The latest houseplant craze among many plant parents worldwide is variegated plants, which are trending on social media. One of the most popular variegated plant kinds out there on the top of most monstera lovers’ wishlists is the stunning Thai constellation monstera.
The Thai constellation is a cultivar of the traditional monstera deliciosa and is named for the lab in Thailand that developed it. Similar in size and shape to the famous deliciosa, but with white and cream flecks and splashes instead of the usual dark green!
Here is our advice to locating and taking care of a Thai constellation monstera.
What distinguishes monstera from Thai Constellation?
The Thai Constellation and Albo Borsigiana are the two primary varieties of variegated monsteras. If you want to purchase a variegated monstera online, you should be aware of the variations in what you’ll receive.
The Thai Constellation has off-white (nearly cream coloured) speckles throughout, typically has larger leaves, and becomes a much fuller-looking plant as it ages, making it easy to distinguish it from the other common variegated Monstera.
The Albo’s variegated areas are larger and more reminiscent of pure white, and it also features some speckles. Due to the taller stems and smaller leaves, the plant also has a slightly more sparse appearance. More information on taking care of a monstera albo can be found here.
You’re probably getting an Albo if you’re getting a cutting. The young plant you receive will probably be a Thai Constellation.
It’s crucial to note that the variegation in each of these plants differs significantly, and knowing what causes it will enable you to better recognise the variations and select the one that is best for you.
You must think about whether one is more likely to revert, as well as simplicity of care, size, and cost.
You should be able to distinguish the variations among variegated Monsteras using the information in this page to assist you make that choice.
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Why is the Thai constellation of variegated monstera so expensive?
Because they are so rare and well-liked, variegated Monsteras are very expensive. Because the leaves lack chlorophyll, it requires more light and develops more slowly. Slower growth results in fewer new plants and slower propagation.
Variegated Monsteras are frequently sold out on online marketplaces, putting new prospective buyers on a waiting list for when the parent Monstera is large enough to generate fresh cuttings.
Demand also drives up prices. Growers have found that consumers are willing to pay a high price for a variegated Monstera. People will buy even a baby cutting with just two leaves for $100 USD! Variegated Monsteras are becoming more and more in demand, and as a result, prices are also going up.
Thai Constellation Monstera: Is it uncommon?
There are 45 different plant species in the Monstera genus, the majority of which are tropical and feature lovely leaves with swiss-cheese-shaped holes in them. Only three species of Monstera have variegated variants, the Monstera Deliciosa being one among them.
Only random mutations or purposeful mutations produced in a lab can result in variegated Monsteras. The Thai Constellation and the Borsigiana Albo Variegata are the two most common varieties of variegated Monstera Deliciosa.
It is impossible to raise the Monstera Albo as a seedling because it is a rare mutant. As a result, each and every one of them is a replica of the original mother plant. It’s kind of cool to consider that, don’t you think?
Its leaves contain numerous huge, brilliant, cream-colored splotches and dots all over them. They are weaker and more demanding to care for since the chlorophyll mutation in it is more pronounced.
Additionally unstable, it can lose its variegation during growth or during propagation. Due of its distinctive variegation and costly cost, the Monstera Albo is highly sought for by plant enthusiasts worldwide.
A seed cannot be used to grow the Thai Constellation because it was created in a lab. Thai Constellations have cream-colored yellow spots and blotches that resemble someone smearing paint over them.
You can take cuttings from a mature Thai Constellation and the replicated plants will preserve the constellation-like variegation because this variety is quite stable and won’t lose its colour. I choose a Thai because of their stability and somewhat lesser cost.
Where is the origin of Thai Constellation monstera?
One of the most sought-after varieties of indoor plants is the Thai Constellation Monstera. Its name is appropriate because this unique species of variegated Monstera Deliciosa comes from a single tissue culture lab in Thailand. As a result of this plant’s lineage branching out from a single location, availability has grown to be a significant problem.
The price of Thai constellations has skyrocketed due to a scarcity of supply and excessive demand. Young plants frequently cost more than $250 AUD ($190 USD), and mature plants frequently cost more than $1000 AUD ($750 USD). Pricing is also influenced by the degree of variegation, with greater variegation resulting in higher cost.
Its stunning deep green, high fenestration leaves are covered in white variegation spots. The vegetation resembles a star-studded night sky (constellations).
Which is more expensive, Thai constellation or monstera Albo?
Both of these plants are expensive due to their rarity. Although they can change depending on the state of the market, a Monstera Albo is often both more rare and more expensive. This is due to the fact that it is more difficult to maintain and disseminate, and it is simple for the mutation to disappear.
Thai Constellations, however, are very pricey. It is less difficult to grow via cuttings and tissue culture, but it is still uncommon, which makes it expensive. Although it won’t be as expensive as a well-known Monstera Albo, it won’t be cheap either.
Make sure to see the actual cutting you will receive before purchasing an Albo. Albos differ greatly, but Thai Constellation cuttings are very similar to one another.
