Discover 10 rare aroids every collector needs, with care tips, pricing, and where to buy them. Learn from Anna Scott’s 10 years of gardening expertise.
As a plant enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen rare aroids evolve from niche curiosities to must-have treasures. Their jaw-dropping foliage and elusive availability make them the crown jewels of indoor gardening. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 unusual aroid varieties for collectors—along with tips on how to care for them, where to find them, and why they’re worth the hype.
1. Philodendron Pink Princess
Price Range: $200–$1,500+
The Philodendron Pink Princess is the Beyoncé of rare aroids. Its dark green leaves splashed with bubblegum-pink variegation make it a showstopper. I’ll never forget the day I snagged a cutting from a local collector—it felt like winning the botanical lottery!
Care Tips: Bright, indirect light maintains the pink variegation. Let the soil dry between waterings to avoid root rot.
Where to Buy: Specialized nurseries like MonsteraEtc or Etsy sellers with verified reviews.
2. Monstera Albo Variegata
Price Range: $300–$5,000+
This variegated Monstera has creamy-white patches that contrast with deep green leaves. Its rarity stems from the inability to tissue culture the variegation, making each plant unique.
Care Tips: Provide a DIY moss pole for climbing and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
3. Anthurium Clarinervium
Price Range: $80–$400
Known as the “Velvet Cardboard Anthurium,” this plant boasts heart-shaped leaves with striking white veins. I adore how its velvety texture adds tactile interest to my living room.
Care Tips: High humidity (60%+) and bright, indirect light keep it thriving.
4. Monstera Thai Constellation
Price Range: $150–$1,000
Unlike the Albo, the Thai Constellation features speckled variegation that’s stable in tissue culture propagation. It’s slightly more accessible but still a coveted gem.
Care Tips: Use a chunky, well-draining soil mix and water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
5. Alocasia Frydek Variegata
Price Range: $400–$2,000
With marbled white-and-green leaves, this Alocasia is a collector’s dream. I once overwatered mine and learned the hard way: these plants demand perfect drainage.
Where to Buy: Check Ormbunker for restocks—they often have rare aroids for sale.
6. Philodendron White Princess
Price Range: $100–$600
A cousin of the Pink Princess, this variety flaunts white variegation on sleek green leaves. It’s slightly easier to find but still a rare score for indoor rare aroids lovers.
Care Tips: Moderate light and occasional misting mimic its tropical habitat.
7. Monstera Obliqua Peruvian Form
Price Range: $3,000–$10,000+
The “Holy Grail” of Monsteras, this ultra-rare plant has paper-thin leaves with more holes than foliage. Only a handful exist in private collections.
Pro Tip: If you find one, pair it with a humidity dome to replicate its rainforest home.
8. Anthurium Warocqueanum (Queen Anthurium)
Price Range: $250–$1,500
Nicknamed the “Queen,” this plant has elongated, velvety leaves that can grow over 3 feet long. Mine thrives in a terrarium with 80% humidity.
Where to Buy: Import from South American growers or trusted online rare aroids stores like Greenboog.
9. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)
Price Range: $50–$200
Don’t let the “mini” fool you—this fast-growing climber is perfect for small spaces. I’ve trained mine up a trellis, and it’s become a living wall art piece.
10. Syngonium Albo Variegata
Price Range: $30–1$50
This beginner-friendly aroid has arrow-shaped leaves with creamy variegation. It’s one of the few rare aroids under 3000 that’s easy to propagate.
Where to Buy Rare Aroids
- Online Retailers: Greenboog and MonsteraEtc offer curated selections of USA rare aroids.
- Local Plant Swaps: Join Facebook groups or attend expos to trade cuttings.
- Tissue Culture Labs: For disease-free plants, explore sellers using tissue culture methods recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Caring for Rare Aroids: My Top Tips
- Light: Most thrive in bright, indirect light—perfect for indoor rare aroids.
- Watering: Let soil dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering is the #1 killer!
- Humidity: Aim for 60–80% using pebble trays or humidifiers.
- Soil: Use an airy mix of perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss.
Why Rare Aroids Are Worth the Investment
Beyond their beauty, rare aroids like the Philodendron Gloriosum or Anthurium Veitchii purify air and reduce stress. Plus, their value often appreciates—my Monstera Albo cutting tripled in price in two years!
Need More Help?
- Learn how to care for variegated plants.
- Explore the science behind tissue culture propagation with the International Aroid Society.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie, rare aroids offer endless fascination. Start with a Syngonium Albo to build confidence, then work your way up to the elusive Monstera Obliqua. Happy hunting! 🌿
Anna Scott
Founder, USA Garden Hub
https://usagardenhub.com/
