I thought it would be fun to put together a list of 10 Trending Philodendrons. It certainly isn’t an all-encompassing list of all of the Philodendrons that are trending in the houseplant world, but it is a good place to start! Here is a list of 10 Philodendrons that I absolutely adore, as well as some care tips for them.

1. Pink Princess

We might as well start with a fan favorite, the Pink Princess. This plant has taken the plant world by storm, and people are still hunting for the best specimen. Naturally, the appeal of this plant is its pink variegation. But finding one with a lot of variegation can be tricky. Keeping one healthy with a lot of pink variegation can be even trickier.

An Instagram sensation, the Pink Princess Philodendron is one of the most trending plants today. They thrive in bright indirect light and require stable humidity. Letting them dry out between waterings is key, and the pink can often burn with too much direct sunlight.

2. Gigas

One of my favorite philodendrons, the Philodendron Gigas gets better and better with age. I mean, who doesn’t love big velvety leaves? As a small plant, these guys have elongated oval-shaped leaves. As they grow more mature, these leave can get as big as 4 feet long and 4 feet wide! (Don’t worry; you don’t have to let yours get that big unless you want to.)

These plants are so easy going and can even thrive in moderate to low lighting. Much like other philodendrons, they like to dry out between waterings. The new foliage comes out in a coppery color that is so exciting to watch. When given a chance to climb, these plants will absolutely soar.

3. Melanochrysum

The mother of heart-shaped leaves, the Melanochrysum is a stunner of a plant. Like the gigas, mature specimens can grow extremely long, and they are just breathtaking. With their big velvety leaves, it’s hard not to love this plant.

Generally, the Melanochrysum is relatively easygoing. It can do well in bright to moderate light and thrives with a moss pole or totem’s support. Like most Philodendrons on this list, letting the top few inches of soil dry out before watering is always important.

4.Gloriosum

There’s something so lovely and straightforward about the Philodendron Gloriosum. With large and pillowy heart-shaped leaves, it’s hard not to fall in love with them. With bright white veins, the Gloriosum stands out from the rest.

Relatively easy-going, the Gloriosum is a crawler, which means it won’t be going up any moss pole. But that doesn’t make it any less beautiful!

5. Glorious (Melanochrysum x Gloriosum)

Just when you thought Philodendrons couldn’t get any better, along come the hybrids. The Philodendron Glorious is precisely that; glorious. It might very well be the mother of all velvety heart-shaped leaves.

Taking the best attributes from the Melanochrysum and the Gloriosum, the Glorious likes to climb or crawl, making it quite a variable plant. It is easily one of the most beautiful Philodendron hybrids.

6. El Choco Red

An undescribed Philodendron species from Ecuador, the El Choco Red is quite a beauty. Although there is a whole naming debate surrounding this plant, it is a gorgeous collectors plant. It is closely related to the Philodendron Verrocosum and Philodendron Luxurians.

What makes this plant so unique is the striking red backside of the leaves. That’s not to say that the front isn’t gorgeous too, with its velvety texture and pillowy shape.

7. Serpens

Just when you thought Philodendrons couldn’t get any fuzzier, along comes the Serpens. The most characteristic part of this plant is the fuzzy stems or petioles covered with little hairs! That’s right, hairy stems.

But hairy stems aren’t all you get with the Serpens; you also get heart-shaped leaves. The Serpens is a very quirky Philodendron that certainly stands out from the crowd.

8. Patriciae

If you like long foliage, you have to see the Philodendron Patriciae. These leaves get LONG, and mature specimens are stunning. They are not easy to find, but they make a great showpiece in any collection.

The Patriciae is a plant that loves a moss pole. If given the opportunity to climb, the leaves can double in size! This is one of my favorite plants to grow and is always just a pleasure to watch a new leaf unfurl.

9. Joepii

The Philodendron Joepii has such a unique shape that its original discoverer thought it had been half-eaten by bugs! If you are into strange and almost alien-like foliage, then this is the plant for you.

One of the most striking aspects of this plant is its long lobes or “ears.” Extremely rare in collections and even rarer in the wild, this is a must-have collector’s item for the philodendron aficionado.

10. Spiritus Sancti

Now, this plant is the rarest of the rare. The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti only exists in a handful of collections. They are very rare in the wild and are only found in Brazil in the area of Espirito Santo.

The Spiritus Sancti is the holy grail of Philodendrons. If you can find one for sale, they usually go for thousands of dollars and have recently experienced a dramatic price increase. Recent large specimens have gone for upwards of $12,000!

While this list doesn’t go over every rare Philodendron out there, it does show how beautiful and diverse the species can be. Whether you are just getting into plants or have studied them for years, Philodendrons are an incredible variety to admire and add to your collection. 

