Thai Constellation

Thai Constellation (Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation') is the stable variegated monstera: a tissue cultured selection whose cream marbling is fixed rather than a matter of luck. Indoors it reaches about 2m tall and 1.5m wide, with the same big split leaves as a green monstera, speckled and streaked in cream. It is slower and more forgiving than the white variegated forms, because every leaf still carries green.

Why you'll love it

• Variegation that will not revert. Because it is tissue cultured, the cream marbling appears on every leaf rather than turning up at random.
• Big leaves on a plant that still fits a room. Mature leaves split and fenestrate at around 2m tall and 1.5m wide.
• Easier than the white variegated monsteras. More chlorophyll in each leaf means steadier growth and much less risk of a leaf burning out.
• Low maintenance once settled. Bright indirect light, water when the top of the mix dries, and it gets on with it.

Where it works best

Indoors. A well lit room out of direct sun. Buy it when you want one large specimen rather than a shelf of small ones.

Pots and containers. A 300mm to 400mm pot with a moss pole or timber stake. Monsteras climb, and aerial roots want something to grip.

Balconies, courtyards and warm gardens. In tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens it can grow outdoors under canopy in shade. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so place it out of reach of a pet that chews.

Growing Thai Constellation in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light. Direct sun scorches the cream sections first, because that tissue has no chlorophyll to protect it. It is frost tender, so outdoors it is limited to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens in a sheltered shaded spot. Anywhere colder, keep it in a pot inside.

Soil. A chunky, free draining mix: premium potting mix opened up with bark and perlite. Repot every two years in spring.

Water and feed. Water when the top 3 to 4cm of mix is dry, then tip out the saucer. It handles a missed week far better than a soggy pot. Balanced liquid feed monthly through spring and summer, none in winter. Humidity suits it, so a bathroom or kitchen works well.

Support and pruning. Give it a pole early, because leaves get larger and split more readily once the plant can climb. Remove damaged leaves at the base of the stalk.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold as 140mm plants in packs of ten, 180mm and 200mm in packs of six, 250mm in packs of three, or a single established plant in a 300mm pot. Younger plants have smaller, mostly unsplit leaves. Splitting comes with maturity and support, not with time alone.

Variegation varies from plant to plant, and a single leaf can be anything from lightly speckled to half cream. That is the nature of the selection, not a fault. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect roughly a month before a new leaf unfurls, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the full monstera care guide.
• Browse the wider indoor plants range.
• Compare other variegated foliage plants.
• With pets at home, see plants that are safe around pets.

Common questions

Is it toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. All monsteras contain calcium oxalate crystals, and chewing brings on mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Keep it up off the floor if your pet chews foliage.

Will it lose its variegation?

No. It is tissue cultured and stable, so individual leaves vary in how much cream they show but the plant will not revert to plain green.

Why are the cream sections browning?

Almost always too much direct light, or dry air. The white tissue has no chlorophyll and burns before the green does, so move it back from the window.

When do the leaves start splitting?

Once it matures and has something to climb, usually the third or fourth season indoors. A young plant with round unsplit leaves is doing nothing wrong.