Monstera Thai Constellation – Features and Identification Tips

The Monstera Thai Constellation plant, often referred to as the ‘jungle’s green monster’, is a highly sought-after ornamental foliage plant. This article delves into the unique features of this plant, its origin, care tips, and why it is an excellent addition to indoor spaces such as offices, stores, restaurants, and hotels. We’ll also explore its air-purifying qualities and its symbolic association with prosperity, luck, and familial relationships.

I. Introduction to Monstera Thai Constellation

Developed through tissue culture propagation, the Monstera Thai Constellation stands out with its green leaves speckled with white or cream-colored patches, a result of chlorophyll deficiency. The name of this plant is inspired by its birthplace – a laboratory in Thailand, where plant specialists transformed its monotony into an impressive spectacle. The green backdrop adorned with cream-colored dots makes this Monstera a living piece of art.

This climbing Monstera variety thrives in tropical mountainous regions and dense forests. Given ample space and proper care, it can reach heights of 4-5 meters outdoors and 1-2 meters in indoor conditions. The Thai Constellation’s leaves are uniquely shaped with deep feather-like cuts and oval holes, growing up to 80cm in size. The cream and green patterns on its leaves add to its distinctive appeal.

The randomly arranged patterns on the Thai Constellation’s leaves are unique to each leaf, resembling a constellation, hence its name. The plant’s fruit resembles a corn cob, about 20cm in length and 3-4cm in diameter, containing oxalic acid when unripe, which can irritate the skin. However, it’s rare for the plant to bear fruit indoors.

Distinguishing Monstera Thai Constellation from Monstera Albo

Monstera Thai Constellation and Monstera Albo are often confused due to their similar appearance. The key to differentiating them lies in the color of their leaves. The Thai Constellation has light green or pale yellow leaves with constellation-like patterns, while the Albo has white or off-white patches on its leaves.

Monstera Thai Constellation vs Monstera Deliciosa

At first glance, Thai Constellation might be mistaken for Monstera Deliciosa with a few spots. However, the Thai Constellation is a unique variegated variant of the Deliciosa species. The parent plant, originating from tropical environments, is known for its delicious fruit, similar to other tropical fruits in taste and aroma.

Why is Monstera Thai Constellation So Expensive?

Monstera Thai Constellation is one of the most expensive types of Monstera Variegata, primarily due to its rarity and slow propagation process. Its widespread popularity and trendy status, especially on social media platforms like Instagram, further contribute to driving up its price. Despite its hefty cost, the unique beauty of the Thai Constellation makes it a coveted addition to many interior spaces. The slow growth and limited availability enhance its exclusivity, making it a dreamy choice for plant enthusiasts looking for something extraordinary to showcase in their living spaces.

II. Significance and Uses of the Thai Constellation Plant

Feng Shui Significance

Popular in Asian countries like Thailand, China, Vietnam, etc., the Thai Constellation plant holds special meaning in Feng Shui, revered for its beneficial properties.

• Attracting Wealth and Luck: In Feng Shui, the Thai Constellation is seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Its uniquely shaped leaves, with round holes resembling coins, are believed to attract financial fortune and luck.
• Enhancing Life Energy: This plant is known for its air-purifying abilities, removing dust and toxins, thereby not only benefiting health but also enhancing the positive energy in living spaces, making them fresher and more vibrant.
• Strengthening Relationships: In some cultures, the Thai Constellation is also seen as a symbol of connection and relationships. It is believed that growing this plant in homes or workplaces can strengthen bonds between people, fostering a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Utility

• Interior Decoration: With its impressive foliage, the Thai Constellation is often used in pots or hydroponics for decorating living rooms, work desks, homes, and office spaces.
• Air Purification: Like other types of Monstera plants, the Thai Constellation has the ability to remove some harmful gases released by electronic devices, providing a cleaner and fresher environment.

III. How to Care for Monstera Thai Constellation

The Thai Constellation is an easy-to-grow ornamental foliage plant that requires minimal maintenance. To ensure optimal growth and development, the following care tips should be observed:

• Light: Prefers indirect light and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can stunt growth and cause leaf burn, potentially killing the plant.
• Watering: Regular watering is necessary to maintain moisture, but avoid waterlogging. Water requirements may vary with growth stages. Water generously as the plant grows and re-water once the topsoil dries out.
• Fertilization: Fertilize monthly, especially in spring and summer, when the plant grows most vigorously. Suitable fertilizers for Monstera include worm castings or liquid worm extract.
• Temperature: An important factor for Monstera Thai Constellation; it thrives in temperatures ranging from 18-30°C. A humid environment is ideal for this plant.
• Pruning: Regular pruning keeps the plant aesthetically pleasing and prevents overgrowth. Also, keep the large leaves clean by wiping them with a soft cloth every 3-5 weeks.

IV. How to Plant and Propagate Monstera Thai Constellation

The Monstera Thai Constellation is renowned for its easy-going nature: simple to plant, propagate, and care for. There are three main methods to propagate this plant: stem cuttings, division, or using a moss pole.

1. Propagation by Stem Cuttings

This method can be executed in soil or water. In both scenarios, ensure your pruning shears are sterilized to avoid transmitting any diseases to the plant.

Soil Propagation:

If propagating in soil, the cutting should be about 15 – 20cm long. Make a cut above a leaf node, ensuring the cutting includes at least two leaves and one node to stimulate new growth. Allow the cutting to form a protective callus over a few days before planting.

Water Propagation:

Propagating Monstera in water is similar to soil propagation. The difference lies in the ability to observe root development in a transparent glass jar. The jar should be deep enough to accommodate your young plant. Change the water regularly, ideally every two to three days. Rainwater or distilled water is ideal, though tap water left overnight to dechlorinate is also suitable. Once the roots are long and strong enough, transfer the plant to a suitable pot.

2. Propagation by Division

If your Monstera Thai Constellation grows too large, occupying significant space in your living area, you can propagate it by division. This is an effective method to create two or more smaller plants.

First, ensure the soil is dry. Then, carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the roots using a sterilized knife. This way, you can obtain two or more smaller plants.

3. Propagation Using a Moss Pole

Sphagnum moss is known for its excellent water retention, making it a superb addition to the soil. Monstera Thai Constellation naturally clings to these moss poles, using them as support for climbing. The moss pole can also be used independently for propagation.

For this method, make a small cut below the node where the plant attaches to the moss pole. Wrap the entire section with sphagnum peat moss previously placed in plastic or a bag. Secure it with metal or plastic ties, ensuring the nodes are in contact with the moss. Moisten the moss every two or three days, and in about a month, this section will be ready to cut and plant in a suitable pot.

4. Can Monstera Thai Constellation Be Grown From Seeds?

If you’re considering growing  Thai Constellation from seeds, be aware that any seeds sold for this plant are likely fraudulent.

Thai Constellation does not grow from seeds but is bred from tissue culture in a laboratory. To ensure you get a genuine Monstera Thai Constellation, look for a young plant that has developed all the characteristics of this variety.