For anyone looking to adorn their house with large, leafy, and trendy houseplants or want their bushes to get an extra vibrant edge, the Monstera Thai Constellation is the plant to choose.
For most homeowners, the plant is a tad bit expensive but is suitable given the climate and environmental conditions required for it to grow.
Follow the steps in our guide to grow Thai Constellation Monstera in your outdoor and indoor spaces.
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What is the Monstera Thai Constellation?
Thai constellations look very much like the parent family of the Monstera, but their leaves are unique in that they are variegated. This feature makes them a beautiful adornment to most indoor and outdoor spaces.
The Monstera Thai Constellation was born in a lab! It is the result of carefully curated lab conditions, with the propagation of Monstera tissue.
The original Monstera plants originated in Thailand and are more commonly found in Panama and Mexico. The creation of this plant in the lab with unique features and tissues means that the plant’s foliage is a sight to behold.
The marbled foliage characterizes the Monstera Thai Constellation, with the plant growing up to heights crossing 20 feet! The plant is light green and dark green because the distribution of chlorophyll across the plant is unequal.
The Monstera Thai Constellation is also interspersed beautifully with holes in the leaves that may be as small as 2 inches and as large as up to 12 inches wide.
The Monstera Thai Constellation is not confused with the variegated Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana since the variegation on the Deliciosa is very likely to reduce with time. This is not the case with the Monstera Thai.
How to Grow Monstera Thai Constellation
Thai Monstera Constellation Propagation
The only preferable and less labor-intensive way of growing the Monstera Thai at home is to do it with propagation. The several methods of propagating the plant are listed below:
Monstera Thai Propagation by Air Layering
This is a generally unique propagation method, but it is easy and fail-proof. This is because the aerial roots resulting from this method increase the plant’s adaptability to both garden spaces and any new containers in which they are kept.
Firstly, select a healthy stem and use clean, sharp gardening tools to make a small cut at the node. If you are unsure of the exact process, watching a video or consulting an expert is necessary to avoid damaging your plant.
Use damp moss as a bandage, and wrap it around the cut you made, making sure it gets into place tightly. You can use a piece of plastic with some string or rope tied around it to secure the moss in place.
Next, wait a couple of weeks to remove the plastic around the cut. This time, remove the entirety of the item you selected. This stem can now be used for propagating more of the Monstera Thai Constellation plant!
Propagating Thai Constellation Monstera By Stem Cuttings
The following best method for propagation is stem cuttings from the parent Monstera Thai Constellation plant. For this, you should use the correct size of pruning shears, making sure they are sterilized, to cut a segment of the stem.
You should leave at least a third of the branch intact. The best time to undergo this process is during spring or summer, so the plant can quickly and easily replace the trimmed-out part.
Leaving leaves and aerial roots in the plant also ensures rapid growth. Next, select the correct pot and soil mixture to plant the stem segment you took from the parent place.
You can even plant the cutting in water, wait for root development and then transfer it into a pot later. You can add seaweed and light, organic plant food to give it an edge along the growing process.
The best location to undertake the propagation procedure is anywhere there is lots of sunshine! If you are propagating the stem in water first, change the water regularly.
It will take the stem around 4-6 weeks to grow roots, and at this point, you can transfer it to the pot or the ground directly.
Monstera Thai Constellation Propagation by Separation
Monstera Thai Constellation can very much overtake your other bushes and is very prone to overgrowth. For this reason, propagation by separation not only ensures a good division of your plant across multiple locations but prevents it from overrunning your entire garden.
To propagate via separation, prepare beforehand by watering your plant in advance and waiting for it to completely dry. Next, if the plant is potted, use your hands to loosen the soil from the very bottom and lift the plant out from the pot.
Make sure to do this gently and not rip up the root base in the process. Next, use a large knife to separate the soil, dividing the roots into two or more segments of the plant.
Make sure to not rip through large segments of stems and leaves. Instead just separate them from the other parts of the plant carefully, still attached to the stem.