I am such a sucker for big velvety heart-shaped leaves. I thought it would be fun to go over some of my favorites!

It’s no secret that philodendrons are loved for their strange foliage. So it’s no surprise that heart-shaped leaves are some of the most popular philodendrons in the houseplant world.

Melanochrysum

Let’s start with the mother of heart-shaped leaves, the Melanochrysum. The philodendron melanochrysum is a stunner of a plant. Mature specimens can grow extraordinarily long and develop breathtaking velvety foliage.

Generally, the Melanochrysum is relatively easygoing. It can do well in bright to moderate light and thrives with a moss pole or totem’s support. Like most Philodendrons, it’s important to let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering. I always stick my finger in my plants’ soil; it really is the best way to tell whether it needs watering.

Gloriosum

The Philodendron Gloriosum is another big-leafed fan favorite. There’s something so lovely and straightforward about the Philodendron Gloriosum. With large and pillowy heart-shaped leaves, it’s hard not to fall in love with them. Its bright white veins help the Gloriosum stand out from the rest.

Relatively easygoing, the Gloriosum is a crawler, which means it won’t be going up any moss pole. But that doesn’t make it any less beautiful!

Glorious (Melanochrysum x Gloriosum)

Just when you thought Philodendrons couldn’t get any better, along come the hybrids. The Philodendron Glorious is precisely that; glorious. It might very well be my favorite velvety heart-shaped leaf.

Taking the best attributes from the Melanochrysum and the Gloriosum, the Glorious likes to climb or crawl, making it quite a variable plant. It is easily one of the most beautiful Philodendron hybrids.

Verrucosum

Not only does the Philodendron Verrosum have some beautiful velevety heart-shaped leaves, it also features a fuzzy petiole! Some people may not be fans of fuzzy or hairy stems, but I think it is just adorable. Verrocosum’s are a bit more sensitive than other philodendrons on this list. From my experience, they do not enjoy being shipped very much, and require a higher humidity.

Melanochrysum x Verrucosum

Probably my favorite hybrid, the Philodendron Melanochrysum x Verrucosum is such an easygoing philodendron that is just a pleasure to grow. Also known as the Philodendron Splendid this hyrbid is such a statement piece in any collection. Mine thrives with little interference, attaching itself to its pole and shooting out a new leaf almost every week. The foliage features the beauty of a verrucosum without the added fragility.

Luxurians

Philodendron Luxurians are just that, luxurious. Their velvety leaves almost shine in the right lighting. With thick contrasting white veins, it’s sure to add a pop to your heart-shaped leaf collection. Luxurians tend to enjoy lower light, as they like to grow across the forest floor.

El Choco Red

An undescribed Philodendron species from Ecuador, the El Choco Red is quite a beauty. Although there is a whole naming debate surrounding this plant, it is a gorgeous collectors plant. It is closely related to the Philodendron Verrocosum and Philodendron Luxurians.

What makes this plant so unique is the striking red backside of the leaves. That’s not to say that the front isn’t gorgeous too, with its velvety texture and pillowy shape.

With spring coming up, I thought it would be nice to post an article about starting your own vegetable garden. I’ve found vegetable gardening and houseplant care to be pretty different in a lot of ways. Veggies need certain things that houseplants just don’t. Harvesting your first season of vegetables, and eating veggies that you grow yourself is beyond rewarding. If you like caring for plants already, starting your own vegetable garden is a great way to expand on the hobby.

So you want to start a vegetable garden? It turns out it’s easier than you think! More often than not, the hardest part about starting a vegetable garden is the starting. Once you make an effort to start, it’s simple to stay on track and have a great harvest. Whether you live in an apartment, home, city, or suburb, there is a vegetable garden that will work for you and your needs. Here’s everything you need to know about how to start a vegetable garden from scratch.

Getting Started

The first thing you need to get started is a garden bed. If you have a yard, you can build this bed directly into the ground and create what is called an “earth bed.” Or you can go the route of a raised garden bed. Raised garden beds are significantly simpler to maintain and are often more aesthetically pleasing. Plus, you can even find pre-built kits online!

If you only have a patio or balcony at your disposal, there are great raised garden kits that are small and compact. These are perfect options for starter gardens! Just make sure that you get enough sunlight. A vegetable garden needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

It’s best to start small. You certainly don’t want to find yourself biting off more than you can chew. Remember that you will have to water this garden, weed it, fertilize it, and get the soil ready. A typical starter vegetable garden is around 4 x 4 feet.

For those that are on the more crafty side, you can always go the route of building the beds yourself out of wood.

Good Soil

The foundation of every successful garden is good soil. You don’t just use you’re average potting mix when you are growing vegetables in a garden bed. And you also don’t just want to use what is in the ground. Your local hardware store will have a “garden soil” for sale, which is a great introductory product. I highly recommend buying a pre-mixed vegetable garden soil for your first garden, as mixing your own soil can be a bit of science!

