Monsteras, or Swiss cheese plants, are popular tropical evergreens that many houseplant lovers know the virtues of. Their easy-going nature and large, eye-catching leaves make them a hit for novices and experts alike. 

Until recently, specialty variations were hard to find and quite costly. However, it’s becoming easier to acquire them for a more reasonable price. 

Word of their relative ease of propagation has gotten around, and many houseplant enthusiasts are multiplying their plants and sharing them with others. This newfound availability makes those rare varieties more widely available to the general public. 

What Is ‘Thai Constellation’ Monstera?

It is affordable, stunning, low-maintenance, and has bold variegation with star-like patterns.

As monstera cultivars go, ‘Thai Constellation’ is neither the rarest, nor is it the most common of varieties. The result of this is that it tends to be well-priced in comparison to some of the rarer varieties but still has great visual appeal. It’s a stunning, variegated monstera that’s low-maintenance and has a flashy, splashy personality.

Characteristics

This evergreen perennial has smooth green leaves, each with cream patterns like scattered stars.

‘Thai Constellation’ monstera is an evergreen perennial in the Arum family. It has large, smooth, green leaves with beautiful cream-colored variegation. The markings on the leaves resemble a smattering of stars against a night sky, which is where it gets its name. Each leaf has its own distinct pattern and is completely unique.

As the plant ages, the leaves will grow larger and take on the familiar fenestration that is typical to monsteras. Natural holes appear in the leaves, which increase in number as the plant ages. Younger leaves may only have a couple of holes, where older leaves will have significantly more. 

In terms of growth, ‘Thai Constellation’ is a climber, like the non-variegated Monstera deliciosa. However, the leaves produce less chlorophyll, so it doesn’t grow quite as fast. It also tends to have a tighter, bushier habit rather than a fast upward habit. 

 As it grows taller, this plant will produce aerial roots which help it to climb. It’s helpful to give it a moss pole or other support if you want to see upward growth. 

While it’s rare to see it in houseplants, these do produce flowers under ideal circumstances. Like other members of its family, the flowers are simple, with a white spathe surrounding a single spadix. If fertilized, edible fruit will follow.

Native Area

Native to rainforests, it climbs trees, prefers humidity, and grows best in indirect light.

Monstera deliciosas are native to the Mexican and South American rainforests. They are terrestrial, but grow vertically, climbing trees. They like indirect light, and high humidity.

‘Thai Constellation’ is a sport of Monstera ‘Albo Variegata,’ which is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Introduced in Thailand in 1990, it has slightly different coloration. While ‘Albo Variegata’ tends to have large swaths of white, sometimes covering half or more of a single leaf, ‘Thai Constellation’ has more of a uniform appearance of white speckles on green leaves. 

Planting

This is a low-maintenance houseplant that thrives indoors unless you’re in zones 10 or 11.

I find this to be among the easiest houseplants to care for. In zones 10-12 you can plant it outdoors, but for most of us, it needs to live indoors, at least in the winter. 

Transplanting

Repot early after purchase into a pot one or two inches wider than the root ball.

I recommend transplanting to a larger container soon after bringing your plant home. They are not fond of being root bound, so make sure to give them some space to spread out. Size up to a container that is one to two inches larger than the current root ball. These grow fast, so I prefer to go a bit larger with the container. 

Growing From Seed

‘Thai Constellation’ monstera is a clone, so seeds are sterile and unreliable for propagation.

Seeds are rare and difficult to procure, and don’t necessarily breed true. Seeds are unpredictable at best, as ‘Thai Constellation’ is a clone, and the seeds are often sterile.

How to Grow

These are beautiful, resilient plants that balance showiness with simple care.

Monsteras are one of the most forgiving houseplants I’ve grown. If you want a plant that is a great balance of impressive appearance and ease of care, this is an excellent option. 

Light

Bright indirect light suits this plant best, especially since variegated types need more light.

Monsteras grow on the floor of rainforests, so they are technically an understory dweller. However, they grow up trees, towards the light, so they do like light, just not direct sun. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves. If you notice brown burn spots on the surface of a leaf or two, it’s probably getting direct exposure for part of the day.

Bright but indirect light is the favored condition for ‘Thai Constellation.’ Variegated plants produce somewhat less chlorophyll than their non-variegated counterparts. For this reason, they can tolerate, and truly prefer, a bit more light. Mine lives next to a south-facing window, and it’s happy there where it gets bright light that’s not direct. 

Water

Water when the top inch is dry, avoiding drooping, and adjusting for your environment.

As rainforest plants, monsteras crave moisture, and during active growth periods, you’ll notice that the soil dries out much faster. However, they are susceptible to root rot, so drainage is important. Water about once weekly during the growth season, and reduce to twice weekly in the winter. 

I find it difficult to give an exact watering timeframe for most houseplants. There are many factors at play, such as humidity, soil water retention, drainage, light, and plant size. These will droop if they are thirsty, but it’s best to avoid getting to that point. When the top inch or two of soil is dry, it’s time to water.  

Soil

Use rich, well-draining tropical potting mix with perlite or pumice for proper airflow and drainage.