After your segments are separated with the root ball attached, you can repot them. Make sure the soil and water conditions are ideal since the cutting needs a spurt of growth on its own, separated from the parent plant.
Monstera Thai Constellation Care Essentials
Watering Requirements
The Monstera Thai Constellation is a plant that doesn’t like showers of water and especially dislikes mushy, waterlogged soil. The maximum time you should be watering the Monstera Thai Constellation is once a week.
You may not even need to water it for this time if there has been rainfall enough to provide it with water. You should water the plant thoroughly, but make sure there is a mechanism in place for the water to drain out completely.
Get your hands dirty and check the soil for moisture levels frequently- if the top two inches of the soil are dry, your plant needs to be watered.
Overwatering the Monstera Thai Constellation can lead to the creation of a breeding ground for pests and also for diseases like root rot and black leaves.
There is definitely a high chance that you make the mistake of overwatering. If the plant is yellowing drastically, a very different color than its vibrant green, stop watering it as frequently as you have been doing.
Overwatering the plant also leads to a salt buildup on the roots that clogs the routes carrying essential nutrients to the Monstera Thai Constellation.
Fertilizer
The Monstera Thai Constellation can grow all the more vibrant when fertilized frequently, in intervals of 6 weeks, especially during the growing period. Indoor plant fertilizers and other mild fertilizers curated specially for the Monstera Thai Constellation do your plant a lot of good by giving it nutrients during the crucial growing period.
Younger plants’ root systems are greatly strengthened by adequate amounts of fertilizer. If it seems that your plant, during the winter, doesn’t look the most active and seems to have stunted growth, there is nothing to worry about.
During the winters, the Monstera Thai Constellation requires fewer nutrients, so you shouldn’t be giving it any booster food or fertilizer at all. Giving it fertilizer during this time can result in fertilizer burn, and that can be deadly to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Monstera Thai Constellations are quite particular about the soil conditions they prefer to grow in. The best consistency of soil should be moist and grainy, not mushy and watery.
Soil with high organic matter and additional perlite to assist draining also keep the plant healthy and strong. Peaty soils in pots that have a draining mechanism prevent waterlogging in the plant and also ensure that nutrients in the soil aren’t run off and wasted.
The pH levels required for the soil are around 5.5-7.0, so there can be some variation from acidic soil to neutral soil.
Pruning Monstera Thai Constellation
The Monstera Thai Constellation requires less pruning, making it a convenient indoor plant. Pruning is recommended to manage the plant's size and to remove dead or damaged leaves.
Before you begin, disinfect your cleaning tool with isopropyl liquid or alcohol swabs. This prevents cross-contamination between the different plants you own and handle.
If your Monstera plant has grown too huge, you can trim it to control its growth, but be sure to cut away only what's necessary. Pruning also aids with infection management.
To regulate the health of your plants, remove diseased plant sections. Make sure to wear gloves while pruning, since the sap from the foliage can cause skin irritation.
Issues Commonly Faced by the Thai Constellation Plant
Diseases & Pests
Spider mites and mealybugs are the most frequent illnesses and pests that you may face when caring for your Thai Constellation Monstera. The plant is also prone to, as previously indicated, is prone to root rot if overwatered.
The greatest prevention for the bulk of the pests mentioned is to have a routine of checking up on your plant, so you can intervene as soon as something goes wrong.
To get rid of pests, you can use anti-insect concoctions and use a spray bottle to spread the diluted mixture onto the area with pests.
Toxicity
The Monstera Thai Constellation, if ingested, is toxic to humans. When the plant is consumed in high quantities, it can induce symptoms such as burning of the lips, throat, and mouth, difficulty breathing or swallowing, nausea, and vomiting/diarrhea.
If you have any of these symptoms, get immediate medical treatment. Thai Constellation Monstera is also poisonous to pets, particularly cats and dogs.
Even a small amount of the plant, when ingested by pets, can create major reactions. Indications that your pet has bitten or consumed a piece of your Thai Constellation plant include extreme burning or irritation of the mouth, tongue, or lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing.
