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There are trendy houseplants, and then there’s pure insanity. We’ve put together a list of the most expensive plants ever sold, and some of the most expensive house plants that you might see in your local rare plant shop, so prepare for some serious sticker shock!most expensive house plants
Variegated Monstera Varieties
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Variegated Monstera plants, particularly the Monstera Deliciosa 'Variegata', are highly sought-after houseplants known for their unique and striking variegation. This variegation manifests as patches or streaks of white, cream, or yellow on the plant's large, glossy green leaves, creating a stunning visual effect. The rarity of these variegations, which are the result of a genetic mutation, contributes to the plant's desirability among plant enthusiasts and collectors.
In terms of cost, variegated Monsteras can be quite expensive, often significantly more so than their non-variegated counterparts. Prices can vary widely depending on the degree and type of variegation, plant size, and overall health. Smaller or less variegated specimens might be somewhat affordable, but highly variegated plants, particularly those with large sections of white or cream, can fetch very high prices, sometimes reaching several hundred or even thousands of dollars. The high price is a reflection of their rarity, the slow growth rate, and the high demand in the houseplant market.
Variegated Monsteras are well known as status symbols among plant collectors. However, it may surprise you that the most expensive one ever sold was an Adansonii Variegata that went for $38,000!
Note: If you plan to invest in a variegated plant, you probably also want to set aside enough money to buy a good grow light, considering the light needs are often higher for these gems. We recommend the Grove™ Grow Bar Light Fixture which features touch dimming and 360º rotation to best suit your plant and setup.
Variegated Mini Monstera
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The Variegated Mini Monstera, scientifically known as Rhaphidophora tetrasperma 'Variegata', is a highly sought-after houseplant, cherished for its unique and striking variegation. Despite its common name, the Mini Monstera is not a true Monstera but shares a similar leaf shape. The plant features split leaves that resemble those of the Monstera deliciosa, but on a smaller scale, hence the name "Mini Monstera."
The variegated version of this plant is particularly prized for its beautiful leaf patterns, which include a mix of green, white, and sometimes even cream or yellow. The variegation is random and unpredictable, making each leaf and each plant unique. The variegated version of Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is relatively rare and in high demand. Its compact size combined with its resemblance to the more familiar Monstera deliciosa makes it highly popular among houseplant enthusiasts and collectors.
Slow growth and the difficulty of propagating variegated plants means it takes longer for growers to produce saleable plants, meaning the Variegated Mini Monstera can be quite expensive, with prices varying depending on the extent of the variegation, the size of the plant, and its overall health. The rarity and aesthetic appeal of the variegation make it a coveted item for plant collectors and enthusiasts, who are often willing to pay a premium for a particularly beautiful specimen.
Variegated Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
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The White Variegated Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a rare and highly sought-after tropical plant, celebrated for its striking variegation. This variegation is characterized by white or cream-colored streaks and patches against the plant's deep green, split leaves, creating a visually stunning contrast. The variegation in these plants is due to a genetic mutation, making each specimen unique.
As for their cost, white variegated Rhaphidophora Tetraspermas are generally quite expensive, often more so than many other houseplants, including their non-variegated counterparts. The price can vary significantly based on the extent and quality of the variegation, the size of the plant, and its overall health and maturity. Small or less variegated specimens may be somewhat more affordable, but those with extensive and vibrant white variegation can be quite pricey, potentially costing several hundred dollars or more. The high cost reflects their rarity, the slow and unpredictable nature of variegation, and the strong demand among plant collectors and enthusiasts.
A white variegated Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma with 9 leaves sold for $27,000 in New Zealand this month. This beats the record $8,000 price tag of a yellow variegated version with four leaves that had previously been bought by another New Zealander. A normal fully green mini Monstera can usually be bought for between $15 and $35, depending on location and demand.most expensive house plants.
An 800 Year Old Bonsai Tree
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This miniature white pine tree sold for a crazy $1.3 million at the International Bonsai Convention in Takamatsu, Japan, in 2011. The tree, which is over 800 years old, is a stunning example of the ancient and intricate art of bonsai. Its age, size, and the skill involved in its cultivation and maintenance contribute to its extremely high value. The Pine Bonsai is revered as a symbol of endurance and resilience, qualities highly valued in the bonsai community. This sale highlights the cultural and historical significance of bonsai trees in Japan and the world over, as well as the dedication of bonsai artists to nurturing these living works of art over centuries.. Bonsai trees like this one are prized for their age, history, and certain desirable qualities such as shape and trunk size.
A Man Made Orchid
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The Shenzhen Nongke Orchid is a highly remarkable and valuable plant, primarily due to its origin and rarity. It was created by agricultural scientists at Shenzhen Nongke University in China over a period of eight years. This orchid is not just a naturally occurring species, but a product of meticulous scientific cultivation and breeding.
