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Why Is Pothos So Expensive? [ Here’s The Explanation ]

Why Is Pothos So Expensive? [ Here’s The Explanation ]

If you go to your local nursery and ask for a houseplant that will enlighten your interior décor without much effort, the chances are you will be handed a pothos.

Pothos goes by the scientific name Epipremnum aureum. It is commonly known as Devil’s ivy. There is a good reason why pothos is the most common houseplants. These easy-growing, low-maintenance plants can almost grow anytime, anywhere.

You will see a wide variety of pothos ranging from $1 to $100. The species commonly found are golden pothos, marble queen pothos, or Manjula pothos. The other types include jade pothos, neon pothos, Jessenia pothos, Silver/Satin, Cebu blue, Pearls and Jade, and N-Joy Pothos.

There is a myriad of houseplants, including pothos whose prices touch the sky. In this article, we’ll discuss why pothos is so expensive and other houseplants in general.

Why is pothos so expensive?

Epipremnum aureum or pothos is so expensive because of a list of reasons.

Many pothos varieties are available, costing from as cheap as $1 to as expensive as $100. The species that are almost available everywhere cost a lot less compared to the rare ones. Here is a list of reasons why pothos is so expensive

Easy to grow

Pothos of all types is very easy to grow. They can thrive in almost all conditions. One of the main reasons why pothos are found worldwide is because of this.

Unlike some other plants, we forget to water our pothos, and they won’t die. Whether you hang it in your drawing room or let it grow in your office, it will add a very beautiful element. The easier it is to grow a plant, the costlier it will be.

However, if you want the best quality pothos to fill your house with its lushness, I’d advise you to keep an eye on them.

Pothos do well in low light, but the best of it comes out in bright indirect light. The temperature best suited for its growth is 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Humid conditions are best for its growth, and it should never be overwatered.


Related reading:

  1. Should I cut off damaged pothos leaves

Beauty and elegance

Pothos is one of the most beautiful plants in the kingdom. Its prolific heart-shaped leaves enhance the aura of the place where it exists. The variegation in its leaves makes the plant look majestic. Pothos in itself is an element of interior decoration. This is one of the major reasons why pothos is so expensive.

Scarcity

Even though pothos are found almost everywhere, certain types of pothos like Cebu Blue Pothos, Silver/Satin Pothos, and Jessenia pothos are very hard to find.

People mostly have Marble queens and Golden pothos. These are easily available everywhere; hence, their price is less compared to the other ones. However, these plants are not very easy to get hold of and can cost up to $75-$100.


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Growing time

Certain types of pothos like Marble Queen and Pearls and Jade are slow-growing. Their roots grow very slowly; as a result, it is very hard for them to die.

The shelf life of pothos can be up to 10 years depending on the environmental conditions and other life-risking factors like bacteria, fungi et cetera. These factors highly contribute to making these plants some of the most expensive houseplants.

Variegation

Almost all plants possessing the ability of variegation are expensive. Variegation is a condition in which the leaves of the plant contain splashes and blotches of green and other lighter shades like white, cream, lime, yellow, blue, grey, and so on.

In addition, some pothos is of variegated parentage like Marble Queen, Pearls and Jade, Jessenia, Golden pothos, Manjula pothos, etc., which makes them quite expensive.

Ease of propagation

Pothos are best for hanging in baskets or climbing trailing. Pothos can be easily propagated to promote bushier growth. The pruning process is easy and hassle-free.

As for propagating, all we have to do is keep the shot cutting in water until a root of almost 1 inch arrives and then repot it. A lot of plants die due to faulty propagation; however, in the case of pothos, that is never a problem. Even if you let the vines grow, they will turn out beautifully.

All these reasons combined, pothos become a little expensive. Even though it is easy to propagate, its high demand in the market makes it a big catch.

If you are a beginner in the niche of gardening, starting with pothos will be your best option.


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What is the most expensive indoor plant?

Philodendron spiritus-sancti is the most expensive houseplant, as of recent reports. One specimen of this plant costs more than $9,600 on eBay.

It is an endangered, long-leafed species native to the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo. The name of this plant means “the spirit of the Holy Ghost.” Plant collectors often refer to this as “the holy grail” because of its astronomically high price.

Unfortunately, there are hardly a few more of these left in the wild as most reside with private collectors.

Even though the price tag on this plant can be very intimidating for most buyers, it is not a big fuss to take care of it as long as the desirable environmental conditions are met.

The leaves of this plant are about 29 inches long. It belongs to the family of hemiepiphytes.

These plants obtain their nourishment from the air, rainwater, and other compost like fallen leaves. The leaves are pendant-shaped, ranging from 22” to 29” with a dull dark green color. Their width is up to 4.5 to 4.9 inches.

