Tucked away in homes across Arkansas, some grandmothers have been growing houseplants that are worth much more than anyone realized. Many of these green beauties were passed down through generations or picked up decades ago when they were common.
Today, plant collectors are willing to pay big money for rare varieties that might be sitting quietly on a windowsill or hanging in a sunny corner.
1. Variegated Monstera Deliciosa
Collectors go wild over this stunning plant with its creamy white and green marbled leaves. A single cutting can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on the amount of variegation.
Grandma might have rooted a piece years ago without knowing its value. The Swiss cheese holes in the leaves make it instantly recognizable, but the white streaks make it extraordinary.
Keep it in bright indirect light to maintain those gorgeous patterns and watch its worth grow alongside its vines.
2. Hoya Compacta ‘Hindu Rope’
With twisted, rope-like leaves that curl and cascade, this quirky Hoya has become a must-have for serious collectors. Older specimens with thick, trailing vines are especially prized in online plant communities.
Grandma probably loved how easy it was to care for and how little water it needed. When it blooms, the waxy pink flowers smell like chocolate and last for weeks.
Mature plants can fetch impressive prices, especially if they’re already established in vintage planters from decades past.
3. Philodendron Pink Princess
Dark green leaves splashed with hot pink make this Philodendron one of the most sought-after plants today. Each leaf is different, creating a living work of art that plant lovers obsess over.
Some grandmothers propagated these beauties before they became Instagram famous and skyrocketed in price. The more pink on each leaf, the more valuable the plant becomes to collectors.
Proper lighting helps maintain that bubble-gum pink color, and well-rooted specimens command premium prices in the current market.
4. String Of Hearts Variegated
Heart-shaped leaves in shades of pink, cream, and green dangle like delicate jewelry from thin stems. Regular string of hearts is lovely, but the variegated version is genuinely rare and valuable.
Grandma might have called it her sweetheart vine and never imagined collectors would pay top dollar for cuttings. The trailing strands can grow several feet long, creating a waterfall effect that’s absolutely enchanting.
Bright light brings out the best colors, making each tiny heart glow with personality and charm.
5. Anthurium Clarinervium
Velvety heart-shaped leaves with striking white veins make this Anthurium look hand-painted by nature. Each leaf feels soft to the touch and displays intricate patterns that seem almost too perfect to be real.
Older plants with multiple large leaves are particularly valuable to collectors who appreciate exotic foliage. Grandma may have gotten a small plant at a garden center decades ago when they were more readily available.
Now they’re harder to find and command impressive prices, especially mature specimens with that classic velvet texture everyone adores.
6. Begonia Maculata ‘Polka Dot’
Silver polka dots sprinkled across olive-green leaves with crimson undersides create a show-stopping display. Angel wing Begonias have been grandmother favorites for generations, but this spotted variety is experiencing a major comeback.
The dramatic contrast between the top and bottom of each leaf makes it a conversation starter. Mature plants produce clusters of delicate white or pink flowers that dangle gracefully.
Well-established specimens with multiple canes are worth considerably more than small starter plants in today’s booming houseplant market.
7. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma Variegated
Often called mini Monstera, this fast-growing vine with split leaves is already popular, but the variegated form is genuinely exceptional. Yellow or cream sections mixed with green create a stunning contrast on each fenestrated leaf.
Grandma might have a regular green one that suddenly threw out a variegated stem, creating something incredibly valuable. These mutations are unstable and rare, making them highly desirable.
Collectors compete fiercely for well-rooted cuttings, especially those with stable variegation patterns that continue producing beautiful leaves consistently over time.
8. Alocasia Frydek ‘Green Velvet’
Deep emerald leaves with brilliant white veins create an almost glowing effect on this velvety Alocasia. The arrowhead-shaped foliage looks tropical and exotic, bringing a jungle vibe to any indoor space.
These plants have specific humidity needs that grandmothers in Arkansas somehow managed perfectly without modern plant care gadgets. Mature specimens with multiple leaves are increasingly hard to find in retail stores.
Collectors prize larger plants that have adapted well to indoor conditions, making established specimens from grandmother’s collection particularly valuable today.
9. Scindapsus Pictus ‘Exotica’
Silvery splashes across dark green heart-shaped leaves give this trailing plant a shimmery, almost metallic appearance. While regular satin pothos is common, the exotica variety has much more dramatic silver patterning.
Grandma probably appreciated how forgiving and easy-going this plant was, thriving with minimal fuss. Long, established vines with consistent variegation are what collectors hunt for in online plant groups.
The fuller and longer the plant, the higher the price, especially if it’s growing in a charming vintage planter that adds character.
10. Ctenanthe Burle-Marxii
Herringbone patterns in shades of green and silver decorate leaves that have deep purple undersides. This Brazilian native is a close relative of prayer plants and shares their fascinating leaf movement throughout the day.
Many grandmothers kept these beauties thriving for years in humid bathrooms or bright kitchens. The striking geometric patterns make each leaf look like nature’s own artwork.
Mature, full plants with lots of healthy stems are becoming harder to locate, pushing prices upward for well-established specimens from older collections.
11. Peperomia Polybotrya ‘Raindrop’
Thick, glossy leaves shaped like perfect raindrops make this Peperomia absolutely adorable and surprisingly valuable. Each leaf looks almost succulent-like with a shiny, waxy coating that reflects light beautifully.
Compact and easy to care for, grandmothers loved how this plant stayed neat and tidy on shelves. Large specimens with many stems are now commanding attention from collectors who appreciate unusual foliage shapes.
The combination of cuteness and rarity has driven up demand, making mature plants worth far more than most people would expect from such a small beauty.