To ensure that the plant has a good chance of surviving and will have a beautiful variegated appearance, make sure the white is present and there is adequate greens.
If it has chunky white areas, the rest of the plant will have chunky white sections as it grows. The rest of the plant will tend to mimic the white if it is more wavy or swirly.
An Albo’s variegation will largely follow the same pattern no matter where it grows on the plant, in contrast to a Thai Constellation, which can exhibit fairly different variegation. This implies that it’s crucial to have seen the plant in person before buying it so you know exactly what you’re getting and that it’s healthy.
Does a moss pole belong in a Thai constellation?
Although not necessarily necessary for Thai Constellations, moss poles can be very helpful. Monstera love having a framework to grow upon because they are epiphytic plants. Additionally, moss poles can be sprayed with fertiliser and are a fantastic source of moisture and nutrients.
Moss poles have many advantages for your Monstera in general. They support the growth of plants by acting as a support system, supplying nutrients and minerals, helping to create humidity, and retaining moisture. Strong plants can be kept in shape with their help.
Although the Monstera Thai Constellation can thrive without one, adding a moss pole should be taken into account, especially as the plant begins to mature. You can see how simple it is to stake a Monstera here. With its heavy leaves and propensity to bend towards the sun, it’s helpful to have a little something for it to rely on.
The best part is that you can sprinkle some fertiliser on your moss to give your Monstera a boost without upsetting the plant’s soil with chemicals. You should always be cautious with what you feed these hybrid plants because they are significantly more prone to stress than their fully-green cousins.
Which Monstera is the rarest?
Because of their genetic peculiarities, unusual Monstera plants are not only scarce but also amazing to behold.
These Monsteras are difficult to raise due to their unique genetic makeup. Monstera plants with holes or variegation cannot absorb as much nutrition as a typical Monstera species.
A mutation gives certain variegated Monsteras variegated leaves. Certain Monsteras revert due to a mutation rather than genetic variation.
If the conditions are not ideal, mutations prevent the white or cream hue from eventually being passed on to new leaf growth.
It’s not easy importing plants either, particularly unusual ones. Variegated and holey plants are less likely to survive a lengthy voyage in a dark box because they contain less chlorophyll.
Each country has distinct rules for what plant material is allowed into its country, and shipping expenses pile up.
If you see any of these 22 unique and rare Monstera plants for sale, grab them and head to the register right away!
Monstera obliqua
The most rare Monstera is Monstera obliqua, which has delicate leaves and grows very slowly.
With more holes than actual leaves, Monstera obliqua takes the Swiss cheese plant to an extreme.
The distinctions between Monstera obliqua and Monstera adansonii have a significant impact on the respective price tags for each plant.
Monstera obliqua has papery thin leaves, rounder holes, and a significantly slower growth rate than Monstera adansonii. It is also more uncommon.
Which Monstera plant is the priciest?
Swiss cheese plant, sometimes known as variegated Monstera, can get up to $5,000 at auction. On the well-known auction site Trade Me, a rare M. adansonii went for $700 and an M. aurea sold for $3,726.
The Variegated Monstera is currently one of the most popular plants and is adored in New Zealand and other countries. But because of how slowly the plant reproduces, it is quite uncommon.
This plant is known for its sporadic splashes of colour in a variety of colours and its irregularly shaped leaves. Numerous plant-related social media influencers adore it because of its distinctiveness. Garden centres only charge $20 for standard green varieties, while the cost of variegated varieties is increasing.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
Despite some claims to the contrary, Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana belong to the same species.
One of the most well-known Monstera variegata has grown in popularity as a result of Instagram.
Large white patches will appear on the foliage of M. Albo Borsigiana due to a spontaneous mutation that causes the variegation. These spots are erratic and prone to become green again.
Depending on how many leaves it has, a single Monstera Albo Borsigiana cutting is worth approximately $250, while a rooted plant can range in price from $400 to $1,000.
Monstera Thai Constellation
This common house plant was created using plant tissue culture in a lab in Thailand and has undergone artificial mutation.
It is one of the most desired plants due to its lovely variation in sectoral and marble patterns. As a plant that was grown in tissue culture, the variegation is quite stable and will be passed on to new leaves as they develop.
Although a rooted Monstera Thai Constellation can cost anywhere between $250 and $350, I’ve never seen Thai Constellation advertised as a cutting.
Monstera Deliciosa Aurea
The yellow variegation of Monstera Deliciosa Aurea, also called Monstera Marmorata, gives it the look of a Golden Pothos.
It also needs regular maintenance to keep its sectoral pattern variegation. To maintain the variegation, immediately cut any leaves that have turned green.
Because it is so uncommon, Monstera Deliciosa’s Aurea variant commands a high price. Costs for rooted plants range from $2,000 to $3,000.
Is It Possible for Regular Monstera to Develop Variegation?
Regular Monstera can eventually show variegation, though it is rare. One of my friend’s Monstera Deliciosa cuttings was fortunate enough to begin displaying Albo variegation.