You might wonder as to why in the world anyone would pay such sky-high prices for houseplants. The answer is simple; anyone who is really passionate about plants will buy them irrespective of the price.

Moreover, in today’s world of social media hype, even houseplants have become a trend, and in some cases, even a status symbol. As a result, their prices have escalated dramatically over the last few years. One of the best examples other than the spiritus sancti is variegated Monstera Deliciosa.

Another prime factor contributing to the sudden plant demand is the self-love and wellness movements.

In recent times, millennials are encouraged to spend a fruitful amount on themselves or on things that will make them happy and fulfilled. So if a $2000 plant is what strikes our happiness, we should go for it.

Secondly, plants have huge benefits on humans’ mental and physical health; they are therapeutic and bring calmness into people’s hurried lives. So it is not a surprise that the prices are rising as demand increases, especially if people are buying them irrespective of the high prices.

Furthermore, there is an entire plant community that exists in today’s world. Plant accounts on social media platforms like Instagram have millions of followers.

People seem interested in talking and inquiring about plants. More and more people are engaging themselves in this community to find something to connect over in their isolated lives.

What are some other expensive plants?

Here is a list of the eight most expensive plants in the world.

Variegated Monstera Deliciosa

This plant gained its popularity in 2020 after going viral on Instagram. It is authentic and has enormous, lustrous leaves that bring out the glow of the plant.

There are a variety of Monstera deliciosa available, but the most famous among them is the one with white blotches. It costs about $800 per specimen. It is one of the most expensive plants in the world.

Check Monstera Deliciosa Here

Variegated Philodendron Minima

This is another plant belonging to the Philodendron family. Its price can range from $20 to $9000. Its leaves are the epitome of perfection.

They are light green with different spots, imperfections, and white, cream, or yellow streaks. This plant was once sold for $8,150, breaking the record of the most expensive plant in the world.

Check Philodendron Minima Here

Philodendron joepii

Philodendron joepii is named after the Dutch Naturalist who found it growing on an anthill in French Guiana in 1991. It is a new species, possibly a hybrid with the genes of two previously known species. This novelty can be priced from $1,500 to $4,030.

Monstera adansonii variegate

Variegated Monstera adansonii is a rare slow-growing plant belonging to the Araceae family. The name is commonly known as Variegated Monkey Mask after its beautiful variegated white, green, and cream-colored leaves. Its price can range from $3,200 to $15,947.

Check adansonii variegated here

Philodendron subincision

It is the costliest type of subincisum. Compared to an ordinary Philodendron subincisum, the variegated species of this plant can cost up to $20,000. The non-variegated type with leaves of size 2 to 3 feet in length may cost more than $200.

Monstera Obliqua

In Latin, Obliqua means lopsided. This plant is a rare piece with a maximum height of about 6 inches. The reason why it is so expensive is not because of great colors, beautiful blooms, or nice and big foliage.

This one doesn’t have any of those. The leaves are matte green and lace with holes in them. Its simplicity is what makes it so demanding and expensive. The price of this plant has increased rapidly in the past decade. As of now, it ranges from $10 to over $3000.

Shenzhen Nongke Orchid

This flower is indeed one of the best creations of man. Yes, it is man-made. Considering the effort and sheer brilliance behind this creation, the price is justified.

It took the scientists a great deal of hard work and a total of 8 years to devise this majestic flower. It takes the flower 4 to 5 years to come into full bloom, but in the end, it’s all worth it.

It has a beautiful aroma with a mesmerizing appearance. This orchid was once sold at an auction at the price of $200,000, making it the most expensive flower in the world.

Alocasia Azlanii

Alocasia Azlanii, also commonly known as the red mambo, is unique and one of its kind. It is an extremely aesthetic and rare Malaysian plant, barely sold by nurseries or available online.

Looking at this plant will make you fall in love with it instantly, and you will realize why it is so ridiculously priced. Its leaves are rich and dark green with a finely crafted bright green outline.

On top of that, it has shimmering veins in the most beautiful shades of pinks, reds, and purples. It is indeed nature’s work of art. It is small in size, enough to fit in a 3-inch container; still, its price exceeds over $500, making it one of the most expensive plants in the world.

Conclusion

Houseplants are generally expensive. The most expensive house plant can cost you up to $50,000. But, genuine people, die-hard plant lovers, and very passionate about plants would not think twice before buying them.

And, the difference between a $5 plant and a $500 plant is clearly visible in every way. Each of them is unique in its way and will blow your mind.

If you are a novice in the world of planting, start with the easy-care, all-time-favorite pothos. Then, gradually take bigger steps and expose yourself to the dynamic world of plants.