Plant prices for certain varieties can sometimes insanely skyrocket, and you're about to learn about eight of the most expensive houseplants out there. Prepare for some real plant shock in the special list we've put together of the most costly plants ever sold as well as some of the most expensive houseplants you might find in your neighborhood unusual plant shop.
Money Can Buy Plants - Especially These 8 Most Expensive Houseplants
Believe it or not, the houseplants we're about to reveal cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars and we're just as impressed as you are when reading this.
Ready, set, meet the eight most expensive houseplants: variegated monstera varieties, variegated mini monstera, 800-year-old bonsai tree, Shenzhen Nongke orchid, large Monstera Obliqua, philodendron tortum, Philodendron Pink Princess, and monstera esqueleto.
1. Variegated Monstera Varieties
Among plant collectors, variegated Monsteras are well regarded as status symbols. This is one of the most expensive houseplants, and you might be surprised to learn that an Adansonii Variegata sold for $38,000 and was the most expensive ever.
For comparison, that is $3,000 more than the annual pay in the United States. Just wow!
2. Variegated Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Albo)
This month in New Zealand, a white variegated Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma with nine leaves sold for $27,000. This surpasses the previous record set by a yellow variegated variant with four leaves that was purchased by another New Zealander for $8,000. Read all about this houseplant in the article: 'Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma: How to Care and Propagate a Mini Monstera'.
Depending on the market and where you live, a typical fully green mini Monstera typically costs between $15 and $35. But the ones mentioned previously are a very special and unique type of mini Monsteras.
3. 800-Year-Old Bonsai Tree
An over-the-roof value of $1.3 million was paid for this tiny white pine tree at the international bonsai exhibition in Japan. This particular bonsai tree is renowned for its age, heritage, and a few appealing characteristics including shape and trunk size. This bonsai breaks the record and is the leading one among the eight most expensive houseplants.
4. Shenzhen Nongke Orchid
When the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid sold at auction for roughly $224,000 in 2005, it set the record for the most expensive flowering plant ever sold. It took eight years for scientists to develop this blossom in a university lab. Only every five years does it blossom. Geez, no wonder it's one of the eight most expensive houseplants.
5. Large Monstera Obliqua
This unique plant is considered among the eight most expensive houseplants. The large Monstera Obliqua is frequently referred to as having "more holes than leaf" due to its tiny leaves, bringing in a winning bid of $23,000. Online searches for this highly desired, aesthetically pleasing plant species provide several hits and some prices that look fair.
6. Philodendron Tortum
In a plant shop or online, a medium-sized Philodendron Tortum in a six-inch container normally costs over $400. Compared to their near relatives, these plants seem considerably different, and some of their care needs are different as well. For instance, because they grow swiftly and do well in high humidity, they require more room to spread their leaves out.
7. Philodendron Pink Princess
If you want to find out why the Philodendron Pink Princess houseplant is considered one of the eight most expensive houseplants, make sure to read the article: 'Meet Philodendron Pink Princess- A Rare Variegated Houseplant Loved for Its Uniqueness'.
This photogenic plant may be cared for like any other philodendron with its dark green to black leaves that have hot pink variegation. The cost of purchasing one, however, can be high. Small specimens with 2 to 5 leaves sell for $100 to $300, and huge plants with significant variegation might cost $1000 or more.
8. Monstera Esqueleto
Most rare plant stores and online retailers currently charge around $500 for a tiny monster "esqueleto" as it is known. Due to its stunning leaves, which resemble a larger variation of the much more popular monstera Adansonii, this plant is in high demand. The leaves of this plant can grow to almost three feet long when fully developed.
Since the plant world is constantly changing and new species are being discovered, the list of the most expensive houseplants is probably going to keep changing, but how insane are these eight houseplants?
