If you’re going to pay a fortune for a Monstera plant, you should have a few years of experience as a gardener to keep the plant alive. But what makes a Monstera cost so much?
There are factors such as beauty, breeding, rarity, and propagation that play an essential role when it comes to pricing Monstera plants. It doesn’t help that gardening activities have become more prevalent in recent years as the younger generation realizes they have somewhat of a green thumb. More plant lovers want to own rare and attractive species, contributing to the high demand for Monstera plants.
So why are Monsteras so expensive?
Why Are Monsteras So Expensive?
Most Monstera species can be rarely found in your average nursery. They are incredibly uncommon, and getting your hands on these plants can be a challenging task in its own right. Variegated leaves occur due to a loss or reduction of chlorophyll in the cells.
One can also chalk up the sky-high prices of Monstera plants to supply and demand. There aren’t enough Monstera plants to meet the growing demand from enthusiasts. All these factors combine to push the prices of Monstera plants sky-high.
How much should you pay for a Monstera?
The exact amount you should pay for a Monstera depends on where you live and the rarity of the species. Not all variegated Monstera species are created equal. Some Monstera species are rarer than others and, by extension, more expensive.
If you live in a part of the world where Monstera plants are hard to come by, you may have to pay as much as $3000-5000 for an average green plant that’s not fully mature yet. Any time you go for plants that nurseries don’t stock regularly, expect to pay higher costs.
However, if logistics make Monstera species accessible, you may only have to pay $50.
However, only the scarce Monstera species will cost you an arm and a leg. Relatively common Monstera species, such as the deliciosa, may only cost $50 to $100. The higher-end variants, especially mature plants, will cost $500 or more. This is usually the price for a larger, mature Monstera deliciosa with variegation patterns.
The only plants that will cost you in the thousands are massive Monstera species with rare variegation patterns.
It is widely believed that the Monstera obliqua is the rarest of them all, with a single leaf costing you upwards of $3,000. This gives the plant owner a profitable revenue stream if they can successfully grow the plant and sell unrooted cuttings for a fortune. When it comes to Monstera obliqua and other rare species, it’s a seller’s market.
The variegated Monstera albo is another example of a super-expensive plant with an average price tag of around $5,000 on various marketplaces.
READ ALSO:Â Monstera Plant Types
Why are variegated Monsteras so expensive?
Variegated Monstera plants are expensive because of their rare mutated cells, making them incredibly scarce yet stunningly aesthetic.
The rare plant has genetic mutations that give it an eye-catching variegation pattern and make it hard to grow.
This is primarily because the fenestrations make it difficult for the leaves to absorb nutrients, as is common with Monstera species. On top of this, any complication, such as pest infestation or temperature fluctuations, can easily stress the mother plant and lead to root rot.
In other words, looking after Monstera plants is a full-time job, and plant parents make sure to charge the new owner for their time and money growing the species.
Let’s look at common factors contributing to the prices of Monstera plants.
Rarity
It is hard to find variegated Monstera plants in the market because of a rare genetic mutation that prevents it from producing chlorophyll effectively. This leads to a white pattern that appears across the leaves because chlorophyll causes the green color of the leaves.
In other words, variegated Monsteras are not a species in itself but rather a mutation that is hard to replicate. The only reliable method of reproducing these variations is to take cuttings from Monstera that carry the genetic mutation. Not all Monstera seeds will provide a variegated pattern in the foliage.
Some seeds may occasionally carry the genetic mutation, but that is incredibly rare. You have better odds of getting struck by lightning seven times in a row. This is why the best course of action is to buy cuttings from a plant if you already have one.
There is no reliable, reproducible way for sellers to produce these plants at scale. Moreover, there are only so many cuttings that they can take from the parent plant to sell. Taking out too many cuttings will stress the plant and could lead to its death.
Even a baby cutting with a few leaves will sell for a fortune at the market, and people will buy it at any price. And once the Monstera craze completely takes over the enthusiast market, the prices will climb even further.
Low Supply, High Demand
The basic market economics of supply and demand dictate that the rare plants will always sell for a premium. This is especially the case if the Monstera plants are sold at auction. Potential buyers compete against one another to become the highest-paying bidder, pushing the prices even higher.
The high demand for Monstera plants is a relatively new occurrence as the trend catches on. Celebrity reviews and social media trends that extensively cover Monsteras are key reasons for their recent surge in demand.
And even without all these external factors vying to push Monsteras into the limelight, you cannot argue against the attractive patterns with their own lure. Besides, plant enthusiasts don’t need fashion magazines telling them that the spiffy variegated leaves of Monstera plants make for great interior decor.
Slow Growth
The growth rate of some rare Monstera plants is slow. This is because of fenestrations in the plant, lack of chlorophyll, and difficulty absorbing nutrients effectively. As a result, the variegated plant struggles to produce as much energy as a regular plant without the genetic mutation.
Growers must truly commit their time and resources for the plant to grow. The most crucial period in the plant’s life is for its cuttings to establish a proper root system. Their slow growth requires growers to be extra patient when mimicking their natural habitat. This inevitably increases the price because of the labor involved.
