How Much Do Philodendrons Cost?

As widespread and popular as they are, the price of philodendron plants is pretty much all over the map.

That’s because they’re hundreds of philodendron varieties and not all are easily available.

Besides its species, the size and maturity of your philodendron can also increase the price.

To help you understand what goes into the cost of a philodendron, why some varieties are so expensive, and others come at a reasonable price, I’ve put together this article on the cost of philodendron plants.

Average Cost of Philodendrons

Philodendron plants typically cost somewhere between $20 and $80, but rare varieties can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars, and you may buy those only from private collectors.

Common philodendron varieties like the heartleaf philodendron or the philodendron Brasil are on the lower end of the price spectrum. But throw in a variegated variety and you can see a multi-fold increase in the price.

You can also buy philodendron stem cuttings as well, whose prices can vary from $8 to $80, depending on the variety.

Then there are philodendrons shipped in artisanal pots and planters, which can also drive up the cost.

Therefore, unless you’re buying a common philodendron variety in a run-of-the-mill plastic pot, philodendrons can be an expensive indoor plant.

Most Expensive Philodendrons

If you’re curious to find out which are the most expensive philodendrons on the market, I’ve put together a list of the 10 most expensive philodendron varieties.

So if you’re looking to add a rare variety to your collection, you can take your pick from the philodendron varieties below:

As you can see, there are significant price variations. Some of these philodendron varieties are completely unreachable for some of us.

They’re also not widely available and can be purchased only from private collectors when they put them up for auction.

Why are Philodendrons So Expensive?

There are several reasons why philodendrons can come with a higher price tag than most houseplants. Variegation is one of the reasons, scarcity is another reason.

– Variegation

Variegated versions of almost any philodendron are more expensive than their unvariegated counterparts. That’s because variegation is actually a rare genetic mutation in plants.

Since the mutation doesn’t occur often, plants that turn out with the mutation are viewed as special, and hence cost more.

When the genetic mutation occurs in a philodendron, it produces leaves with streaks of other colors including white, cream or yellow.

Sometimes, instead of streaks, entire leaves are colored differently, which results in a plant with differently colored leaves.

Depending on the type of variegation, the price difference between variegated and unvariegated versions of the same philodendron species can be significant.

– Scarcity

Scarcity is another reason why philodendrons can cost so much. This can be due to the fact that the plant is rare in the wild or that it’s a hybrid that takes longer to grow.

When there’s a high demand for a variety that’s not easy to source or it’s difficult to grow, it’s understandable that the price for that philodendron variety goes up.

Some philodendron species are also endangered in the wild, so it may not be available to the general public. This too can increase the price of varieties that are grown in nurseries, for example.

Then there’s also the matter of geographic distribution. Philodendrons don’t grow just anywhere. They’re native to tropical rainforests, so they may not be available in certain areas of the world. This too can increase the plant’s price in that area.

What is the Rarest Philodendron?

While there are a few philodendrons competing for the title of being the rarest of them all, the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti takes the lead.

If we go back to the list of reasons why philodendrons are expensive, scarcity is what applies to this interesting variety.

Unfortunately, only around six of these plants are still left in the wild. And they’re monitored with CCTV and guarded by security guards.

The only place in the world where this plant can be found is in the state of Espirito Santo of Brazil, hence the name of the plant as well.

But scarcity is not the only claim to fame for this Philodendron variety. It also features interesting leaves. It features narrow, drooping foliage that can reach a height of 2 feet.

Unfortunately, the plant doesn’t take well to the propagation and it has a slow growth rate, hence the trouble in keeping it off the endangered list.

Are Expensive Philodendrons Hard to Grow?

Expensive philodendrons aren’t necessarily hard to grow. But some do take long to grow, despite philodendrons being known as having a fast growth rate.

Just like in the case of the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti, some philodendrons can be difficult to propagate and take a long time to grow, which naturally limits their availability.

When a philodendron variety that’s hard to grow is in high demand, it’s price will soar. And maybe you aren’t willing to pay hundreds or thousands for a philodendron, even if it’s rare, but there are plenty of collectors who won’t think twice about paying a high price for a special philodendron.

Some nurseries have started to specialize in growing rare or interesting philodendrons, making them more and more available at a reasonable cost.

Conclusion

Philodendrons aren’t the cheapest houseplant you can buy, but common varieties like the beloved and widely available heartleaf philodendron are affordable.

Even more expensive varieties can be sourced at a more affordable price if you don’t buy a whole plant. You can buy a rooted stem cutting instead, which comes at a fraction of the cost of a mature plant.

Better yet — ask around in your social circle. Who knows, maybe you can find interesting varieties at a better price than in an online store or garden center.