Are you mesmerized by the striking beauty of Thai Constellation Monstera and ready to make it a centerpiece of your plant collection?
Finding this rare species relaxes the plant parents and allows them to finally tick off the not-so-ordinary genus in their dream balcony garden. The major attractions include the heart-shaped marble leaf pattern, which adds an extra layer of aesthetics to your house interiors.
So if you are ready to welcome this charm at your home, office, or gardens, read the article to know everything coming your way. From its origin to ideal growing conditions, potting, and reporting, you will find each detail till the end.
Thai Constellation Monstera Overview
Monstera Deliciosa, better known as the Swiss Cheese plant, is a flowering plant belonging to the angiosperm clade. It is found in the tropical rainforests of Central America, from Southern Mexico to Panama.
Knowing the origin of a plant is an important factor in determining its suitability for your home and envisioning the care it will need. Thai con plants are now grown worldwide in tropical, warm subtropical areas or as houseplants in temperate zones.
Mostly spotted indoors or in balcony gardens, it is typically ornamental foliage. In its natural habitat, these are indoor vine plants, hence, providing a moss pole or other support will escalate healthy growth.
Origin and Uniqueness of Monstera Thai Con
Going by the name, some may think that Thai Monstera originated in Thailand, but many botanists say that it is a result of tissue culture experiments held in the 1990s and 2000s. There is no surprise that the beauty of Monstera Thai Constellation has caused a commotion in the world of plant lovers. Over the internet, there are many doubts regarding the origin and the types of monstera since it is such a rare angiosperm.
Very few facts are known about its existence, and growers have difficulties in achieving large-scale production; hence, the tissue culture propagation method is used where small new species are grown under experienced researchers and botanists.
Owning a monstera has always been a dream for absolute plant lovers, as Thai Constellation Monstera care is quite easy. Different from its parent species, this variegation is well-known for its white-marbled pattern of leaves, which looks like a constellation in the sky.
Overview of the Monstera Family
If you are wondering about Monstera Thai Constellation Care and its types, then irrespective of its rarity and uniqueness, here are some genetic factors that you should know before buying any Thai Con plant.
Taxonomic Overview of the Monstera Family | |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Clade | Angiosperm |
Class | Monocots |
Order | Alismatales |
Family | Araceae |
Genus | Monstera |
Plant Type | Indoor Vine |
Mature Size | 16 ft tall, can be pruned anytime |
Toxicity | Toxic to pets, humans (if consumed) |
Soil Preference | Permeable, well-draining potting mix, having slow-release fertilizers |
Water Requirement | In moderation, just to keep the topsoil moist, do not overwater |
Sunlight Requirement | Plenty of bright but indirect light |
Bloom Time | Varies from species to species, and usually peaks from late summer to early fall |
Foliage Structure | Depends on its type but most of them are large heart-shaped leaves |
Propagation Methods | Soil and water method with at least one node having few leaves |
All the unique features and its exquisite look make it a must-have houseplant. Its easily manageable layout is a plus point to its beauty.
Some Popular Monstera Varieties that You Can’t Miss!
A few years back, a single leaf of Thai Constellation Monstera was as rare as a hen’s teeth. Thanks to increased mass production, as of now, these prized monsters are becoming more affordable and available. Let’s take a look at some of the popular monstera types.
Monstera Deliciosa
The most well-known and readily available of all the monstera varieties is deliciosa. Super easy to grow inside, it is an exotic-looking sapling that has large foliage. It can thrive in dappled sunlight and can grow from 3 to 70 feet tall.
Monstera Acuminata
Looking to add something green to your tight-space apartment? Your search stops here if you are lucky enough to find this rare species. A beautiful tropical species, usually grown as a houseplant in the USA. If given proper care and the right environment, it can be grown outdoors also.
Monstera Dubia
Popularly also called Shingle, this angiosperm has heart-shaped leaves. Originating from Tropical Central and South America, Dubia is an indoor vine that requires standing support to grow.
Monstera Peru
Widely known as an epiphyte, this species requires support to thrive. It is slow-growing, requires less maintenance, and has unique thick dark green foliage. Such specific variety avoids direct sunlight but requires indirect bright light to flourish.
- Monstera Obliqua: Again one of the rare species of monstera, this variety is also called a unicorn because of its different foliage type. It is said that obliqua has more holes than leaves. To make this beauty yours, you have to pay a bit over the odds.