So what is the difference between all this soil anyway? Potting soil is for use in containers only and has no soil in it at all.  Potting soil is a mixture of peat moss and other organic materials. Garden soil is a mix of topsoil and other natural materials like compost and fertilizer. The significant part about garden soil is that it is mixed for you, but it is more expensive than buying topsoil and mixing the ingredients yourself.

Purchasing pre-mixed vegetable garden soil will be the easiest route. But, if you want to create a soil mix, start with topsoil. Topsoil will be available by the bag at any local nursery or garden store. The ideal ratio is approximately 60% topsoil, 30% compost, and 10% potting soil. Try talking to someone at your local garden store. The great thing about gardeners is that they love to talk about gardens! Take them these proportions, and I’m sure they will point out precisely what you need for your climate.

Weed Control

Once you have your garden bed set up, the first step is to use a weed cloth. If you want a more DIY approach, you can also use recycled cardboard. A weed barrier will keep the grass and weeds beneath your garden bed from growing into your soil. A proper weed barrier is an essential step, and you’ll thank yourself in the long run!

So you’ve got your garden bed assembled, and your weed barrier set in place. Now it’s time to get dirty. Open your bags of garden soil and fill the bed. Filling the garden bed with new soil is one of the most exciting parts of the process. It’s that great feeling of anticipation for things to come.

What to Plant

Now it’s time to decide what to plant. Try filling your garden with vegetables you like to eat. You’d be surprised how often gardeners plant things they don’t even like using! If you’re big on salads, try growing kale, lettuce, or tomatoes. Love cooking? Plant some onions, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Your local garden center will sell starter plants that you can transplant into your garden. Transplants are by far the most straightforward route of getting things started and established in your garden. Alternatively, you can start from seed.

Make sure to check when it’s safe to plant something in your area. For example, here in New Jersey, I am in zone 7a. That means my area is susceptible to a certain amount of frost and a certain amount of hot weather. Try googling your state’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine when to plant certain vegetables. On average, it’s best to wait to grow tomatoes until May or June, unless you are a more southern state with an earlier last day of frost.

How to Germinate Seeds

With seeds, like tomatoes, you often want to start them inside. The germination period can be super fun to watch and is a great way to get the kids involved. Home Depot and garden centers will sell seed starter kits. These use a seed pod or pellet used of a dehydrated growing medium. Simply hydrate the pod, add your seed, and watch it grow!

Reusing egg cartons is another excellent way to start germinating seeds. Fill the container with your soil mixture and plant a few seeds in each compartment. If too many grow, you can always cut them back. So it’s best to overprepare. Keep your seeds just out of direct sunlight by a window. A kitchen counter is an attractive option since it lets you keep an eye on it (plus it’s so fun to watch!). Once your seedlings have grown about an inch or two, they will be ready to transplant into your garden. This process usually takes about 1-2 weeks, depending on the type of vegetable.

It’s Time to Plant!

And now the magic moment has arrived, the time to start planting things! On your seed packet or a purchased transplant, there will be directions for how to space your crop. On average, it’s best to plant things at least one index finger apart. Keep in mind what you are planting. Vegetables like tomatoes like to grow upwards. So be prepared to make a trellis out of sticks or bamboo, and space them accordingly. Likewise, cucumbers and beans like to sprawl and crawl out. You can save space by training these plants to grow vertically on a trellis.

Water, Water, Water

Make sure to give your new plants a proper and thorough watering. It’s essential to wet the root system of the plants thoroughly. But make sure not to create any puddles or oversoaked area! This initial thorough watering will set your garden up for success.

For a beginner, knowing when to water your garden can be tricky. The best rule of thumb is to stick your finger in the soil. The soil should feel lightly damp and certainly not mucky. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water your garden. Make sure to pay attention to the weather. If there has been a lot of rain, you can likely skip a watering. But if it has been extra sunny, you’ll probably need to add another watering.

Enjoy!

So you’ve created your raised garden bed, mixed your soil, germinated your seeds, and planted your plants. With the right amount of care and a regular watering schedule, you’ll be enjoying the bounty of your harvest in no time!

Having your vegetable garden is such a rewarding experience. Not only is the act of gardening therapeutic, but it opens your eyes to all of the work that goes into creating food. There is nothing more rewarding than feeding yourself from your garden and enjoying the fruits, or in this case, the vegetables, of your labor.

Today I figured I’d go over how I root my obliqua cuttings! These directions will work for just about any node cutting of monsteras, philodendron, etc. Node cuttings are cuttings of plants that often do not contain any leaves. For example, monstera obliquas send out “runners,” which are large strands of growth with multiple nodes on them. These runners can be cut up and rooted to create new plants.

