Hidden in the corners of ordinary Ohio homes are leafy treasures worth more than most furniture pieces combined.
Some Ohioans might be surprised to learn that the unusual plant inherited from grandma or purchased on a whim at a local greenhouse could fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars from eager collectors.
The rarest varieties have skyrocketed in value as plant collecting has grown from casual hobby to serious investment opportunity.
1. Variegated Monstera Deliciosa: The Swiss Cheese Plant With A Golden Touch
These stunning plants feature splashes of white or yellow variegation that make each leaf a unique masterpiece. No two are exactly alike, which explains their astronomical price tags.
Ohio plant enthusiasts have been known to trade cuttings of these beauties for upwards of $200, while mature specimens can fetch $1,000 or more. The plant’s rarity comes from its genetic mutation that can’t be mass-produced.
Proper care includes bright indirect light and moderate watering. If you spot one at an estate sale in Cincinnati or Columbus, don’t hesitate—you might be looking at a green gold mine!
2. Pink Princess Philodendron: Royalty Among Collectors
Sporting dramatic pink and dark green leaves, this philodendron has created bidding wars among Ohio plant collectors. The striking contrast makes it instantly recognizable and coveted.
A small cutting with just a hint of pink can sell for $100, while established plants with abundant variegation might command $500-800 in Cleveland’s plant swap groups. The pink coloration is unstable, adding to its mystique and value.
Growing best in humid environments with filtered light, these plants prefer consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Their popularity shows no signs of waning in the Buckeye State.
3. Alocasia Dragon Scale: Prehistoric Beauty With Modern Value
Looking like something from another era, the silvery-green metallic leaves of this stunning plant resemble dragon scales. Their textured appearance catches light in ways that photographs rarely capture.
Many Ohio collectors have paid $150-300 for small specimens, with mature plants commanding much more. The plant’s dramatic appearance and challenging care requirements contribute to its status as a prized possession.
Requiring high humidity and careful watering, they’re not for novice plant parents. Nevertheless, dedicated plant enthusiasts in Toledo and Dayton nurture these beauties, knowing their investment grows alongside the plant.
4. Anthurium Clarinervium: Heart-Shaped Leaves That Capture Hearts
Velvety heart-shaped leaves with prominent white veins make this Mexican native instantly recognizable. Its elegant appearance belies its status as one of the most sought-after anthuriums.
Collectors throughout Ohio have been known to pay $200-400 for small plants. The striking contrast between the dark green leaf surface and crystalline-white veining creates a visual impact few plants can match.
Finding one in an Akron plant shop would be quite the score! They prefer bright indirect light and high humidity, making them perfect candidates for terrariums or bathroom displays where their value can be safely admired.
5. Variegated ZZ Plant: The Impossible-to-Kill Investment
ZZ plants are already beloved for their hardiness, but add cream or white variegation and you’ve got a botanical lottery ticket. These rare mutations can appear in otherwise normal plants, creating an instant windfall.
Regular ZZ plants might cost $15 at Ohio garden centers, but their variegated cousins can fetch $300-1,000 depending on the pattern’s stability and coverage. Their rarity stems from the difficulty in propagating the variegation consistently.
Fortunately, they maintain the same drought-tolerance as their common relatives. Several Columbus plant collectors have reported finding these treasures at ordinary nurseries, not realizing their value until later research.
6. String of Hearts ‘Silver Glory’: Delicate Vines With Substantial Worth
Cascading from hanging planters, these delicate vines feature heart-shaped leaves with silver marbling that catches the light beautifully. Their elegant trailing habit makes them perfect for shelves and mantels.
While common varieties are affordable, this special cultivar commands $75-150 for small plants in Cincinnati plant shops. The ‘Silver Glory’ variation features more pronounced silver patterns and sometimes pinkish undersides.
Fast-growing when happy, these plants can quickly fill out from a small cutting. Ohio plant enthusiasts often trade cuttings, but finding a mature specimen with the perfect variegation pattern is worth the investment.
7. Monstera Obliqua: The Holy Grail With More Holes Than Leaf
Often confused with the more common Monstera Adansonii, true Obliquas are exceedingly rare, with leaves that are more hole than plant material. Their delicate, lace-like appearance makes them instantly recognizable to knowledgeable collectors.
True specimens have fetched thousands of dollars in private sales. Most plants labeled as Obliqua in Ohio shops are actually misidentified Adansonii, making authentic plants even more valuable when discovered.
Requiring perfect humidity and care, these plants are challenging even for experts. A handful of dedicated collectors in Cleveland’s plant community have successfully cultivated these treasures, treating them like the investments they truly are.
8. Philodendron Spiritus Sancti: The $10,000 Houseplant
Among the rarest philodendrons on earth, this endangered species features elongated, rippled leaves with a distinctive shape. Native to a small region in Brazil, it’s nearly extinct in the wild.
Mature specimens have reportedly sold for $10,000 or more, with even small cuttings commanding four-figure prices. A few Ohio botanical gardens maintain specimens, but private ownership is exceptionally rare.
Its care requirements aren’t particularly difficult, but its scarcity makes it a true collector’s item. If you ever spot one at an estate sale in Cincinnati, you might be looking at the botanical equivalent of finding a Picasso in the attic!
9. Monstera Albo Borsigiana: The White-Splashed Sensation
Large, dramatic leaves splashed with creamy white variegation make this Monstera variety a showstopper. Each new leaf unfurls with its own unique pattern, creating anticipation with every growth cycle.
Ohio plant enthusiasts have paid $200-500 for cuttings alone, while established plants can fetch $1,000+. Their popularity has surged in recent years as social media showcases their photogenic qualities.
Proper growing conditions include bright indirect light to maintain variegation without scorching. Several Toledo plant shops have reported waiting lists for these beauties, with customers willing to pay premium prices for healthy specimens.