Monstera Thai Constellation Care – Ultimate Guide

Monstera Thai Constellation Care

Are you looking for a unique, low-maintenance houseplant to add life to your home? If so, then the Monstera Thai Constellation is an excellent choice.

This beautiful plant has eye-catching foliage and requires minimal care, making it a great addition for all types of gardeners.

With its lush green leaves and intricate patterns, this tropical plant will be sure to bring beauty and vibrancy into any room.

Plus, with proper care, it can live up to 20 years or more! Learn how easy it is to take care of the Monstera Thai Constellation in this article.

Read on to learn more on Monstera Thai Constellation care.

Scientific nameMonstera Deliciosa Thai Constellation
Other namesMonstera Deliciosa, Fruit salad plant
NativeSouthern Mexico and Panama
FamilyAraceae
GenusMonstera
Growth zoneUSDA 11b to 12
Plant typeEvergreen
Growth size4-6 feet tall
Growth rateModerate to fast
LeavesVariegated
Fenestrated
FloweringDuring the growing season
FruitingSpadix fruiting
ToxicityToxic to humans and pets
Common pestsSpider mites, Brown scales, Mealy bugs
DiseasesSouthern blight, Bacterial leaf spot, Dasheen Mosaic Virus, Powdery mildew

What is Monstera Thai Constellation?

Monstera Thai Constellation, also known as Monstera Deliciosa, is a stunning tropical plant native to Southern Mexico and Panama.

The name Thai comes from a mutation in the plant’s tissue culture which gives it a unique silver-gold coloration.

The mutation was originally produced in a lab in Thailand and is known as the “Thai Constellation” or “Thai Stars,” making it a truly special find.

The plant has large, glossy green leaves with deeply incised openings that give it a unique three-dimensional look.

It’s fruiting and flowering can be found in its natural habitat but rarely indoors.

When it comes to toxicity, Thai Constellation is known to be toxic, making it a plant that should be kept away from children and pets.

How Do You Identify a Monstera Thai Constellation?

Monstera Thai Constellation can easily be identified by its large, glossy green leaves with deeply incised openings. The leaves are slightly serrated and often have a unique, almost crescent shape.

The plant also has a unique silver-gold coloration that sets it apart from other Monstera plants. Also, to identify a Thai Constellation, look for the veins that form an intricate pattern on the leaves.

The root system of the plant is quite large and the stem structure features aerial roots that are often seen climbing up nearby objects.

This tropical plant also produces fruits, which will be a great treat for those who get to see it in its natural habitat.

Monstera Thai Constellation Care Needs

Monstera Thai Constellation is a fairly easy plant to care for and requires minimal effort.

We have outlined some factors below that are essential for the health and longevity of your Monstera Thai Constellation.

Lighting

Having a thriving Monstera Thai Constellation at home requires an understanding of its native habitat in order to replicate the best possible lighting conditions.

These fascinating rainforest plants despise direct sunlight and prefer to climb using aerial roots as they seek the light that best suits them.

Ideally, you’ll want to provide them with bright to medium, indirect bright light, creating a cozy yet well-lit environment for them to flourish.

Monstera Thai Constellations require about 8-10 hours of optimal lighting daily. You can also opt for LED grow lights, which should be used for 10-12 hours a day to ensure the plant receives the appropriate amount of light.

The perfect placement for your Monstera Thai Constellation is in a warm spot exposed to indirect or slightly filtered light.

However, be cautious not to subject the plant to direct sunlight, as it can cause burns and irreparable damage to the leaves.

Similarly, avoid planting them in full-shade areas to guarantee their vibrant growth.

Signs Your Monstera Thai Constellation Needs More Light

  • The leaves become faded or yellowish
  • Your plant isn’t producing new growth
  • The stem becomes weak, as the aerial roots are not able to support it
  • The lower leaves start to fall off easily and have a dry texture

How to Maximize Light Exposure?

If you find that the Monstera Thai Constellation is not receiving enough light in its current placement, there are a few ways to maximize its exposure.

