If you’ve ever seen a Thai Constellation Monstera in person, you know just how striking of a plant it is. It has a beautiful, rare type of foliage that spreads with massive breadth, often hosting splashes of cream and yellow on its green base.
The beautiful leaves of the Thai Constellation make it desirable for planting indoors and outdoors – a truly versatile variety that has become a coveted species for any plant lover.
Table of Contents
Monstera Thai Constellation Overview
| Scientific / Common Name | Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ |
| Genus | Monstera |
| Family | Araceae |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Size and Dimensions (Mature) | 1-2 ft of new growth annually until approximately 8 ft. |
| Distinguishing Features | Big, strong leaves with splotches and splashes of white and cream. |
| In-Home Placement | Anywhere with bright, indirect light. |
About Monstera Thai Constellation
What’s unique about the Thai Constellation Monstera is that it is not a naturally occurring variety from its parent, the deliciosa.
Although most Monstera plants are tropical plants from the humid climate of Central and South American jungles, the Monstera Thai Constellation was first introduced to the world through intentional genetic mutation in a lab.
In fact, its name stems from the fact that it was first cultivated and produced in a lab in Thailand using a Monstera deliciosa plant.
The Thai Constellation also has a star-like pattern on its foliage and resembles something from a NASA catalog.
Monstera is a variety of plants known for their big leaves that can span up to 3 meters.
While it’s a slow-growing plant, it requires plenty of bright, direct sunlight and nutrient-rich potting soil to grow bold and strong.
It grows best in free-draining soil and doesn’t require too much watering – making it an ideal specimen for beginner green thumbs and indoor gardeners.
Fun Facts About Monstera Thai Constellation
It Was Created in a Lab through Tissue Culture
The Thai Constellation is a mutated cultivar from the well-known Monstera Deliciosa.
This means you won’t be able to find this yellow-to-white-variegated Monstera Deliciosa growing in the wild, as the plant was created in a lab in Thailand (hence the name).
Nowadays, many of the plants we buy are grown from something called tissue culture.
Tissue Culture (or TC) is the process of growing a new plant from an existing plant.
Scientists do this by taking plant cells and placing them in a controlled, artificial environment to reproduce.
TC allows people to replicate plants and add certain ‘mutations,’ such as variegation, peculiar leaf shapes or growth patterns, and more.
It’s an Expensive and Rare Monstera
Because this plant does not originate from mother nature but was made by men, it will be hard to get your hands on them!
When the plant was first introduced in the 90s, it got sold for an incredibly high price, as only limited specimens were available.
Fast forward thirty years, and as the plant has gained popularity, so has the number of available Thai Constellations.
Due to the high demand for the plant, many sellers can charge high prices for the plants!
But there is some good news: during the last couple of years, there’s been a steady decline in its worth as sellers are battling to offer the best deal on this signature statement plant.
Often, though, you will still see the price of an established Monstera Thai Constellation in the hundreds of dollars.
If you find a full grown Monstera Thai Constellation, you will be looking at an even higher price tag.
It Has Stable Variegation
If you are unfamiliar with the terms ‘stable’ and ‘unstable’ variegation, let me explain!
Stable variegation means that the plant’s tissue mutation (variegation) is part of the plant’s DNA.
So, in other words, no matter what happens, you can rest assured that the next leaf will be variegated.
Unstable variegation is the opposite.
This means that it’s possible that, if you don’t give your plant the right conditions, there is a possibility that your variegated plant will revert to fully green leaves!
Some examples of unstable variegated plant varieties are Philodendron Pink Princess, Syngonium Aurea, and, yes, even the Monstera Albo Borsigiana can revert to green!
It’s a Slow Grower
When compared to other Montera varieties, such as the Monstera Deliciosa or Monstera Adansonii, you will find that the Thai Constellation is a much slower grower.
This is mostly due to its lack of chlorophyll (green) in the leaves.
These white bits do not aid in energy production, which causes the plant to grow much slower than its fully green counterpart.
But I think this makes waiting for a new leaf to emerge much more intriguing!
To optimize the plant’s growth, it’s a good idea to give it lots of bright, indirect light.
It Loves to Climb
In the wild, Monstera Deliciosa is a climbing plant. It climbs on trees, buildings, and anything in its environment that it can find!
Mimicking the plant’s natural habitat closely by offering it something to climb will encourage it to put out beautiful, large leaves.