It is cheaper to buy Monstera cuttings as opposed to mature plants. But if you want a mature Monstera plant with fully variegated leaves, then prepare to pay a premium.
Lots of Experience, Lots of Expertise
Rare monstera variegated plants are very fragile, and failing to mimic their natural habitat could lead to their death. The plant parent looking after them has a long and arduous journey ahead, with very high risks involved. Not all plant enthusiasts are experts at growing these plants, especially the variegated Monstera albo or the Thai Monstera.
Location
The location also plays a role in the price of Monstera plants. Importing Monstera plants to a less hospitable environment can be difficult, mainly because the lack of chlorophyll and variegation makes the plant less likely to survive being kept in a dark environment. The shipping costs also add up, and you also have to account for the different policies of every country.
Examples of Rare Monstera Plants
Let’s look at some of the most incredibly rare and variegated Monstera species in the plant world.
Monstera Obliqua
The slow-growing Monstera obliqua is the crown jewel of every gardener because of its delicate leaves that have more holes than leaf. It’s an extreme variant of the Swiss cheese plant with incredibly exaggerated holes. This makes it harder for the plant to absorb nutrients and survive.
Their prominent fenestrations, thin papery leaves, and slow-growing habits make the Monstera obliqua a truly rare sight in the market. The average price for these plants is in the thousands, the reports indicating that they usually sell for about $4900 or more for a cutting!
The price for a mature plant runs in the tens of thousands.
Monstera Thai constellation
The variegated Monstera Thai Constellation is a rare and unique plant that is known for its low maintenance requirements. Its fenestrations aren’t as pronounced as the Obliqua, making it relatively easy to care for.
The going rate for baby plants will start anywhere from $150 to $700. A fully mature plant will cost you over $15,000. Vendors are also known for charging higher if their leaves show a unique color with special variegations.
Monstera Thai constellations are often confused with monstera deliciosa albo variegata. The latter is distinguished with white markings that contrast lush green leaves.
The light patches are more prominent, with a tendency toward sectoral variegation, compared to Thai leaves with tiny creamy splotches against their green leaves. Hence it looks like a starry night sky.
A key advantage of owning these expensive plants is that all their cells have the same mutation because of being produced in a laboratory. This means that there is a very low likelihood of Thai Monstera reverting to green colors. There is no decline in white or green leaves from one leaf to the next.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
Monstera Borsigiana shares many similarities with Monstera Deliciosa Variegata, except that the latter plant produces flowers, whereas the borsigiana does not. Borsigiana species grow more like vines that wrap around trees or moss poles; by contrast, a Monstera deliciosa plant does not need a moss pole to wrap around.
The Monstera albo produces less amount of chlorophyll and, as a consequence, photosynthesizes to a lesser extent.
Moreover, the variegation of Albo species depends on the mutations in the stem and leaf node. The price for a cutting is in the $200 to $500 range, while a fully mature variegated monstera plant may cost between $2000 to $6000, or even more.
Monstera siltepecana
The Monstera siltepecana is a fast-growing plant native to Mexico and South America. The price for a Monstera siltepecana cutting is about $100 and may run into the thousands depending on its size and maturity.
Monstera Minima (mini Monstera)
Although it looks like a miniature Monstera, the mini Monstera belongs to a completely different genus. The fast-growing Monstera Minima can reach a height of 20 feet in the wild. The minima can grow up to 8 feet tall and 2 feet wide in an indoor environment. Depending on where you live, a variegated Monstera minima will cost you anywhere from $50 to $2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Increase Variegations in a Swiss Cheese Plant?
You can increase the variegation pattern in your typical Monstera plant by providing them with the ideal growth conditions. This means placing them in a spot with more sunlight. A darker room tends to produce more green leaves. More research is needed on how to increase variegated Monstera.
How to Increase the Plant’s Slow Propagation Rate?
The propagation rate of Monstera plants can be increased with the combination of air layering, stem cuttings, and division as long as they include a longer leaf node.
The node is the point where a leaf develops on a stem. Cuttings that lack a node will not produce new growth and may rot. Failing to provide the ideal conditions may lead to slower growth.
How Much Does Monstera Albo Cost?
In the case of the Monstera albo price, every location has a different pricing structure. On average, the Albo will cost around $5000 for the stem cuttings alone. The Albo’s bigger, chunkier variegation blocks are a sight to behold, and owners won’t part away with stem cuttings easily.
Besides, the plant also grows slowly. All of this adds up. If you know someone who owns a Monstera albo, you may be able to get them for cheap. Most plant owners may never take a cutting of the plant for you because they are so valuable.
Wrapping Up – Why Are Monstera so Expensive?
So there you have it, an in-depth look at why Monstera plants are so expensive. The blotchy variegation pattern of the Monstera plants contributes to their price structure.
Of these, Obliqua and Albo plants are hard to find and difficult to grow. Plant collectors may pay a fortune to acquire these rare plant species.
You don’t have to give an arm and a leg for rare variegated Monsteras. There are many affordable and accessible options to choose from.
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.
