These gorgeous plants are probably already known to a serious plant enthusiast, but I’ll list my top ten. All of the plants on this list are rare collector’s goods. There is no set order for the plants.
Variegated Monsteras
The monstera is undoubtedly already well-known to everyone, but in the past two years, the variegated varieties have really taken off. There are two varieties of variegated monsteras: Borsigiana and Deliciosa. But I’ll cover that in a different essay.
Currently, there are four different variegated monstera types that are in high demand. These are Monstera Thai Constellation, Monstera Sport, Monstera Albo Variegata, and Monstera Aurea Variegata.
Monstera Albo Variegata
The Monstera Albo Variegata is the most prevalent of all of them. Several growers are already producing this in Belgium and Holland. The majority of the white variegated monsteras sold in Europe are produced by these growers. Prices for a plant with a few leaves are quite costly because of the slow growth of this plant and the great demand. These plants cannot currently be tissue cultured due to the natural fault of variegation.
Monstera Thai Constellation
Several growers in Holland are presently cultivating the Monstera Thai Constellation plant. However, they have very few. You correctly guess where the Thai Constellation is from: Thailand. They have been grown in tissue culture for many years in Thailand. Thailand is unable to provide the quantity of plants that farmers in Europe and the USA are requesting because to the huge demand. As a result, prices in Thailand and other nations throughout the world are exorbitant. It’s been said that growers in the US and Europe have successfully created Thai Constellations in their own tissue culture labs. In order to satisfy the market and bring down prices, it is waiting for the growers to release significant quantities of these plants.
Monstera Aurea Variegata
Aurea in Latin means “gold” hence the plant has a slight golden tint. Monstera Aurea is perhaps one of the most sought-after variegated monsteras. As you can see, this plant has lovely gold/yellow variegation on its leaves; in my opinion, it is extremely gorgeous! There is currently no large-scale production of these plants. These plants can only be obtained through cuttings in private collections or from plants developed from seeds with an extremely low likelihood of developing this kind of variegation.
Monstera Sport
This Monstera is peculiar; the plants’ variegation seems to be green or pale yellow. It is frequently known as Monstera sport. These plants are not mass-produced, just as the Monstera Aurea Variegata. These can only be obtained by taking cuttings from already-existing plants.
Philodendron White Princess
Through cutting, The Philodendron White Princess has been present in private collections for a while. However, this year they arrived on the market as whole, large potted plants. They have gotten easier to locate even though they are still rather difficult to discover.
For serious plant aficionados, their lovely white speckled leaves are instantly recognizable.
Philodendron Melanochrysum
This climbing philodendron is most likely the most sought-after one for 2020. Undoubtedly one of the rarer indoor plants. Its leaves are the ideal shade of dark green. When you have the Melanochrysum blooming in an area with a little bit greater humidity, it is a fairly simple Philodendron to cultivate inside. This philodendron’s leaves can grow to be enormous! Some plants in private collections and botanical gardens have leaves that can reach lengths of more than one meter!
Fortunately, this year has seen an increase in the availability of these plants due to extensive manufacturing in Holland; this trend is likely to continue in 2021.
Philodendron Gloriosum
Another stunning performance! The Philodendron Gloriosum is renowned for its enormous velvet leaves with stunning white veining that resemble a large heart. As you can see, these plants have a very high rate of growth. If you manage to get your hands on one, give it a good pot to crawl in since this Philodendron likes to crawl over climb.
The mother plants of this Philodendron are now being worked on by numerous growers in Belgium and Holland. As a result, this plant will be more widely available in the upcoming years.
Anthurium Veitchii
Anthurium the king, This year, there was a big increase in demand for this uncommon houseplant because so many individuals searched for it. No wholesale grower has offered them for sale as of yet. This year, you could only have acquired one by importing the plant yourself or purchasing it from a private grower or collector.
This Anthurium is desired for its magnificent look and lovely ruffled leaves. This plant’s interesting fact is that it can grow without soil. Due to its epiphytic nature, it prefers to grow in sphagnum moss. These plants can be found in the wild growing among trees, on cliff faces, or on moss-covered walls. The leaves can potentially reach a height of almost one meter!
