Collecting plants is considered one of the hobbies of many gardeners. In particular, with precious ornamental plants, they are willing to spend thousands of dollars on becoming their owners.
We asked our garden experts about some of the most expensive plants in the world. Some notable names include:
- Monstera adansonii
- Juliet Rose
- Shenzhen Nongke Orchid
Read our article to find out more precious plants!
Pol Bishop from Fantastic Gardeners
Monstera adansonii
Often dubbed as the Swiss Cheese plant, this tropical plant is native to Central and South America. It can grow up to 8ft tall and 3ft wide.
It prefers full sun but can thrive in partial shade as well. This variety of the monstera prefers peaty soil with neutral to acidic pH.
Its air roots cling to anything they find for support and give the plant a vine-like tendency to grow upwards.
Remember to keep the humidity at a high level, as this tropical plant needs lots of moisture and high temperatures to thrive the same as in the jungle.
Hoya carnosa compacta
Commonly called the Hindu rope plant, this unique plant is native to East Asia and Australia. It’s relatively easy to care for, and with a minimum effort, you can grow it for many years.
It prefers lightweight, well-aerated soil. Pick a small pot that will keep the roots tightly together but don’t forget to provide adequate drainage.
The Hindu rope plant can grow in places with low light, but it prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It doesn’t need hot temperatures, and average will do.
However, humidity levels should be higher than average ones. Allow the soil to almost completely dry out before watering during the growth period and less often in winter.
Thomas Vibe from StoneWizards.com
Old Pine Bonsai
I used to work for a landscaping company before getting my degree and starting my career as an interior designer. We had one client who owned a few Old Pine Bonsai trees that were about a century old. It’s the most expensive plant of its kind, with an auction price of well over a million dollars.
A bonsai tree is a type of ornamental plant that thrives in a small container. They are dwarfed artificially, reaching mature age while remaining a petite size. In many Asian cultures, most notably Japan, cultivating bonsai is part of their ancient practices.
Considered to be a living art form, taking care of bonsai trees can be very tedious. They’re delicate and require the right amount of light and humidity to flourish.
The amount of care that goes into growing and maintaining this plant reflects its price tag. The older the bonsai tree, the more expensive it gets.
Sofie Parker from Inboard Skate
Juliet Rose
The most expensive flower in the world, Juliet Rose, which boasts a breathtaking elegance worth $15.8 million, is one of the most prominent expensive roses that takes the cake when beauty is talked about.
With its transfixing pink pigmented buds flawless in terms of form thickness pattern and gentle touch, the Juliet Rose also defies the notion of symmetrical arrangement with its flawless petal and overall look.
Plants like this rose should be allowed adequate spacing for air circulation to prevent foliar diseases. Ensuring that they are well hydrated is also very crucial. That is why you have to select a well-drained soil site.
Gina Harper from Harper’s Nurseries
Shenzhen Nongke Orchid
Scientists spent several years cultivating this human-made plant. Even if it is within your budget, you’ll need a lot of patience besides the money.
This Orchid can take up to 6 years to bloom, but the scent is reported to be something extraordinary when it finally does. The leaves are edible, too, although that would make it one of the most expensive salads ever.
One of these highly sought-after Orchids was auctioned for a whopping $200000! Now, you’d have to have some serious money to burn to spend that much on a plant, and I would be devastated if it died.
I guess I’ll never know, but I’m more than happy with my quirky collection of $10 cacti.
Emma Sophie from Evergreenseeds
Variegated Philodendron Minima
This is among the most expensive plants ever sold. It was sold for $8150 on an online retail store in New Zealand.
The most prominent and attractive feature of this plant is its leaves. The leaves or foliages have different tones of color and have a glossy and neat appearance.
They are also divided into patterned blocks, a prominent feature of this plant, and color patterns.
The best care tip for Variegated Philodendron Minima is not to water this plant more often because it maintains its moisture, and overwatering affects its health. The place where the plant is kept should receive ample light throughout the day for its growth.
Remember these tips to take care of it. Otherwise, this expensive and beautiful plant won’t last long.
Ryan Smith from Ant & Garden Pest Control
Saffron Crocus
Saffron Crocus isn’t just an expensive plant; it’s also considered the most valuable spice in the world. It is usually sold in pounds, with every pound costing at least $1500.
Inside a saffron crocus flower are filaments that produce spices used for gourmet and preserving food.
Bryan McKenzie from bumpercroptimes.com
Alocasia Azlanii
The price of this rare Malaysian plant caries varies from $500 t0 $600, and the cost is 100% fair. “Red Mambo” has no analogs in the whole world, and it’s pretty challenging to find a retailer who has it.
The large dark green leaves with bright green outlining and shimmering veins make it an exquisite natural artwork that can make any room sophisticated.
Despite its rarity and high price, the plant isn’t very demanding. Like many tropical houseplants, It needs bright indirect sunlight, good drainage, and a small amount of water.
It thrives only in higher humidity (60% and more) and adapts to temperatures between 65°F and 75ºF. The container must be no more than 3.5 inches.
Jeremy Starke from Green Thumb Gardener
Monstera Obliqua
Monstera Obliqua is a plant from the category of genus Monstera, which originates from South America. It is most commonly found in Peru.
The plant has leaves as thin as paper with huge holes called fenestration, and it attracts many people around the world. Monstera has other species like Adansonii, which have smaller holes and are easier to find, hence cheaper.
Monstera Obliqua currently costs around $3000 and can be purchased from eBay.
HumidityMonstera Obliqua requires constant humidity. The leaves are relatively thin and sensitive, and if their requirements are not met, they might dry out straight away.
If you use an AC or a heating system at home, you may also want to get a personal humidifier for your plant. Monstera plants require extreme care; hence it is recommended that you start with a cheaper monstera plant to gain experience.
Conclusion
Above is a summary of the most expensive plants in the world as well as tips on how to care for them from experts. Let us know in the comments which one is your favorite.
Thank you and see you in our next article!
