Plant Know-How: Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'
If you spend much time on plant focused social media, you're likely well-aware of this highly sought after cultivar of Monstera deliciosa- the 'Thai Constellation'. With the classic leaf form of the always popular Monstera deliciosa (aka 'Swiss Cheese Plant'), combined with striking creamy white/pale yellow and green variegation that can range from light speckles to large patches, its easy to see why this plant is so popular! Because variegated Monsteras are a bit harder to grow commercially, this plant has not been widely cultivated, which has made it hard to find and very expensive in most places. Recently, some commercial growers have begun to grow them in larger quantities, so more sizes are becoming available and prices are going down slightly.
Though the care for Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation' is similar to the classic Monstera deliciosa, as with any variegated plant there are some differences so be sure to read on to learn how to care for this exciting plant.
HOW TO CARE FOR MONSTERA DELICIOSA 'THAI CONSTELLATION':
Light Requirements of Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation': This plant should be kept in bright indirect (filtered) light indoors. If grown outdoors, full shade is best. When Monstera are grown in inadequate light the plant will often become 'leggy', where the stems stretch out too far to support the leaves well, and new leaves come in increasingly smaller. Additionally, Monstera need that bright light to develop their more mature leaf form, with the splits and holes Monstera are best known for.
Watering Tips for Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation': Allow the top 1/3 of the soil to go dry before watering. If you need some help knowing when to water your plant a moisture meter is a great tool that takes out the guesswork!
The Best Soil for Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation': Your plant will grow best in a chunky, well draining soil mix. Our Folia Favorite Potting Mix is a great choice!
Is Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation' Pet Safe? Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation' is not pet safe and can be toxic when consumed by pets. If you're looking for pet-safe plants, be sure to check out the Pet Safe category of the Plant Care Compendium!
How to style Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation': Because Monstera deliciosa can grow to be a very large plant, be sure to plan ahead and ensure you have a spot with good light where this plant will have enough room to grow. We love this plant in a simple pot that lets the variegated leaves really have their moment.
Did you know? Like other Monstera, Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation' will need something to climb as it gets larger. In the wild, as hemi-epiphytes, Monstera scramble along the ground until they find a tree to climb and then they grow up the tree, using the texture of the bark to give their aerial roots a grip. As they climb, their leaves become much larger and will have more and more fenestrations- the famous splits and holes this plant is known for (shown in the photo above). Mimic this growing environment with a moss pole or a redwood/cedar plank to encourage your plant to reach that mature growth stage.
Have you been looking for a Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation' to add to your collection? Well look no further- we have more reasonably priced juvenile plants available in-store and online!
