Protect your investment! This guide to Monstera Thai Constellation care shows you how to keep it thriving with healthy roots and gorgeous, spot-free leaves.
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, my thai constellation monstera was a cute, tiny 4-inch cutting with just a few small leaves. I was taken aback 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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Monstera Thai Constellation Care at a Glance
For a quick summary of the best care practices for your new plant, refer to this easy guide.
About Monstera Thai Constellation
The Monstera Thai Constellation is a cultivated variety of Monstera deliciosa, originating from a lab in Thailand. Its most famous feature is its stable, speckled variegation that resembles a starry night sky—which is where it gets its celestial name.
Unlike some other variegated plants, the ‘Thai Con’ has stable variegation, meaning it is genetically locked in and won’t revert to all green. As the plant matures, its large, heart-shaped leaves will develop those iconic splits, or “fenestrations.”
While mature monsteras are famous for climbing, you’ll likely notice that younger Thai Constellations tend to crawl along the pot, sending out aerial roots as they seek something to grab onto. Providing a moss pole or trellis early can encourage it to begin its upward climb.
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.
The Secret to Beautiful Variegation: Preventing Brown Spots
The stunning cream and white splashes on your Thai Constellation are the main event, but they are also the most delicate part of the plant. Because these variegated areas lack chlorophyll, they cannot perform photosynthesis to create their own energy. This makes them more fragile and susceptible to browning than the green sections of the leaf.
Browning on the white parts is the most common issue new owners face, but don’t worry—it is usually preventable! If you see browning, ask yourself these three critical questions:
1. Is the Humidity High and Stable?
This is the most common culprit. The delicate white cells lose moisture much faster than the tougher green cells. Low or fluctuating humidity is a primary cause of those dreaded crispy, brown edges on the variegation.
- The Fix: This is non-negotiable for a pristine Thai Constellation. Aim for a stable humidity level of 60% or higher. While misting can help temporarily, using a humidifier near the plant is the most effective and consistent way to achieve this.
2. Is It Getting Enough Bright, Indirect Light?
This seems counterintuitive, as direct sun will scorch the leaves. However, sufficient indirect light is the fuel for the green parts of the leaves. If the light is too low, the green parts can’t produce enough energy to support the non-photosynthesizing white parts. When that happens, the plant may let the white sections die off to conserve energy, causing them to turn brown.
- The Fix: Find that sweet spot of consistent, bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is often perfect, or a spot a few feet back from a west- or south-facing window.
3. Is My Watering Consistent?
Wild swings between bone-dry soil and waterlogged soil cause stress to the plant’s root system. When the roots are stressed, the most fragile parts of the plant—the white sections of the leaves—are the first to suffer and show damage.
- The Fix: Don’t let the soil dry out completely. Check it regularly and water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of the soil feel dry. Consistency is more important than a rigid schedule.
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 organic potting mix, peat moss, perlite, worm castings, and orchid bark (coco coir works well too). You can also find pre-made aroid mixes at most garden centers. This blend encourages strong healthy root development while maximizing drainage to prevent root rot yet retaining enough moisture retention to keep the plant 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. Because the variegated parts of the leaves photosynthesize less, the plant uses water less efficiently than an all-green monstera, making it more susceptible to root rot. Thus, it’s better to underwater than overwater because 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 too much water rention. 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.
Tip: I also recommend using clear nursery pots like these when you repot your monsteras because they’ll help you see the root system as well as moisture in the soil. Having that clear view has helped me from overwatering my Thai Constellation Monstera Plant.
Fertilizing
Many indoor gardeners recommend fertilizing thai constellation monsteras during the growing season (spring and summer) every 2-4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when growth slows down.
However, I recommend feeding your thai con all year round with a gentle organic fertilizer like this that will keep it fed and well nourished. I made the switch from using a synthetic water soluble fertilizer to this one and have had dramatic results. So I’m sticking with it!
Staking and Supporting
Monsteras are natural climbers; thus, 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 have repotted mine a few times while it grows and it wants to crawl versus climb, so I’m going with that for now. So far, two of my leaves have the fenestrations so I’m thrilled with how much it is thriving!
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. To ensure a successful propagation with variegation, it is essential that your cutting contains a ‘node’ (a small bump on the stem) and preferably at least one aerial root.
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.
Thai Constellation vs. Monstera Albo: What’s the Real Difference?
As you dive into the world of rare houseplants, you’ll hear two names mentioned with equal reverence: the ‘Thai Constellation’ and the ‘Albo’. While both are stunningly variegated forms of Monstera deliciosa, they are different plants with key distinctions. Knowing how to spot them is the mark of a true enthusiast! And let me tell you – before I knew the difference I was mislabeling them. So here are the three main ways to tell them apart:
1. The Color and Pattern of the Variegation
This is the easiest way to identify them. The Thai Constellation Monstera has splashes and speckles that are a creamy or yellowish-white, scattered across the leaf like a starry sky. The Monstera Albo, on the other hand, boasts patches and blocks of pure, stark white. The Albo’s variegation is often in larger, more defined sections (a “half-moon” leaf is a classic example), while the Thai’s is more of a speckled constellation.
2. The Stability of the Variegation
This is the most important difference for a plant owner. The beautiful variegation on a Thai Constellation Monstera is stable. It was developed in a lab and is genetically locked in, meaning your plant will not revert to being all green. The variegation on a Monstera Albo is unstable. Because it’s a natural mutation, an Albo can revert to all green or, conversely, produce all-white “ghost” leaves that cannot survive long-term. An Albo often requires more strategic pruning to maintain its variegation.
3. Leaf Shape and Growth Habit
While subtle, there are often differences in their growth. Thai Constellations tend to have slightly larger, more robust leaves and a more compact growth habit. The Monstera Albo is technically a subspecies (Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana), which tends to have slightly smaller leaves and a more vining, “leggy” growth habit with more space between the nodes on the stem.
As an aside, I don’t have the Monstera Albo…yet!
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
- Is Your Houseplant Getting Enough Light? Here’s How to Tell.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