- Monstera Adansonii: If we speak about popularity and accessibility, adansonii is no less than monstera deliciosa. The other name used for this variety is the monkey mask plant. Usually having a fast growth rate, the Thai Con genus can give an exotic touch to your interior space.
- Monstera Pinnatipartita: Commonly known as Hurricane Plant, the Moncon genus has long stems and dangling leaves. In comparison to other varieties, pinnatipartita usually has oval-shaped leaves and can grow 4–6 feet tall.
- Monstera Epipremnoids: Originally from Costa Rica, this particular type has much larger leaves than the standard monsteras. The leaves have a soft, leather-like texture and big holes in them.
- Monstera Punctulata: With a massive height of 50 feet in the wild areas and only 7–10 feet when kept indoors, this genus can give a fascinating look to your interior spaces. It is popularly known as the Schott Plant.
- Monstera Standleyana: Also called the Five Holes Plant, is an interesting variety because of its pointier and thin leaf structure. Despite the name, many standleyana don’t have any holes in their leaves.
With so many beautiful varieties of the Araceae family, each offers something unique for garden enthusiasts or propagators. No matter which variety you choose, this genus brings a remarkable tropical charm that can elevate any indoor place.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Thai Constellation Monstera
Creating the perfect environment is a key step to ensure that your Thai Con thrives and showcases its striking variegation. Though this genus is relatively low maintenance, some Monstera Thai Constellation care requirements are below. Understanding its natural habitat will help your plant grow healthy and vibrant.
- Light: Different from all the other green buddies, the mutated species generally need to work hard on photosynthesis. Since light plays a major role in this process, you need to look for a place where you have bright but indirect sunlight.
- Water: Unfortunately, Thai and root rot go hand in hand. If you are someone who likes to overwater your green babies, then Thai is not your right choice. This genus is less drought-tolerant but requires very little water to flourish.
- Temperature: A mix of both cool and warm temperature is important. Climatic measures ranging from 25 degrees to 32 degrees work best for Moncons. If all the other growing conditions work well, the temperature can be adjusted for Thai Constellation Monstera.
- Fertilizers: Water-soluble fertilizer which consists of equal amounts of Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium work best for this genus. Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) and make sure you apply the fertilizer directly to the soil, not the plant.
- Soil: Never underestimate the power of a good soil mix for your monstera. Such popular houseplants require special soil textures that cater to their needs and if you are a DIY person, you can make your own soil mix recipe for your Thai Con. Make sure you add orchid bark, coir, perlite, activated charcoal, and worm castings, and you are good to go!
By meeting the ideal growing conditions, your Thai Con will reward you with lush, and beautifully marbled leaves. Consistent care and the right balance of light and moisture can transform it into a main focal point at your home.
Potting, Repotting, and Propagation
To enhance the life of your monstera you need to take the right actions and potting, repotting, and propagation are some of them. Let’s study each step individually.
Potting and Repotting Thai Cons
Maximum monstera types can grow well in small containers or pots. While potting this genus, the main focus should be on the soil quality. If the soil texture and quality are not up to the mark, then you cannot expect your Thai Constellation to flourish well enough.
To save your plant from dying, repotting at the right time is very important. Some obvious indications from which you can figure out when to re-pot are:
- Your plant has outgrown its original pot.
- The roots are coming out of the drainage holes.
- The pot is breaking and has cracks on it.
- Deteriorated condition of the soil.
- If you notice that the roots are rotting.
Other than the common deliciosa, these monsteras can live a long life in the same pot due to their slower growth rate and low maintenance. You will only need to re-pot it once in two or three years if they have outgrown its original one.
Want to know how to re-pot your monstera like a pro? Here is a quick guide!
- Gently take out your plant from the pot.
- Check the soil condition, examine the roots, and remove the old soil.
- Your new pot should be 2 inches larger than your previous one.
- Put the plant in the pot, and fill the gaps by adding more soil to it.
- Give an adequate amount of water, put the pot back in its position, and you are done.
Constellation Monstera is quite sensitive when it comes to repotting. Sudden changes in environmental conditions can hamper its growth rate, so make sure to keep a thorough check on your plant to increase its shelf life.
