How to Propagate Monstera Thai Constellation

Monstera Thai Constellation is one of those plants that makes any plant lover stop and stare. Its gorgeous variegation, with patches of creamy white and green, makes it a true showstopper. But here’s the catch: it’s also quite expensive. So, learning how to propagate Monstera Thai Constellation is a fantastic way to expand your collection or share the love with other plant enthusiasts.

Things You’ll Need:

• Sterile pruning shears or scissors
• A clean jar of water or well-draining potting mix
• Rooting hormone (optional)
• Humidity dome or plastic bag (optional)
• Bright, indirect light

What is a Variegated Monstera?

A variegated Monstera is not your ordinary houseplant. These plants have unique leaf patterns, with splashes or sections of white or yellow mixed with green. The Monstera Thai Constellation is one of the most sought-after variegated plants thanks to its striking looks. This variegation occurs due to a genetic mutation that affects the chlorophyll in the leaves, giving it those eye-catching markings.

But here’s the thing: variegation doesn’t happen in every plant, and it can be tricky to maintain. These plants need a bit more care, especially when it comes to light. Too little light, and the plant may lose its variegation, as the green parts of the leaves are what help the plant photosynthesize.

Why is the Thai Constellation Monstera So Expensive?

If you’ve looked into buying a Thai Constellation Monstera, you probably noticed the hefty price tag. But why is it so expensive?

The Thai Constellation is a slow grower, and propagation takes time, which limits the number of plants available. Variegated Monsteras, including the Thai Constellation, require careful growing conditions, and even then, not every cutting will develop the stunning variegation.

Supply and demand play a big role here. The Thai Constellation is in high demand because of its beauty, but nurseries can’t produce enough to meet that demand quickly, driving prices higher. The good news? Learning how to propagate your own Monstera Thai Constellation can help you skip the expensive price tag!

How to Propagate Monstera Thai Constellation in water and Soil

Now let’s get to the fun part—propagating your Monstera Thai Constellation. While it may sound intimidating, with a little care and attention, you’ll have a new plant growing in no time.

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Cutting

Look for a healthy section of your Monstera Thai Constellation that includes at least one node. The node is a small bump where the leaf and stem meet—it’s where new roots will grow from. Without a node, your cutting won’t be able to produce roots.

Step 2: Where to cut Thai Constellation Monstera

Using sterile scissors, cut just below the node, ensuring the cutting has a couple of leaves attached. A cutting that’s about 4-6 inches long should be perfect.

Step 3: Rooting Your Cutting

You can propagate Monstera Thai Constellation in water or soil, depending on your preference:

• Water Propagation: Place the cutting in a clean jar of water, ensuring that the node is submerged but the leaves remain above water. Change the water every few days to prevent it from getting murky.
• Soil Propagation: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Step 4: Provide Ideal Growing Conditions

For both water and soil propagation methods, place your cutting in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

• Use a humidity dome or plastic bag over the cutting to maintain high humidity, especially if you live in a dry climate.
• Keep the temperature between 65-85°F (18-29°C) for optimal growth.

Step 5: Monstera Thai Constellation care

No matter which method you choose, place your cutting in a bright, indirect light. The Monstera Thai Constellation loves light, but direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves.

If your environment is on the dry side, consider covering the cutting with a plastic bag or humidity dome to create a mini greenhouse. This will help keep the humidity high, encouraging root growth.

Step 6: Transplanting the Cutting

Once the cutting has a good root system (about 2-3 inches of roots), you can transfer it to its permanent pot if you propagated it in water.

For soil-propagated cuttings, continue caring for them in the same pot until they outgrow it.

• Make sure to water your new plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Place the new plant in a location with bright, indirect light for continued growth.

If you’re also into other propagation techniques, check out Begonia Maculata Propagation for another unique plant.

Full Grown Monstera Thai Constellation: What to Expect

So, what should you expect from a full-grown Monstera Thai Constellation? These beauties can grow to impressive sizes, with large, fenestrated leaves (those lovely splits and holes) that can reach up to 2 feet wide.

A mature Thai Constellation can climb to around 6-8 feet tall indoors if given a moss pole or other support to climb. Its slow growth makes it a bit more manageable indoors, but proper care is essential to keep it healthy and maintain the variegation.

Caring for a mature Monstera Thai Constellation involves giving it plenty of bright, indirect light and keeping its soil well-draining. Regularly wipe down its leaves to remove dust, as this helps with photosynthesis and keeps the plant looking its best.

Monstera Thai Constellation vs. Albo: Which One to Choose?

If you’re deciding between a Monstera Thai Constellation and a Monstera Albo, there are a few key differences that might sway your decision.

• Variegation: Thai Constellation has a more stable variegation pattern, while the Albo can be more unpredictable, with some leaves almost entirely white.
• Growth Rate: Both are slow growers, but the Albo tends to grow even more slowly because it produces less chlorophyll.
• Care Needs: The care requirements are fairly similar, though the Albo’s leaves can be more delicate due to the higher percentage of white, making it slightly more challenging to grow.

Ultimately, both are stunning plants, so it comes down to personal preference and which one you can get your hands on!

Tips for Success:

• Be patient! Propagation can take several weeks or even months.
• Keep an eye on humidity levels—Monstera Thai Constellation thrives in a more humid environment.
• Use a moss pole or other support as the plant grows taller to encourage vertical growth and support its large leaves.

If you’re dealing with pests like spider mites while caring for your plants, learn how to get rid of spider mites on houseplants effectively.

FAQs

Can you propagate Thai Constellation Monstera?

Yes, you can propagate it using stem cuttings that include a node.

Can Thai Constellation grow in water?

Yes, it can grow in water during the initial propagation stage, but it should eventually be moved to soil for better long-term growth.

How to propagate Monstera Thai Constellation in soil?

Take a stem cutting with at least one node and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the plant in indirect light until roots grow.

How to make Thai Constellation grow faster?

Provide bright, indirect light, maintain high humidity, and use a balanced liquid fertilizer during its growing season.

What is the most successful way to propagate Monstera?

The best way to propagate is through stem cuttings with nodes, either in water or directly in soil.

Final Thoughts

Propagating a Monstera Thai Constellation is a rewarding process, especially when you see those first roots appear! While it takes time and patience, growing your own variegated beauty is well worth the effort. Plus, with the high cost of buying mature plants, propagating your own can save you some serious cash.

So, if you’re ready to add more of these stunning plants to your collection or share with friends, now’s the perfect time to start propagating. Enjoy the journey, and may your Monstera Thai Constellation thrive!