Monstera Thai Constellation is a variegated variety of the Monstera Deliciosa species. Its large leaves are covered in speckled cream variegation, with portions of larger sectoral variegation. It is similar to the Monstera Albo, but it has more stable variegation. If you want a variegated monstera, but you are worried about it reverting, I would suggest getting a Thai Constellation!
Originating in Central America, the Thai Constellation wants similar care to the regular Monstera Deliciosa with some slight adjustments. While the Monstera Deliciosa is known for its hardiness, and ease of care, the Monstera Thai Constellation is a bit more particular in its care preferences.
Monstera Thai Constellation Care: Lighting Requirements
Monstera Thai Constellation wants a lot of light. It needs to be in a window that gets bright indirect light for at least 8 hours every day. If you can’t provide that, you can always supplement with grow lights.
Its always helpful to remember that any white on the plant doesn’t have chlorophyll. Which means it won’t be photosynthesizing and providing energy the plant. So, if you have a highly variegated specimen, it will be really crucial to ensure your plant is getting enough light.
I recommend putting this plant in an east or west facing window. East and west windows provide plenty of bright indirect light. If you put it in a south facing window, you may want to put a sheer curtain on the window. This ensures the plant isn’t getting too much direct sun. It needs lots of light, but direct sun is harsh, and can burn leaves. I don’t recommend putting this monstera in a north facing window. If you do, I advise that you supplement your Thai Constellation with a grow light.
Monstera Thai Constellation Care: Water
This monstera in particular is very susceptible to root rot. I’m not sure why, but I have heard many people complain about struggling with root rot on their Thai Constellations. I even lost my first Thai Constellation to root rot!
I think the biggest key for Monstera Thai Constellation care, is watering consistency. If this plant dries out too much between waterings, the roots will dry rot, and if you water too frequently they will also rot.
I let my soil dry about 50% before watering again. In order to tell, I do a couple of things. First, I’ll stick a finger down about 2 inches into the soil, if it feels dry, its probably time to water. I also feel the leaves, when the plant is happy, its leaves will feel thick, thicker than a normal Monstera Deliciosa, and when its dry they will feel thin.
If the soil feels moist, but the leaf feels thin, check for root rot. If the soil feels dry, but the leaf feels thick, you can water it, or if you’re unsure, you can always wait one more day. I typically check on mine every 5-7 days, as its still pretty small, but watering frequency changes from home to home based on temperature, available light, pot size, humidity, and air flow.
Monstera Thai Constellation Care: Soil & Potting
Soil
For most aroids, my immediate advice is to put them in a chunky aroid mix, but for this plant, my advice depends on the type of plant parent you are. If you are on top of your plant care, or have a tendency to over water plants, I would recommend a chunky aroid potting mix. If you are a forgetful plant parent, or chronic under-waterer (like me), I recommend a well-draining soil mix.
The two DIY recipes that I have recommend, are easy to make, and all the components can be found at a big box store, or on Amazon easily. Either way, I don’t recommend using a store bought potting mixes with no amendments, as they tend to be way too dense.
Potting
I recommend using a terracotta pot for potting your Monstera Thai Constellation. It will help wick away excess moisture, and ensure your plant doesn’t stay too wet. I recommend repotting this plant every year or two. When you repot your plants, make sure not to go up more than two inches in pot size at a time. Giving plants too big a pot can also promote rot root!
Monster Thai Constellation Propagation Guide
Propagation is great for a variety of reason! It’s fun, it provides a great insurance policy for plants, it can help you grow, and share your collection, and it can provide an increase appreciation for your plants as you see them grow in a new way. For as tricky a plant as this plant is, luckily it is fair easy to propagate.
To start you Monstera Thai Constellation propagation, cut your plant just below a node. The node is the part of the stem with an aerial root, and a leaf. I typically let my cuttings callous over for an hour or two. Then I stick it in water, put it in a bright spot, and wait for roots to appear. When the roots are about two inches long, and have secondary roots coming of the main root the cutting is ready to be potted up. Once your cutting is potted up, give it a good watering, and you have a brand new plant!
Thank you so much for reading this far! I hope this guide helped you and you feel more confident in your Monstera Thai Constellation Care. If you have any questions, or additional tips, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks again, and happy growing!