Propagation
The distinguishing characteristics of this genus have drawn many plant enthusiasts towards it, hence increasing its demand, which adds to its rarity. Due to its exclusive availability, propagation is very important and can be done in two different ways.
- Soil Propagation: Take a healthy stem-cutting node, it can have 2–3 leaves. You can use a root growth stimulant to encourage nourishment before potting it. Place the node in a loose soil mix for some time and wait till you see baby roots.
You can now pot it, and make sure to use a well-draining potting mix. Make sure you only damp the soil to settle the roots and not overwater it.
- Water Propagation: Submerge the stem cutting in a jar of water and keep it in an open area in bright light but away from direct sunlight. Regularly check the water level and make sure the cutting is properly immersed in the water. After a few weeks, you will notice tiny roots, and this is your sign to put the node in its pot.
With proper tips and tricks, you have your sweet fruit of patience. Both methods have their uniqueness to produce the desired outcome. Propagation is a journey of accuracy. Using the right methods, tools, and knowledge, you can gift yourself a brand-new variegated baby.
Basic Aspects and Care Guide for Mini Monstera
Mini Monstera is a houseplant belonging to the Arum family. It is quite similar to monstera deliciosa and shares common growing conditions. This miniature originated in Southern Thailand and Malaysia.
A few basic aspects of Mini Monstera are as follows:
Basic Aspects | |
Also, Known as | Dwarf Monstera, Philodendron Ginny, Mini Swiss Cheese Plant, Little Swiss Monstera |
Scientific Name | Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma |
Family | Araceae |
Native Soil | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia) |
Size Range | 6-8 ft (indoors) & 15-20 ft (outdoors) |
As the name suggests, this variety is a mini version of Thai Constellation Monstera, but the care requirements are very similar to any other standard variety of this genus. Let’s explore a few basic requirements you need to take care of if you are planning to pot mini monstera.
Care Requirements | |
Light Exposure | Abundant indirect light |
Water | Regular moisture and water |
Temperature | Warm and humid |
Soil | Well drained nutrient rich soil |
The potting, repotting, and propagation techniques are the same as those of Monstera Deliciosa. If you are someone with green fingers, then this mini houseplant is your go-to choice.
Common Problems that Thai Cons Usually Face
As unique as the plant, so are its challenges!
No matter how many times I say that this is a low-maintenance houseplant, it is normal to face a few challenges during its growth. Many common pests and plant diseases can affect this variegated species. Some challenges are explained below for a better understanding.
Pest Infestation
Keeping a regular check can save your monstera as it is prone to pests or insects issues. In comparison to other species, this one is very strong and immune from pesticides.
Other plants around can be the carrier for a few spider mites or mealybugs that might impact your plant, but they can be treated manually.
Root Rot
This is the most common and frequently faced issue in this genus. If you are someone who likes to overwater your green baby, then it can be devastating for its health. To reduce the impact, consider cutting the affected stems, however, if all the roots are gone, you can always opt for propagation using the two methods discussed earlier.
Change in Leaf Color
Thai Cons will give you obvious signals when it’s not in the best of health. Although the change in leaf color is not a matter of much concern, if the color changes frequently to yellow or brown, then you need to keep a check. This can happen due to changes in the environment, growing conditions, or poor-quality soil or fertilizers.
Conclusion
Incorrect care practices can make your Thai Con droopy, but if given proper care and optimal growing conditions, this genus can flourish into a beautiful, vibrant spot for your centerpiece. Likewise, it can be a focal point for your indoor balcony.
A full-grown Thai Constellation Monstera is not simply a plant, it is a chic ornament that can enhance the beauty of any indoor space. So, what are you waiting for? Go and make your next plant move!
What is the best time to propagate Thai Constellation Monstera?
You will notice a good growth rate of your plant during spring or early summer.
How do you know your Monstera needs repotting?
If you notice stunted growth of your plant, the soil might be of poor quality, or when your plant has outgrown its original pot, it’s time to repot.
Is Thai Monstera sensitive to repotting?
Yes, this species requires very little maintenance and needs repotting only once in two to three years. Frequent repotting can harm the plant.
Why is Thai Monstera so expensive?
Its rarity and uniquely variegated leaves make it expensive.
What are leaf spots?
It is a fungal disease that can affect the quality and growth of your houseplant. Give proper air circulation to avoid these spots.