Monstera deliciosa vs. Monstera Thai Constellation
Although the Monstera Thai Constellation plant and its parent plant, Monstera deliciosa (the well-known and widely-loved Swiss Cheese Plant), are related, they differ in a few ways.
Against their green leaves, Constellation Monstera has a lot of lovely splotches and splatters of a creamy or off-white color.
It almost resembles the starry night sky, while the parent plant doesn’t have this kind of appearance.
Monstera Thai Constellation vs. Albo
When it comes to variegated plants of the species m. deliciosa, two main types will often be confused with one another.
The Thai Constellation is often mistaken for its close relative, the Monstera Albo Borgisiana.
But the two can be easily identified by closely examining the foliage.
Monstera Albo tends to have larger and more white-colored variegated blotches, whereas the Thai will have a more creamy look and scattered, small sections of variegation.
Monstera Thai Constellation Care
If you’re growing a Thai Constellation in your indoor place, you can feel comfortable moving forward with the following tips and information.
These slow-growing plants do not require perfect indoor conditions, but knowing what conditions your plant prefers will help you keep it lush and thriving!
Well-Draining Soil
This aroid grows best when planted in a well-draining soil mixture.
My favorite Monstera mix includes potting soil, perlite, orchid bark, and charcoal bits.
The listed amendments add aeration and drainage to the soil, which helps to prevent root rot, fungal issues, and pests!
Water Intermittently
The root system of this Monstera Thai Constellation is exceptionally delicate. When watering your plant, be sure to water it well, but be cautious that it drains entirely afterward.
Don’t let the soil get too dry or too wet, as both are detrimental to these plants.
The soil should have an adequate amount of dampness which you can check by sticking your finger in the top few inches of soil.
Overwatering is one of the main reasons for root rot.
Always ensure to allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. During the winter months. These plants don’t need much water.
During the summer, they should do well when watered roughly once a week.
Warm Temperature
Thai Constellations thrive best at temperatures ranging between 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keeping Thai Constellations outside this temperature range for an extended period can be harmful, as they are accustomed to high heat and humidity.
Bright, Indirect Light
Although the white variegation looks striking on the green base of Thai Constellation leaves, its beauty comes with a cost.
The creamier the variegation, the more difficult it is for the plant to survive.
The white areas are deficient in chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for not only the green color of the leaves but also for producing food by capturing light, making it difficult for the Thai Constellation to photosynthesize.
Since light is critical for photosynthesis, your Thai Constellation will need more light than the common varieties of Monstera, which are usually entirely green.
Pick a place where there is enough bright, indirect sunlight.
If too much direct light is a problem, you can use translucent curtains or tinted windows to obtain sufficient light without the risk of scorching the beautiful leaves.
If your home lacks natural sunlight, you can supplement light using an artificial grow light.
These can also be handy in winter when sunlight is sparse.
Medium to High Humidity
Medium to high humidity is ideal for Thai Constellation. In their native habitat in Central America, the Thai Constellation thrives in higher humidity environments.
If your home is very dry, consider offering your Monstera a humidifier or setting it atop a pebble tray to boost the air moisture level.
Minimal Fertilizer
Compared to the all-green Monstera deliciosa, the Thai Constellation requires little organic matter to grow since it grows more slowly due to variegation.
As they are light feeders, you should fertilize them rarely but adequately when you do.
Seasonal Variations in Fertilization
Fertilizing is unnecessary during colder months, as this can cause overfertilization problems. Over-fertilization during this season can lead to burned leaves, wilting, and slowed development.
Your Thai Constellation has to be moderately fertilized with an indoor plant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Liquid indoor plant fertilizers are a practical approach to providing your plant with the nutrition it needs.
It’s best to dilute your plant fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent root burn.
Propagating Monstera Thai Constellation
The best way to propagate your Monstera Thai Constellation is by stem cuttings.
The cutting steps are the same as those for growing a conventional Monstera deliciosa plant!
If done correctly, this plant has a very high success rate for propagation.
You can propagate in water or soil. I prefer the water method because it allows you to see root growth and makes spotting issues like rot easier.
However, it is a personal preference, and soil propagation can work just as well!
Step 1: Locate a Node
Before grabbing the scissors and cutting away, it’s important to locate where you want to take your cutting.
Begin by locating a node on the stem (a node is the thick part of the stem where aerial roots grow from).