  • Move the plant closer to an adequately lit window
  • Place sheer curtains on windows or use sheer fabric to cover up certain areas of the room in order to filter direct sunlight
  • Place the plant on a shelf or higher up in order to increase its light exposure even more

Watering

Caring for a Monstera Thai Constellation requires a keen understanding of its water needs to ensure optimal growth and vitality.

A moderate watering regimen is ideal, with the frequency of hydration varying depending on the season.

To determine when it’s time to quench your plant’s thirst, always pay close attention to the top 2 inches of the soil.

If it feels dry, your Monstera is ready for a drink. Various methods can be used to test soil dryness, such as the finger test, the poke-a-stick technique, or a moisture meter.

Among these, using a moisture meter is the most accurate approach, with a reading of 3 indicating that it’s time to water your plant.

During the active growing seasons of summer and spring, you may find that watering once a week suffices.

However, in the dormant winter months, you can reduce the frequency to once every two weeks as the plant’s growth slows down.

How to Water Monstera Thai Constellation

To achieve this, it’s essential to add water slowly and steadily, allowing each pour to soak fully into the soil. This will allow the water to evenly distribute throughout the plant’s root system.

Look for water draining out of the drainage holes as a sign that the soil has reached saturation; this is an indication that you’ve provided enough hydration for your precious houseplant.

Make sure to empty the drain tray after watering to avoid root rot. It’s crucial to use the right type of water – room-temperature rainwater or distilled water are ideal choices.

Signs of Underwatering

  • Wilting leaves
  • Brittle stems and crispy foliage
  • Yellowing leaves due to lack of hydration

Signs of Overwatering

  • Soft and squishy leaves
  • Mushy stems along with yellowing foliage
  • Root rot caused by too much moisture

Related Post: Can Monstera Grow in Water?

Temperature

The Monstera Thai Constellation’s temperature tolerance ranges from 65 to 85℉ (18 to 29 degrees Celsius), reminiscent of its tropical roots.

Maintaining this ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and keeps the plant content in its indoor surroundings.

It is crucial to consider the Monstera Thai Constellation’s temperature tolerance, as exposing the plant to extreme conditions could negatively affect its vitality.

Temperatures below 55℉ (13 degrees Celsius) cause a noticeable slowdown in growth, while temperatures below 50℉ (10 degrees Celsius) risk causing shock and even death.

On the other hand, excessively hot environments surpassing 90℉ lead to the drying of the plant’s stem and leaves due to transpiration.

Factors that Affect Temperature

In order to keep the Monstera Thai Constellation happy, it’s essential to consider factors that affect temperature.

Air conditioning and drafty windows are two such factors to take into account, as they can significantly reduce the temperature of an indoor space.

In order to keep your Monstera thriving in its current placement, you may want to invest in a thermostat or a space heater to ensure that the temperature remains within the ideal range.

Tips for Maintaining Optimal Temperature

  • Place the Monstera Thai Constellation away from drafty windows, radiators, and air conditioners.
  • Invest in a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your home.
  • Use a space heater or thermostat to maintain an ideal temperature range.
  • Keep the plant away from air conditioners and heaters.
  • Keep humidity levels elevated to reduce the stress of temperature changes.

Humidity

Ideally, this ever-popular plant thrives in environments with medium to high humidity, specifically within a range of 60% to 80%.

Fortunately, the majority of households can provide suitable humidity levels without needing to make significant adjustments, especially for those living in warmer, more tropical climates.

It is important to be mindful of fluctuations in humidity, as extreme dryness or excessive moisture can be harmful to the plant’s overall health.

Winter months might pose a concern in some regions when indoor heaters cause the air to become excessively dry.

To monitor and ensure the optimum humidity levels for your Monstera Thai Constellation, it is advised to use a hygrometer.

This simple yet effective tool will help you maintain the ideal living conditions and keep your plant thriving and happy.

How to Ensure the Right Humidity Level?

  • Mist the leaves of your Monstera Thai Constellation with distilled water every day.
  • Place a humidifier near the plant to maintain an ideal humidity level.
  • Invest in a hygrometer for monitoring and regulating the humidity levels.
  • Put the plant’s pot on top of a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring that the base of the pot does not touch the water.
  • Group plants together to maintain humidity levels in a room.
  • Place damp houseplant-friendly sphagnum moss around the pot to maintain humidity levels.
  • Increase the humidity by making a cloche out of a plastic bag or glass jar.

