Are you in love with the gorgeous and rare variegated Monstera plants and want to know more about them before adding them to your tropical plant collection? Then, you’ve come to the right place, as in this guide, we’ll explore the difference between Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation.

Monstera enthusiasts are drawn to these beautiful and high-demand plants, due to their unique fenestrated leaves with striking white and creamy variegation. Both Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation Monstera display these stunning traits. But while they’re similar at first glance, these much-loved and sought-after Monstera deliciosa varieties boast distinct features that we’ll discuss today. 

So, read on to learn about why the Monstera Albo vs. Thai Constellation conversation keeps engaging plant enthusiasts across the globe. We’ll share with you their differences and similarities, in terms of origins, leaf size and patterns, growth habits, and growing requirements. 

Understanding how to discern the two plants from each other will help you decide which is the right one for your collection. Let’s get started!

About Monstera Albo Borsigiana 

Monstera Albo Borsigiana is a variegated version of the regular and very popular Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Split Leaf Philodendron. Its scientific name is Monstera deliciosa 'Albo Variegata’.

Its fenestrated leaves feature a unique variegation, showcasing a mix of bright white and deep green hues. This beautiful marbled or half-moon pattern is due to a rare natural genetic mutation, caused by a virus.

Because of this, the leaves have lower chlorophyll levels. Since chlorophyll causes green pigmentation in leaves, its lack leads to the signature discolored patterns. 

This plant symbolizes longevity and respect and is highly demanded despite being toxic to pets. Native to the rainforests of Central America and Mexico, Albo Monstera thrives in the hardiness zones 9-11. 

About Thai Constellation Monstera

Monstera Thai Constellation is a cultivar of Monstera Deliciosa (Split Leaf Philodendron). Although the original plant is native to southern Mexico, Thai Constellation Monstera was created in a lab in Thailand. 

Its leaves feature large holes and splits, with yellowy-white variegations dotted all across the leaf surface. This gives the leaves the look of a starry night, earning the plant its name.  

Its place of origin and unique variegation pattern have led to the scientific name Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation.' It thrives in hardiness zones 8-11 and requires a little extra care and attention when grown indoors. 

It’s a natural air purifier, like all Montseras, and symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, making it a highly sought-after houseplant by plant enthusiasts. However, it’s not ideal for homes with pets, as it’s toxic to ingest.

What Is the Difference Between Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation? 

Both Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation boast beautiful leaves with variegations and splits. However, discerning the differences between their unique characteristics can be tricky, especially if you’re a novice indoor gardener. 

Our comprehensive Monstera Thai Constellation vs. Albo comparison should help you understand the distinctions between the two variegated Monstera varieties. Let’s begin with exploring their origin, overall appearance, leaf size and patterns, growth habits, and propagation methods.

Origin 

Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation both belong to the Monstera Deliciosa genus but showcase striking variegated foliage, unlike the original plant, commonly called Split Leaf Philodendron, which boasts deep-green leaves. However, there’s a fine difference between Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation, in terms of how they came about.  

Thai Constellation: It was developed in a laboratory in Thailand from tissue culture. The purpose was to meet the high demand for variegated Monstera plants. 

Monstera Albo: This variation of Monstera Deliciosa has variegated leaves, due to a rare mutation, caused by a natural virus. It’s native to the tropical rainforests of Central America and Mexico.

Appearance: Size and Shape 

At first glance, you may feel that the two plants are similar. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice the differences in their size and shape. The distinctions are as follows:

Thai Constellation: It has short internodes, giving it a compact, bushy appearance. The leaves grow close to each other, due to the short internodes (the gaps between the leaf nodes). This makes the Monstera Thai Constellation appear fuller and denser, requiring more space to spread horizontally. Furthermore, It can grow easily without any support. 

Monstera Albo: It has an elongated shape with large leaves growing from nodes set 6” apart. Its long internodes and spaced-out leaves give the plant a leggy appearance like a climbing vine. It needs ample vertical space, due to its specific growth pattern. It also needs support while growing. 

Leaves: Size and Variegation

Monstera Albo and Monstera Thai Constellation leaves have similar splits and variegations. But they differ in color and stability. The foliage also varies in size. 

Thai Constellation: Its leaves have yellowish-white variegations that are dotted across the leaf blade. The variegation is a result of man-made input in a lab, using tissue culture. So, it’s stable, meaning the leaves are always variegated, whether during new leaf growth or when it comes to newly propagated plants. The leaves are heart-shaped and about 18”-24” long. 

Monstera Albo: The variegations are white and appear in the form of streaks. Since these patterns result from a genetic mutation, the variegation is unstable. This means that it may not always appear on new leaves. Moreover, new foliage may sometimes come out completely white, containing no chlorophyll at all, which will affect the well-being of the plant. The leaves are much larger than those of a Monstera Thai Constellation, reaching up to 36” in length. 

Growth Habits

The difference between Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation growth patterns makes them structurally distinct. Even though they’re members of the same genus, their growth rates and new leaf growth patterns vary. 