Monsteras like rich, well-draining potting mix with amendments to improve aeration and drainage. Mixtures designed for tropical plants are typically a good choice for this as they are light and airy, but also contain perlite, pumice, or other drainage-enhancing materials. 

If you prefer to mix your own potting medium, start with standard potting mix. Use a ratio of three parts potting soil and one part combination of coco coir and perlite, or either one of the two. 

Temperature and Humidity

Keep humidity between 60 and 80 percent for best results, especially in bathrooms or with humidifiers.

Consistency is the key when it comes to climate. The ideal temperature range is from 65-85°F (18-29°C). This makes it a great plant for keeping in the home. Keep your ‘ Thai Constellation’ monstera away from drafts, especially in the winter. Likewise, steer clear of heaters or heating appliances. 

Humidity is a major key to keeping your ‘Thai Constellation’ healthy and happy. These rainforest dwellers are happiest with a humidity level between 60 and 80%. Mine lives in the bathroom where the greatest number of showers happen. It stays humid here without any additional work. In a drier room, I would recommend a humidifier for this one. 

Fertilizing

Use balanced or 6-12-6 slow-release fertilizer for rich foliage and strong growth with minimal effort.

During spring and summer, while your plant is actively growing, fertilize it every two to four weeks. In the fall, reduce to once every four to eight weeks. You can withhold fertilizer completely in the winter and then resume in the spring as soon as you see new growth appear. 

A balanced formula is appropriate for monsteras. However, for optimal leaf color and growth rate, try a formula with a ratio of 6-12-6. With slow release fertilizers you can reduce frequency of application.

Maintenance

Trim damaged leaves promptly unless they stabilize, but watch for spreading or decay signs.

I personally consider this to be a low-maintenance plant in contrast to its size and appeal. It doesn’t need pruning unless it outgrows the space you have to offer, or when you want to propagate by division. 

Dead or damaged leaves should come off when you notice them. However, I have seen leaves with slight damage get along just fine if left intact. Just keep an eye out for decay or enlargement of the damaged spot. 

I repot every two years to freshen up the soil and go up in container size. The larger your plant grows, the more it will need in terms of water and fertilizer, so take that into account as it grows. These can get surprisingly tall. 

Propagation

Place the node and aerial root in water under bright light and change the water weekly until rooting.

Monsteras are a bit different than some of the easier houseplants when it comes to propagation. It’s not difficult to do, but it does require a portion of the stem. You can’t root these with a leaf cutting. Air layering works, but it really just adds more work to a simple process. 

Propagation from stem cuttings is easy as long as you know what to look for. You need a leaf node in order to root your cuttings, so it requires a small section of the stem. If you want to make multiple divisions, take a larger cutting, removing the stem along with four or five leaves. 

Cut your section directly below a node, which is where the leaf joins with the stem. This is also where you will find aerial roots growing. Each cutting needs to have one node; more is fine, but without this portion of the stem, you won’t get roots. 

Place the node and any aerial root into a glass container with water, submerging the root and the node. Set your cutting in bright but indirect light, and change out the water weekly. It will take about a month for the roots to develop, at which time you can transfer it to soil. 

Common Problems

Prevent pests by inspecting new plants, and isolate any with signs of damage or bugs.

Monsteras are sturdy plants and not particularly susceptible to pests and diseases, but they can happen. The best way to keep issues to a minimum is to carefully inspect any other plants you introduce and quickly isolate any plant that appears to have a pest or disease issue.

Pests

Neem oil works well for pests; natural predators help when placing affected plants outdoors briefly.

Spider mites and mealybugs are the most common pests you may encounter. Aphids and scale insects are also potential issues, but they don’t seem to crop up as often for houseplants. 

Examining new plants before introducing them is the best way to prevent pest infestation. Once you have them, they can be difficult to get rid of. Spider mites are particularly difficult, but repeatedly rinsing your plant and applying neem oil will eventually get rid of them. 

Mealybugs have many natural predators. However, these don’t really exist in the home. I’ve had success setting affected plants outdoors for a day or two and allowing nature to do the job for me. Neem oil is a safe and effective treatment for most pests. 

If you have a smaller issue, a cotton swab soaked in alcohol is a great tool. Use it to wipe off visible offenders. The alcohol will break down the waxy coating that some of these insects create for protection. 

Diseases

Spots with halos suggest infection from splashed water; remove infected leaves immediately to prevent spread.

Root rot is the most common fungal issue, and it is usually the product of overwatering. Overwatering happens in a couple of ways. First, you can give it more water than it needs. Then, the roots stay waterlogged, and fungus grows. 

The other way is through poor drainage. Many containers don’t have drainage holes for obvious reasons when it comes to houseplants. Because of this, it’s important to only water them when they need it. 

Leaf spots are another sign of disease, and there are several causes. First, root rot can cause yellowing of the leaves. This will typically accompany a mushy stem that smells unpleasant. 

Small spots with a halo are usually a symptom of fungal or bacterial disease. This usually happens when water droplets splash from an infected plant. Humidity aggravates these issues. Remove affected leaves as soon as you see the damage to prevent spread. Practicing good watering hygiene helps to prevent reinfection.