the packaging and delivery process.

How to Care for a Thai Constellation Monstera

When it comes to care requirements, the Thai Constellation Monstera shares similar needs with the standard Monstera deliciosa. It requires:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is best for encouraging variegation and healthy growth.
• Water: Water the plant moderately, allowing the soil to slightly dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Temperature and Climate: Preferably a humid environment, but it can adapt to lower humidity conditions.

By providing optimal care conditions and appreciating the unique appearance and characteristics of the Thai Constellation Monstera, this plant is sure to be a standout addition to any indoor garden or collection.

Light

The Thai constellation Monstera needs to see the sun as much as possible but cannot tolerate direct sun for about 3 hours a day.

If you are growing the plant outside, make sure it is in a spot that receives some sun but is mostly semi-shade.

If you grow the plant inside, place the pot in a bright area, but not directly next to a window, where too much direct sunlight can burn the plant.

If you notice slow growth in your plant, you should give it more bright light, but not direct sunlight. This promotes growth via the chlorophyll in the green leaves.

Temperature and Climate

Thai Constellation Monsteras appreciates a warm and humid environment. Maintain a temperature range of 65–85°F (18–29°C) for optimal growth, avoiding sudden temperature fluctuations.

To ensure proper humidity for your plant, taking the following steps is recommended:

1. Place a humidifier near the plant: This helps maintain consistent humidity levels within the ideal range of 50–60%.
2. Group plants together: Placing several plants close to each other can create a microclimate, increasing humidity.
3. Mist the foliage regularly: Providing a gentle mist can help maintain moisture levels on the plant’s leaves.

Watering

Water the Thai Constellation Monstera plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which is usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on the environment.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to ensure the plant is not sitting in soggy soil.

If you want an easy way of watering your monstera plants, consider self-watering planters or pots (check out our post on automatic self-watering systems for more information).

Soil

The Thai Constellation Monstera plant needs well-draining soil that supplies many nutrients.

The Thai Constellation Monstera thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

However, there is no exact mix to use as every plant has unique requirements and may need a different mixture; one may have to experiment to find what works best.

The bottom line is always to ensure that the soil is neither too dry nor overly saturated and monitor the plant’s response to adjust the soil composition accordingly.

We typically use a pre-made mix for all of our houseplants (check out our post on houseplant soil for more information).

A sample mix to use for Thai Constellation Monstera plants is one that contains soil amendments:

Component	Percentage
Potting soil	40%
Peat moss: Peat moss retains moisture and nutrients; perlite ensures excellent drainage and aeration.	20%
Orchid bark: further aids in drainage and replicates a natural tropical environment that monstera plants are accustomed to.	22%
Perlite: Perlite is a lightweight material that improves drainage, preventing soggy soil conditions.	20%

Potting and Repotting

As the Thai Constellation Monstera plant grows, repotting becomes necessary to accommodate its expanding root system and refresh the potting mix.

It is generally a good idea to repot the Thai Constellation Monstera every 2–3 years, or when the roots begin to outgrow the container.

Signs that your plant may require repotting include struggling growth, roots protruding from the drainage holes, or the plant becoming root-bound.

During the repotting process, carefully lift the plant from its current pot and examine the roots.

If the plant is root-bound or there are any signs of rot or damage, trim the affected roots with sterilized scissors before placing the plant in its new container.

Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix and gently press the mix around the root ball to anchor the plant securely.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Thai Constellation Monstera sparingly, once or twice a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

A balanced fertilizer contains the three primary nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in equal parts.

Because this plant is sensitive to overfeeding, dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Reduce fertilization frequency during the fall and winter months, as growth slows down.

We suggest using this houseplant slow-release fertilizer. It's super easy to use, and you won't need to worry about it once you set it in the soil. We use it with all of our indoor houseplants. 

Pruning

Pruning is another crucial aspect of maintaining your Thai Constellation Monstera. Proper pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and size, removes dead or unhealthy leaves, and encourages new growth. Before pruning, ensure your cutting tool is clean and sharp to prevent damage or infection.

