There are trendy houseplants, and then there’s pure insanity when it comes to pricing. We’ve put together a list of the most expensive plants ever sold, alongside some of the priciest houseplants you might come across in your local rare plant shop. Prepare for some serious sticker shock as we dive into the fascinating world of plant collectors and their prized greens! From the ultra-rare Variegated Monstera, which can fetch thousands of dollars, to the sought-after Philodendron Pink Princess, these plants are not just décor but investments. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just curious, these jaw-dropping prices will leave you in awe.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 most expensive houseplants that have taken the world by storm!
Variegated Monstera Varieties
Image: Ariel Ranker
Variegated Monstera plants, especially the Monstera Deliciosa ‘Variegata,’ are highly coveted for their striking variegation, which appears as patches or streaks of white, cream, or yellow on their glossy green leaves. This unique patterning, seen in popular varieties like the Monstera Thai Constellation and Monstera Albo, is due to a rare genetic mutation, making them extremely desirable among plant enthusiasts and collectors.
The cost of these plants can be significantly higher than their non-variegated counterparts, with prices varying based on factors like the extent of variegation, plant size, and overall condition. While less variegated or smaller specimens may be relatively affordable, those with pronounced variegation—especially large white or cream sections—can command prices in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Their high price reflects their rarity, slow growth rate, and strong demand in the market.
Variegated Monsteras have become status symbols in the plant community, and the most expensive ever sold was a Monstera Adansonii Variegata, which fetched an astonishing $38,000!
Note: If you’re planning to invest in a variegated plant, it’s a good idea to budget for a quality grow light, as these plants often require more light to thrive. We recommend the Grove™ Grow Bar Light Fixture, which offers touch dimming and 360º rotation, allowing you to customize the lighting to perfectly 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 due to its striking variegation. Despite its name, it’s not a true Monstera, but it shares a similar split-leaf structure that resembles the Monstera deliciosa on a smaller scale, hence the nickname “Mini Monstera.”
The variegated version of this plant is particularly prized for its unpredictable leaf patterns, which feature a mix of green, white, cream, and sometimes yellow. Each leaf develops its own unique blend of variegation, making every plant distinct. Because this variegation results from a genetic mutation, it’s rare and in high demand among plant collectors and enthusiasts.
The slow growth rate and difficulty in propagating variegated plants add to its exclusivity, making the Variegated Mini Monstera more expensive compared to non-variegated varieties. Prices fluctuate based on factors such as the plant’s size, health, and the extent of its variegation, with more pronounced patterns often commanding higher prices. Its compact size and striking resemblance to the popular Monstera deliciosa contribute to its popularity among plant lovers.
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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In 2011, a miniature white pine bonsai tree sold for an astounding $1.3 million at the International Bonsai Convention in Takamatsu, Japan. Over 800 years old, this tree exemplifies the delicate and ancient art of bonsai cultivation. Its value is derived not only from its impressive age and size but also from the exceptional skill required to nurture and maintain it over the centuries. Revered as a symbol of endurance and resilience, the Pine Bonsai holds deep cultural and historical significance in Japan and across the globe. Such bonsai trees are highly prized for their longevity, history, and desirable features like shape and trunk size, showcasing the dedication of bonsai artists in preserving these living works of art.
A Man Made Orchid
Image: interflora.com.au
The Shenzhen Nongke Orchid is an extraordinary and valuable plant, primarily due to its scientific origins and rarity. It was developed by agricultural researchers at Shenzhen Nongke University in China through a meticulous eight-year process of cultivation and breeding. Unlike naturally occurring orchids, this variety is a result of deliberate scientific innovation.
What sets the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid apart is not only its beautiful, intricate blooms and long flowering period but also the labor-intensive effort involved in its creation. Its uniqueness and scientific background make it highly coveted. In 2005, the orchid gained international attention when it was auctioned for a record-breaking 1.68 million yuan (over $200,000 USD), making it the most expensive orchid ever sold. This price reflects the plant’s rarity, the extensive research behind it, and its status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the world of ornamental plants.
