We plant collectors have all been there. You’re at the nursery, and they’ve just brought in a special and rare specimen that you can’t take your eyes off. That is until you scope out the price tag! I’ve seen some recently that cost more than my first car!
As a general rule, the rarer the plant, the more it costs. Sometimes, you might find a great deal on something unusual, but for the most part, the truly rare ones are tough to find. Because there are so few of them, the demand is high, and some folks will spend whatever it takes.
There are factors that influence the rarity of a certain cultivar or even an entire species. Finding solid replacements for some of these means looking for similar plants that you won’t have difficulty locating. Here are some alternatives for the most expensive houseplants.
What Makes a Plant Rare?
A handful of factors influence rarity. Some are natural, while others have their roots in human intervention.
If a certain plant has a limited natural range, it will naturally be available in limited numbers. This mostly applies to those that haven’t been cultivated or are difficult to cultivate.
Some plants grow very slowly, and some take a long time to germinate. Humans overharvest certain species for monetary reasons, and others may be highly susceptible to diseases.
Some plants are much more difficult to propagate than others. Even if you manage to get hold of one, producing more of the same can be a lengthy and difficult process. This is especially true of orchids.
Other reasons why a plant may be in short supply include a loss of its key pollinators, a shift in environment, climate change, and invasive species.
If you’re committed to owning the most difficult-to-find specimens, and money is no object, I wish you all the success in your endeavors. If you’re not so sure you’re ready to make that kind of investment, I’ve found some pretty solid substitutions for these rare beauties.
If You Love Jewel Alocasia ‘Red Mambo’…
The elusive jewel alocasia is difficult to come by, and when you locate one, it fetches a significant price. It’s been in cultivation as a houseplant for less than a decade, and while it’s easy to care for, it’s not as easy to propagate. Its attractive deep green foliage is accented with red underneath, distinguishing it from many species.
Check out Alocasia ‘Red Secret’
‘Red Secret’ is a different species, but they have a lot in common. While ‘Red Secret’ grows a bit larger and has leaves that point downward, ‘Red Mambo’ is more compact with well-defined veining. They have similar coloring, though, and while a true collector will know the difference, they are just as nice to look at.
If You Love Ghost Orchid…
Ghost orchids aren’t just difficult to locate. It’s almost illegal to own them unless you’re part of a restoration project. As a result of poaching, loss of habitat, and climate change, this beautiful orchid is on the verge of extinction. It’s also a challenge to grow, even for the experienced cultivator. As Florida’s natural areas become less natural and more developed, many native species are nearing extinction. It’s almost unheard of to find one of these for sale.
Check Out Lady of the Night
If you love the white ethereal blooms of the ghost orchid, Lady of the Night is an excellent substitution. The creamy blooms are exotic and delicate, and as an added bonus, they are wonderfully fragrant. They’re also much easier to find, and you won’t have any guilt over taking an endangered species out of its native habitat. It’s easy to grow as well, making it a far less risky investment.
If You Love Variegated Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma…
Also called Monstera adansonii, this one is not impossible to find, but it’s rare and comes with a hefty price tag. You can typically find small ones online and occasionally in specialty plant stores. Its interesting Swiss cheese leaves make it an eye-catcher, but it’s the bold white variegation that makes it rare. The non-variegated type is not rare.
Check Out Philodendron ‘White Knight’
If crisp, white variegation is what you love, and you don’t have $300 to spend, a ‘White Knight’ philodendron is a beautiful alternative. The glossy leaves have bold swaths of green and white on this easy-care cultivar. A large specimen might be costly, but you’ll typically find it much more reasonable.
If You Love Gold of Kinabalu Orchid…
The Gold of Kinabalu orchid is an incredibly rare Venus slipper orchid. It only grows in the protected Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia. It nearly became extinct due to poaching and the fact that it is slow to mature. It can take up to 15 years to produce flowers. Expect a single plant to cost about $6,000. That is if you can find one!
Here is a cheaper alternative to this expensive houseplant…
Check Out Venus Slipper Orchid
Fortunately, there are 108 other species of Venus slipper orchids, and many of them are easy to find. I’ve seen mature specimens at my local nursery for about $40-$60. You can get a very similar look to this incredibly rare and expensive flower for a fraction of the price.
If You Love Variegated Homalomena Rubescens ‘Pink Diamond’…
This rare plant is not unattainable, though you’re unlikely to find it in nurseries. It has lovely, heart-shaped foliage with crisp pink variegation, which tends to be a rarity across the board. You can expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $300 for a small plant, more for the ‘Pink Diamond Mint’ cultivar.
Check Out Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’
Everyone’s favorite pink variegated plant, the PPP or ‘Pink Princess’ philodendron, was rare once itself. Now, thanks to its ease of care and propagation, these houseplants are a much less costly alternative to their expensive Homalomena counterparts. These pretty princesses are easy to care for. Look for one with plenty of crisp variegation on the newest leaf.
If You Love Syngonium ‘Scrambled Eggs’…
Syngoniums are easy to care for and make excellent houseplants. They come in a wide array of colors, and many have variegation. ‘Scrambled Eggs’ is a rarer variety that fetches a higher price tag than the average, though it’s not nearly the highest on the list. You may not find this one locally, but you can find them online.
Check Out Caladium ‘Frog in a Blender’
I have to admit that I may have thrown these two here just because this is one of my favorites. The ‘Frog in a Blender’ caladium is as fun as it sounds. Splashy and low-maintenance, it is a great choice if you want to spice up your plant collection. Caladiums, in general, are quite cost-effective alternatives to other expensive splotched houseplants. A bulb won’t run you more than $5 at most nurseries.
If You Love Anthurium ‘King of Spades’…
Anthuriums are addictive to those who love them. They are finicky and fussy, and they will rot on the double if you don’t get their environment just right. They also have some of the most beautiful leaves around. ‘King of Spades’ is rare, expensive, and beautiful, three things that tend to go hand in hand when it comes to exotic plants. The velvet leaves and bright white, contrasting veins are stunning.
Check Out Philodendron Gloriosum ‘Dark Form’
I have to say, if you want a low-maintenance plant with the look of a pricey anthurium, this is the one. In fact, when I first saw one, it looked so much like an anthurium that the reasonable price stunned me. Deep, velvety leaves with bright white veins all have a faint metallic finish. It’s truly glorious. It’s also a fast grower and does well even in moderate indirect light. It loves humidity.
If You Love Variegated Cooper’s Haworthia…
Cooper’s haworthia is a fun species of succulent that grows in a rosette form. The fleshy leaves have a translucent quality, which makes them unique and interesting. The variegated type is rare, though you will find them online. They are at the top of the range when it comes to Haworthia in general.
Check Out Cathedral Window Haworthia
These two plants are so similar that it’s difficult to tell them apart. What makes the Cooper’s so rare is the variegation. Cathedral Window has the same translucence to its succulent leaves, making it the perfect less-expensive alternative for your houseplant collection. You can expect to find these without looking too far.
If You Love Anthurium Villenaorum…
Anthuriums aren’t just beautiful and rare. They’re also complicated. Because they are difficult to care for, naturally, they are harder to propagate. Anthurium villenaorum is a large beauty. The leaves are big and bold, deep green with prominent white veining. It’s a plant that gets a lot of attention. It’s not the rarest or most expensive, but it’s an investment.
Check Out Caladium Lindenii
Caladiums, by comparison, are inexpensive and easy to care for. Caladium lindenii happens to look a lot like a certain species of anthurium. It costs about one-tenth as much and has all the beauty of the more expensive cultivar. I highly recommend this plant to anyone who loves leafy tropicals.
