Indoor plant trends come and go, but variegated Monstera varieties — particularly the Thai Constellation — remain one of the most sought-after houseplants.
The ‘Thai Constellation’ variegated Monstera is a small indoor vine with white-dappled leaves that has only been available in Australia since 2019. Back then, buying a 25cm plant in a pot would set you back around $300. While purchasing a full-size plant online reportedly costs up to $1100.
In a recent episode of Better Homes and Gardens, horticulturist Graham Ross says, “Now the price is down to around about $100 per plant. So be careful when you go to buy these, you can end up spending a lot of money.”
He adds, “Wait, and the prices will gradually drop.”
So, what makes this Thai Constellation Monstera so special?
This special variegated Monstera is grown in a plant lab. Without scientists’ help, the plant would not have the unique colouring it is known for.
In fact, reports say that only 1 in 50,000 Monstera plants naturally have this colouring, since it is a rare genetic mutation.
Care and maintenance of Monstera Thai Constellation
Similar to the non-variegated forms of Monstera, the Monstera Thai Constellation is very easy to look after.
“It’s tough, it’s hardy, and as long as you give it plenty of indirect light, you’ll get lots of the lighter coloured splashes [on the leaves],” says Graham.
“No draughts,” he adds. “The minute you get a draught, you start to get dead patches on the leaves.”
Apart from indirect light, Monstera Thai Constellation needs moisture.
“Moisture is really critical,” says Graham. “If the plant dries out, you end up with dead patches at the ends of these leaves.
“So keep it well watered, and if it drains out the bottom, give it a bit of a shake. Do that once or twice a week, and your plant will be happy.”
What is the rarest variegation of Monstera?
While there are several types of variegated monstera, the Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation are two of the most sought-after.
The Albo (Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’) has big white patches on its leaves because of a natural change in its genes. Its colour is unstable so that it can revert to green. Owners often trim the plant to keep the bright white leaves.
Because Albo can only be propagated from stem cuttings, it is considered rarer and more expensive. On the other hand, as mentioned, the Thai Constellation was made in a lab, making it easier to produce. Additionally, rare types like “Mint Thai Constellation” or “half-moon leaves” are other variegated forms of monstera that are also popular.
Although Thai Constellations won’t dramatically increase in variegation over time, bright, indirect light can help bring out more creamy tones.
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