Okay, so I’ve been getting really into houseplants lately, like, REALLY into them. And of course, the two big wishlist plants everyone talks about are the Monstera Albo and the Thai Constellation. I finally decided to take the plunge, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey! Here’s how it all went down.
The Hunt Begins
First, I started researching. Hours, I tell you, HOURS spent online looking at pictures, reading forums, and watching videos. I wanted to know everything: light, water, humidity, common problems, the works. I learned that both are variegated Monsteras, meaning they have those cool white (or creamy) patches on their leaves. But the variegation is caused differently, which affects their care (and price!).
The Albo’s variegation is unstable, meaning it can revert back to all green. The Thai’s is stable, so you’re guaranteed those beautiful splashes of color. This also means the Thai is usually a bit more expensive… sometimes a LOT more expensive.
Scoring the Plants
Next up: actually finding these beauties. I checked out local nurseries, but no luck. Everything was either sold out or way out of my budget. So, I turned to online sellers. It felt a bit risky, buying plants sight unseen, but I found a few sellers with good reviews and lots of pictures.
After a lot of back and forth, I finally decided on a smaller Albo cutting (with one gorgeous leaf!) and a slightly larger Thai Constellation in a 4-inch pot. I paid for them, held my breath, and waited for them to arrive.
Unboxing and Panic!
The day they arrived was nerve-wracking! I carefully opened the boxes, unwrapped the plants, and… immediately panicked. The Albo looked a little droopy, and the Thai had some yellowing on one leaf. “Oh no,” I thought, “I’ve killed them already!”
But, I remembered what I’d read online. Shipping is stressful for plants! I gave them both a good drink of water (making sure the pots had drainage holes, of course), found a spot with bright, indirect light, and left them alone to acclimate.
The Waiting Game
The next few weeks were all about observation. I checked them daily for any signs of new growth, pests, or further decline. I misted them regularly to keep the humidity up (my apartment gets pretty dry). Slowly but surely, they started to perk up.
The Albo put out a tiny new leaf, still mostly green, but with a hint of white! And the Thai’s yellowing leaf didn’t spread, and a new, perfectly variegated leaf unfurled. Success!
Ongoing Care and Future Hopes
It’s been a few months now, and both plants are thriving.
- I’m still learning about their specific needs.
- I’ve repotted the Thai into a slightly larger pot.
- I experimenting with different light levels to see what they like best.
My biggest takeaway? Patience is key! These plants aren’t cheap, and they can be a bit finicky, but with the right care and a lot of love, they’re totally worth it. My Albo is finally showing signs of that strong, stable variegation that it should have.
I’m still hoping for more white on the Albo’s new growth, but even if it stays mostly green, I love it. And the Thai? It’s just a stunner. Absolutely gorgeous. I can’t wait to see them both mature into giant, fenestrated beauties!
