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 location is ideal for a Monstera plant?
PRO HINT: Monsteras love to climb up vertical surfaces because they are climbing plants. Use pegs or moss sticks to direct your Monstera’s growth upward if you prefer it to grow tall rather than wide.
A tough and simple-to-care-for species of flowering plant native to southern Mexico and Panama called Monstera deliciosa is also known as the “Due to the distinctive growth of ridges and holes, or fenestrations, on its more mature leaves, the Swiss cheese plant is called that. The “deliciosa part of the plant’s name originates from the pineapple-like fruit it bears in its natural habitat!
A warm, humid environment with plenty of water and soft sunlight are preferred by monsteras. Put your Monstera in an area with indirect light that ranges from moderate to bright. Even though it can tolerate lower light levels, you can notice lanky growth as a result, so the optimum location is a few feet away from a window that faces the south, west, or east and provides brilliant indirect light.
We offer a guide on how to measure light in your environment if you are unclear of the lighting conditions in your house or place of business.
Only the most mature leaves of the Monstera typically develop the distinctive splits, and even so, only under optimal circumstances. Just wait if yours has plenty of light but no splits.
Do they provide Monstera plants at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s is recognizing the arrival of spring by offering a completely new assortment of springtime plants. Extremely low rates are being offered on mums, hyacinths, poppy growing kits, and planters with Easter-related themes. It’s time to get your green thumb out and start looking for the white whale of Trader Joe’s flora because some people are even discovering small monstera plants there for next to nothing pricing.
However, there’s a chance for you to score one because February saw monstera sightings. There are Trader Joe’s monsteras out there, and they will probably become more common in the upcoming spring months (fingers crossed, anyway). Keep an eye out and be patient, and you might just find yourself the proud owner of your very own under-$10 Swiss cheese factory.
What distinguishes a Monstera from a Monstera deliciosa?
Actually belonging to a distinct plant family, monsteras are cultivated for their fruit in Mexico and Costa Rica. The enormous, tasty fruit that they produce gives the plant its name, Monstera deliciosa. Their leaves grow enormously, so the term “monster fruit, and can be rather spectacular, with almost-white variegation patterns.
The same family as pothos includes trailing vines called philodendrons. The name philodendron literally translates as “love tree, presumably because of their heart-shaped leaves. Their leaves develop much more like a pothos and never become as large as monstera leaves.
And this is where it gets complicated. There are two real species of split-leaf philodendrons, but their leaves are nowhere near as dramatic as the monstera deliciosa.
Is a Monstera a Philodendron?
No! A philodendron is more closely linked to the pothos, the most popular houseplant in the world, even though they both belong to the same broader family. The peace lily and monsteras are more linked to one another.
Philodendrons make excellent hanging plants since they are somewhat simpler to grow and trail down from their containers like vines. Variegated types of them are easier to grow, more widely available, and less expensive.
Monsteras don’t grow well as hanging plants and require a little more light than philodendrons, at least if you want the dramatic split-leaf pattern on their leaves. In fact, a monstera that lacks adequate light and loses its divided leaves resembles a philodendron quite a bit.
Monstera vs. Split-Leaf Philodendron: Which Should I Buy?
I’m a huge fan of indoor plants, so both! They’re truly pretty distinct, and every houseplant fan should have both in their collection, along with your fiddle leaf fig and ferns. Put your philodendron in a hanging container next to a pothos in a dimly lit area. It will flourish in practically any situation and slowly enlarge like a vine.
Place your monstera in more light and watch out for over-watering. (Read our comprehensive guide to watering monsteras here.)
Watch out for signs of leaf drop, yellowing, or losing the split-leaf pattern on its leaves. Give your plant additional light if you notice these issues. (Click here to view the Monstera Leaf Care Ultimate Guide.)
No matter which houseplant you decide to buy—a monstera, a philodendron, or both—make sure to give it enough of sunlight, not too much water, and weekly attention.
Why does Monstera cost so much?
Monsteras are already stunning plants, and variegated varieties are much more so. Unfortunately, they tend to be rare and expensive.
Due of their scarcity, variegated Monstera plants are pricey. A mutation in the plant’s production of chlorophyll results in the marbling or half-moon appearance. A Monstera can cost anywhere between $100 and several thousand dollars USD, depending on its size and variegation pattern.
What is the rarest houseplant?
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
Everybody probably knows the monstera already but in the last 2 years, the variegated versions have become super popular! 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 most common of them all is the Monstera Albo Variegata. 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. The only way to get these plants is from cuttings in people’s private collections or from plants that have been seed grown with a mega low % of having this type 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. Just as the Monstera Aurea Variegata, these plants are not being produced on big scales. 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.
Their beautiful white speckled leaves are super recognizable for true plant lovers.
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 over, 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.
Is it okay to have Monstera in my bedroom?
You’ve probably seen this plant in countless of interior pictures.
Its enormous, Swiss cheese-like leaves are distinctive and instantly give any place a jungle vibe.
According to Mast, monsteras are wonderful since they can grow almost anyplace. “Although they can handle low light, these plants develop more quickly and dramatically in a bright area of your house. Monsteras do well in areas with bright, indirect sunlight.”
Mast advises staying away from bright, direct sunshine, though, as it will burn the leaves.