Anthurium Warocqueanum
One of the most well-liked anthuriums for 2020 is the Queen. Unfortunately, garden centers do not now carry it, however it is occasionally accessible online. Originally from Colombia, this plant is currently grown in several South American nations as well as Asia. These plants may only be obtained by either importing them from there or purchasing one from a private European collector.
The velvety leaves of this anthurium contribute to its popularity. An anthurium with velvet leaves? Yes! It’s beautiful and deserving of desire. Its appearance is similar to something you may see in a fantasy film. Just look at how lovely everything is!
Monstera Adansonii Variegata Archipelago
One of the most costly Monsteras and likely one of the most sought-after unusual houseplants in 2020. Although the variegated Monstera adansonii originated in Japan, it is now found in many collections across Europe. In 2020, a single leaf cutting with good variegation will cost you roughly $1500, yes, you read that right. Because they are so uncommon, these plants are not currently being cultivated in large quantities. Due to the unstable variegation, the plants cannot be grown in tissue culture. Cuttings are the only method for reproducing these plants.
This plant will undoubtedly still be very valuable in a few years, but as more and more individuals acquire one, its value will inevitably decline.
Monstera Obliqua Peruvian Form
This is unquestionably the most unique and uncommon of the Monsteras, and for the most of people, the holy grail of rare houseplants. When you are collecting monsteras, this is undoubtedly on your top wishlist. Originating in Peru, but now present in numerous collections across Europe. The plant can only be purchased from a collector. This plant can easily cost you a few thousand euros in a cutting.
Philodendron Pink Princess
A PURPLE PLANT? Yep! It does exist, but they are still uncommon. Fortunately, because many producers are diligently attempting to multiply their mother plants, there will be a greater supply of these in 2021.
This is a true eye-catcher for any plant collector. When guests come around, they will all notice the plant in your living room.
Variegated Syngonium
This year, the popularity of variegated Syngoniums really took off; there are so many distinct varieties that it’s nearly overwhelming. It comes in a variety of colors, from white to pink. For instance, take a look at this variegated Syngonium. Since Syngoniums are simple to grow, there will be much more of them in 2021.
For 2021, a lot of producers are currently raising a lot of mother plants of the variegated sygonium. Look at this expanse of white Syngonium with varying colors.
How can one obtain unusual plants?
Let’s be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that we have all considered searching the dark web for a multicolored Monstera. Even though I’m not proud of it, I have, but the obsession is unhealthy. Additionally, it’s not simply Monstera albo. Around Alina’s home, there are several rare Monstera kinds, specialized Philodendrons, and these insanely stunning, juicy plants.
My point is that a lot of unique and exotic houseplants are currently in style, and because Instagram is such a plant enabler, it’s hard not to salivate and desire them all.
I have a limited assortment of houseplants because I live in New York. However, I am aware that if you live in the Midwest, it can be challenging to find anything other than spider plants and Pothos (not my words, but someone who legit lives in Illinois said this). The internet is obviously the greatest alternative because speciality plant shops or garden centers may not exist in smaller cities or more rural areas.
I’m brought back to the dark web by this. Avoid going there. It’s most likely a horrible location. I’m here to tell you that there are excellent online choices for purchasing unusual houseplants that don’t need you to sell your kidney or get arrested. Although little variegated monstera cuttings still cost $150–500, I’ve come to terms with this.
I want to make it clear that I’m only an Amazon affiliate and have absolutely no affiliation with the other businesses I’m about to list. Only because I think they’re amazing and have a fantastic assortment of plants am I listing them. I don’t receive any compensation if you make a purchase from them, which you should do, other than the satisfaction of knowing that I made your life better. Always make an effort to support small companies and purchase locally.
Where to Buy Rare Indoor Plants Online
Amazon undoubtedly a nice site to simply browse Two of my favorite plant growers, Hirts Gardens and Costa Farms, both sell a lot of plants on Amazon.
Leaves of Steve has consistently updated inventory, and Steve is a master at growing begonias.
The rare Anthuriums, Monsteras, and Philodendrons you keep seeing everywhere can be found in abundance at NSE Tropicals.