Choosing the Cutting

First you have to make sure you have a viable cutting! Unfortunately, there are many people out there who sell and trade cuttings without nodes. The node is the part of the plant that will produce new growth. You can’t make a new plant without it!

So before getting scissor happy and cutting up your precious babies, look at where you should cut. And before purchasing that cutting of that plant you just have to have, inspect the cutting. Ask for lots of photos of the cutting as well as the mother plant.

How to Root the Cutting

I like to root my my more sensitive cuttings in sphagnum moss. There are many containers you can use to root your cutting. I personally like to root my cuttings in our 2.25 inch clear nursery pots so I can see any new growth. You can also use plastic sandwich bags or any other plastic container. Sandwich baggies are also a great way to add humidity over your propagation pots.

Old Chinese food containers are an easy way to create a humid propagation environment for node cuttings. Place a layer of moist, not wet, sphagnum on the bottom of the container. You can even add perlite to the moss for a more airy feel.

Place your node cutting ontop of the moss. Close the container, place it under a grow light or in a window, and you are good to go! I like to open these propagation boxes for fresh air about once a day. This lets me take time to check the cutting for any rot or other oddities. It also gives me a moment to check the humidity and dampness inside the container.

For the more advance grower, you can also root directly in a nice chunky potting mix. Some of my obliqua cuttings I just let hang out on top of some potting mix in a humid environment (like inside a terrarium or cloche). Within a few months they will develop roots. With enough patience, you will see new growth emerge! Here is a photo of an obliqua node that I rooted directly into one of our 2.25 inch clear nursery pots with our potting mix.

Be Patient!

This cutting took about 4 months to get to this point. The time it takes to root and develop new growth really depends upon your environment, and what time of year it is.

I kept this cutting in a reptile terrarium purchased from PetSmart that I converted into a grow tank. I rooted this cutting in winter, but I keep my plants in a temperature and humidity controlled room with grow lights.

First the cutting began to root into the substrate. Once it was well established, it pushed out this new leaf growth! Make sure to be patient with your cutting. It’s tempting to check on it and touch it every day but you really need to try not to! Plants want to grow. The more you leave them alone and let them do their thing, the better off they will be.

I hope this inspires you to root your own node cuttings!

If you have any questions or issues with your own plants, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or email us.

(Feature img source: @la_condesa_flora_collective)

If you’ve been in the hobby for a bit, you’ve probably heard of the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti. The “holy grail” of Aroids, the Spiritus Sancti is only in a handful of collections and is found sparingly in the wild.

The Spiritus Sancti is native to the area of Espirito Santo in Brazil. It is recognized by its characteristically narrow leaves, long stems, and pointy lobes or “ears.” The leaves themselves are pendant shaped and can grow over 30 inches in length!

The Spiritus is hemiepiphytic, which means that it spends most of its life as an epiphyte. Like most philodendrons, epiphytes grow on other plants, such as trees, and get their nutrients from air and rain. In the wild, epiphytes are found growing up the trunks of trees, so that’s why we use moss totems for their houseplant brethren! A hemiepiphyte’s roots eventually make their way down the tree and into the ground.

Like other Philodendrons, they enjoy steady and constant humidity and bright indirect light. Many growers even boast how easy they are to grow, unlike, say, the Monstera Obliqua. But they can only be reproduced by stem divisions, so you have to take the risk of cutting and rooting a top cutting. This is often a long and complicated process, ultimately adding to the rarity of the plant. It is possible to pollinate seeds, but finding specimens to breed aren’t easy. There has also been a lot of talk and research about developing tissue cultures of the Spiritus.

So why is the Spiritus Sancti so rare? Well, it’s simply the hardest to find Aroid out there. The plant is endangered in Brazil, which, unfortunately, has led to a lot of poaching. It’s safe to say that more of these plants live in private collections than in their natural habitat. That being said, many people enjoy acquiring the plant as a sort of conservation, letting it develop and thrive safely. Others are in it for the trophy aspect, having something that others can’t have. And others just really love plants. Regardless of why people want it, it’s on everyone’s wish list.

But at what cost are people acquiring them? It’s hard to talk about the Spiritus Sancti without touching on the inevitable illegal poaching that goes on. People go into their natural habitat and take specimens from the wild. They cultivate them, cut them, and resell them. It’s the dark side of the plant world, and it’s something that many people accept as reality.

For example, how can you know for sure where your specimen came from? There isn’t really a certificate of authenticity that comes with these plants, ensuring they were sourced legally and ethically. But it is a risk people are willing to take to add this plant to their collection.

It’s important to take a moment to note that I am not going to take sides here about the ethics of sourcing plants but rather speak about it from a purely academic standpoint.

The price of the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti has recently soared, along with most rare houseplants. What once went for $1.5K is quickly auctioned now for over $13k. Many of these specimens cost more than most people spend on a car.