What makes the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid exceptionally expensive is a combination of its unique provenance and the labor-intensive process of its creation. The orchid is known for its exquisite beauty, with delicate and intricate flowers, but it is also celebrated for its long blooming period, which is uncommon among orchids.
In 2005, this orchid achieved fame and notoriety when it was sold at auction for a staggering 1.68 million yuan, which is roughly equivalent to over $200,000 USD. This price set a record, making it the most expensive orchid ever sold. The high price reflects its rarity, the scientific achievement it represents, and its status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the plant world.
Large Monstera Obliqua
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The Monstera Obliqua is a highly sought-after and rare plant, famous for its unique and striking appearance. This plant is a part of the Monstera genus, which is known for its distinctive, ornamental leaves. The Monstera Obliqua, in particular, is noted for its extremely fenestrated leaves, which are more hole than leaf. This extreme perforation gives it a delicate, lace-like appearance, making it a prized specimen among houseplant enthusiasts.
The rarity and high cost of the Monstera Obliqua are largely due to its scarcity and the challenges associated with cultivating it. It's often confused with the more common and less expensive Monstera Adansonii, but true Monstera Obliquas are much rarer. They are native to Central and South America, and in their natural habitat, they are epiphytic and grow in rainforests, which makes their cultivation outside of these conditions quite challenging.
The high price of the Large Monstera Obliqua is a reflection of these factors: its rarity, the difficulty of propagation and care, and the demand for this unique and aesthetically striking plant. Prices can be exorbitantly high, often reaching several thousand dollars for a single plant. The demand in the houseplant market, particularly among collectors and enthusiasts who value unique and rare specimens, contributes significantly to its high cost.
A bidder paid $23,000 for this rare plant, which is often described as “more hole than leaf”, because of its delicate leaves which make these plants difficult to care for. This highly sought after, aesthetic plant variety turns up lots of results online, and some seemingly reasonable prices. However, these listings are almost always a scam where sellers try to pass off the relatively common Monstera Adansonii, for the similar looking rare Obliqua.
Alocasia Azlanii
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The Alocasia Azlanii, often referred to as the "Red Mambo," is a rare and highly coveted houseplant known for its striking appearance. This plant is part of the Alocasia genus, which is prized for its beautiful and distinctive foliage. The Alocasia Azlanii stands out with its dark, almost black leaves that have a metallic sheen, and vibrant veins that can appear in shades of pink, red, or purple. This stunning color contrast makes it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.
The rarity and expense of the Alocasia Azlanii can be attributed to several factors. First, it's a relatively new addition to the world of houseplants, having been discovered and cultivated only in recent years. Its exact origins are somewhat unclear, but it's believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. The plant's rarity is compounded by the fact that it's challenging to propagate. Alocasia Azlanii requires specific growing conditions to thrive, including high humidity, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil, making its cultivation a delicate process.
The high price of Alocasia Azlanii reflects these factors: its rarity, the difficulty of propagation, and the strong demand in the houseplant market, especially among collectors who seek unique and visually striking plants. As a result, even small specimens can command high prices, often ranging from several tens to hundreds of dollars, depending on the size and condition of the plant.
These plants go for $100 to $700 depending on size, and have recently seen a jump in popularity. Their leaves appear dark green, almost black, and have shimmery veins that can appear red, purple, or even hot pink. Also called the “red mambo”, this plant is native to Borneo, and has only recently been cultivated and sold, meaning that supplies are limited.
Anthurium Crystallinum
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The Anthurium Crystallinum is a striking tropical plant known for its lush, heart-shaped leaves and distinctive veining. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, it's a part of the Anthurium genus, which is celebrated for its diverse and ornamental species. The leaves of the Anthurium Crystallinum are its most notable feature; they are large, dark green, and velvety, with prominent white or silver veins that create a stunning contrast.
The expense of the Anthurium Crystallinum can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, its striking aesthetic appeal makes it highly sought after by houseplant enthusiasts and collectors. The plant's large, ornamental leaves with unique veining are highly desirable for their decorative quality. Additionally, the Anthurium Crystallinum requires specific care and growing conditions that can be challenging to maintain. It thrives in high humidity, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and needs a well-draining soil mix. Its sensitivity to environmental conditions and susceptibility to pests and diseases can make it a more high-maintenance choice for indoor gardeners.