If there are already aerial roots on the node, the cutting will have a bigger chance of survival!
Step 2: Take Your Cutting
Grab sharp and sterilized scissors or shears, and cut your leaf below the node. It’s best to leave a bit of stem under the node to be safe.
Step 3: Place Your Cutting in Water
Place your fresh cutting in water or use a well-drained soil mix. If you put the cutting in water, please always keep the node submerged in the water!
Potted Exotics Pro Tip: You can also grow your Thai Constellation cutting in sphagnum moss. I love to grow my propagations in moss, and I find that the cuttings root much faster than in plain water. Ensure that the moss remains constantly moist.
Step 4: Place in Bright, Indirect Light
Give your propagation bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun because this can burn the leaves and inhibit root growth!
Refresh your water propagation weekly, and keep soil propagations moist.
Step 5: Transplant to Soil
You can transplant your cutting from water to soil once the roots have grown about 2” in length.
For the best results, use a pot the right size when you plant your cutting in soil. Aim for a pot that’s no bigger than 5” in diameter!
If you use a pot that is too large, there is a big chance your cutting will become overwatered!
Side Note: Your Thai Constellation cuttings may take a long time to take root! As stated before, these are slow-growing plants, and thus, their root development will be slow.
Step 6: Monitor Growth
And you’re done! Continue to care for propagation, and it will eventually sprout lush new leaves.
The Thai Constellation is a slow-growing plant, so seeing new growth may take a while!
Do not lose patience, though.
Potting and Repotting Thai Constellation
Grow your Thai Constellation in a large, deep pot. They need lots of room for growth for their extensive root system.
Otherwise, they will grow into lanky and spindly specimens.
Ensure the pots have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent the soil from remaining wet for too long.
You can plant your Monstera in a ceramic or terra cotta pot or use a plastic nursery pot and place it inside a decorative pot.
There is no need to move Thai Constellation from one pot to another regularly because it develops more slowly than its full-colored siblings.
On average, the plant can be repotted every 2-3 years. The best time to repot your indoor plants is spring or summer.
Common Problems with Thai Constellation Monstera
Any plant can (sadly) develop illnesses and issues, and the Thai Constellation is no exception.
Luckily, most of the plant’s common problems can be prevented easily.
Brown Tips
Brown leaf tips are among the most common issues that growers might face with their Thai Constellation Monstera. They are usually caused by low humidity.
As you’ve read above, the Thai Constellation appreciates high humidity levels.
If you notice your plant is developing brown leaf tips, consider adding a humidifier to your plant collection to mimic the tropical climates of the rainforest and boost the plant’s growth!
Fungus Gnats
No plant is safe from the dreaded fungus gnats!
These tiny mosquito-like flies lay their eggs in your plant’s soil, and as the adult flies annoy you by flying right in your face while you’re trying to work, their larvae are feasting on your plant’s roots.
Fungus gnats like to lay their eggs in moist soil, so one of the best ways to prevent these bugs is by allowing the top of the soil to dry out between watering.
A light dust of cinnamon on top of the soil has also worked to keep the pest off my plant collection!
Another great option to keep pests at bay is a neem oil solution.
Dilute 3-4 tbsp of neem oil in a gallon of water, and add a few drops of dish soap.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray your plants every few weeks as a preventive pesticide.
Root Rot (Wet Feet)
Root rot is one of the most common diseases among houseplants.
Compared to the regular Monstera Deliciosa, people claim that the Thai Constellation is much more prone to root rot than the original green Monstera buddies!
Root rot symptoms include yellow leaves, water-soaked brown spots, brown stems, water droplets on the leaves, and droopy leaves.
To prevent this issue, make sure to water your Thai Constellation properly, as mentioned above because the number one cause of root rot is overwatering.
Also, make sure to use planters with drainage holes in the bottom, and plant your Monstera in a well-drained soil mix to improve aeration to the roots.
Otherwise, a lot of water will remain in the soil and potentially drown your Monstera’s roots.
Too Much Sun
Because the white variegated parts of the Thai Constellation’s leaves lack chlorophyll, giving the exact amount of light to these monsteras is critical as they can be sensitive to excess sunlight.
These parts of the leaves tend to be much thinner and more delicate than the green bits of the leaf, making them prone to sun scorch!