And although you can’t drive it or live in it, there’s something about the Spiritus that emotionally satisfies collectors. It’s something to cultivate, to admire, to nurture. It’s a rare bit of nature that many people will never get the pleasure of seeing. Ultimately, the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is an amazing plant that some are lucky to have in their collections.

You may be familiar with the expression, “Give me the tea,” and if you’ve been around the plant community long enough, you know there is no shortage of drama. Whether it involves plant Youtuber criticism, Facebook purge comment threads, or scamming and misleading plant sales, plant community tea grows faster than a new leaf (sorry, had to).

YouTubers

It may come as no surprise that the life of a Youtube star isn’t always private. For example, long time plant Youtuber Kaylee Ellen has often dealt with backlash, bullying, and criticism on her channel and Instagram. There often seems to be a crossed line where viewers criticize her and her shop personally (obviously not cool).

This type of Youtuber plant drama primarily circulates on Instagram via stories and screenshots, creating a long chain of replies and opinions shared across the Instagram plant world. Many topics include price shaming, personal criticism, and just downright bullying.

Unfortunately, putting yourself out there on Youtube comes with some consequences. And on the internet, haters are abundant. Everyone has their own opinion, and in the plant community, these opinions can run deep.

Facebook Purges

Facebook is just naturally a place where the drama unfolds. There is a sense of security when you comment behind the safety of a screen, and people get a bit heated.

As we talked about in our previous post, Facebook purges are full of amateur buyers and sellers. That being said, plants are not always cared for in the best way possible, shipping is not always done correctly, and inevitably, people get scammed.

This behavior leads to a lot of comment threads critiquing individual sellers and buyers. There are even specific Facebook groups (that I LOVE) that are just for posting about the plant drama that happens in the community.

Like any social setting, when you get many people together with opinions, stuff can happen. It just goes to show that Facebook may not be the best place to be purchasing goods; although there are plenty of great sales, it comes with inherent risks. And I’m sure the last thing you want is to be publicly grilled by the entire Facebook community on a plant purge page.

If something happens in the plant community, it definitely gets posted to a plant tea Facebook page.

Scamming & Spamming

It comes as no surprise that with the selling of hot commodities comes the appearance of scamming. eBay, Facebook, and Etsy are not safe from false information and fake listings.

Frequently, other people’s photos are used as fake listings on eBay. The community is pretty good about regulating these, since well, there aren’t many sellers of Spiritus Sancti out there. So when someone posts a plant that isn’t theirs, the community hops on it.

There are sellers, though, that are just not faithful. Fake listings pop up frequently, fake accounts are made, and unsuspecting plant lovers are taken advantage of. There seems to be an ever-growing number of Paypal complaints circulating online. Ultimately, it’s essential to be careful about who and how you send money. The Paypal friends and family setting is often taken advantage of.

Unfortunately, there are also just plants that are shipped horribly. Or plants that are in no condition to be sold.

But in terms of drama, there are abundant comment threads and forums regarding the receipt of dead plants. Questions of fault arise; is it the seller’s fault? The buyers? The mail service? And who is responsible for the replacement of lost plants and lost money?

Since we are dealing with money, hearts get broken. And when hearts get broken, public bashing and complaining spread across the internet. It’s just yet another topic that adds to the tea that is the plant community.

The Tea

You would think that in a community of plant lovers, conversations would primarily consist of plants. But it can get real personal real quick. Whether it’s a scam, Youtube backlash, or Facebook drama, the plant community is no stranger to hot tea.

See any good plant tea lately? I’d love to hear about it!

If you’re into plants and you have a Facebook account, chances are you have found your way into a plant purge group. Plant purges are the latest trend to hit the plant world. But what exactly is a plant purge?

The gist of it

It’s a new and exciting way for buyers and collectors to buy plants at a reasonable price, really fast. It’s also a new way for sellers to quickly make a lot of money, a new way for beginning collectors to sell, and a new way for nurseries to unload backstock.

Why?

Most selling platforms require an upfront fee or percentage of every sale. You may have noticed that plants on Etsy can be priced much higher than your local plant shop. That’s likely because Etsy takes a 5% cut of each sale.

Etsy also charges 0.20 cents each time you list something, and if you make any sales through Etsy Payments, you are feed even further.

Plants on Etsy are commonly sold at a premium to compensate for these fees.

eBay has a similar sales fee system that can reach up to 10%.

How it Works?

So basically, there are multiple plant purge groups on Facebook that anyone can join. Sellers advertise their purge with a date, time, and an enticing photo of available plants. Buyers can opt-in for post notifications and follow the comment thread.

When the event begins, the seller posts individual plants in the comments with a photo and price. The first to comment “sold,” or often, a close variation of the word “sold” (these things happen fast!) wins the plant. The purge is a live event.