Low Humidity Signs

  • Dry, brittle leaves
  • Wilting or drooping foliage
  • Fading and browning leaf tips
  • Yellowing foliage, along with other signs of distress
  • Interior dust accumulation

High Humidity Signs

  • Yellowing foliage due to a lack of ventilation
  • Leaves with obvious watermarks
  • Fungal spots on the leaves
  • Stunted growth or wilting leaves due to too much moisture

Position

The perfect positioning of a Monstera Thai Constellation plant can significantly enhance its growth, beauty, and overall health.

Depending on its size, the location should accommodate sufficient space for the plant’s spectacular foliage, which can reach up to three feet per leaf and equal or surpass the height of your ceiling.

To flourish, these captivating variegated plants require an environment with the right combination of temperature and humidity.

Placing your variegated Monstera Thai Constellation near an east-facing window is recommended, as they thrive in indirect light, allowing them to bask in the gentle morning sun.

For south or west-facing windows, using sheer curtains or fabric can create the ideal filtered light environment.

A north-facing window could be a viable option but might not offer enough light for optimal growth.

Additionally, you can apply Feng Shui principles to maximize energy flow, creating a harmonious space that complements the stunning appearance of your Monstera Thai Constellation.

Where Not to Place Monstera Thai Constellation in the Home

  • Avoid placing these tropical plants near windows or in areas exposed to direct sunlight, as their fragile leaves can quickly get sunburned.
  • They should also be kept away from air conditioners and other sources of artificial wind, as these can dehydrate the plant.
  • An overly drafty space is not recommended, as this can cause the leaves to dry out and make them vulnerable to pests.
  • Finally, you should also stay away from dark areas, as Monstera Thai Constellation plants need plenty of light to thrive.

Fertilizer

Caring for a Monstera Thai Constellation plant involves understanding its unique fertilization needs to ensure healthy growth and vibrant leaf patterns.

Although most potting soils are initially enriched with essential nutrients, these get depleted within 6 to 12 months, making it necessary to replenish them with high-quality organic house plant fertilizer.

Think of it as providing essential vitamins for your plant, similar to how we require multivitamins for optimal health.

Monstera Thai Constellation benefits from both large doses of macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K); and small doses of secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Micronutrients such as iron, copper, boron, zinc, chlorine, and nickel are also indispensable for proper growth.

The frequency of fertilization depends on the growth stage of your plant: during its active growth stage in summer and spring, fertilize 1 to 2 times monthly, while it’s best not to fertilize your monstera during its dormancy stage in late fall and winter.

What Fertilizer is Best for Monstera Thai Constellation

Best choice – Balanced Liquid NPK fertilizer of 20:20:20 ratio or 10-10-10 ratio.

For a slow release, opt for an organic granular fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio of 5:2:4 or 6:2:4, as these are specially designed for tropical plants.

Always opt for a complete fertilizer that is all-purpose and not specialized for just one type of plant.

The ideal NPK ratio should be between 20-20-20 and 10-10-10, as this will provide the right amount of macro and micronutrients to your Monstera Thai Constellation.

It is also important to use a water-soluble fertilizer specifically designed for potted plants, as these will dissolve faster and provide the necessary nourishment to your plant.

How to Apply Fertilizer

Fertilizing your Monstera Thai Constellation is a relatively easy process.

  • Start by thoroughly watering the plant to ensure that all the soil is moist and damp.
  • Next, prepare the fertilizer according to the instructions on the label.
  • When ready, mix it in with your plant’s potting soil or add directly to the soil surface.
  • Finally, depending on whether you are using a liquid or granular fertilizer, apply it either directly onto the leaves of your Monstera Thai Constellation or around its base in an even manner.
  • Once done, water thoroughly to ensure that all the nutrients are absorbed by the plant’s roots.

