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Top 10 Expensive Philodendron Plant
Philodendrons are amazing plants that can brighten up any space with their lush foliage and stunning colors. They are also very diverse, with over 500 species and countless cultivars to choose from. However, some of these plants are so rare and coveted that they can cost up to $5000 or more per cutting.
If you are a philodendron enthusiast and want to know which are the most expensive varieties of philodendron, this article is for you. I will introduce you to 10 of the most expensive philodendron varieties in the world, and tell you how to find, buy, and grow them.
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What Makes a Philodendron Expensive?
Before we dive into the list of the most expensive philodendron varieties, let’s first understand what makes a philodendron expensive. There are several factors that can affect the price of a philodendron, such as:
- Rarity: Some philodendrons are very rare in nature or in cultivation, either because they have a limited distribution, a slow growth rate, or a high demand. For example, the variegated philodendron billietiae is only found in a small area of French Guiana, and it can sell for up to $10,000.
- Variegation: Variegation is the presence of different colors or patterns on the leaves of a plant. Variegated plants are usually more expensive than their non-variegated counterparts, because they are more attractive and unique. However, variegation can also be unstable and unpredictable, meaning that it can change or disappear over time. For example, the pink princess philodendron is famous for its pink variegation, but it can also revert to green or lose its variegation altogether.
- Popularity: Popularity is another factor that can influence the price of a philodendron. Some philodendrons are more popular than others because they have been featured on social media, magazines, or blogs, or because they have a loyal fan base. For example, the spiritus sancti philodendron is one of the most popular and sought-after philodendrons in the world, because it is considered to be the holy grail of philodendrons.
10 Most Expensive Philodendron Plant
Now that we know what makes a philodendron expensive, let’s take a look at 10 of the most expensive philodendron varieties in the world. These are not ranked in any particular order, as the prices may vary depending on the source, size, condition, and availability of the plants.
1. Philodendron Spiritus Sancti | Expensive Philodendron Plant
The spiritus sancti philodendron is one of the rarest and most expensive philodendrons in the world. It is native to Brazil, where it grows on rocky cliffs along rivers. It has large, heart-shaped leaves with deep lobes and a distinctive split at the tip. The leaves are dark green with a velvety texture and prominent veins.
The spiritus sancti philodendron is very hard to find in cultivation, as it is slow-growing and difficult to propagate. It can cost up to $5,000 per cutting.
2. Philodendron Pink Princess | Expensive Philodendron Plant
The pink princess philodendron is one of the most popular and sought-after philodendrons in the world. It is a hybrid between philodendron erubescens and philodendron melanochrysum. It has dark green leaves with splashes of pink variegation that can range from pale to bright.
The pink variegation is caused by a mutation that reduces the chlorophyll production in some parts of the leaves. The pink princess philodendron is very attractive and eye-catching, but it can also be unpredictable and unstable. The variegation can change or disappear over time, depending on the light, temperature, humidity, and genetics of the plant.
The pink princess philodendron can cost up to $2,000 per mature plant.
3. Philodendron El Choco Red
The el choco red philodendron is one of the newest and rarest philodendrons in the world. It was discovered in 2018 in El Choco rainforest in Colombia by Mick Mittermeier. It has large, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green with red undersides and petioles. The leaves can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide.
The el choco red philodendron is very similar to the black cardinal philodendron, but it has more red coloration and larger leaves. The el choco red philodendron is very rare and hard to find in cultivation, as it is only available from a few collectors and nurseries.
It can cost up to $1,500 per cutting.
4. Philodendron Variegated Billietiae
The variegated billietiae philodendron is one of the most expensive and coveted philodendrons in the world. It is a mutation of the regular billietiae philodendron, which is native to French Guiana. It has long, lance-shaped leaves that are green with yellow to cream variegation.
The leaves also have orange petioles and midribs, which contrast with the variegated foliage. The variegated billietiae philodendron is very rare and hard to find in cultivation, as it is only found in a small area of French Guiana.
It can sell for up to $10,000 per cutting.
5. Philodendron Gloriosum | Expensive Philodendron Plant
The gloriosum philodendron is one of the most beautiful and impressive philodendrons in the world. It is native to Colombia, where it grows as a terrestrial plant on the forest floor.
It has huge, velvety leaves that are dark green with white veins. The leaves can grow up to 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. The gloriosum philodendron is a slow-growing and low-maintenance plant that prefers low to medium light and high humidity.
It can cost up to $500 per mature plant.
6. Philodendron White Knight
The white knight philodendron is one of the most striking and rare philodendrons in the world. It is a hybrid between philodendron erubescens and philodendron melanochrysum. It has dark green leaves with white variegation that can cover up to 90% of the leaf surface.
The white variegation is caused by a mutation that reduces the chlorophyll production in some parts of the leaves. The white knight philodendron is very attractive and unique, but it can also be unstable and unpredictable. The variegation can change or disappear over time, depending on the light, temperature, humidity, and genetics of the plant.
The white knight philodendron can cost up to $1,000 per cutting.
7. Philodendron Florida Ghost | Expensive Philodendron Plant
The florida ghost philodendron is one of the most unusual and fascinating philodendrons in the world. It is a hybrid between philodendron pedatum and philodendron squamiferum.
It has lobed leaves that change color as they mature. The young leaves are white or pale green, then turn light green, then dark green, then finally red or burgundy. The florida ghost philodendron is very eye-catching and intriguing, as it looks like a different plant at each stage of its growth.
The florida ghost philodendron can cost up to $300 per mature plant.
8. Philodendron Jose Bueno
The jose bueno philodendron is one of the most rare and mysterious philodendrons in the world. It is named after Jose Bueno, a Brazilian collector who discovered it in 200. It has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green with silver markings and red undersides.
The leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and 1 foot wide. The jose bueno philodendron is very hard to find in cultivation, as it is only available from a few collectors and nurseries.
It can cost up to $1,000 per cutting.
9. Philodendron Verrucosum | Expensive Philodendron Plant
The verrucosum philodendron is one of the most stunning and exotic philodendrons in the world. It is native to Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees. It has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green with red veins and petioles.
The leaves also have a velvety texture and hairy stems, which give them a unique appearance. The verrucosum philodendron is a fast-growing and easy-care plant that prefers bright indirect light and high humidity.
It can cost up to $400 per mature plant.
10. Philodendron Melanochrysum
The melanochrysum philodendron is one of the most elegant and sophisticated philodendrons in the world. It is native to Colombia, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees. It has long, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green with black tones and silver veins. The leaves can grow up to 3 feet long and 1 foot wide. The melanochrysum philodendron is a slow-growing and high-maintenance plant.
