Coins, cards, antique maps, and whatever suits your fancy can be part of a curated collection. And, there are people in the world who collect rare or unusual houseplants. Why in the world would anyone drop serious cash for leaves? Well, it's the same reason why most people collect items-a rarity. "Right now, it is anything variegated and anything aroid," says author Lisa Eldred Steinkopf of The Houseplant Guru.
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Genetic defects cause variegation in the plant world; the lack of green pigment (chlorophyll) in some plant cells is characteristic in leaves that make a plant look more attractive. Variegation is usually the result of a cell mutation. Any plant with variegation immediately catches the eye and makes it more desirable. The other group of highly sought after plants are aroids. These are plants in the Araceae family and include popular varieties such as Pothos, Philodendrons, Alocasias, Monsteras, and ZZ plants. The plants feature striking leaf shapes and textures, and sometimes, unique variegation.
I'm all about cool plants, but I can honestly say I don't think I want one so bad I am willing to drop more than $30 on one. But, it could be that I just haven't experienced the thrill one gets for owning a "rare" plant. What are the most sought after plants that collectors are dropping hundreds of dollars for a plant or cutting? We asked some top houseplant influencers to share what they have seen collectors looking for in their plant communities.
Monstera deliciosa Variegata
"Variegated Monsteras are a top seller, which are around $200, but we've seen them go for much more than that depending on the color of their leaves," says Sean Dollinger, Founder of PlantX, "The whiter the leaves, the more coveted they are based on a rare genetic defect."
Specifically, Monstera deliciosa' Thai Constellation' is possibly the most sought after plant right now.
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