A sort of indoor plant supermarket, EdenCPS features whale fin Sansevieria, jewel orchids, and a ton of wonderful, hard-to-find plants.
Trofolia There are numerous unusual Hoyasome at this Toronto-based store that I had never even heard about. Additionally, they offer shipping across all of Canada.
Tropical New Life possesses an incredible variety of uncommon indoor plants, many of which being philodendrons, monsteras, and epipremnums.
Love, Peace, and Happiness Club They therefore offer more than just plants, which is why I adore them. Additionally, they are the only business that sells alligator planters.
Philodendrons from Ken It’s imperative to follow Ken’s on Instagram since they regularly receive plants that sell out almost instantly and have an incredible collection of huge-leaf philodendrons.
Garden Supply Woodies When I began researching this firm for this post, I discovered how extensive their collection is. It’s good to see a section of plants that are safe for pets.
Logees I usually buy my outside plants from Logees, but they’ve just started carrying fantastic houseplants like Monstera thai constellation and several gorgeous types of passionflower.
Bloomscape I adore Bloomscape because they have a nice assortment of Calathea plants and some timeless, minimalist pots.
Work Glass House They have a ton of plants, especially Aspidistra elatior (Cast iron plant), which is pet-safe but extremely difficult to obtain. It’s more like a full-on greenhouse.
ebay and etsy They practically have everything, and you can purchase from merchants outside of the US in two of the top locations for uncommon plants.
Remember that large retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, IKEA, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Wegman’s, and Kroger all (typically) replace their indoor plants on a weekly basis. Other fantastic sites to trade or purchase uncommon houseplants include local plant swaps, Facebook plant groups, and Instagram plant swappers.
Know of a different fantastic retailer of rare houseplants? Please tell me! I wish I could include it on this list.
What is the world’s most valuable plant?
Because it has never been purchased and is therefore priceless, the Kadupul blossom is the most valuable in the entire world. This mysterious tiny plant, which only grows in Sri Lanka, is actually a cactus.
What plants are regarded as rare?
Anthropogenic activity has severely harmed members of the Plant Kingdom in addition to decimating the population of numerous species in the Animal Kingdom. Even though we hardly ever mention them, there are a number of plant species with distinctive traits that are so rare or only found in a few places around the world that, like with animals, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated each of these species as “critically endangered.” These plant species, which are in danger of going extinct, are today more valuable to us than gemstones, and conservation efforts are urgently needed to rescue them just as they are to save the Bengal tiger or the African rhino.
Why is Pink Princess Philodendron so expensive?
It seems that plants can also develop a cult following on Instagram, in addition to people and animals. For instance, cuttings of the pink princess philodendron fetch prices of more than $100.
What precisely is it, and why is it so costly? The heart-shaped leaves of pink princess are particularly adored, as are the vivid pink swaths that resemble a crescent moon or blotches on an abstract painting. Due to its scarcity (it can only be generated in a lab from tissue culture, and just a few from each batch exhibit their pink coloration), it is expensive.
To say that the pink princess has a cult following is not an exaggeration. Instagram users have posted several images with the hashtag #pinkprincessphilodendron. There are unboxing movies on YouTube where plantfluencers enthuse about their extraordinary find. Meanwhile, Etsy retailers have created fan merchandise like pins and tees.
And despite their outrageous price, several retailers have hundreds or even thousands of people on their waiting list. Just take a look at that beauty before we start blaming plant-influencers!
Its convenience in maintenance is another enticing quality. The easy-care plant simply needs the occasional pruning, bright but indirect light, and weekly waterings when the soil appears dry.
Where may one purchase a pink princess? The best option for you would be to locate a nearby nursery or seller. On Etsy, you can locate potters, but beware—the plant might die while being shipped. Be careful; imitations of the real thing can be found, such as the pink congo, whose pink colour disappears after a year due to artificial coloring techniques.
Try alternatives like stromanthe, the mosaic plant, or rex begonia, to name a few, if you don’t want to spend up to $100 on a single plant but still want to add color to your yard.
Your thoughts on Pink Princess? Would you or wouldn’t you be include it in your collection?