Welcome budding plant enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the marvelous world of Monstera, where the stars of the show are the 'Monstera Deliciosa Thai Constellation' and 'Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata' or 'Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegated (small form)'. These popular houseplants are a favorite among collectors for their exotic and strikingly variegated leaves. Let's get started and learn about their key differences and similarities.
Meet the Monsteras
Monstera plants are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. They're known for their large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with distinct cuts and holes, often referred to as "Swiss cheese" leaves. Now, let's meet our stars.
Monstera Deliciosa Thai Constellation: This variety gets its name from its stunning leaf pattern that resembles a starry sky, hence the name 'Thai Constellation'. The creamy-white variegation is splashed across the green leaf surface in a constellation pattern.
Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata / Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegated (small form): This variety has a similar leaf shape, but the variegation in the leaf is more sectoral or patchy, with large parts of the leaf being pure white or cream.
Similarities
Variegation: Both types share the trait of variegation, which means their leaves have different colors in a pattern. This variegation gives them a spectacular and unique appearance, which makes them a stunning addition to any plant collection.
Care Requirements: Both varieties prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. They both need a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged roots and should be watered when the top inch or so of soil dries out.
Differences
Variegation Pattern: While both varieties have variegated leaves, the pattern is what sets them apart. The Thai Constellation's variegation is more speckled or scattered, while the Albo's variegation is more marbled with large sections of white.
Stability of Variegation: Thai Constellation's speckled variegation is stable, meaning it is genetically encoded in the plant's DNA and will not revert or lose variegation over time. In contrast, the Albo variegation is a chimeral mutation and is not stable, which means that over time, it might revert back to solid green.
**Note that for high color Thai constellation specimens exhibiting both speckled and sectoral variegation patterns, only the speckling is stable and the large patches of creamy variegation is a chimeral mutation like the Albo.
Growth habit: The Albo is a climbing plant and it does best when given a moss pole or similar structure to climb on. The Thai constellation starts off as a crawler and starts to climb when it reaches maturity.
Size: The Albo variety generally grows smaller than the Thai Constellation. This can make the Albo a better choice for those with limited space.
In the end, both varieties of Monstera are a fantastic addition to any houseplant collection. Whichever you choose, you're sure to enjoy their tropical charm and the vibrant ambiance they bring. Happy planting!
Do remember, each plant is unique and may not conform to exact descriptions. With time and care, you will come to appreciate the individual personality of your plant. Whether you choose the Thai Constellation or the Albo, you are on a rewarding journey of growth and discovery. Welcome to the wonderful world of plants!