Complete Monstera Thai Constellation Care Guide: Tips for Healthy Growth
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Unlocking Monstera Thai Constellation Care: Tips for Success
Caring for Monstera Thai Constellation is simpler than you might think, once you grasp a few key considerations—especially after the settling-in period. It's easy to inadvertently harm these beauties with too much love or the wrong care, particularly if you're new to Monsteras or plants in general.
Unlike their counterparts, Thai Constellation plants are more sensitive to light, temperature, humidity, and fertilization. They're slower in growth and unforgiving when it comes to drying out.
If you've successfully cared for a Monstera Deliciosa, you're already well-prepared for the unique needs of the Thai Constellation.
What Potting Mix Should I Use?
With root rot being the #1 issue I’ve seen in these plants, it is best to go with an airy, well-draining potting soil.
This could mean adding more perlite to the bag of potting soil you use at home or it could be making your own aroid mix. Whatever the case, make sure you’re not putting your Thai Constellation into a mix that is super dense and never dries out.
If you purchased this plant from a big box store/ grocery store, check the status of the roots on your plant to make sure there is no rot already. If so, treat with hydrogen peroxide, rinse, and re-pot. If you wait too long, you could risk the health of your plant.
How and When to Fertilize
In the right conditions, the Monstera Thai Constellation is a relatively heavy feeder. However, it's crucial to avoid fertilizer burn with Thai Constellations, especially considering they are slower growers and more sensitive to salt. Seek out a fertilizer that is well-rounded and balanced, preferably without high-salt ingredients.
Personally, I opt for a fertilizer that excludes urea, chlorides, and sodium. However, if your fertilizer contains these common ingredients, it's essential to flush out any excess salts with a thorough watering session about once a month. I use a diluted water-soluble fertilizer every time I water.
During the ‘growing season’ this is about once a week. In the winter, I switch to every other watering since the plants aren’t growing quite as fast.
Humidity
Monstera Thai Constellations generally require moderate humidity levels, similar to their green Monstera Deliciosa counterparts. During a typical Texas summer, additional humidity is usually unnecessary unless you reside in an exceptionally dry area. Regardless of where you live, in winter you may need to contemplate using a humidifier. Watch out for signs such as crispy, dry, or brown leaf tips, indicating the need for increased humidity.
I've found that methods like using a pebble tray or misting don't significantly affect humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level above 60% for optimal growth. Utilizing a hygrometer can help you determine your current humidity level, and if it's too low, investing in a plant humidifier may be beneficial.
For new Thai Monstera arrivals, it's essential to note that they typically originate from a lab environment if propagated from tissue culture. Subsequently, they are acclimated to high humidity levels in indoor nurseries. To facilitate a smooth transition, maintain warmth and higher humidity levels for the first few weeks after bringing your plant home. This helps reduce stress, minimizing the risk of diseases, leaf loss, or unsightly brown patches.
Light Requirements
Variegated plants, in general, exert more effort in photosynthesis, a crucial aspect of their vitality. Given that light plays a pivotal role in photosynthesis, your Thai plant needs more light compared to all-green Monstera varieties to sustain its variegated foliage, particularly those with larger variegated sections.
Position your Thai plant in an area with ample bright light. It's important to note that variegated sections lack chlorophyll, which is essential for absorbing light, making them more sensitive to light intensity. Therefore, low light conditions are not advisable. Opt instead for medium to bright light levels. Not sure what kind of light you get? Try using a light meter!
While some highly-variegated plants struggle with direct sunlight, Thai plants can tolerate some exposure, especially those with greener, speckled leaves. However, it's prudent to avoid exposing leaves with prominent white patches to direct sunlight to prevent sunburn. Opt for dappled, moving light, such as morning or winter sun, over intense afternoon or summer sunlight.
If your Thai plant's ideal location receives early morning sun in summer or weaker daytime sun in winter, it should thrive. Just ensure to limit exposure to prolonged, harsh sunlight during summer afternoons. Opting for gentle sunlight will ensure optimal growth and health for your Thai plant.
Tip: If you lack good natural lighting for a Thai Constellation but still want to add one to your home, you can try adding grow lights! These supply your houseplants with the full-spectrum light they need to grow, but still looks sleek enough to blend in with your decor.
Enhancing Variegation in a Thai Constellation Monstera
Thai Constellation Monstera exhibits a unique variegation pattern featuring speckled variegation with stable characteristics, unlike the Monstera Albo.
The variegation of Thai Constellation leans towards a creamy, yellowy-white hue, distinguishing it from the brighter white of Monstera Albo.
Exposure to more light can intensify this coloration, and older leaves may lighten over time. Based on my personal experience, as these leaves mature, the variegation becomes more pronounced, with larger, clearer patches of color. So yes, even your grocery store Thai Constellation can get that stunning variegation.
Common Issues With Thai Cons
Yellowing Leaves: Several factors can lead to yellowing leaves, primarily nutrient deficiency, often affecting lower or older leaves first. When nutrients are lacking, the plant redistributes them from older leaves to newer ones. To address this, identify the deficient nutrient and adjust fertilization accordingly. Additionally, improper watering, whether too little or too much, can cause root damage and lead to yellowing. Opt for a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly but infrequently, ensuring proper drainage.
Brown Crispy Edges: Brown edges on leaves can stem from light, humidity, water, or nutrient issues. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching and maintain adequate indirect light. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, aiming for levels above 60%. Ensure water quality by using chlorine-free water and fertilize appropriately, following the method discussed above. Trim off small brown edges, but avoid removing entire sections unless necessary.
Stunted Growth: Monstera Thai Constellation may exhibit slow growth, particularly after relocation or during cooler months. Factors such as insufficient light, low temperatures, or nutrient deficiencies can contribute to sluggish growth. Ensure adequate warmth, light exposure, and humidity to promote growth. Additionally, follow a light fertilization regimen and exercise patience, as growth may resume when conditions improve.
Brown Leaves: Entire leaves turning brown may indicate insufficient watering or prolonged dryness between watering sessions. Check soil moisture levels and water thoroughly if needed, ensuring complete saturation of the substrate. Address other potential issues such as inadequate light or nutrient deficiencies to prevent further leaf damage.
Root Rot: Thai Monstera are susceptible to root rot, often caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include black, mushy roots and yellowing, wilting leaves. Promptly address root rot by removing the plant from the soil, washing the roots and treating with hydrogen peroxide, and trimming away damaged areas. Replace the soil with well-draining substrate and repot the plant to prevent further spread of the fungus.