These events create comment threads breaking the thousands, often full of GIFS, jokes, laughter, and tears. People often spend their time complaining about internet lag or joke about how empty their wallets are. It is an event in itself and can last hours. And people do show up and stick around for the show.

So once a plant is claimed at a purge, you screenshot your winning claim and send it to the seller. This serves as evidence that you were indeed the first person to comment “sold” and that you indeed won the plant. With this screenshot, you usually send the seller your email address. The seller then sends you an invoice via Paypal or requests payment be sent to them via Venmo or PayPal goods and services.

Paypal Friends & Family vs. Goods & Services

When you send someone money via PayPal, you have two options: friends and family, or send as goods and services. Payments to “friends and family” do not incur a service fee. While payments through “goods and services” involve the seller paying a small fee to receive your money, and Paypal’s purchase protection automatically protects your payment.

If you send somebody money through Paypal friends and family, you most likely cannot dispute the transaction since there is no protection between buyers and sellers.

So like any unprotected purchase on the internet, there can be a fair amount of scams. But usually, the purges in these groups have reputations and even host regular purges with regular clients.

When purchasing a plant on Facebook, asking for a Paypal invoice is usually the safest route. The seller is charged a small fee for the service, but each party is protected. Again, this service fee is generally factored into the price.

The Verdict

Personally, I think Facebook purges are fun to watch, especially when you are just relaxing watching Netflix without much else to do. Although purges can be frustrating, those with the fastest typing fingers and best internet connection have a massive advantage. There is also an element of trust involved when sending money to a stranger on Facebook.

As a trend, it is quite interesting to watch because there is such a large community with many rules. Each group has a set of admins, and each purge has a set of rules. If you break the rules or ghost the seller (comment “sold” but don’t go through with the transaction), you can be banned from future purges and from the group.

Be wary of posting GIFs in a purge that does not allow them; you will be ridiculed. Whether you partake or just watch from the sidelines, its sure to be a fun time.

It’s no surprise that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our daily lives. I thought it would be interesting to highlight how Covid-19 has specifically impacted the plant economy.

We are spending more time at home. We may have lost our jobs due to the pandemic; we may work remotely now for the first time; we may have to watch our kids full time at home; we are self-isolating and social distancing. This increased time in our homes has caused a reevaluation of our living spaces.

Many people are finally finding the time to update their kitchen or bathroom. Or even take up gardening for the first time. Research has shown that an uptick in Google searches regarding gardening and home renovation happened right around the start of the quarantine. So what does this mean for houseplants?

To put it simply, a lot of people want plants right now. And supply isn’t big enough, especially when it comes to rare or uncommon houseplants. Naturally, many are just getting into the hobby with this new living situation. It’s no secret that plants bring about many emotional and physical benefits to our mind, body, and spirit.

An individual put together a Google Trends dataset to explore the recent uptick in houseplant searches (I’m not sure of the specific individual, so please DM for credit).

As you can see from the graph, there was a HUGE increase in houseplant searches right around February, which only continues to grow. And of course, the most growth is shown in the monstera category, one of the most popular houseplants.

So from this information, you can guess that prices were affected accordingly. Let’s say you wanted to buy a variegated monstera albo borsigiana back in January of 2020. A full-sized mature plant may have set you back about $500-600, and that’s on the expensive side of well established, multiple leaved, specimen plant.

Let’s say you wanted to buy that same plant in September 2020. It could now cost you upwards of $1,500. Yup, for the same size plant.

Here is an auction that ended recently on eBay from Logees Plants. The listing features a variegated monstera albo borsigiana in a 5-inch pot. The final bid went for $1,500. Back in March, similar-sized albos (as well as even larger ones) were purchased in auction for about $700 from NSE Tropicals. That is an enormous price increase in 6 months.

In fact, in May, similar 4-inch potted variegated monsteras were listed for $349 as ready stock. These same plants could now sell for so much more, and it’s only because the supply is low. Especially if buyers don’t know where to look.

Amature buyers could be taken advantage of. Plants in the wild are being poached (not albos, but those that are grown in the wild). Botanical gardens and private nurseries are being victims of theft. And plant influencers are being harassed online and accused of price gouging (see Kaylee Ellen’s latest video “My Piece” for more information).

None of this is to say that plants should not cost a lot of money. I’m not sure if I have much of an opinion on what plants SHOULD cost. I mainly just think the price fluctuating is interesting, and I’m genuinely curious about how the pandemic has created new opportunities as well as destroyed old ones. At the end of the day, you pay what you think the plant is worth. Sometimes there is just a plant that you have to have, and I am certainly guilty of that purchase as well.

