Learn how to care for the beautiful Monstera Thai Constellation. This guide covers light, water, soil, and more to help your rare plant thrive.
The Monstera Thai Constellation is a stunning variegated cultivar of the popular Monstera deliciosa. Its unique creamy-white markings, resembling a starry night sky, make it a highly sought-after houseplant. While generally considered low-maintenance, understanding its specific needs will help ensure your Thai Constellation thrives.
As an avid Monstera enthusiast with several years of experience growing adansonii and deliciosa varieties, I was instantly drawn to the allure of the Thai Constellation. Last year, I finally decided to add this rare beauty to my collection. Determined to find a good deal (these plants can be upwards of $200, and I wasn’t about to spend that much!), I opted for a smaller, younger plant online.
When it arrived, it was a tiny 4-inch cutting with just a few small leaves. I was taken a back at how small it was given I spent about $50 on it but was immediately captivated by its unique variegation and eager to give it the best possible care so it can grow, mature, and thrive.
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About Monstera Thai Constellation
The Thai Constellation Monstera is a truly stunning plant and has become a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts for a couple of reasons. The most striking feature is definitely the leaves. Unlike the standard Monstera Deliciosa, the Thai Constellation boasts gorgeous variegated foliage. The dark green leaves are splashed with creamy white markings, resembling a starry constellation – hence the name. This variegation makes each leaf unique, giving your plant a truly one-of-a-kind character.
But beyond the aesthetics, the Thai Constellation also boasts a beautiful climbing habit. As it matures, it will produce aerial roots that help it latch onto supports and climb upwards. This adds a whole new dimension to its visual appeal, allowing you to create a dramatic cascading effect or train it up a moss pole for a rain forest-like vibe.
This Monstera hails from Southeast Asia, and its foliage reflects its tropical origins. The large, heart-shaped leaves with their natural splits (called fenestrations) add a touch of the exotic to any indoor space.
So, if you’re looking for a houseplant that’s both beautiful and unique, the Thai Constellation Monstera is a great choice! Just be prepared to give it a little extra TLC to keep those stunning variegated leaves happy and thriving. Here’s what you need to know.
Monstera Thai Constellation Plant Care
While thai constellation plant is a monstera variety, it has very specific care requirements due to its special variegation and foliage markings.
Light
Imagine a rainforest understory – that’s the ideal light situation for your Thai Constellation. Bright, indirect light is crucial for this variegated tropical plant. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, especially the white parts, while insufficient light can lead to less variegation and slower growth.
I grow my Thai Constellation in my sunroom, about a foot and a half away from a west-facing window. It also gets some light from a nearby north-facing window, creating the perfect balance of brightness and indirectness.
Soil
A well-draining, airy soil mix is essential to prevent root rot, a common problem for Thai Constellations. They love a good chunky mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark (coco coir works well too). You can also find pre-made aroid mixes at most garden centers. This blend provides drainage to prevent root rot while offering enough moisture retention to keep the roots happy.
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants prefer warm temperatures between 68-86°F (20-30°C) and moderate to high humidity. Avoid placing them near drafty windows or air vents, which can cause sudden temperature fluctuations.
While they can tolerate average household humidity, they’ll appreciate a humidity boost from a humidifier or pebble tray. I love this humidifier because it’s cool mist, runs on timer, lasts almost two days and looks cool in my living room among my plants.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, so ensure the pot has drainage holes and avoid letting the plant sit in water. It’s better to underwater than overwater.
Monsteras are not fans of constantly wet feet. So the key to watering your Thai Constellation is finding the balance between keeping the soil moist and avoiding waterlogging. I wish I could tell you what the right formula is, but it will look different for every indoor gardener growing them.
When to water
As such, stick your finger into the top inch of soil – if it feels dry, it’s watering time. Thoroughly water the plant until water runs out the drainage holes, then discard any excess water that collects in the saucer. During the winter months, when growth slows, you can allow the soil to dry out slightly more between waterings.
Fertilizing
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your Thai Constellation monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when growth slows down.
