When it comes to monstera plants, there are a tonne of different varieties to choose from. But without a doubt, two of the most sought-after would be the Monstera deliciosa thai constellation and the Monstera borsigiana albo variegata. This weeks post will look at a few of the key differences between the two plants to help you understand what's what.

While both of these plants are part of the monstera family, there are a few key differences between the two that are important to know when it comes to plant care.

The Monstera deliciosa thai constellation is a variegated Monstera deliciosa plant. It is known for its unique leaf pattern, which is said to resemble a star constellation. The leaves have a dark green background with  yellowish-white speckles and splashes of yellow. This plant is a slower grower than the borsigiana and has larger foliage. The thai constellation was actually developed by a lab in Thailand (hence the name), to help satiate our demand for variegated plants. 

The Monstera borsigiana albo variegata, on the other hand, is a variation of the Monstera borsigiana plant. It is known for its unique variegated leaves, which have a white and green pattern. The leaves are smaller than the deliciosa thai constellation, and the plant itself is also smaller. It's a faster grower than the deliciosa though, and is much easier to propagate, but it's variegation is less stable than the thai constellation. You might fork out big bucks for an Albo, only to never get that beautiful creamy white variegation you were purchasing it for.

If you're unsure as to whether you have a borsigiana or a deliciosa, one good way to check is to take a mature leaf and look at the point where the stem meets it. If there is a wrinkling there, you'll have a deliciosa. Remember though - you'll have to do this on a mature leaf and the juvenile foliage of the deliciosa won't have developed this wrinkling yet. 

When it comes to plant care, both of these monstera plants have similar needs. We've covered monstera care here previously. They both prefer well-draining soil and should be planted in a pot with drainage holes and a good quality Aroid Potting Mix. They also both require moderate to high humidity and regular watering, but it's important not to over-water them as they are susceptible to root rot.

In terms of watering, both plants should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. They both prefer to be kept in a slightly moist environment, but not waterlogged. The Monstera deliciosa thai constellation, being a larger plant, may require more water than the Monstera borsigiana albo variegata, but this will vary depending on the conditions of your home (light, heat and humidity for example).

When it comes to fertilising, both plants prefer to be fertilised every few weeks during the growing season with a complete, liquid fertilizer. It's important to not over-fertilise as this can cause leaf burn.

Both of these plants also require bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some direct, early morning sunlight. They should be placed in an area with a lot of natural light for optimal growth. They are rainforest plants and used to being in the shade, but they have adapted to climb tall trees in search for more light. 

While both the Monstera deliciosa thai constellation and the Monstera borsigiana albo variegata are part of the monstera family and have similar plant care needs, they are two distinct plants with unique leaf patterns and growth habits. Both plants require well-draining soil, moderate to high humidity, regular watering, regular fertilising, and bright, indirect light. With the right care, both of these plants can thrive and add a unique touch of beauty to any space.