To prune your Monstera, follow these steps:

1. Identify any yellowing, damaged, or unhealthy leaves.
2. Locate the petiole (the stalk connecting the leaf to the stem).
3. Cut the petiole close to the stem, taking care not to damage the plant’s main stem.
4. Remove any aerial roots that have grown too long or have attached themselves to unwanted surfaces.

Regularly assessing the health and growth of your Thai Constellation Monstera is vital, as it allows for early detection and correction of any issues.

If you are looking for a pair of shears, we use these pruning shears. They are fairly economical and we really like how they are easy on the hands. 

Support and Climbing

The Thai Constellation Monstera plant is a climbing plant that requires adequate support for its growth and development. It thrives in environments where it can attach itself to trees or other tall structures to gain height and access to sunlight.

One common method of supporting Monstera plants is using a moss pole. A moss pole mimics the natural environment of the plant, providing a textured surface for its aerial roots to attach to. These roots, which emerge from the stem of the plant, help it climb and anchor itself to the support system. To help ensure the plant is well secured to the moss pole, you can use soft ties or plant clips to help maintain its climbing habit while preventing damage to the foliage.

When using a moss pole for a climbing plant like the Thai Constellation Monstera, it is essential to consider the height of the pole. Taller poles allow for more growth, as the plant can climb and extend its lush, variegated leaves upward. While the plant will not achieve the same height as in its native habitat, it will still display impressive growth when given proper support.

*We typically use this moss pole when we really want our houseplnats to climb upwards.

Pest Control

The Thai Constellation Monstera plant can experience a few common pests and diseases, affecting its health and growth. Implementing preventive measures and early treatment can help maintain the plant’s well-being.

Mealybugs are known to infest Monstera plants. To combat these pests, it is recommended to use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol and carefully wipe the affected areas. Regularly inspect the plant to detect any signs of infestation, as early detection ensures easier control.

Thrips are another pest that can harm your Monstera. Neem oil is an effective treatment for thrips. Regularly spraying neem oil on the plant can keep these pests at bay. Always monitor the plant for any signs of thrips to address the issue promptly.

For those looking for neem oil spray, we use this neem oil spray on all our plants when we see any pests. It's pre-mixed and simply works. 

Propagation Techniques

The Thai Constellation Monstera plant can be propagated through various methods, with stem cuttings being the most popular.

To start, find a healthy stem with at least one leaf and an aerial root to ensure the maximum chances of success. To propagate from stem cuttings, follow these steps:

1. Select the cutting: Choose a healthy stem with a leaf, an aerial root, and a node (the point from which leaves or roots grow).
2. Cut: Use a clean and sharp tool to make a cut about one inch below the node, ensuring not to damage the aerial root.
3. Root development: Place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss to encourage root development. If using water, change it every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth.
4. Monitor growth: Keep the cutting in a bright but indirectly lit area. It typically takes 2-4 weeks for roots to develop.
5. Transplant: Once the roots have reached a length of at least two inches, transplant the cutting into well-draining soil.

To increase your chances of roots developing after cutting, consider using rooting hormones. Rooting hormones provide the extra enzymes to the cutting to sprout new roots. We use this rooting hormone gel whenever we propagate plants and we see roots every single time.

Another propagation technique is air layering, which allows roots to develop while the cutting is still attached to the parent plant. This technique is advantageous because it can promote a more robust root system. To perform air layering:

1. Select the node: Choose a healthy node with an aerial root.
2. Wrap with moss: Encase the node in damp sphagnum moss and secure it with plastic wrap or a plastic bag.
3. Seal and monitor: Ensure the moss remains moist by checking it periodically and sealing it tightly to retain moisture.
4. Root development: After a few weeks, roots should develop within the moss. Once established, cut the stem below the new root system and transfer it to a suitable potting medium.

Regardless of the propagation technique utilized, it’s crucial to provide the proper growing environment to ensure success. Thai Constellation Monstera plants prefer bright, indirect light and ample humidity. Be patient, as the variegated nature of this plant may result in slower growth compared to non-variegated species.

FAQ

Other Monstera Plants to Consider

There are many varieties of Monstera houseplants. If you are looking for another type of Monstera plant, check out our other related posts:

• 14 Monstera Varieties to Grow In Your Home

References