It’s no secret that Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation plants look remarkably similar. But what is the difference between these two houseplants? That’s what we want to find out in this article!

Monstera Albo vs. Thai Constellation

The quickest way to tell the difference between these two plants is to look at the size of leaves and the variegation.

The leaves of the Thai Constellation are bigger, with more coverage. These larger leaves also come with a bundle of cream-colored speckles. On the other hand, the Monstera Albo has variegated parts that are brighter and more white. The plant also doesn’t look as full, with tall stems and leaves that are smaller in size.

Most of the cuttings you see for sale online are from Albo plants. However, many small plants sold are Thai Constellations.

When deciding which one to get, it’s important to consider whether you prefer a fuller look or more speckling. It’s also important to think about pricing, how much room you have, and how easy/hard the plant is to care for.

By the end of this blog post, you should have a good idea of the difference between Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation plants.

The Main Differences Between Thai Constellations and Albos

I will now provide a comparison of the two to help you see how they differ. Images can be found below.

Monstera Thai Constellation

The variegation on a Thai Constellation looks like someone has just dropped a bucket of creamy paint on your plant! It has a scattered variegation appearance.

Thai Constellations grow quickly and large. In fact, it is not uncommon for the leaves on a Thai Constellation to grow three feet in size. Along with these large leaves, the plant also has more of them, with nodes found everywhere!

This plant is perfect if you have lots of space in the home for a statement piece that commands attention. It may be slightly too large for small bedrooms.

Monstera Albo Borsigiana

Albo plants have white variegation that contains no creamy hues (like a blank piece of paper).

Unlike the scattered variegation on the Constellation, the Albo has solid chunks of white coloring. Some leaves may even be completely white!

The leaves on a Monstera Albo are small, which makes the plant perfect for small rooms. There are also fewer nodes on the Albo.

The Albo is a narrow plant that grows tall. As such, it can be a good idea to use a moss pole to help the plant climb.

Type of Variegation

There are two types of variegation found in plants: stable and unstable. All types of variegated plants have muted cells that make the leaves white instead of green.

Thai Constellation – Stable

This plant has stable variegation that was genetically created in labs. They do this by changing the tissue culture and cells. These stable variegated plants have mutated cells throughout the whole plant, which means they naturally grow variegated leaves.

The amount and type of variegation are completely random, which means each plant’s variegation isn’t the same.

Monstera Albo Borsigiana – Unstable

This type of Monstera has unstable variegation that is created by an accident in nature (meaning, there was no lab). This happens when a mutation occurs and new cells are produced with stable colors.

As a genetic mutation, you should trim off any green leaves that recently grew and don’t have the variegated white you desire.

This also means that the variegation isn’t always the best. As such, when you’re buying a Monstera Albo, you should look closely at the specific cutting you’ll be receiving. Buying the wrong cutting will result in a plant that doesn’t look like what you expected (lots of white variegation).

However, more white isn’t also better… Too much variegation will mean you get laves that are 100% white. This sounds cool, but the plant won’t be able to grow! If a leaf doesn’t have any green on it, the plant won’t be able to photosynthesize and will eventually die.

Which is More Expensive – the Monstera Albo or Thai Constellation?

Generally, a Monstera Albo is more expensive than a Thai Constellation.

The Thai Constellation is easier to propagate and has consistent variegation. As such, there are more sellers of Thai Constellation on the market. More supply means cheaper prices for the consumer.

Albo plants are harder to propagate, which means those plant sellers have a harder time producing cuttings. This means they want more money for their hard work.

The exact price depends on other factors, like where you live and the seller you’re buying from.

Where to Buy Monstera Albo?

The most reliable way to find a reputable seller is by looking for shops with several reviews online.

I’ve had good success on Etsy. Just make sure to buy from a seller with a good reputation.

Are There Differences in Care for the Monstera Albo vs. Thai Constellation?

The same care and growing conditions apply to both of these multicolored Monsteras.

They need lots of light, so place them near your windows. However, make sure they don’t receive direct sunlight for too long as variegated plants have delicate leaves that burn easier than other plants.

Both plants have a similar level of hardiness, although I feel like the Thai Constellation is slightly less vulnerable. It won’t react as badly if the humidity level isn’t perfect. With that said, there isn’t too much difference between the two plants.

Which One Should You Choose?

This is a personal choice that depends on your preferences. Both plants are stunning and will add some color to your space!

It’s important to consider the amount of available space you have for a new plant.

The Thai Constellation grows quite full and bushy. The Monstera Albo grows smaller, but will need the support of something else if it doesn’t have anything available nearby… like a moss pole!

I would personally recommend the Thai Constellation for most people. It’s easier than an Albo to propagate, is cheaper, and grows fuller.