Signs of Over-Fertilization

It is possible to give too much fertilizer to your Monstera Thai Constellation, so it is important to keep an eye out for signs of over-fertilization.

These include yellowing of leaves, slowed growth, drooping, discoloration on the leaf tips, and other parts of the plant.

If these symptoms are noticed, stop fertilizing immediately and flush the soil with plenty of water to help clear out any excess fertilizer.

If you notice these signs after every application of fertilizer, reduce the dosage and frequency of feeding until the plant starts showing signs of improved health.

Signs of Under-Fertilization

On the other hand, signs of under-fertilization include pale and yellow-tinged leaves, stunted growth, or slow leaf development.

To remedy this situation, increase the frequency and/or dosage of fertilizer until your Monstera Thai Constellation begins to show improved health.

Pruning

Pruning your Monstera Thai Constellation is an essential practice to ensure the overall health and vitality of this striking houseplant.

By trimming older foliage, you can prevent potential infections such as stem rot and, at the same time, manage the plant’s size so that it complements your living space.

The ideal time to prune your Monstera Thai Constellation is during early spring, as the plant is preparing for its high growth period, which allows for faster recovery after the trimming process.

On the other hand, it’s recommended to avoid pruning during periods of dormancy, such as winter, when limited sunlight hinders the plant’s ability to generate glucose for growth.

Tools Needed for Pruning Monstera Thai Constellation

Here are the tools you need for the successful pruning of your Monstera Thai Constellation:

  • Pruners – use sharp and clean pruners to cut away damaged or dead leaves
  • Fungicide – spray a fungicidal solution on the pruned areas to prevent fungal infections
  • Humidity Tray – set up a humidity tray underneath the plant to keep the air around it humid
  • Fertilizer – fertilize your Monstera Thai Constellation after pruning to help it repair and recover
  • Soil – mix quality potting soil with compost or fertilizers to improve the overall health of your plant

How to Prune Monstera Thai Constellation

  • To begin pruning your Monstera Thai Constellation, start by removing any dead or damaged leaves.
  • Be sure to use sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
  • Once you have removed all the affected leaves, spray a fungicidal solution onto the cut areas to protect your Monstera Thai Constellation from fungal infections.
  • Once the pruning is complete, set up a humidity tray underneath your plant to help keep the air around it humid and moist.
  • Finally, fertilize your Monstera Thai Constellation with a balanced fertilizer to help it recover quickly from the pruning process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Pruning Monstera Thai Constellation

Pruning your Monstera Thai Constellation is an essential part of its care, but it is important to avoid common mistakes when doing so.

These include:

  • Cutting too far back – be sure to only remove affected or dead leaves and not healthy ones.
  • Pruning during dormancy – avoid pruning during winter as the plant’s growth is limited during this time.
  • Not disinfecting pruning shears – always use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging your plant.
  • Not spraying fungicide – spray a fungicidal solution onto the cut areas to protect your Monstera Thai Constellation from fungal infections.
  • Not fertilizing after pruning – fertilize your Monstera Thai Constellation after pruning to help it repair and recover.

Monstera Thai Constellation Propagation

Propagating a Monstera Thai Constellation at home is a rewarding and relatively simple process.

All you need are a few basic supplies such as a sharp knife or scissors, a suitable growing medium like soil, vermiculite, or coco coir, some water, trays or containers, and optional items like plastic bags for maintaining humidity and a propagation promoter.

Step 1

Begin by carefully assessing your plant and selecting a healthy, green, and straight stem that has at least one or more leaves.

Aim for a 4-6 inch cutting with a minimum of one node, using sterile tools to make a clean cut just below the node.

It is beneficial to allow the cutting to rest for a few days prior to proceeding, as this encourages callous formation, which can aid in faster root development.

Step 2

Once you have prepared the cutting, it’s time to establish the roots using your chosen growing medium.

Fill the container with your medium and make a hole for the cutting to sit in. Gently place the cutting into the hole and press down slightly to secure it in place.

Sprinkle some water over the top and optionally cover with a plastic bag to create an environment of high humidity, which helps with root growth.

Step 3

Ensure that the soil is kept moist and never allowed to completely dry out during this rooting period. Monitor your cutting closely and wait patiently for new growth to appear.