Ensure to protect your Thai Constellation plants against the harsh afternoon sun by placing them out of the sun’s reach or offering protection during the hottest hours of the day.
But, still, ensure that the plant receives good light exposure so that it may photosynthesize optimally.
Lack of Chlorophyll
While you may be tempted to encourage your Thai Constellation to put out highly variegated foliage to enjoy the white, creamy color of their signature, you should be aware of one very important risk factor.
Because the white parts of the leaves on variegated plants do not contain chlorophyll, they do not aid in the essential process of photosynthesis.
This makes the variegated areas of the leaves practically useless for the plant. Normally, this is no issue, as the plant will be able to grow and sustain itself with the green parts of its leaves.
However, if your Thai Constellation puts out leaves with large amounts of white variegation, your plant may have difficulty creating enough energy.
Without chlorophyll, the plant will slowly wither away.
If you find leaves that are more than 90% white, it’s best to cut them off and lower the plant’s light setting to encourage the production of green leaves!
How To Encourage Leaf Splits on Monstera Thai Constellation
Monstera Deliciosa is well-known for the holes and spits in its leaves.
Since the Thai Constellation was cultivated from the Deliciosa, these signature splits will be developed as the plant matures!
But if you purchased a young plant or a cutting, you may wonder if there is a way to speed up the development of splits and holes in your plant’s leaves.
It’s worth mentioning that only mature plants develop leaf fenestration, so the best way to encourage leaf splits is by offering your plant a moss pole.
This will significantly speed up leaf maturity and, thus, fenestrations!
Creative Ways to Display Monstera Thai Constellation
On a Moss Pole
Because Monstera is a climbing plant, growing your Monstera Thai Constellation on a moss pole is a great idea.
The plant naturally grows aerial roots, which it uses to attach itself to surrounding objects in the wild.
Offering your young plant a moss pole (or other trellises, such as a wooden plank or coco coir pole) will keep your Monstera from looking like an unruly mess.
With Ceiling Hooks
If you have an exceptionally large and wild Thai Constellation plant, and you don’t know what to do with it, consider attaching hooks to your ceilings and tying your Monstera vines up with rope or twine.
This will give your home a true jungle vibe and benefit the Monstera, as it offers some support for its heavy vines!
In a Propagation Vase
Who doesn’t love taking propagations? Did you know you can use your Thai Constellation cuttings as decorative pieces in your home?
Place your propagated plants in a vase and display them! Simple!
I love to take cuttings from large, fenestrated leaves and place them on sideboards, my dining table, or kitchen countertops.
And don’t worry about the longevity of your decorative piece.
Monsteras can grow in water for years before being repotted to soil!
Other Useful Information About Thai Constellation
Is Monstera Thai Constellation Toxic to Cats?
Yes, all Monstera varieties, including Thai Constellation, are toxic to cats. Monsteras contain something called calcium oxalate chrystals, which are highly irritating. Ingestion of the plant can result in stomach irritation, vomiting, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.
If you suspect your cat may have ingested parts of the plant, please contact a vet as soon as possible to check if your feline friend is suffering from intoxication!
Is Monstera Thai Constellation Toxic to Dogs?
Calcium oxalate crystals are toxic to dogs as well as cats. Symptoms of oxalate poisoning are drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains. It’s best to train your dog to stay out of your houseplants to keep him (and your expensive plant collection) safe.
Again, please contact a vet if your dog chewed or ate from your Monstera and shows any symptoms mentioned above. For obvious reasons, it’s best to prevent your pets from getting to your toxic plants in the first place. Keep them out of reach if possible!
What are the Benefits of Monstera Thai Constellation?
There are many good reasons to grow a Thai Constellation Monstera at home, but I believe the best part about this plant is that it’s easily propagated through cuttings. This makes it incredibly easy to create new plants for free. I also love to use the cuttings as unique, homegrown gifts for friends and family.
Where Can I Find a Monstera Thai Constellation For Sale?
Monstera Thai Constellation was once a pricy and rare plant, almost exclusively found in collector’s homes. But nowadays, due to its high demand, it’s become increasingly available in the United States and worldwide. In 2020, even places like Costa Farms started selling Thai Constellation Monsteras!
If you want to buy your Monstera Thai Constellation online, purchase from reputable sellers, and do not purchase disproportionately cheap plants, as they are likely fake! Also, as we explained before, steer clear of plants with excessive white variegation.
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