While not the most expensive plant in the market, its price is relatively high compared to more common houseplants. This cost reflects its popularity, the care required to maintain its stunning appearance, and the slow growth rate. The price can vary, but it's generally considered an investment for enthusiasts who are drawn to its unique and elegant foliage. Sold for $100 to $200 depending on location, this plant is out of the average customer’s budget. But as rare plants go, that price is at the lower end of the range. New leaves come in orange and slowly turn green, creating a striking contrast with the rest of the plant.
Philodendron Pink Princess
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The Philodendron Pink Princess is a highly sought-after houseplant, renowned for its unique variegation and striking coloration. This plant is a cultivar of the Philodendron genus and is prized for its dark green leaves splashed with vibrant pink, which can range from hot pink to blush tones. The variegation is random and varies greatly from leaf to leaf, making each plant uniquely beautiful.
The expense of the Philodendron Pink Princess can be attributed to several factors, including the variegation of pink on dark green is rare and highly desired in the houseplant community. Each plant has a unique pattern, making them collectible. The Philodendron Pink Princess has gained a cult following among plant enthusiasts and collectors, driving up demand. However, the plant's growth rate is relatively slow, especially when producing new variegated leaves, which means it takes longer for growers to produce salable plants. Not all Philodendron Pink Princess plants maintain their variegation as they grow, which can make finding a plant with a strong, stable variegation more challenging and, thus, more valuable. Propagating the Philodendron Pink Princess to maintain its variegation can be difficult, which contributes to its scarcity.
The price of the Philodendron Pink Princess varies widely depending on the extent of the variegation, size, and overall health of the plant. Specimens with extensive and vibrant pink variegation are often the most expensive, sometimes costing several hundred dollars. The high cost reflects its rarity, beauty, and the demand from plant lovers and collectors.
This Photogenic plant has dark green to black leaves with hot pink variegation, and can be taken care of just like any other similar philodendron. Small specimens with 2 to 5 leaves sell for $100 to $300, and large plants with good variegation can go for $1000 or more.
Philodendron Tortum
The Philodendron Tortum is a unique and exotic plant known for its distinctive appearance, which sets it apart from other members of the Philodendron family. This plant is characterized by its slender, elongated leaves with a skeletal structure. The leaves are deeply cut and segmented, giving them a fern-like appearance, which is quite unusual for a Philodendron.
Several factors contribute to the high cost of the Philodendron Tortum, as it is relatively rare in cultivation compared to other Philodendron species. Its unique appearance makes it a sought-after specimen for plant collectors and enthusiasts. It requires specific care and conditions to thrive, including adequate humidity, temperature, and light conditions. This can make it a more high-maintenance plant, adding to its value. If you plan on investing, consider adding a grow light such as the Aspect™ Hanging Pendant Grow Light from Soltech.
The price of a Philodendron Tortum can vary widely depending on its size, the maturity of the plant, and its overall health. While not typically as expensive as some of the more high-priced variegated species, it can still command a significant price, particularly for larger or more mature specimens. The cost reflects its rarity, distinctive appearance, and the demand among plant collectors and enthusiasts for unique and unusual houseplants.
A medium sized Philodendron Tortum in a six inch pot typically goes for around $400 in a plant store or online. These plants have a very different appearance compared to their close relatives, and some care requirements vary. For example, they thrive in high humidity and grow quickly, meaning that they need a larger space to spread out their leaves.
Monstera Esqueleto
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The Monstera Esqueleto, also known as Monstera Epipremnoides, is a rare and sought-after tropical plant, celebrated for its unique foliage. This plant is part of the Monstera genus, renowned for its attractive and distinctive leaves. The Monstera Esqueleto features large, heart-shaped leaves with deep, irregular fenestrations (holes) and pronounced lobes that extend towards the leaf edges. These fenestrations become more pronounced as the plant matures, giving the leaves a skeletal, almost lace-like appearance, hence the name "Esqueleto," meaning "skeleton" in Spanish.
The striking fenestrations and the unique, mature leaf shape make it a highly desirable decorative plant for those looking to add an exotic and dramatic touch to their indoor plant collection. Like other Monsteras, it requires specific care, including high humidity, indirect light, and well-draining soil. However, its rarity makes sourcing and maintaining healthy specimens more challenging and expensive. The Monstera Esqueleto can be more challenging to propagate compared to more common varieties, which contributes to its scarcity and high market value.
The price of the Monstera Esqueleto can vary, but it is generally quite expensive, especially for larger or more mature specimens with extensive fenestration. The cost reflects its rarity, distinctive appearance, and the demand in the houseplant market, particularly among enthusiasts who value unique and visually striking plants. A small monstera esqueleto currently costs about $500 from most rare plant shops or online businesses. This plant is in high demand because of its beautiful leaves, which resemble a larger version of the much more common monstera Adansonii. When this plant is fully grown, its leaves can be nearly three feet long!
