Monstera Albo vs Thai Constellation

When it comes to rare plants, few rival the breathtaking allure of the Monstera Albo and the Monstera Thai Constellation. Both are variegated forms of the Monstera deliciosa, featuring unique patterns of cream or white mixed with green. However, the Monstera Albo has cemented its place as a symbol of rarity and exclusivity, with price tags to match. Let’s dive into what makes these plants special, why the Albo is rarer, and the fascinating story of how it once sold for $27,000 in New Zealand.

Monstera Albo vs. Thai Constellation: What’s the Difference?

Both the Monstera Albo and Thai Constellation boast stunning variegation, but they differ in several key ways:

1. Variegation Pattern:

• The Monstera Albo’s variegation is unpredictable and irregular, with striking patches, marbling, or even half-moon splits of white on its leaves. Albo variegation can revert and disappear due to unpredictable genes or low light.

• The Thai Constellation’s variegation, on the other hand, is more stable and uniform, due to it being genetically modified. This means no matter how low the light, variegation will stay. featuring a speckled cream-and-green pattern that resembles stars scattered across the leaves with a more yellow tinge to the variegation.

2. Propagation:

• The Albo is propagated from cuttings, which means every plant is a genetic clone of its parent. This method limits supply, as successful propagation depends on healthy mother plants with variegated nodes.

• The Thai Constellation is produced through tissue culture in controlled lab environments, allowing for more consistent production on a larger scale.

3. Growth and Maintenance:

• Albo plants are more finicky, as their high white variegation can reduce chlorophyll levels, making them less efficient at photosynthesis. This means slower growth and a greater risk of damage from overwatering or direct sunlight. When a leaf emerges completely white, it will eventually die off due to having no chlorophyll. Albos have leggier growth (longer internodes)

• The Thai Constellation, with its stable variegation, tends to be hardier and easier to care for. Thai monsteras grow bushier, with shorter internodes compared to the albo.

Why Is the Monstera Albo Rarer and More Expensive?

The Monstera Albo’s rarity comes down to its limited propagation, demand, and striking aesthetics. Here are the key reasons for its high price:

1. Unpredictable Variegation:

The Albo’s variegation is entirely natural and unique to each plant. The randomness makes each Albo one-of-a-kind, and plants with especially beautiful patterns (like half-moon leaves) fetch even higher prices.

2. Limited Supply:

Since the Albo can only be propagated through cuttings, its supply is inherently constrained. Each cutting takes time to root and grow, and not all cuttings are successful. This slow propagation process keeps the market tight.

3. High Demand:

The Albo is a status symbol among plant collectors, with its dramatic white variegation making it one of the most coveted houseplants worldwide. Demand consistently outstrips supply, driving prices higher.

4. Fragility:

Albos are more delicate than other Monsteras. Their variegated leaves are more prone to browning or damage due to the lack of chlorophyll in white areas. This fragility adds to their mystique and exclusivity.

The $27,000 Albo: A New Zealand Phenomenon

The Monstera Albo’s fame reached new heights in 2021 when a single Albo plant sold for a staggering $27,000 NZD on a New Zealand auction site, Trademe.

Why such a high price? At the time, the demand for rare houseplants was at an all-time high, driven by the COVID-19 lockdowns and the rise of plant collecting as a hobby. New Zealand, with its strict biosecurity laws, has limited plant imports, making rare plants like the Albo even harder to come by. The intense bidding war highlighted the lengths plant enthusiasts would go to for a piece of botanical history.

Thai Constellation: The More Accessible Alternative

While the Albo reigns as the rarer and more expensive option, the Thai Constellation offers a more accessible yet equally stunning alternative. Thanks to tissue culture production, it is more widely available, with prices significantly lower than the Albo. Its stable variegation and hardier nature make it a great choice for plant lovers who want the beauty of a variegated Monstera without the high maintenance or hefty price tag.