But now, more than ever, I would advise buyers to check what they are paying for. Is the seller verified, do they have good reviews, is the plant established, ask to see the roots, ask to see the mother plant, etc. Any reputable buyer would be happy to answer any of these questions! Good luck out there plant friends.

Why has the monstera family of plants taken the internet by storm? For most of us, a houseplant is a houseplant. Perhaps we need something to jazz up our space, add a bit of design, or give us something to care for. But for some of us, a houseplant isn’t just a houseplant.

Houseplant collectors have taken the internet by storm. Whatever the reason, millennials and old-timers alike are collecting and flaunting their leaves. Collecting plants is no ordinary hobby. With it comes a slew of responsibilities and learning curves. Nonetheless, the experience is exciting, rewarding, and competitive.

There is no plant family quite as famous as the monstera. Also known as the “swiss cheese plant,” the monstera deliciosa is a species of flowering plants in the Araceae family. Most commonly found in the tropical Americas, the name Monstera is Latin for “monstrous” or “abnormal,” while deliciosa is a nod to its edible fruit. From one look at its strange foliage, you can see why this plant has gotten its name.

In the wild, these plants are enormous. They grow up trees, shoot out aerial roots, and become massive

specimens. The monstera deliciosa produces fenestrations (the holes or splits) as the plant ages. So why are we bringing this giant plant into our home? And what is it about these split leaves that drive us so crazy?

Different Forms of the Monstera

Deliciosa vs Borsigiana

The monstera deliciosa has a smaller form that has made its way into most of our collections, the monstera borsigiana. The borsigiana is almost indistinguishable from the deliciosa, but the leaves don’t grow nearly as large. These smaller sized leaves make the monstera a much more feasible houseplant.

 A true “deliciosa” will also exhibit these adorable ruffles on the top of there leaves where the leaf meets the stem. While the borsigiana grows more like a vine, it grows faster and has a smooth stem. These may seem like irrelevant differences, but for collectors, it is characteristics like this that make all the difference.

Variegated Monsteras

Variegated monsteras are where these differences shine. A variegated monstera deliciosa is much rarer than a variegated monstera borsigiana (aka albo borsigiana). The deliciosa tends to lose its variegation during propagating, making it harder to reproduce the plant. The borsigiana is much easier to multiply, and therefore there are more of them on the market. If you have a variegated monstera, you most likely have a borsigiana.

In case you are not sure what variegation is, it is a genetic mutation in the plant that causes white, yellow, or cream colorations to form on the leaf and stem. The variegation is often dramatic and creates a stunning specimen. For some plants, the variegation is not stable, and the plant either reverts to green or becomes so white that there is no more chlorophyll left in the plant for it to survive.

For collectors in the houseplant community, this means that your special variegated monstera may lose all of its beautiful variegation. Or may become so variegated that it can’t survive. Perhaps this is an exciting challenge for some collectors. Through pruning and propagating, you can pretty much manipulate how variegated your plant is. It certainly is not a beginner’s plant to care for, and that certainly adds to the rarity.

Adansonii

The monstera adansonii features even more holes than its borsigiana and deliciosa relatives. It grows more like a hanging or trailing bush, but it can also grow vertically. The adansonii has lacy and almost delicate leaves, making it a perfect specimen for social media. It is anything but your average houseplant, and pretty much every collector has one.  

The adansonii also comes in a variegated form and is the current “unicorn” plant of the houseplant world. Finding a good specimen is hard, and paying for one is even harder!

Obliqua

The rarest and coveted of the monstera family, the elusive monstera obliqua, is pretty much a mystery. It is still up for debate what an obliqua is, and there is currently respecification and research going on to figure that out. Until then, we have what is commonly known as the “Peruvian form.” The monstera obliqua Peruvian form features extremely delicate and lacy leaves, and probably the most fenestrations or holes out of all the monstera types.

This plant is an advanced houseplant. It requires a constant 90% humidity to thrive and is not easy to propagate. These are primarily in the collections of serious collectors only. Finding a verified obliqua isn’t the most straightforward task since it can be mistaken for the adansonii. If you think you have one but you didn’t pay a small fortune for it, you probably don’t have one.

But wait. There’s more.

The above info doesn’t even begin to cover all the types of monstera, but these are the ones I deemed as most popular right now. This doesn’t even include the variegated monstera aurea (a yellow form of the variegated monstera), the monstera dubia, monstera pinnatipartite, monstera siltepecana, or the mini monstera/rhaphidophora tetrasperma. It’s safe to say that there is A LOT of monsteras. And pretty much all of them hold a high rank in the collector’s trophy of plants.

What’s the big deal?

So what is it about this plant that makes it so popular? I’m honestly not sure anymore! Maybe it is the fenestrations. The way that each plant is so different than any other because their holes are so specific. Making each plant a perfect specimen. No two plants look the same, and no two propagations turn out the same; it’s pretty much a gamble each time.

