There are times when curiosity gets the better of us. What did my neighbor pay as a down payment for their vehicle? Did I receive a better deal than my cousin when we got our data plans? Or maybe you’re curious about the money your friend shelled out for their pretty new Monstera plant. You probably already know that Monstera plants are incredibly pricey, but how pricey, exactly?
Read on to discover:
- What makes a monstera plant so expensive
- The most expensive monstera varieties
And more!
What Makes A Monstera Houseplant So Expensive?
When it comes to rare or hard-to-find specimens, the prices can vary as much as the stock market in November. Therefore, you need to have a green thumb to keep your investment alive if you’re planning to buy the most expensive Monsteras. Nevertheless, the question is, what makes some Monstera houseplants cost so much? Well, factors such as trend, rarity, bloom, care requirements, breeding, beauty, and propagation may all play a part in the price of these amazing plants.
With the rise in the popularity of gardening activities among younger generations over the last several decades, an ongoing “plant boom” trend has emerged. As a direct result of this viral trend, more and more individuals want to be the proud plant parents of unique and beautiful plant species. For example, to satisfy the current demand, cuttings of variegated monstera plants are fetching prices in the four-figure range in the United States, Canada, and Australia (sometimes costing more than a car!).
However, note that millennials did not start this kind of movement. The tulip was the plant everyone wanted in their gardens at the beginning of the 1600s, and because of the “Tulip Mania” phenomenon, the price of tulips skyrocketed, reaching as high as 5,700 guilders per stem. In keeping with this pattern, the orchid emerged as the flower of the century. The term “Orchidelirium” was used to describe the extreme passion for orchids prevalent among wealthy Victorians.
The Monstera Species – From Unknown to Expensive
The benefits of indoor plants are far-reaching, and if any houseplant has caught the eyes of veteran and novice plant parents in recent years, it has to be the Monstera—and for all the good reasons. It might seem impossible to pick up a fashion magazine or head to a nursery without stumbling across Monstera varieties and thus wanting one for yourself.
Native to the rainforests of Central America, these vining plants’ lush, tropical-looking foliage boasts hollow and variegated leaves that can enrich the decor of absolutely any indoor space. Even though Monstera varieties seem to be from another world, they are surprisingly simple to care for; even amateurs should have no trouble keeping these lovely houseplants alive.
The Most Expensive Monstera Varieties
Considering that the Monstera genus has up to 50 different species, only a handful of those are actually sold at local plant nurseries and retail outlets. Although many species, cultivars, and variegated variations are becoming more popular, several are also quite rare and costly.
If you’re looking to make a chic yet rich impression with these iconic, easily recognizable, and on-trend houseplants, look no further. The guide below takes a look at the most expensive Monstera varieties.
1. Monstera Obliqua ‘Peru’
Native to Central and South America, Monstera Obliqua ‘Peru’ is an easy-to-grow vining plant with fenestrate leaves (a botanical way of saying the leaves have small holes). Often confused for Monstera Adansonii, M. Obliqua Peru has more holes on the leaf and an almost lace-like striking feature.
Among other Monstera varieties, Obliqua Peru has recently climbed in popularity and can fetch a pretty price. On average, the price ranges from about $200 for stems with nodes to $7,000 for a potted plantlet.
2. Monstera Adansonii Variegated
Native to American rainforests, Monstera Adansonii Variegated is a rare feature of the originating species M. Adansonii. Although Adansonii is reasonably priced, the variegated version fetches top dollar. For those who don’t know, the lack of chlorophyll in the white portions allows the plant to grow slowly, which explains why it’s so pricey. Therefore, you’ll have to reach deep in your wallet to experience that striking foliage. On average, M. Adansonii Variegated can cost about $5,000.
3. Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata
Native to Central and South America, Monstera Deliciosa’ Albo-Variegata’ is one of the majestic specimens with broad painted leaves that make them look as though they were splashed with creamy white paint. Just like Monstera Adansonii Variegated, Albo-Variegata’ produce less chlorophyll, making them quite striking. Although the plant itself is very tough to find, if you do, it will cost you a pretty penny. On average, Monstera Deliciosa’ Albo-Variegata’ can cost about $5,000.
4. Monstera Thai Constellation
Native to Southern Mexico and Panama, Monstera Thai Constellation is a stunning white and green variegated Monstera variety that stands out due to its ethereal coloring and generous growth. If you’re an avid collector, you know how crazy it gets when this Monstera Thai Constellation is on sale. Since the plant is packed with striking features and is difficult to reproduce, the prices are on the higher side of the spectrum. On average, the Monstera Thai Constellation costs about $700.
5. Monstera Esqueleto
Native to the mountainous regions in the rainforest of Costa Rica, Monstera Esqueleto has unique fenestrated leaves that are bigger than even Monstera Adansonii and Monstera Obliqua. Since the plant is sometimes added to Philodendron collections, it has numerous varieties that may be bought for cheap. For those who don’t know, Monstera Esqueleto is in high demand because its beautiful leaves can grow nearly three feet long. On average, Monstera Esqueleto costs about $1,000-2,500.
The Final Cut
So there you have it; an exhaustive list of the most expensive Monsteras. It is evident that Monstera plants make a wonderful addition to both indoor and outdoor gardens; however, most of the varieties mentioned here, with the exception of the Monstera obliqua, may cost more than a car. Of course, the price should never come in the way of a true plant lover, but you should spend your money.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