Once you see some signs of life, it’s time to give your Monstera Thai Constellation some more care.

Move the cutting to a new, larger pot filled with high-quality soil and provide regular watering, light, and nutrients as necessary.

With the right care, your Monstera Thai Constellation will soon be thriving.

Potting & Repotting

Repotting your Monstera Thai Constellation is an essential aspect of maintaining its health and vitality.

While these plants can thrive in containers for a short period, over time, they will eventually outgrow their home and require a more spacious environment to allow for robust root expansion.

This not only prevents the unfortunate scenario of the plant becoming root bound but also offers an opportunity to refresh the potting mix, providing the Monstera with renewed nutrients to support its luscious growth.

Knowing when to repot is equally important; young, growing plants typically benefit from annual repotting, while their mature counterparts can wait for 2-3 years between repotting.

Observing your beloved Monstera Thai Constellation for signs of distress, such as disease or roots spreading through drainage holes, will also indicate when it’s time to give it a fresh new space to continue its journey.

How to Pot & Repot Monstera Thai Constellation Step by Step

Supplies

  • New monstera pot with drainage holes
  • High-quality well-draining soil
  • Watering can

Step 1

Gently remove your Monstera Thai Constellation from its current pot and inspect the roots.

If they appear healthy, you can transfer it straight into a new pot filled with fresh soil. If the roots are root bound or unhealthy, prune them back with sterilized scissors before proceeding.

You’ll want to measure the plant pot before repotting to make sure you have the right size pot for your plant.

Step 2

Fill the new pot with fresh soil and gently place the Monstera Thai Constellation in the center.

Position it so that the bottom leaves are just above the soil line and press down the soil around the base gently to secure it.

Step 3

Water generously until the water drains out of the bottom and allow it to sit for a few minutes before discarding any excess water.

Step 4

Place your Monstera Thai Constellation back in its preferred spot and enjoy the view.

Additional Tips

  • Provide your Monstera Thai Constellation with a warm and humid environment, along with plenty of bright indirect light.
  • Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season for best results.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and use natural solutions to remove them.
  • Trim your Monstera Thai Constellation as needed to encourage bushier growth.
  • Check the soil regularly and water when the top half inch is dry.
  • Repot every 2-3 years or as needed to prevent root boundness.
  • Prune older leaves to encourage regrowth and maintain an attractive shape.

Soil Drainage and Aeration

Ensuring Monstera Thai Constellation roots receive adequate oxygen and optimal nutrient uptake is crucial to their growth and overall health.

To achieve this, it is important to provide an ideal soil mixture that is well-draining and rich in organic matter while retaining a light, fluffy texture that doesn’t become densely packed.

A balanced pH in the range of 5.5 to 7 is essential, as it plays a significant role in nutrient uptake. Should the pH need adjustment, lime can be used to raise it while sulfur can lower it.

In addition to these factors, maintaining the right soil moisture is vital for a thriving Monstera Thai Constellation; the soil should be consistently slightly damp, but not soggy.

Utilizing a Monstera-specific soil mix can aid in ensuring the proper amount of moisture is retained for optimal growth.

Best Commercial Potting Mix for Monstera Thai Constellation

When it comes to selecting the best potting mix for your Monstera Thai Constellation, look for one that is designed specifically for tropical plants.

These specialty mixes should be light and well-draining while still offering enough moisture retention for your Monstera’s roots.

Here are some top recommendations

Premium Monstera Potting Soil

[amazon box=”B08VYBJXXM” template=”horizontal”]

Sun Gro Horticulture Black Gold 1310102 8-Quart All Purpose Potting Mix

[amazon box=”B005IZ2SJ8″ template=”horizontal”]

Signs the Soil Isn’t Suitable for Monstera Thai Constellation

If the soil is too dense, air pockets can become compressed and oxygen deprived, which can lead to root rot and other serious issues.

Additionally, when the soil is lacking in organic matter or nutrient-rich ingredients necessary for healthy growth, your Monstera Thai Constellation may show signs of distress such as drooping leaves or weak new growth.