Large Monstera Obliqua
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The Monstera Obliqua is a rare and highly coveted plant known for its striking, lace-like appearance, characterized by extremely fenestrated leaves with more holes than solid leaf. Its rarity and delicate structure make it a prized specimen among collectors, often confused with the more common Monstera Adansonii. Native to Central and South American rainforests, it’s challenging to cultivate outside its natural habitat, contributing to its high cost. Prices can reach several thousand dollars, with one plant even selling for $23,000 due to its scarcity and delicate care requirements. Be cautious, as scams often misrepresent the more common Adansonii as Obliqua.
Alocasia Azlanii
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The Alocasia Azlanii, also known as the “Red Mambo,” is a rare and highly sought-after plant due to its striking appearance. Its dark, almost black leaves have a metallic sheen, highlighted by vibrant pink, red, or purple veins, making it a favorite among collectors. Native to Borneo, it was only recently introduced to the market, adding to its rarity and high cost. The plant requires specific care, including high humidity and warm temperatures, which makes cultivation challenging. Prices range from $100 to $700 depending on size and condition.
Anthurium Crystallinum
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The Anthurium Crystallinum is a stunning tropical plant prized for its large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves adorned with striking white or silver veins. Native to Central and South American rainforests, it’s part of the Anthurium genus, known for its ornamental appeal. Its unique foliage and aesthetic make it highly desirable among collectors.
The plant’s price reflects its popularity and the care it requires, thriving in high humidity, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. Though not the most expensive, Anthurium Crystallinum can range from $100 to $200 depending on its size and location, making it an investment for those drawn to its beauty. Its new leaves emerge orange, creating a beautiful contrast as they transition to green.
Philodendron Pink Princess
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The Philodendron Pink Princess is a highly sought-after houseplant known for its stunning variegation. Its dark green leaves feature random splashes of pink, ranging from hot pink to blush, making each plant unique. This rarity in variegation and its slow growth rate contribute to its high demand and price.
The plant’s value is driven by its unpredictable and often unstable pink variegation, with plants displaying strong variegation being more expensive. Small specimens with a few leaves typically sell for $100 to $300, while larger plants with prominent variegation can fetch $1,000 or more. The plant has gained a cult following among collectors due to its beauty and uniqueness, making it one of the most desirable houseplants. This photogenic plant can be cared for similarly to other philodendrons, but finding one with stable, vibrant variegation adds to the challenge.
Philodendron Tortum
The Philodendron Tortum stands out in the Philodendron family due to its slender, deeply segmented leaves that resemble a fern’s structure. Its unique, skeletal appearance makes it highly desirable among plant collectors. The plant’s rarity and its need for specific care, including high humidity and proper light, contribute to its elevated price.
For optimal growth, especially in low-light environments, consider using the Aspect™ Hanging Pendant Grow Light from Soltech. Prices for a medium-sized Philodendron Tortum typically range around $400, reflecting its distinct look and the demand for rare houseplants. Although not as expensive as variegated species, larger specimens can command higher prices due to their uniqueness and care requirements.
Monstera Esqueleto
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The Monstera Esqueleto, also known as Monstera Epipremnoides, is a rare tropical plant prized for its dramatic foliage. Its large, heart-shaped leaves feature deep, irregular fenestrations that create a striking, lace-like appearance, earning it the name “Esqueleto,” meaning “skeleton” in Spanish. As the plant matures, the fenestrations become even more pronounced, enhancing its exotic look.
Like other Monsteras, it thrives in high humidity, indirect light, and well-draining soil, but its rarity and difficulty in propagation make it both harder to find and more expensive. Prices for small Monstera Esqueletos typically start around $500, with larger, mature specimens commanding even higher prices due to their unique beauty and high demand. When fully grown, the leaves can reach nearly three feet long, resembling a larger version of the more common Monstera Adansonii.
Now that you’ve seen the top 10 most expensive plants money can buy, which ones are on your wishlist?
Do you think any plants were missing, or should a few be swapped out? With so many rare and unique plants in the world, opinions on what makes a plant truly valuable can vary. Some enthusiasts might feel that certain lesser-known species deserve a spot, while others could argue that some plants on the list are more hype than substance. We’d love to hear your thoughts—what would you add or remove from this coveted collection of botanical treasures?
