Whether you love houseplants, enjoy gardening or appreciate the beauty of rare flowers, you may be wonder which species of plants are the most expensive in the world. Plants, trees, and flowers all vary in shape, color, species, and price. In some cases, a single plant can even be worth more than your house!
While most people would never spend thousands of dollars on a plant, other green fingered gardeners like to invest in rare and beautiful plants. Some plants are costly as they bloom only once a year, come from an exotic location, are very difficult to grow, or are almost extinct.
Here are natures’ most expensive creations, the 11 of the most expensive plants in the world:
1. Old Pine Bonsai Tree
The most expensive plant known to man is the old Pine Bonsai tree. One specimen, which was estimated to be over 800 years old, was sold at auction for 1.3 million dollars at the International Bonsai Convention in Japan. This makes it the most expensive of all the plants on this list.
The bonsai tree is an ornamental shrub that can be grown in a small container pot. The trees are dwarfed artificially and make excellent houseplants. They can also be grown outside in the right climate. A mature tree will remain petite. Bonsai trees are indigenous to Japan and many other Asian countries. They have an attractive appearance and are considered to be living works of art.
Young bonsai trees aren’t as expensive as older specimens. The price increases with age to reflect the care and attention that has gone into growing the tree.
2. Monstera Obliqua
The Monstera Obliqua is a unique plant as it has holes in its foliage and sells for about $3000. The plant doesn’t have any flowers, tall leaves, or a pleasant smell, yet it’s still a popular choice. Monstera Obliqua’s holes make the plant look very delicate and lace-like. Many people are fascinated by the plant’s appearance.
Monstera Obliqua originates from Central and South America and is most common in Peru and Bolivia.
3. Gold of Kinabalu Orchid
The Gold of Kinabalu Orchid is thought to be the rarest orchid species in the world. A single plant will set you back about $6,000. This orchid is very beautiful and only grows naturally in Malaysias National Kinabalu Park. The orchard only flowers during the months of April and May.
The plant has green petals with red stripes. This rare orchid has horizontal petals, which give the plant a uniquely impressive appearance. While most orchids don’t cost that much, the Gold of Kinabalu Orchid is truly expensive.
4. Half Moon Philodendron Pink Princess
Many people love pink flowers as they are eyecatching and attractive. The Half Moon Philodendron Pink Princess is no exception, and this plant is in high demand even although it has a price tag of about $ 1,299. This plant has pink leaves and can thrive in water as well as soil.
Pink Philodendron is native to Columbia and has green, pink, rose, and copper shades in its leaves. This plant is easy to look after and doesn’t need much attention.
5. Juliet Rose
At first glance, the Juliet Rose looks like any other pink rose. This variety of rose has a unique shape, petal thickness and pattern, which is superior to other roses. It’s also very delicate and soft to the touch.
The Juliet rose first gained fame after being showed at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2006. It has a symmetrical structure and buds in different shades of pink. As the flowers bloom, they look magnificent and open fully to reveal subtle shades which get darker towards the center.
6. Variegated Philodendron Minima
Variegated Philodendron Minima can sell for up to $8,150. The plant has an attractive glossy foliage that’s light green and yellow in color.
While standard Philodendron is only worth between $20 and $50, the variegated variety has a much higher price tag as they are rare. These plants have unique patterns that include streaks, and spots.
Variegated minima are challenging to grow as they are delicate and thrive best in a well-lit position. They can be kept inside or outside and should be kept moist but not overwatered.
7. Shenzhen Nongke Orchid
The Shenzhen Nongke is another rare Orchid that costs up to $200,000. The plants are grown in China and take an average of eight years to cultivate. Plants can’t flower until they are four or five years old, but when they do are stunningly beautiful. These orchards have a lovely shape, color, and fragrance. Unexpectedly this orchard is edible for humans and has a delicate flavor.
8. Saffron Crocus
Saffron is the most expensive spice globally, and a Saffron Crocus will set you back $1,500. The plants are very ornamental and popular as they can be used to flavor food.
9. Kadupul Flower
The Kadupul flower is grown in Sri Lanka and is extravagant and high-valued. The flower is scarce and beautiful and has become known as the most expensive flower on the planet. This plant only flowers once annually and opens its petals at night.
People travel from all over the world to view the amazing spectacle. The kadupul flower can’t be bought, and there are high penalties for anyone who attempts to pick or smuggle a stem.
10. Alocasia Azlanii
Another very expensive plant is the Alocasia azlanii which is also called a red mambo. This plant is unique and even although it’s very small will set you back about $550. The alocasia azlanii is native to Malaysia and is very rare. The plant has dark green leaves with a brighter green outline. Each leaf also has attractive shimmering veins, which are pink, red, or purple.
11. Hoya Carnosa Compacta
Last but by no means least is the Hoya Carnosa Compacta, which is also known as the Hindu rope plant due to its appearance. This plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family and has leafy vines, and is semi-succulent in nature. It has fleshy foliage, which looks twisted and is dark green and glossy.
The Carnosa is easy to look after and will flourish without much care. It has numerous round clustered flowers which are reminiscent of small balls. The flowers are star-shaped and either white or light pink. They are sweet-smelling, numerous, and have a waxy appearance. These plants look great in a hanging basket or hanging over the edge of a shelf.
Conclusion: Most Expensive Plants
It seems like everyone’s gone crazy over plants. It’s become fashionable to decorate our homes with beautiful plants, and many people aim to own an exotic plant. Some plants are very rare and collectible, while others are hard to grow and fetch high prices.