If you like trendy houseplants, you must see the Thai Constellation Monstera! These beauties are very popular right now and will most likely remain so for a long time. Thai Constellations have variegated Monstera leaves in addition to the classic Monstera leaves.
The leaves have cream and green marbled patterns due to a chlorophyll deficiency. The cream-colored splatter on its green leaves is reminiscent of a starry night sky, hence the name “Constellation.” But, before we get into Thai Constellation Monstera care, let’s take a look at where it came from.
Thai Constellation Monstera origins…it was created in a laboratory!
The Thai Constellation is a yellow-to-white variegated Monstera Deliciosa that was created in a lab. It was created in a tissue culture laboratory in Thailand, hence the name.
Unlike most plant origins, which can be traced to multiple locations, this plant can only be traced to one location on the planet. As a result, the Thai Constellation is extremely rare and can be difficult to obtain. (Another plant that can be traced back to a single lab is the tradescantia nanouk, but it is not nearly as rare.)
Because the Monstera Deliciosa is the parent plant of the Thai Constellation, we can learn a lot about how to care for it from its origins. The Monstera Deliciosa is native to tropical Central America, ranging from southern Mexico to Panama.
Thai Constellation and Monstera Deliciosa are both ascending shrubs that thrive in humidity, warmth, and bright, indirect light. While it shares many characteristics with the Monstera Deliciosa, it grows much slower and is more picky about certain conditions.
LIGHT
The Thai Constellation’s creamy green leaves are the result of a chlorophyll mutation, and its cream colored spots do not absorb light. Because chlorophyll is important in converting sunlight into chemical energy, the Thai Constellation must work harder than most plants to photosynthesize. As a result, light is an essential component of Thai Constellation Monstera care.
Monstera Deliciosa, its parent plant, is native to the tropics, where it receives plenty of bright light filtered through the canopies. As a result, the Thai Constellation Monstera requires the same, if not more, bright indirect light.
Low light conditions should be avoided at all costs. You’ll notice leaf discoloration, slower growth, and leaves that don’t split properly if your Thai Constellation isn’t getting enough light. Too much sun, on the other hand, is not good because it can scorch its delicate leaves.
I’m currently growing mine in an Ikea greenhouse cabinet with a grow light. In this image, you can see how far it is from the grow light. Because this grow light does not emit heat, the leaves are not at risk of becoming too close. I leave the light on full power for 8 hours a day.
If you’re new to grow lights, be sure to read my post on how to use grow lights with houseplants. If you decide to move your plant outside for the spring and summer, make sure it is in a shaded area with plenty of indirect light. Direct sunlight is not permitted.
WATER
Thai Constellations, as an epiphyte, has delicate aerial roots. They are more susceptible to root rot than the parent Monstera Deliciosa. So proper watering is essential. Before watering again, always check that the top few inches of soil are dry, or use a moisture meter.
Water your Thai Constellation once a week in the spring and summer, and less frequently in the winter. Perspiration on the leaves (drips of water on the tips) and heavy, dense soil are signs of overwatering.
Wilting leaves and slower growth, on the other hand, indicate that you are under-watering your plants. As with most plants, I would err on the side of underwatering. However, the Thai is not as resistant to water as other houseplants (like snake plants, for example). So keep an eye out for that sweet spot!
SOIL
Adding bark and perlite to a high-quality indoor potting mix will help significantly improve drainage. I also like to add worm castings to my soil mixes every spring to help with nutrients. Remember that these plants are highly susceptible to root rot, so dense, heavy soil is a huge no-go.
Thai Constellation plants are epiphytic, meaning they grow on top of other plants and take nutrients from them, so you should also add organic matter to your soil for the best possible results.
The soil plays an important role in the watering equation. When selecting a soil for your Thai Constellation Monstera, good drainage should be your top priority. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy or mushy.
Adding bark and perlite to a high-quality indoor potting mix will improve drainage significantly. Every spring, I also like to add worm castings to my soil mixes to help with nutrient retention. Remember that these plants are prone to root rot, so dense, heavy soil is a no-no.
Thai Constellation plants are epiphytic, which means they grow on top of other plants and absorb their nutrients, so you should also add organic matter to your soil for the best results.
A moss pole sprayed with diluted fertilizer is also appealing. Because mine is so small, I didn’t have a moss pole for a while. However, after it recently pushed out a large new leaf, I decided to add a small one.
Temperature & humidity
The Thai Constellation, like the Monstera Deliciosa, prefers warm weather ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Any value lower or higher than that will slow its growth. Or cause it to stop growing altogether.
Don’t worry if the temperature rises above 80 degrees in your area and you want to eat outside. You can keep it happy with a lot of humidity and the right light. Because the heat evaporates the water quickly, you may need to water more frequently.
Thai Constellations are not frost tolerant and do not grow well in cold climates. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to keep it indoors as much as possible.
Thai Constellations are tropical plants, so they thrive in humidity. For the best possible growth, they need at least 60%. Drier conditions will cause the leaves of this lovely plant to brown, turn crispy, and drop.
You should mist your Thai Constellation about twice a week, but don’t soak it too much. Fungus gnats can be drawn to a constantly wet soil surface. (For more information, see my previous post on how to get rid of fungus gnats in houseplants.) Make sure there are no drafts or vents nearby, especially during the winter.