Only one in 100,000 plants will randomly produce a variegated Monstera. This means that in order to obtain a variegated Monstera, you would need to propagate 100,000 cuttings and hope that one of them would show the trait.
Thai constellations are they slow-growing?
More love and patience are needed from the owner of the Monstera Thai constellation than from the other members of this tropical plant family. In the event of an extraordinary drought, it is also prone to wilting.
As a result, how well the plant is taken care of will have a significant impact on how frequently it grows, both in terms of height and new leaves or foliage.
The plant borrows a page from my book—pun intended—because during the first three to six months after it entered my life, it failed to display any notable growth. As a result, the plant’s owner has to exercise a tremendous amount of patience with it. However, if the right conditions were present, the returns would be more than worthwhile.
Next, the circumstances that enable it to flourish
Soil Requirements
In soil that is well hydrated and rich in numerous nutrients, the Monstera Thai constellation thrives. The ideal option is a peat-based soil blend that is only slightly aerated. It will eliminate the possibility of overwatering the plant over the winter and killing it.
A mixture of bark and perlite should be used to aid drainage in order to maintain the proper level of hydration. Water intake is crucial. If the soil does not have the necessary moisture content, the foliage of Monstera Thai Constellation is susceptible to shrivelling and browning.
Additionally, the soil needs to be kept at pH levels between 5 and 7.5 that range from neutral to slightly acidic. So keeping the soil moist in the summer and dry in the winter is essential for success.
Light Requirements
The Monstera Thai Constellation is best performed in a room that has adequate lighting. However, exposing this plant’s leaves to direct sunlight will damage them. If the plant doesn’t get enough sunshine, its growth will suffer. Low temperatures are not ideal because the yellow portion of the leaves cannot absorb sunlight. If not, the plant has to work harder to complete the photosynthetic process.
The plant requires filtered sunlight, which is provided via light diffusion. In this procedure, textured glass windows or drapes are employed. In the event that there are no available good lighting supplies, you can also use indoor or artificial illumination. Sunlight in the early morning hours is good for plant growth.
Water Requirements
It is advised to aerate Thai Constellation’s soil before watering. By doing so, it allows the soil to breathe and releases moisture. Overwatering has the potential to harm a plant’s above-ground roots. Therefore, take care to avoid planting the plant in wet soil to prevent harming the roots.
These plants frequently have root rot, therefore you can run into it frequently with Monstera Thai Constellations.
Humidity Requirements
As the Monstera Thai Constellation dislikes a dry atmosphere and poor growing conditions, try to keep it away from windows.
The plant may start shedding leaves if the weather is excessively dry. Monstera Thai Constellation is a tropical plant that prefers a humid environment. High levels of moisture do cause faster growth.
The tip of the leaves will turn brown and fresh if the indoor humidity is too low. Considerably increasing the moisture by obscuring the leaves For the best results, keep the moisture at 60% or above.
Temperature Requirements
The Thai Constellation plant operates best at temperatures between 64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost is not a favourite of the Monstera Thai Constellation.
The growth of the plant will be slowed down by temperatures below 64 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will eventually stop at temps below 50 degrees.
Fertilizer
To provide the plant with all the nutrients necessary for the growth of the leaf and to promote growth, a suitable fertiliser is crucial. Normally a slow-growing plant, Monstera Thai Constellation grows quickly in the spring and summer.
Apply the fertiliser frequently throughout the growing season to stimulate new growth. We would advise the Thai Constellation to eat slow-release plant food. Keep the fertiliser application away from the plant’s base.
You can use pellets, liquid feed, or even use the compost as a slow-release fertiliser. Since fluid fertiliser will provide you more control over the application, we advise it. Plants shouldn’t be fertilised during the winter when they are dormant.
Pruning
The Monstera Thai Constellation is a low-maintenance indoor plant since it requires little pruning. Pruning is suggested to manage the plant’s size and get rid of any damaged or dead foliage.
If your Monstera plant has grown out of control, you can prune it to control its size. You can prune the Monstera Thai Constellation plant if you don’t want to repot it.
Pruning aids in the control of the virus as well. To maintain the health of your plants, remove any contaminated areas. Clean your cleaning equipment well before you start. Cleaning them with isopropyl solvent will help you do this.
Growth
Indoor climbing plant Monstera Thai Constellation has a moderate rate of growth. A plant matures after around two years. The growing environment affects the growth of Monstera Thai Constellations. Its growth is influenced by the soil, humidity, water, nutrients, and temperature.
The plant will thrive with plenty of bright light, frequent watering, mild fertiliser applied regularly, and regulated humidity. Each year, the plant might heighten to two feet.
Potting
Every two years, the Thai Constellation has to be replanted. When its roots have grown farther or it has used all the soil’s nutrients. The pot can be bigger. For optimal results, use organic soil mixture. You can divide the plants and make several pots if you don’t want to use a larger pot.