Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'

While classic monstera varieties are easy (and fairly affordable) to come by at any plant nursery, these popular houseplants become extremely coveted and expensive once specialty cultivars and defects come into play.

One of the most sought-after at the moment is a varietal called the 'Thai Constellation' which features the signature white patterns on its leaves caused by lack of chlorophyll, in this case in a splatter pattern.

The 'Thai Constellation' will go for more than the 'Variegata'. Depending on the specimen and the size, it can cost several hundred dollars to upwards of $1,000, Summer Rayne Oakes of Plant One on Me shares with us.

Oakes adds she's seen cuttings go for as much as $300 to $500!

"People in general love Monstera, as it's one of those larger leaved plants with deep fenestrations," Oakes says. "But you add spatter-marked whites and yellows to the leaves—and it'll drive the price up quite readily."

Monstera deliciosa Albo Variegata

However, the 'Thai Constellation' isn't only one Monstera deliciosa variety that's considered rare and valuable.

The 'Albo Variegata,' which features large white portions on its leaves, the more and the more unique in shape and structure the better, is also going for hundreds of dollars in many shops.

"Variegated Monsteras are a top seller, which are around $200, but we've seen them go for much more than that depending on the color of their leaves," Sean Dollinger, Founder of PlantX, says. "The whiter the leaves, the more coveted they are based on a rare genetic defect."

Philodendron Melanochrysum

Slowly becoming slightly easier to come by, this variety is still considered one of the rarer and more coveted philodendrons in the houseplant community, and can be expensive, especially when reaching larger sizes.

When given proper light conditions and extra humidity, these dark green beauties can climb up to 5 feet tall indoors, with individual leaves reaching massive sizes of 2 feet long.

These huge healthy specimens will be rarer and harder to find, so if you're able to nurture a small philodendron melanochrysum into a massive houseplant over time, all the better.

Philodendron Tortum

Philodendrons come in many varieties, from the highly common and budget-friendly, to the ultra-rare collector species. This is another type that can break the bank, and be difficult to find.

They're very eye-catching, with their spreading, spike-like leaves. But they also differ from some of their philodendron relatives in their care needs. Philodendron tortums need extra space to spread, grow quickly, and do well with high humidity.

Philodendron 'Pink Princess'

One final philodendron variety is a natural inclusion on a rare houseplants list. The Pink Princess is as lovely and unique as its name suggests, and is a man-made cultivar developed in the 1970s.

Single cuttings of this plant can cost upwards of $100 and mature healthy plants can cost several hundred.

Pseudolithos cubiformis

This uniquely shaped succulent isn't one you're likely to come across at your average plant store. Its cube-like shape and scaly texture are unusual in the world of houseplants and succulents, and make it desirable in the plant collector world.

But, this plant's slow-growing cycle and complex care needs make it even rarer to come across.  

"Typically, the smallest specimens will go for $75 to $125," Oakes says.

Anthurium regale

Anthuriums are another common houseplant you can find in many casual collections—but its larger and more stately variety, the Anthurium regale, is a much rarer and much more expensive addition to any collection.

With small young plants priced at $100 or more and large, full-grown Anthurium regales costing upwards of $400, it's a spendy, but stunning plant to bring home.

Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor'

With leaves that feature a uniquely mixed look of light, medium, and dark green shades, it's not too surprising that this Aglaonema variety is sought after.  

"The camouflage appearance of the leaves makes it a real crowd-pleaser," Oakes says.

While considered fairly easy to grow, they also grow slowly, which increases the difficulty of coming across one of these eye-catching beauties.  

"Aglaonema cannot be reproduced successfully through tissue culture," Oakes says, "So there aren't many of these on the market, which drives up the price,"

Oakes says she purchased her back in 2016 for only $39. Nowadays, she's seen some people pay somewhere between $100 to $200.

Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor'

With leaves that feature a uniquely mixed look of light, medium, and dark green shades, it's not too surprising that this Aglaonema variety is sought after.  

"The camouflage appearance of the leaves makes it a real crowd-pleaser," Oakes says.

While considered fairly easy to grow, they also grow slowly, which increases the difficulty of coming across one of these eye-catching beauties.  

"Aglaonema cannot be reproduced successfully through tissue culture," Oakes says, "So there aren't many of these on the market, which drives up the price,"

Oakes says she purchased her back in 2016 for only $39. Nowadays, she's seen some people pay somewhere between $100 to $200.

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)

Light- Dim light.
Water- When watering, make sure the soil is completely moist, and leave the soil to dry out between waterings.

Pet friendly- No. Pets are poisoned by this plant.

Parent level- Beginner.

Pro tip- Chinese evergreens prefer warm temperatures and humidity, so choose a location that provides both.