Why Is Monstera So Expensive

Monsteras are already stunning plants, and variegated varieties are much more so. Sadly, they are frequently pricey and scarce.

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 should you expect to pay for 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 makes Monstera so unique?

There are tasty monstera fruits. Monstera Deliciosa bears extraordinarily flavorful fruit in the wild. It has a strawberry, passion fruit, mango, and pineapple flavor profile. Because of how tasty it is, the Monstera Deliciosa gets its name.

Which Monstera has the highest price tag?

The most exorbitant sums are paid for the properly titled monsteras; one recently sold on eBay for more than $38,000. That substantial value only applies to variants with “fenestration,” or holes, and/or white variegation, not the common all-green Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). The Swiss cheese vine known as adansonii variegata, which possesses both of those qualities, may fetch prices ranging from hundreds for a single rooted cutting to thousands for more established plants. The plant’s namesake, Michel Adanson, a penniless French botanist from the 18th century, would be shocked!

Are Monstera plants worth anything?

Swiss cheese plant, sometimes known as variegated Monstera, can get up to $5,000 at auction. On the well-known auction site Trade Me, a rare M. adansonii went for $700 and an M. aurea sold for $3,726.

The Variegated Monstera is currently one of the most popular plants and is adored in New Zealand and other countries. But because of how slowly the plant reproduces, it is quite uncommon.

This plant is known for its sporadic splashes of color in a variety of colors and its irregularly shaped leaves. Numerous plant-related social media influencers adore it because of its distinctiveness. Garden centers only charge $20 for standard green varieties, while the cost of variegated varieties is increasing.

What plant is the most expensive?

A Hoya Carnosa Compacta, often known as “Hindu rope,” was sold by a member of the New Zealand TradeMe auction site in 2020 for $6500. Its price makes it the most costly plant offered on the marketplace.

The established plant has a cream/yellow variegation on the inner of the leaf, according to the seller, making it more appealing to customers.

Hoya plants start at about $10, while a more mature variety can cost as much as $100 on websites like Etsy.

Which indoor plant is the rarest?

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. The plants are not in a particular order.

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 many years do Monsteras live?

The perennial Monstera flower blooms every year. They are frequently referred to as heritage plants because they can live for more than 40 years. The plants’ lengthy lifespan, however, is highly reliant on their ability to thrive and be properly taken care of.

The ability of Monstera plants to experience periods of dormancy is one of the factors contributing to their lengthy longevity. The plant will halt its growth when circumstances are not optimal and wait for things to get better. This enables the plant to preserve energy and prolong its lifespan.

The Araceae family includes the roughly 50 different species of Monstera plants. The Monstera deliciosa, sometimes referred to as the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron, is the most prevalent variety.

These plants are extremely hardy and durable due to their adaptation to the harsh jungle environment, which may extend their lifespans. When there are strong gusts or heavy rains, the plant benefits from the well-known holes in its leaves that keep the leaf surface from ripping.

They are also substantial and rather huge. Monstera plants can grow up to 70 feet long when left outside. However, you may anticipate your Monstera plant to grow to a height of around 6 feet indoors.

Does Monstera clean the air?

Although plant-covered facades are all the rage among architects, you don’t need to completely cover your building in greenery to enjoy their advantages. NASA researchers started looking at how houseplants might clean the air in space stations in the 1980s and discovered that some plants are far stronger at removing toxins and contaminants.

It has been shown that a number of plants can filter out airborne toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. According to NASA, there should be one air-purifying plant every 100 square feet of space.

One of the best philodendron plants for lowering air pollution has been demonstrated to have large leaves, including the fashionable monstera plant. Simply avoid letting little children or dogs consume the leaves because they are poisonous. A reasonably simple plant to grow that purifies indoor air is aloe.

Snake plant, Peace Lily, English ivy, Spider plant, Gerbera Daisy, Dragon Tree, and Bamboo are some additional top purifying plants.

What stands for the Monstera leaf?

Symbolism. The aerial roots and quickly expanding leaf-bearing vine are supposed to symbolize suffocation in Monstera deliciosa. For this reason, we chose to adhere to Chinese symbolism, in which the Monstera represents a long life and reverence for elders and respected individuals.

How do I obtain the entire Monstera?

Because monstera roots are constantly expanding, they must occasionally be replanted, especially if you want to create a giant plant. Making ensuring your Monstera is not root-bound is crucial. It’s time to locate your Monstera a new home if you see the roots beginning to circle around the bottom of the pot or poke out the drainage holes.

Choose a pot with drainage holes that is one to two sizes larger than the existing one. Giving the roots room to move around in a larger-than-before pot can help your Monstera grow stronger and bigger.

Monstera Albo Borsigiana

Despite some claims to the contrary, Monstera Deliciosa and Borsigiana belong to the same species.

One of the most well-known Monstera variegata has grown in popularity as a result of Instagram.

Large white patches will appear on the foliage of M. Albo Borsigiana due to a spontaneous mutation that causes the variegation. These spots are erratic and prone to become green again.

Depending on how many leaves it has, a single Monstera Albo Borsigiana cutting is worth approximately $250, while a rooted plant can range in price from $400 to $1,000.

Monstera Thai Constellation

This common house plant was created using plant tissue culture in a lab in Thailand and has undergone artificial mutation.

It is one of the most desired plants due to its lovely variation in sectoral and marble patterns. As a plant that was grown in tissue culture, the variegation is quite stable and will be passed on to new leaves as they develop.

Although a rooted Monstera Thai Constellation can cost anywhere between $250 and $350, I’ve never seen Thai Constellation advertised as a cutting.

Monstera Deliciosa Aurea

The yellow variegation of Monstera Deliciosa Aurea, also called Monstera Marmorata, gives it the look of a Golden Pothos.

It also needs regular maintenance to keep its sectoral pattern variegation. To maintain the variegation, immediately cut any leaves that have turned green.

Because it is so uncommon, Monstera Deliciosa’s Aurea variant commands a high price. Costs for rooted plants range from $2,000 to $3,000.

Is It Possible for Regular Monstera to Develop Variegation?

Regular Monstera can eventually show variegation, though it is rare. One of my friend’s Monstera Deliciosa cuttings was fortunate enough to begin displaying Albo variegation.

Only one in 100,000 plants will randomly produce a variegated Monstera. This means that in order to obtain a variegated Monstera, you would need to propagate 100,000 cuttings and hope that one of them would show the trait.