Staking and Supporting
Monsteras are natural climbers. Providing a moss pole or other support will encourage larger leaves and more fenestrations (splits in the leaves). As the plant grows, gently tie the stems to the support using soft plant ties. Staking also helps prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy and falling over. I’ve been using these moss poles because you can add to them as your plants grow.
I’ve seen some content creators mention they grow larger foliage if their plants are allowed to crawl more than climb…I’ll let you know how mine does as it continues to grow and thrive. I like the look of the moss pole in the pot whether it chooses to climb or not.
Common Pests and Diseases With Monstera Thai Constellation Plants
Thankfully, the Thai Constellation Monstera isn’t particularly prone to pests and diseases. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation, and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale: These insects appear as small, brown bumps on the stems and leaves. Remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat with insecticidal soap.
- Fungal Gnats: These tiny flies thrive in moist soil. Avoid overwatering, let the soil surface dry between waterings, and use yellow sticky traps to catch adults. For severe cases, consider a biological insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) or a thin layer of diatomaceous earth on the soil surface.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a foul odor from the soil. Repot the plant in fresh soil and trim any affected roots.
As a preventative measure, I use this systemic granular that is super easy to apply! It lasts about eight weeks and works well at keeping the bugs in my houseplants at bay.
How to Propagate Monstera Thai Constellation Plants
Monstera Thai Constellations can be propagated through several methods, each with its own advantages:
Stem Cuttings
This is the most common and straightforward method.
- Take a cutting: Select a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves and aerial roots grow) and ideally one or two leaves. Cut the stem about an inch below the node.
- Root in water or moss: You can root the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged, or in moist sphagnum moss.
- Pot in soil: Once roots are about an inch long, plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix.
Air Layering
This technique encourages roots to develop on the stem while it’s still attached to the mother plant.
- Select a stem: Choose a healthy stem with at least one node.
- Make a cut: Make a small upward cut or remove a thin strip of bark below the node.
- Apply rooting hormone (optional): Dust the wounded area with rooting hormone to stimulate root growth.
- Wrap with moss: Surround the cut area with moist sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic wrap or a propagation box.
- Separate and pot: Once roots develop, cut the stem below the moss and pot the new plant.
Division
This method is used for mature plants with multiple stems.
- Remove the plant: Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
- Separate the stems: Gently divide the plant into sections, ensuring each section has roots and at least one stem with a node.
- Pot the divisions: Plant each division in its own pot with fresh potting mix.
Tips for Success
- Be patient: Propagation takes time. Don’t be discouraged if roots don’t appear immediately.
- Use clean tools: Sterilize your cutting tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Provide warmth and humidity: Place cuttings in a warm, humid environment to encourage root development.
Final Thoughts About Growing Thai Constellation Monstera Plant
It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch my Monstera Thai Constellation transform from a small, unassuming cutting into the thriving plant it is today. When I first brought it home, it was just a baby with a few tiny leaves. Now, it’s growing and maturing at an impressive rate, constantly surprising me with new growth and intricate variegation.
There’s something truly special about nurturing a plant from its early stages and witnessing its development. It’s like being a part of its journey, guiding it towards maturity and helping it reach its full potential. Each new leaf that unfurls feels like a small victory, a testament to the care and attention I’ve provided.
My Thai Constellation is clearly thriving in its current environment, and I couldn’t be happier with its progress. It’s become a captivating centerpiece in my home, a constant source of joy and fascination. Now, I eagerly await the day it begins to develop those iconic fenestrations, adding another layer of intrigue to its already stunning appearance.
If you’re looking to embark on a rewarding plant parenthood journey, I highly recommend the Monstera Thai Constellation. It’s a plant that gives back as much as you put in, rewarding your efforts with beauty, resilience, and a touch of the extraordinary. Happy growing!
For more information about growing Monsteras, please see the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:
- Easy Houseplants for Busy People: The Low-Maintenance Approach to Growing an Indoor Garden
- From Shop to Home: How to Acclimate Your Tropical Plants
- Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro
- How to Revive Houseplants You Thought Were Goners
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