Especially when you get variegated monsteras in the mix, each one is a gamble. The next leaf could be perfect, or the next leaf could be entirely one color or the other. The entire thing may revert to green, or the whole thing may turn brown and die. Who knows! It could be part of this plant lottery that adds to the appeal.

Or perhaps it is their relatively simple care regimen for the more common varieties. When compared to plants like anthuriums or begonias, monsteras are relatively easy to care for. Once you find the right spot for them, they pretty much survive and thrive on their own.

Or, in contrast, maybe it is the more difficult care regimen for the more rare species such as the obliqua that makes the monstera so appealing. It certainly takes a specific skill set to get that plant thriving and to propagate it. Some of the keenest collectors are just here for the challenge of hunting down the rarest of species and fine-tuning the perfect conditions for them.

Or maybe it has to do with interior design. Monsteras certainly add a unique style to any space, making them significantly different from their usual houseplant counterparts. I mean, let’s face it, a large monstera climbing up a moss pole is undoubtedly a different effect than a fiddle leaf fig.

It doesn’t seem like there is one definitive reason why monsteras are so popular in the houseplant community. There is a myriad of reasons why the monstera plant family is so appealing. But one thing is for sure, the interest and social media sensationalization of this plant isn’t going away anytime soon.

Whether you’re new or old to the house plant community, one thing is unmistakable; It. Is. BOOMING. Whether you are into all things variegated, the velvety goodness of anthuriums, or the strange world of philodendrons, there’s no doubt that the houseplant craze on Instagram is exploding. It’s almost impossible these days to browse plants on the popular social media platform without seeing tags like #monsteramonday or #philodendronfriday. Plants are trending. And not just any plants, rare houseplants.

So what is a rare houseplant? Let’s start with the word itself. Merriam Webster defines “rare” as

1. seldom occuring or found: UNCOMMON.
2.  a. marked by unusual quality, merit or appeal: DISTINCTIVE.
   • b.superlative or extreme of its kind

In a world of limited editions and special releases, the house plant craze is in the midst of its “gotta catch em all” phase. Let’s face it, as millennials; we love exclusive things. In a world of student debt, global warming, and political calamity, having something special can make all the difference in an otherwise bleak world.

Especially amid the global pandemic that is Coronavirus, houseplants offer an escape. Plants are a way to beautify your space, get in touch with nature, and best of all, they give you something to do. We have an inner need to care for something, and house plants offer that outlet. Whether you see it as a new hobby or a lifestyle, the houseplant trend is here to stay.

So back to the rarity of these green babies. Let’s use a plant unicorn as an example; the variegated monstera. You have probably seen or heard of the “split-leaf philodendron” or even the “swiss cheese plant.” Visually appealing and easy to care for, the Monstera Deliciosa is a tropical species of the Araceae family. A staple in any houseplant collection.

So sometimes, these plants can have a DNA mutation in its chlorophyll that results in variegation. What does that mean? Well, it means that beautiful marbled patterns of white, cream or yellow present themselves throughout the leaf and stem of the plant. It is creating the most beautiful and stunning showpiece that is sure to be the highlight of any collection. Plant lovers are searching far and wide for these plants or even just pieces of these plants.

Cuttings of variegated monsteras can be found on popular sites like eBay and Etsy, ranging from $100 – $300 per cutting. To be clear, that is an unrooted, leaf-cutting that can then be rooted into a full-blown plant specimen. All you need is a node in a little bit of hope, and you too can have your very own variegated monstera (in about six months to a year).

Fully rooted variegated monsteras range in prices from $400 to $1500, depending on the size, variegation, and maturity of the plant. That is if you can even find one. These specimens are being chopped up and sold far and wide across the internet. Not to mention, it’s not necessarily easy propagating a plant to full maturity. So having a fully rooted gorgeous mature plant is very rare indeed.

This is a very brief overview of some of the trends in the house plant world. It does not even begin to cover the different types of variegated monsteras, from albo borsigianas to aureas, nor does it even begin to explain the differing rarities of large form and small form versions of the plant. From “half-moon” leaves to the controversial “mint” variegation, there is just a lot going on in the world of variegated monsteras. And of course, the ultimate unicorn of the variegated monstera adansonii. The current must-have plant for the most serious of collectors.

So what is a rare house plant? A house plant that everyone wants and isn’t readily available. A plant that is limited, special, and often, one of a kind. A plant that you probably spent an embarrassingly amount of money on, but you just had to have.

In the plant world, supply is low, and demand is high. This demand is only rising with changing trends in greener lifestyles, home décor, and the effects of the Coronavirus quarantine. More people are interested in house plants than ever. And the social media presence of houseplants on Instagram is exploding. Rare houseplants are trending.