Thai Constellation: It’s faster growing than the Albo variety, due to the more stable leaf variegation and chlorophyll-rich spots boosting rapid growth. This also ensures consistent patterns in foliage without the risk of reversion. As mentioned earlier, the Thai Constellation plant grows bushier than the Monstera Albo variety because the space between the leaf nodes is shorter.

Monstera Albo: It showcases a climbing growth habit, like a vine plant, hence, it’s best to use a pole for better support. The plant grows more slowly than the Thai Constellation variant and may appear more leggy, due to the larger internodes. The variegations are unstable since they’re caused by a natural mutation. So, new leaves can be fully green or maybe entirely white, due to a total lack of chlorophyll.   

Ease of Propagation 

Because of the particular structure of each Monstera variety, the level of ease of propagating these Monstera plants - Albo and Thai Constellation, also differ. Here’s how:

Thai Constellation: The gap between the nodes on the main stem is quite short. Leaves grow almost next to each other. So, there’s not enough space to properly cut the stem for propagation. Removing a sufficiently long cutting can be quite tricky.  

Monstera Albo: It can be easily propagated with the help of a stem cutting. That’s because the gaps between the leaf nodes, i.e. the internodes, are sufficiently long. This makes it easier for you to cut the stem correctly, as there’s enough space between the nodes.   

Thai Constellation Monstera vs. Albo: Growing Requirements 

It's essential to understand the Monstera Albo Borsigiana vs. Thai Constellation growing requirements. Since their ‘parent’ plant is the same, their needs are quite similar. 

Light: Both Monstera Albo and Monstera Thai Constellation prefer lots of bright but indirect sunlight. It’s a good idea to expose them to 6-7 hours of filtered light daily for healthy growth. If your indoor space doesn’t get sufficient light, consider using grow lights. 

Watering: Both plants have average watering requirements and need a drink once every 7-10 days. The frequency of watering depends on the light, heat, and humidity in the plant’s environment. Allow the top 1”-2” of the soil to dry before you hydrate your Monstera again to prevent overwatering the plant.   

Humidity and temperature: The temperature and humidity requirements are similar as they’re both tropical plants. Try to maintain a temperature range of 65°F -80°F and at least 60% humidity levels. This will mimic the environment of a tropical rainforest to help your Monstera thrive. 

Soil and feeding: Both plants prefer well-draining, airy soil to flourish. Adding perlite helps with soil drainage. The ideal pH level of the soil is between 6.0 and 7.0. Feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

Repotting: Repotting both plants once every few years should be sufficient. The idea is to ensure that your Monstera plant is not rootbound, which you can detect if you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Transplant in a pot 2" larger than the current pot. 

Pruning and cleaning: Keep your Variegated Monstera Deliciosa healthy by cleaning its foliage from accumulated dust. Prune damaged leaves promptly to maintain a healthy appearance. In the case of Albo, remove completely green or white leaves to encourage variegated leaf growth.

Common issues: These plants are prone to spider mites and mealybugs. Use insecticides and neem spray to remove them. Check for signs of excess or insufficient soil moisture and light, like yellowing leaves, root rot, etc., and make adjustments in your care routine.

 

Related: Pothos vs. Philodendron: Key Differences and Similarities

Monstera Thai Constellation vs. Monstera Albo: FAQs 

Q: Are Monstera Thai Constellations rare?

A: Yes, Monstera Thai Constellations are rare plants in high demand. Known for their unique variegated leaves, created in a lab in Thailand, these plants are not only harder to multiply from stem cuttings but also from seed. Last but not least, they do take some time to mature, which is one of the causes of their low supply.

Q: Which is better Monstera Albo or Thai Constellation?

There’s no definitive way to settle the Albo Monstera vs. Thai Constellation debate when it comes to establishing a sure winner. Monstera Albo has brighter, whiter variegations that look more vibrant. But the variegations are unstable. Thai Constellations have yellowish variegation that might be not everyone’s cup of tea, as the foliage looks as if yellowing under certain light and angle. However, the variegation is stable and appears on all leaves.  

Q: Is Monstera Albo a slow grower?

A: Yes, Monstera Albo is a slow grower. The leaves have fewer chlorophyll-rich green spots, and the variegations are unstable. So, the plant may not have enough chlorophyll to photosynthesize efficiently, which is essential for turning light into energy and boosting growth.  

Q: Is Thai Constellation stable variegation?

A: Yes, Thai Constellation has stable variegation. This plant was created in a lab in Thailand to cater to the rising demand for variegated Monsera deliciosa plants. The patterns result from genetic manipulation, now embedded in its DNA. So, new leaves always grow with this distinct variegation. 

Conclusion 

Monstera Delioca variegated varieties are hugely popular and very much sought after by plant enthusiasts. They're considered pretty rare, due to their high demand and low supply. 

Now that you understand the differences between the Thai Constellation Monstera and Monstera Albo plants, you should be able to decide which variety is the right one for you. We hope that our detailed Monstera Albo vs. Thai Constellation guide will also help you with properly caring for your prized plant. 

You can also add other Monstera varieties to your indoor greenery. Be it the unique Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii), boasting foliage with large holes, or the popular Split Leaf Philodendron, which is a non-variegated Monstera deliciosa, these beauties will make your Monstera collection complete.