Take your pet to the vet immediately should you notice these symptoms. If you happen to have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, keeping the Monstera Thai Constellation may not be the right choice for you.
The sap of the plant contains irritants, and everyone regardless of skin type should use gloves while handling the plant.
Root rot
Thai Monsteras are especially susceptible to root rot, and overwatering is the primary reason for root rot. Too much water means there isn't enough oxygen for the roots to breathe.
Dense soil can also cause waterlogging, so you should always prefer well-draining soil for your Monstera Thai Constellation plant. It is recommended that you aerate the soil before planting cuttings of Monstera Thai Constellation in the pot.
Root Balls that have been afflicted by root rot will be dark and mushy. Typically, the leaves will be weak, wilted, and yellow. Check the roots of your Monstera by removing it from the pot.
It can swiftly spread to infect good roots as well, so don't delay any kind of treatment, to ensure the survival of your plant.
Final Tips for Monstera Thai Constellation
- When completely matured, the plant may reach quite a height. To support its aerial roots and foster development, use solid supports like stakes or moss sticks.
- You should dust your plant's leaves on a regular basis; otherwise, the collected dust will interfere with photosynthesis.
- You don't have to chop the entire leaf if the tips turn brown. Simply trim the brown portion of the leaf while keeping the original shape of the leaf in mind.
- Rotate your plant on a regular basis to provide even watering from all sides.
- Monstera Deliciosa Thai Constellation has a deep root structure, therefore gardeners recommend planting it in a deep pot rather than a shallow one to ensure healthy root growth.
Are you looking for more Monstera plants to grow? See our complete growing guide on Monstera Deliciosa.
Monstera Thai Constellation FAQs
Is Monstera Thai Constellation rare?
Monstera Thai Constellation isn’t particularly rare, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to come by, and definitely not cheap. Compared to other Monstera varieties, Thai constellation is harder to grow, and slower to mature thanks to its larger leaves, making it less likely to be spotted in your local garden center.
Is Monstera Thai Constellation hard to care for?
Monstera Thai Constellation is pretty straightforward to care for but they are slightly more complicated to keep happy than most Monstera varieties.
Monstera is generally happy in slightly dry soil, but Monstera Thai Constellation needs consistent moisture levels to maintain even coloring on developing foliage.
How much does a Monstera Thai Constellation cost?
Young Monstera Thai Constellations can be found for as little as $40, but they really are small plants. For a statement plant that’s ready to make an impact in your home, you can pay up and over $500 for a mature Thai Constellation Monstera.
Should I mist my Monstera Thai Constellation?
Thai Constellation Monstera needs reasonably high humidity, and while misting isn’t essential it is still beneficial, reducing stress on the foliage, and stopping roots aerial roots from taking over and potentially reverting coloring through new shoots if the lower part of the plant becomes stressed.
How big does Monstera Thai Constellation get?
Each vine of Thai Constellation Monstera can reach 5-10m long as they are exceptionally good climbers. However, a more typical size for Thai Constellation Monstera grown indoors is about 6-8 ft.
If a Monstera gets any bigger than that in a container, it will start producing more and more aerial roots and slowing down foliage.
Does Monstera Thai Constellation need a pole?
Like all Monstera, Thai Constellation is an epiphytic plant, meaning they like to cling onto the bark of other plants for support. They don’t necessarily take moisture in from their clinging roots and can be tied into twine or wire supports just as well, but for a more natural look, growing Thai Constellation Monstera up a moss pole allows it to perform to its best.
Is Monstera Thai Constellation slow growing?
Thai Constellation Monstera is slower growing than most of its family, but can still grow 1ft per year until they reach maturity, and will regularly produce new vines if properly cared for.
Wrapping Up Our Monstera Thai Constellation Guide
Monstera Thai Constellation is a relatively simple plant to cultivate if the proper conditions are met. The beauty it brings to many garden spaces makes it a favorite among homeowners across the world.
Join the legions of admirers this plant has using the guide above. We hope the guide helped you understand the plant's requirements and gave you the courage to confidently grow your Monstera Thai Constellation!
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