It has been widely discussed in the houseplant world how COVID-19 has brought in a wave of enthusiastic newcomers. There is a huge demand for indoor plants as a result of the recent influx of enthusiasts.
Prices are soaring because growers’ supply cannot keep up with the growing demand. Some prices are so expensive that most people are no longer able to afford the plants.
Although the epidemic has significantly contributed to price increases, the popularity of houseplants has been rising over the previous few years. But does a 400 percent price rise make sense given how popular houseplants became during the pandemic?
Let’s look at some data from the previous five years to help us understand what is happening with prices in the houseplant industry.
The data used to produce each graph in this article came from Google Trends on August 31, 2020.
The graph’s Y-axis, or vertical axis, measures people’s interest in a given topic. The X-axis, or horizontal axis, displays certain dates to demonstrate how interest varies throughout the course of a particular historical era.
Google Trends claims that the graphs depict Interest Evolution. What exactly is compound interest? The numbers show search interest relative to the chart’s peak for the specified location and period, according to Google Trends. The term’s maximum popularity is a value of 100. When the value is 50, the term’s popularity is halved. If a phrase receives a score of 0, it suggests there was insufficient data.
Why do some plants cost so much money?
You should undoubtedly have a green thumb to maintain your investment if you’re going to spend hundreds, thousands, or even a few million dollars on a houseplant. However, the majority of houseplants only cost a pittance of two digits. But why does a houseplant cost as much as it does?
When it comes to pricing pricey plants, elements like rarity, attractiveness, breeding, and propagation could all potentially be important.
There has been a “plant boom” recently, and gardening has grown in popularity among younger generations in recent decades. Therefore, there is a growing desire to own rare and desirable species.
As an illustration, cuttings of variegated monstera plants are currently going for three figures each in Australia, Canada, and the United States to satisfy the recent demand.
This movement was not founded by the millennial generation first. The tulip was the “it” flower in the early 1600s. Tulip prices skyrocketed during “Tulip Mania,” reaching as high as 5,700 guilders.
Following this pattern, the orchid became the next century’s flower. Rich Victorians had an infatuation with orchids that was termed as “orchidelirum.”
Here are six of the priciest houseplants as we take a closer look at the 21st century boom.
Which indoor plant is the most expensive?
With our list of the most costly houseplants available, you may learn about the most expensive plants in the entire world.
- Multicolored Monstera. Albo Monstera Adansonii Variegated.
- Compact Hoya Carnossa. (Photo courtesy of Getty/Akchamczuk)
- Princess Pink Philodendron.
- Bonsai tree of an old pine.
- Albo Syngonium Podophyllum.
Why are pricey rare plants uncommon?
In recent years, the popularity of indoor plants has skyrocketed. It’s impossible to navigate through social media feeds without running into at least one self-described plant parent displaying their plant offspring with pride.
Although the fad began with straightforward indoor plants that even beginners could take care of, the style has changed. Houseplant-obsessed gardeners are now pursuing the odd and unusual because they are sick of the common and plain.
Some people have even developed a passion for collecting unusual plants, creating jungles filled with uncommon species.
Many of the most sought-after plants are exorbitantly pricey because of their scarcity (and current enormous popularity). These plants frequently sell out on online marketplaces, so collectors have obviously not been discouraged.
We’re going to talk about some of the most well-liked, expensive indoor plants that look great on social media.
We’re omitting any really uncommon plants that cost in the tens of thousands of dollars per plant and the several old Bonsai trees that can fetch close to a million dollars in value in order to concentrate on plants you may actually be able to obtain.
Why do Monstera plants cost so much?
The multicolored Monstera is even more well-liked. leaves that are white-green. There are a few different variegated varieties, the most remarkable of which is the Monstera Delisioca ‘Albo-Variegata’. However, they are both pricey and extremely rare. Beginning in 2020, a botanist spent thousands of dollars on a Swiss cheese plant, which triggered an internet bidding war.
Why Are They So Hard To Find?
The white-variegated Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata is not an exception to the rule that plants with white variegation are typically more delicate than their green cousins. They photosynthesize far less as a result of producing less chlorophyll. Growing them takes time and expertise, in addition to being slow. A unique plant like this is going to be hard to obtain, and if you do find it, it will cost you because of the extremely high demand!
The Most Expensive House Plant in the World
After a furious online bidding war amongst botanists for the monstera, a Swiss cheese plant went for almost $5,000. By the time the sale for the Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata on the New Zealand website Trade Me ended, there had been 182 bids.
The sale brought in $4,930 for Kiwi botanist Jessica, who buys and sells plants as a hobby, making it the highest amount ever paid for a Monstera on the website. Jessica’s writing
“There’s no need to request pictures of the mother plant because THIS IS IT! I’ve never seen one that is so established and well-rooted before.”
Monsteras are Everywhere
It appears as though you cannot open a fashion magazine or visit a fashionable location without seeing Monsteras and, thus, desiring one. Yes, it’s a lovely plant, and nowadays, everyone enjoys having a lush, exotic indoor plant. It is an amazing, spreading, simple-to-grow, and generally low-maintenance plant called Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata.
There are many sellers can be located on Facebook as well. For instance, from Peace of Aloha Co.
“One of my personal favorites that I’ve been cultivating for a while and have just finished propagating more than 100 of. I spent $650 on my first plant, and over time, it produced a ton for me. This cultivar yields lovely variegated leaves with white coloring marbling. The artwork on those leaves is never the same.”
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?
Where can I buy rare houseplants?
