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6 Reasons Why Monstera Thai Constellation Costs So Much

Monstera is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts due to its stunning, vibrant green leaves.

The Thai Constellation variety adds even more visual interest: white brushstrokes and speckles decorate the broad leaves for a dual-tone aesthetic.

It looks as if the baseline Monstera was splashed with a can of white paint! 

Why is Monstera Thai Constellation so expensive? The simple answer is that this plant offers a gorgeous and unique color pattern that is rare and difficult to reproduce. The more unique and unobtainable something is, the higher its price will go. The fact that this plant grows slowly and requires specialized care also contribute to the high price.

Several other factors contribute to the staggering sum of this botanical beauty.

Read on to learn more about the Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’, and what to do if you do manage to find one to add to your collection. 

6 Reasons Why Monstera Thai Constellation Is So Expensive 

Whenever a plant fetches an enormous price, a plant collector is often curious to find out the reasons why. Here are the six factors that influence the Monstera Thai Constellation’s value. 

1. Considered To Be a Rare Plant

Any time a plant displays a variegated pattern – such as the marble coloring on the Thai Constellation – it takes a special combination of genes to get that look.

The absence of color is considered a natural mutation and is not easy to reproduce reliably. 

2. Not Easily Propagated 

Even if all the controls are in place, there’s no guarantee of a similar-looking leaf pattern from the original plant.

The inherited colors may mutate or they may not – but if they do, there’s no telling what that marble design will look like.

Besides, unless you’re paying ridiculous prices, the plant you get may not be large enough to have multiple nodes available to propagate in the first place. 

3. Grows Slowly 

The white parts of the Monstera Thai Constellation’s leaves denote an absence of chlorophyll.

This is the agent that contains green pigment and also the same one that processes sunlight for plants to thrive. Therefore, less green surface area means less photosynthesis and a lowered ability to grow. 

The slower the growth rate, the more time propagation takes, upping the costs even more.

4. High Demand, Small Supply

Variegated plants of any species are highly sought after by botanical experts and houseplant amateurs alike, but because it’s a rare mutation, there simply aren’t enough to go around.

In the wild, these are extremely hard to find because plants with more green on the leaves will outgrow and outnumber the variegated-patterned plants.

Survival of the fittest means there aren’t many Thai Constellations out there unless they are specially bred in captivity. 

5. Enthusiasts Are Willing To Pay High Prices

Those with the means to pay will fork over exorbitant amounts for these rare Monsteras. With the prices so enthusiastically met, there’s no motivation for growers to lower their asking fees. 

6. Requires Knowledgeable Care

Rare and slow-growing plants are not for houseplant newbies!

Even those who have cared for other types of Monsteras before may be in for a shock when they observe how high-maintenance the Thai Constellation is. 

To reproduce numerous Thai Constellations, special growers must have intricate knowledge and plenty of experience. This is reflected in the asking price of propagated plants.

A single leaf of the Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ plant on a black background.

Monstera Thai Constellation Price

It’s possible to find one of these beauties online for between $150 and $700, but it’s going to be a small cutting with just a few leaves.

There are larger, more lush plants available for as much as a Thai Constellation fan is willing to pay.

For plants that are well established and healthy, the price sometimes reaches into thousands of dollars! 

Monstera Thai Constellation vs. Albo

The Monstera Albo (Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo’) is another type of Monstera with white markings amid the green leaves.

The white portions are usually larger and more sectional in comparison to the Thai Constellation that shows a scattering of white flecks (hence its name, as it resembles a star-studded night sky). 

Monstera Thai Constellation Care 

If the price isn’t prohibitive to you and you do manage to find a rare Monstera within your reach, congratulations!

You’re sure to enjoy this stunning plant and the beauty it will add to your indoor garden. To protect your valuable botanical investment, make sure you know exactly what it requires.

Soil and Fertilization 

As a tropical plant, Monsteras require well-draining soil mixed with perlite, bark, or other chunky materials that encourage access to fresh air throughout the mix.

Fertilize only during the warm months; once a month in spring and summer is plenty to sustain its health and growth. 

Lighting and Temperature 

Bright, indirect light is best for the Thai Constellation to thrive.

Because the white pattern cannot process sunlight, the green will need to work harder – but don’t mistake this for bright sunlight, as that will damage both types of leaves.

Monsteras prefers temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the perfect houseplant for a well-balanced room in which humans are comfortable lounging. 

Watering and Humidity 

Do not overwater your Thai Constellation! Root rot and algae growth threaten to strangle this plant before it has a chance to proliferate.

Stick two fingers into the top 2 inches of soil, and only water when that bit is all the way dry. Ensure that any extra water makes its way out of the bottom of your plant’s container. 

Most Monsteras like a humidity level of at least 60%. This moisture mimics its natural jungle environment and helps retain the leaves’ shiny texture.

A humidifier may be need to duplicate the plant’s favored conditions. My plants are quite happy with this one, and because it runs so quietly and requires so little maintenance, so am I!

Related Questions: 

Can a Thai Constellation Become More Variegated? 

Not really. The pattern you see on the leaves is what it will stay for the duration of that leaf’s lifetime.

Of course, patterns on different leaves will vary, so some may have more green, and others will have more white. 

Is Thai Constellation Fast Growing? 

Thai Constellation is not fast growing at all and have a reputation for being extremely slow growers.

These plants are somewhat stunted by the lack of green surface area to process sunlight, so you must be extra patient waiting for them to sprout new leaves. 

Conclusion 

A Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’ makes a thrilling and exotic addition to any plant enthusiast’s collection.

The rarity, high-maintenance care, and steep price of this varietal are enough to discourage even the most zestful plant aficionado.

But if you do find yourself the lucky owner of one, attend to its needs frequently and with proper knowledge, and it will thrive.