Those dusty old plants tucked away in your grandmother’s Massachusetts sunroom might be hiding a secret – they could be worth thousands of dollars! The cold New England winters meant many Massachusetts families cultivated indoor gardens, sometimes unknowingly nurturing rare botanical treasures.
What once was simply Grandma’s beloved hobby has now become a goldmine for plant collectors willing to pay top dollar for these living heirlooms.
1. Variegated Monstera Deliciosa
Back in the 1970s, these weren’t considered anything special in Massachusetts homes. Now, a single cutting can fetch upwards of $700 on specialty plant markets.
I remember seeing one of these in my grandmother’s Massachusetts living room, its cream-splashed leaves cascading from a macramé hanger. She had no idea it would someday be worth more than her china collection.
The rarer the variegation pattern, the higher the price tag. Half-moon patterns with clear color separation are particularly sought after by serious collectors.
2. Pink Princess Philodendron
During the 1960s, these stunning plants with pink-splashed leaves were popular in New England households before falling out of fashion. Today’s plant collectors are driving prices to $300+ per plant.
The unique pink coloration comes from a genetic mutation that creates stunning patterns on each leaf. No two plants show exactly the same markings, making each one a unique botanical treasure.
For me, the most surprising plant discovery was finding out my aunt’s neglected philodendron in her Gloucester home was actually this coveted variety.
3. Mature Fiddle Leaf Fig
Many Massachusetts grandmothers nurtured these finicky plants for decades, creating specimens that tower over six feet tall. These mature giants can sell for $500-$1,000 today.
Unlike newly purchased specimens, these older plants have developed thick trunks and a robust root system. Their established growth habits make them significantly more valuable than younger counterparts.
The coastal humidity of Massachusetts actually created ideal conditions for these tropical natives, allowing them to thrive in many Cape Cod summer homes.
4. Spiral Variegated Hoya Compacta
Often called “Hindu Rope Plant,” these twisted, curly vines were popular in Massachusetts during the 1950s. Their peculiar growth habit and cream-splashed leaves now command prices upward of $200 for a small cutting.
The plant’s slow growth rate contributes to its hefty price tag. A mature specimen takes years to develop, making grandmother’s decades-old plant particularly valuable.
In my own home, I once came across one of these hiding in my mother’s collection, passed down from her mother who lived in Amherst. It had quietly grown into a collector’s dream.
5. Whale Fin Sansevieria
This unusual snake plant variety wasn’t widely distributed, making grandmother’s specimen potentially rare. A single leaf from a mature plant can sell for $100 or more.
Unlike common snake plants with their tall, slender leaves, the whale fin produces a single massive paddle-shaped leaf. This distinctive appearance creates instant visual impact and collector appeal.
The plant’s ability to survive Massachusetts winters with minimal heating made it a practical choice for drafty New England homes, where many have quietly grown for generations.
6. Antique Boston Fern
Named after the Massachusetts capital, these ferns have been passed down through generations. Specimens over 50 years old with massive frond spreads can fetch surprising prices from collectors seeking authentic vintage plants.
The older the fern, the more developed its root system and the more lush its growth. Some Boston homes still contain specimens dating back to the Victorian era when fern collecting was at its height.
Their adaptability to the Massachusetts climate made them particularly successful in local homes, where they’ve quietly thrived through decades of changing decor trends.
7. Mature ZZ Plant Raven Variety
The striking black-leafed variety wasn’t commercially available until recently, making any mature specimen in grandmother’s collection exceptionally valuable. Plant enthusiasts might pay hundreds for a well-established plant.
Their glossy, almost black foliage provides dramatic contrast in any room. The plant’s slow growth rate means older specimens have a fullness that new plants won’t achieve for years.
Massachusetts gardeners appreciated these tough plants for their ability to tolerate the low light conditions common in traditional New England homes with smaller windows.
8. Antique Christmas Cactus
Holiday plants were treasured in Massachusetts, where winter celebrations brightened long, cold months. Specimens over 50 years old can be worth hundreds, especially if they’re unusual colors like salmon or yellow.
These plants are literally living family heirlooms, often blooming on schedule for generations. Their genetic makeup differs from modern commercial varieties, making them botanically significant.
The oldest documented Christmas cactus in Massachusetts belongs to a family in Worcester, where their 100-year-old plant has been featured in local newspapers during its spectacular holiday blooms.
9. Mature Pothos N’Joy
What looks like an ordinary pothos might actually be this highly sought-after variety with distinctive white marbling. Large, established plants command premium prices in today’s market.
The crisp, clean variegation pattern distinguishes it from common pothos varieties. Its striking appearance makes it a standout even among other variegated plants.
Grandmothers across Massachusetts often received these as cuttings from friends, creating an informal exchange network of rare plants long before the internet made plant trading popular.
10. Vintage Rubber Plant
Those towering rubber plants in Massachusetts homes often date back decades. Specimens with multiple trunks and reaching ceiling height can be worth $300-$500 to the right buyer.
Their thick, leathery leaves develop a deeper, richer green as they age. The substantial trunk of a vintage specimen shows distinctive growth rings and character that younger plants lack.
Many New England families have stories of rubber plants that survived multiple moves and home renovations. These resilient plants became silent witnesses to generations of Massachusetts family history.
11. Rare Hoya Kerrii Variegata
Often found as a single heart-shaped leaf in shops today, grandmother’s full trailing vine version could be worth hundreds. The variegated form with cream splashes is particularly valuable.
These plants develop slowly, taking years to produce their distinctive heart-shaped leaves. A mature specimen represents decades of patient growth that can’t be rushed or replicated quickly.
The plant’s sentimental heart shape made it popular as anniversary gifts in 1950s Massachusetts, where many were given as tokens of affection and then treasured for generations.