Uncommon houseplants are frequently imported from faraway nations, yet types like the Philodendron Hastatum, Moonlight, and Pink Princess can be found at your neighborhood nursery.
For the best prices on a particular houseplant, look at overseas shops and online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. You may need to hunt for locations that specialize in tropical, hard-to-find plants because some specialized garden centers also preserve uncommon houseplant types.
Usually, collectors’ homes contain indoor plants with a price tag of $1,000 or more. If you want to purchase the rarest types, you can get assistance from collectors and specialized networks.
What is the rarest Philodendron?
The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is the rarest philodendron on our list. This rarest type of Philodendron is an endangered species, with only a small number of these distinctively foliaged beauties remaining in the wild. One of the priciest types of Philodendron is this particular plant.
Why is the Pink Princess Philodendron so expensive?
Due to its rising popularity and demand, this particular Philodendron has become pricey in recent years. Even though its pink leaves seem unusual and difficult to find in your area, Columbia is home to a plethora of them.
This specimen costs a lot because of how rare it is and how high demand outweighs poor supply. Philodendrons become rarer and more expensive the less there are in your area.
How do I identify my Philodendron?
There are many different identifying techniques. If purchasing from a store, you can ask a salesperson to verify the name and growing circumstances of your Philodendron.
If you are successful in finding a Philodendron in the wild, you are welcome to post a picture of your plant on Facebook groups and collectors’ networks to get it identified.
If all else fails, you can find out what kind of plant your philodendron is by downloading a plant identification app to your phone and conducting additional research.
Is the Monstera Deliciosa (Split-leaf Philodendron) a true Philodendron?
Sadly, it is not regarded as a Philodendron. This plant belongs to the Monstera genus even though it has similar upkeep and growing habits. It does, however, belong to the same subfamily of Araceae as Philodendrons. They are essentially related but do not belong to the same genus. ( Associated Article
Why do succulents cost so much?
A succulent’s scarcity, maintenance expenses, therapeutic benefits, and aesthetic value are some of the elements that might make it pricey.
Rarity of Succulent
A very rare succulent will cost a lot of money to buy. There is limited rivalry among vendors because there are few stores in the USA that sell succulents. A succulent can be sold for a greater price and still make money if it is in short supply.
High maintenance cost
Succulents can occasionally take a very long time to grow. The more money and energy spent on a plant, the longer it takes for it to flourish. The plant may also require further feeding and pruning. The price of the succulent may increase as a result of these reasons.
Aesthetic Value of The Succulent
A succulent could cost more if it has a wonderful appearance that can improve the aesthetic of a space. These hardy plants are excellent for use as décor because they can be eye-catching and lovely. A succulent may fetch a greater price in the market if it is in demand because of its aesthetic value due to increased demand.
Medicinal importance
Succulent varieties with medical potential include salo, yucca, and aloe vera. Yucca has particular phytonutrients that can be helpful in alleviating arthritic pain and inflammation. Additionally, digestive system inflammation can be treated with aloe vera.
Because plants help speed up the healing of wounds and treat eczema, succulents are frequently found in hospitals. Succulents have been used to treat a number of medical conditions, including coughing.
Why do ZZ plants cost so much?
Because ZZ plants grow slowly and take longer to reach a size that allows for commercial sale, they are more expensive than ordinary houseplants like a pothos or dieffenbachia.
What is the price of a Monstera?
Only extremely uncommon varieties go for prices as high as $5,000, and you’d have to shop around a lot to locate one for only $5. Most monstera deliciosa plants cost between $30 and $60 each.
Keep in mind that this is the cost of a typical, two to three-foot-tall green plant. You should always prepare to spend a little bit more money when purchasing plants that don’t fall into this group.
The average price range for higher-end plants is between $100 and $150. A larger plant or a variegated Monstera deliciosa typically cost this amount.
Almost exclusively huge plants with extremely unique colour patterns will cost more than a few hundred dollars.
What plant has ever cost the most money?
Native to Sri Lanka and other nations on the Indian subcontinent is this flowering succulent. Given that it is only known to bloom at night, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful flowers in the entire world. It is extremely rare and has a very short lifespan.
Juliet Rose
The real cost of the flower is between $50 and $60, but what earns it the second slot on this list is the price its creator paid to produce it—a whopping $5 million that took 15 years to complete! It debuted for the first time in 2006 at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Year Old Juniper Bonsai Tree
In 1981, a 250-year-old Juniper Bonsai tree was sold for a staggering $2,000,000 US. Its real photograph, however, has not yet been located.
Years-Old Bonsai Tree
A ridiculous $1.3 million was paid for this tiny white pine tree in 2011 at the International Bonsai Convention in Japan. The age and history of this tree were its greatest assets.
Obliqua Monstera
The Large Monstera Obliqua plant, commonly known as the “More Hole than Leaf” plant, sold for $23,000 to the winning bidder. As dealers attempt to pass it off as the more popular Monstera Adansonii, the majority of postings are scams.
Variegated Monstera Minima
This variegated Philodendron Minima was sold on Trade Me in New Zealand for a significant sum. A typical one might cost as little as $50 or as much as $100, but they are hard to come by.
Pink Princess Philodendron
Horticulture Week also dubbed Half Moon Philodendron Pink Princess “2019’s Must-Have Plant.” On ETSY, the plant was purchased for a cool $1,999.95.
Monstera Thai Constellation
This plant stands out from the other kinds thanks to its magnificent white and green variegation. It will cost you anywhere from $300 to $500 to purchase.