10 Pricey Houseplants That Are Actually Quite Common
Taking care of indoor houseplants is an incredibly rewarding hobby that is skyrocketing in popularity. According to Garden Pals, 70% of those in the millennial generation identify as plant parents, and 66% of households in the United States have at least one houseplant. In addition, growing an indoor plant from a small starter to a lush, full-grown cultivar is incredibly satisfying.
Another study reported by CraftJack shows that people spend an average of $75 a year on houseplants. However, some diehard enthusiasts are willing to shell out a lot of money to get their hands on rarer species and cultivars. One of the most common pricier houseplants is the bonsai tree, which can start at $20 but often average around $100 or more, some older and larger trees being up to thousands of dollars (via Big Boy Plants). There are many more expensive indoor plants, though, with simple leaf cuttings starting in the mid-hundreds range.
1. Alocasia azlanii
Alocasia azlanii is a dreamy gothic alocasia species that comes at a steep price point. Prices for rare houseplant species vary based on the seller, but just a several-inch pot can start at $100 and go up to $700 (via Soltech Solutions).
With such a high price, it's important to take good care of these rarer indoor plants. As for light, this alocasia variety requires bright but indirect light, as direct sun can ruin the dark appearance of the leaves (per Plantly). Water when dry and keep in slightly humid conditions.
2. Monstera deliciosa albo variegata
The monstera deliciosa albo variegata is one of the world's most highly coveted — and expensive — houseplants. It is visually striking, with patches of large, bright white variegation on the leaves. According to Potted Pixie, this is due to a mutation that results in the plant not absorbing sunlight or producing chlorophyll.
Houseplant Central says this monstera costs $100 for just a cutting, and a small mature plant can be up to $2,000. Provide it with bright indirect light and moderate humidity, and let it dry out around 1 inch deep between waterings.
3. Variegated philodendron billietiae
The variegated philodendron billietiae is another extremely expensive and rare houseplant with a genetic mutation that causes large, bright yellow patches, on which dedicated indoor gardeners will spend thousands of dollars. Cuttings are in the low thousands range, but small mature plants cost around $2,500 and up to $20,000 per Uncommon & Curated.
Keep this pricey plant alive by providing it with the bright, indirect sun, lots of drainage in the soil and pot, and maintain the soil consistently moist (not wet or soggy) and humid with a humidifier or pebble tray, advises Pela.
4. Mini monstera
The mini monstera (rhaphidophora tetrasperma) is actually not a direct relative of monsteras, but more like a cousin, according to Garden Betty. However, the two plants are very similar in appearance, except that the mini monstera is, as the name would suggest, much smaller.
It is also extremely coveted by rare plant owners. While it isn't nearly as expensive as its counterparts, older mature plants can sometimes cost up to $700, notes Houseplant Central. Give this plant plenty of bright but indirect sun, and keep it in warm temperatures. Maintain the soil regularly moist.
5. Philodendron tortum
Philodendron tortums are another popular and rarer philodendron variety. They are unique in appearance for the genus, looking much more like a palm or fern cultivar than a philodendron. They aren't as pricey as other rare plants, but small starter types start off at around $120 (via Homes Pursuit).
Giving these species bright but indirect light to protect their delicate thin leaves is best. Homes Pursuit notes that the plant prefers lots of humidity and is very sensitive to being under or overwatered. Let it almost dry out between waterings and keep it in warm conditions.
6. Monstera obliqua
Monsteras are back on the list again with the obliqua variety. This plant is unique for its leaf design, which has multiple oval-shaped holes throughout. It isn't as pricey as other rare plants, but it's not cheap — a mature monster obliqua can cost as much as $7,000 per Lifestyle Asia.
As with all monsteras, provide it with lots of bright but indirect light — the leaves are especially fragile in this variety. Water only when dry, and provide it with warmer to hot conditions. However, the variety also thrives in humid environments, according to Plantly.
7. Philodendron pink princess
Philodendron pink princess is a truly show-stopping plant. Garden Betty notes that the cultivar has a relatively elusive origin, and it's not clear if the stunning variegation is a mutation or an intentional hybrid. You definitely pay for its beauty — a mature plant can cost $1,000 or more (via Soltech Solutions).
As with the other rare philodendrons, provide this variety with bright, indirect light, humid and warm conditions, and let it dry out between waterings. Fertilize every few weeks during the growing season (March through October).
8. Philodendron ring of fire
Yet another philodendron — the philodendron ring of fire — is a very unique-looking plant, with rigid-tall leaves that have very wavy ridges and variegation colors ranging from light yellow to dark red. It isn't as expensive as others, but a small starter can cost as much as $100 (via Rural Sprout).
Water when dry, pulling back in the winter months, and place it in a room with bright indirect, or dappled sunlight, advises Plantly. Keep it in a warmer room (above 55 degrees Fahrenheit) with medium humidity between 30% and 60%.
9. Anthurium regale
Anthurium regale are show-stopping plants due to their large and distinctive foliage. Two Peas In A Condo says their leaves can be as large as 46 inches wide and long, and the plant can grow up to 8 feet tall. As per Two Peas In A Condo, a mature variety starts around $100 to $300.
This anthurium prefers regularly moist soil and also likes to be watered with distilled, room temperature water. They prefer lots of bright, indirect light — direct sun can damage the gorgeous leaves. Sit next to a humidifier or pebble tray for increased humidity.
10. Fiddle leaf fig
Fiddle leaf figs (ficus lyrata) are by no means the most expensive houseplants on the market, but they aren't cheap — especially when you factor in how finicky and easy to kill they are. A full-grown plant can cost over $200, via GardenTabs.
These cultivars love lots of light but are sensitive to scorching, so Flora Grubb Gardens recommends placing them by an east-facing window. They like being moist but are susceptible to root rot — a moisture meter is a great idea for these plants. Add a humidifier or pebble tray nearby, too.