It’s no secret that plants have become a staple in many households during the pandemic, but did you know that some people are willing to pay $18,888 for a rare plant?
Now, you’re not alone if you’ve been gawking at Philodrendrom melanochrysums online and are cautious about spending money on this type of houseplant. Despite the rising numbers of people buying expensive plants, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re paying beforehand.
Otherwise, you could end up making a purchase for a plant that is a cheap replica.
Therefore, this article will be your guide to answering the question, “why are Philodendrom melanochrysums so expensive?” and help you decide whether it’s worth the investment or not.
Why Are Philodendron Melanochrysum So Expensive?
When it comes to understanding why Philodendron melanochrysums are so expensive, the answer is they are rare and grow slowly. Owning a Philodendron melanochrysum is like having a precious piece of jewelry. Everyone will want to have it and it will look beautiful in your home.
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How Expensive Are Philodendron Melanochrysum?
Philodendron melanochrysum plants, also known as Black Gold Philodendrons, have made headlines in the plant world due to their impressive appearance. They have large, green leaves that have a velvet texture.
When fully matured, the leaves can develop gold and white veins which instantly catch your eye. So, many of us want to have this plant in our homes. The good news is, that you can buy these plants online.
However, even though you can buy a cutting of Philodendron melanochrysum for as little as $15, you won’t get this distinctive look for a long time if you opt for growing this way. Instead, you want to purchase an entire plant.
Depending on the size, you can expect to pay between $40-$50 for a small plant, and $100-$200 for a bigger plant.
3 Reasons Philodendron Melanochrysum Plants Are So Expensive
Here are the top three reasons why Philodendron melanochrysums are so expensive.
Rarity
Philodendron melanochrysums are rare due to their unique variegation which creates the striking white, yellow, and gold veins that we mentioned earlier. Even though their appearance makes them stand out from other varieties, they are not endangered.
However, getting your hands on one of these plants can challenging as they are extremely popular.
High Demand
Another reason that this type of plant is popular is that thousands of people want to have one. If you’re reading this article, then you’re part of the group of people that can’t get enough of this gorgeous plant.
Therefore, the high demand for Philodendron melanochrysum plants raises the price and makes them more expensive. Serious plant collectors are willing to pay hundreds of dollars to have one of these plants at home.
Variegation
Let’s be honest, most people want to show off their plants online or to their friends. Part of the enjoyment of having a house full of plants is that they look amazing, and add something different to your interior design.
Philodendron melanochrysum plants offer a quirky touch to your home due to their variegation, which makes them extra special from other green Philodendron varieties. Normally, these plants will cost more because people want to purchase something unique.
Are There Different Types of Philodendron Melanochrysum?
There is only one variety of Philodendron melanochrysum, but this plant is often confused with Philodendron micans as they have similar leaves.
However, the main difference between both plants is that a Philodendron mican is a vining variety, and Philodendron melanochrysum is a climbing variety. In addition to this, the Philodendron micans don’t have white markings.
As well as their appearance, Philodendron micans are not as expensive as Philodendron melanochrysums so they are more readily available at garden stores, and online. The one similarity between them is their leaf size and shape which are both heart-shaped.
That being said, if you’re looking to add more expensive Philodendron plants to your collection, then there are a few other options to think about.
Other Expensive Philodendron Options
It’s not only Philodendron melanochyrsums that are hard to find in the plant world, here are some other rare varieties.
Philodendron Billietiae
This type of Philodendron has an orange stem and comes in yellow variegations. It’s common to see this plant with a high price tag as the unique leaves are like nothing else you’ve seen.
Another interesting fact about these plants is that if they don’t get enough light, they will revert back to green in color. Therefore, you need to have the perfect growing conditions to have this Philodendron at home.
Philodendron Minima
If you want to include a colorful Philodendron in your collection, then this variety is for you.
Most of the time, this Philodendron can sell for thousands because it’s so rare. However, similar to Philodendron billietiae, it needs adequate light or it will lose its variegation. So, a lot of people decide to stay away from growing this plant in case they damage the amazing leaves.
Philodendron Joepii
For something truly different, the only option is the Philodendron joepii. It’s sometimes referred to as looking like rabbit ears because the leaves fall down to the sides and have long surfaces. If you’re lucky enough to find this plant, it’s worth buying!
Expensive vs. Cheap Philodendron Melanochrysum
Previously in the article, we mentioned that cuttings of Philodendron melanochrysums can be found for the low price of $15. Now, although that might sound great if you’re on a budget, that won’t guarantee that you get to see the colorful leaves any time soon.
If you want to have a full, vibrant Philodendron melanochrysum in your home and don’t have the patience to wait for it to grow, then you want to buy a plant instead.
Cheap Philodendron Melanochrysum Plants
Often, cheap Philodendron melanochrysum plants will be bought pre-fertilized. For new plant owners, this could be disastrous if you add more fertilizer on top of your plant during the year. However, if you have experience handling plants, you will know to remove the top layer first.
As long as you remove the excess fertilizer as soon as you get your Philodendron melanochrysum, there shouldn’t be any major issues going forward.
Expensive Philodendron Melanochrysum
Without a doubt, one of the best things about buying an expensive Philodendron melanochrysum plant is that you are more likely to purchase a healthy plant. The last thing you want is to buy a cutting and later discover that it has root damage, and stops growing.
So, it’s vital that you buy your Philodendron melanochrysum from a trustworthy online seller with good reviews. Then, all that’s left is for you to order your plant and wait for it to arrive.
Places To Buy Philodendron Melanochrysum
You can pick yourself a Philodendron melanochrysum plant at the following online stores:
- Etsy
- Carnivero
- Pudora Shop
- Aroid Sale
Before you place an order, just be sure to double-check the shipping information and find out the estimated delivery time. That way, you can keep up-to-date with the process when waiting for your plant to arrive.
Ultimately, Philodendron melanochrysums are expensive because they are not your average bargain buy. They are hard to find and grow slowly into one-of-a-kind plants. If you’re up for the challenge, try growing one at home!