Toxicity of Monstera Thai Constellation

Monstera Thai Constellation is considered toxic if ingested by humans or animals as it may cause irritation and burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach.

For Pets

If you have pets, it is important to consider the toxicity of this plant when deciding where to place it in your home.

It is best to keep it out of reach or in an area that is not easily accessible by your furry friends.

Additionally, make sure to regularly inspect for any signs of nibbling as this could be indicative of a possible ingestion.

Causes of Toxicity

The sap of Monstera Thai Constellation has a high concentration of calcium oxalate, which is the cause of its toxicity.

This compound causes irritation when it comes into contact with the skin, eyes, or mouth. Ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms of Toxicity

If a person or pet has ingested Monstera Thai Constellation, they may experience the following symptoms:

  • Mouth and throat irritation
  • Burning sensation
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Vomiting

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that someone or an animal has ingested this plant.

For Humans

If you have small children or pets in your home, it is important to keep Monstera Thai Constellation out of their reach as ingestion can be harmful.

Additionally, be sure to wear gloves when handling this plant and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards to avoid skin irritation.

Be especially careful if you are pruning the leaves or stems as sap may come into contact with your skin and cause irritation.

What are Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Plants?

Calcium oxalate crystals are insoluble, needle-shaped crystals that can form in some plants such as Monstera Thai Constellation.

These crystals cause a stinging or burning sensation when they come into contact with the skin, eyes, and mouth.

Ingestion of these crystals can lead to more serious symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.

To prevent possible reactions to these crystals, it is important to wear gloves when pruning or handling Monstera Thai Constellation and to keep it out of reach of small children or pets.

Additionally, wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant to avoid skin irritation. If you suspect that someone has ingested this plant, seek medical attention immediately.

Common Problems with Monstera Thai Constellation

Although Monstera Thai Constellation is a relatively easy plant to care for, there are some common problems that you should be aware of.

Pests Infestation

Monstera Thai Constellation, though relatively resistant to indoor bugs, can occasionally fall victim to common pests such as spider mites, scale, thrips, and fungus gnats.

These phytophagous insects are attracted to the plant because they feed on its sap and plant tissues, causing harm in different ways.

For instance, scale insects tend to cluster around the leaf joints and plant stem, while adult fungus gnats, though not harmful themselves, produce larvae that feast on the roots.

Meanwhile, thrips extract moisture from the plant, leaving visible damage in their wake. When left uncontrolled, these pests can, in the worst-case scenario, potentially kill the Monstera Thai Constellation.

Diseases

The Monstera Thai Constellation is prone to various diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and crown rot.

Root rot, caused by overwatering or poor drainage, can result in the plant wilting and yellowing of leaves.

Leaf spot is a fungal disease that typically appears as small black spots on the foliage, while crown rot occurs when the base of the stem rots and turns brown.

To prevent these diseases from occurring, make sure to provide your Monstera Thai Constellation with proper drainage and avoid overwatering.

Additionally, ensure that the soil is not too compacted as this can inhibit flow in the roots.

Root Rot

Monstera root rot is a common problem in Thai Constellation and it occurs when the roots are overwatered or there is poor drainage.

Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing of leaves and brown spots on the stem. To prevent this disease, make sure to provide the plant with proper drainage and avoid overwatering.

Additionally, ensure that the soil is not too compacted, as this can inhibit flow in the roots.

Leaves Turning Brown

Leaves turning brown is a common problem with Monstera Thai Constellation and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as improper watering or too much direct sunlight.

To prevent leaves from turning brown, make sure to water the plant only when the soil is dry and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.

Additionally, check for pests or diseases that could be causing the leaves to turn brown.

Conclusion

Monstera Thai Constellation is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that can bring a touch of the tropics to any home.

However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks posed by its needle-like calcium oxalate crystals as well as common pests and diseases.

By taking proper precautions such as wearing gloves and avoiding overwatering, you can ensure that your Monstera Thai Constellation stays healthy and happy for years to come.

When cared for properly, this plant can be a delightful addition to any home and bring a touch of the tropics to any space.

Leave a Comment