Sarah Kathleen, sales associate at Scott’s Nursery in Fredericton, says even new plant enthusiasts can get Monstera Thai to thrive as long as they pay attention to humidity. (Submitted by Sarah Kathleen)
Not many people would be willing to pay nearly $1,000 for a rare tropical houseplant, but a nursery in Fredericton is catering to a few passionate collectors.
One of the latest arrivals at Scott’s nursery is the Monstera Thai constellation, known for its variegated leaves with white or cream dots. It also comes with a hefty price tag: $999.99 to be exact.
“I think a lot of people are surprised by their price, although if you’ve been well trained in the rare plant industry you’ll know that their size and price are well worth it,” said Sarah Kathleen, sales associate at Scott’s Nursery Ltd. in Fredericton.
The Monstera Thai constellation is a rare and sought-after tropical plant, especially with its eye-catching leaves.
The plant was genetically modified in Thailand by Costa Farms. The plant retains its variegation and does not return to the usual green of other monsters, such as monstera deliciosa.
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This Monstera Thai constellation is genetically engineered, hard to breed and beautiful to look at. For around $1000 it can be yours.
“They are very rare,” she said. “Costa Farms is the only company that has the rights to breed and produce these plants, so it’s a very new plant.”
The thrill of the chase
Collecting as a hobby is often about the thrill of the chase, and plant lovers are no different.
Moncton plant lover Jessica Wilhelm owns a Monstera Thai constellation and said she personally doesn’t think paying a higher price for a more mature plant is worth it.
She herself likes to grow plants from their first stages, but admits that for someone who does not want to put a lot of time and effort into growing the plant, the expensive specimens in stores can be a good option.
Jessica Wilhelm has dedicated a room in her home to her rarest plants, complete with a grow tent and cabinets converted into greenhouses. (Submitted by Jessica Wilhelm)
“The plant community [in New Brunswick] is pretty big,” Wilhelm said. “I think it’s died down a little bit since things started to normalize from COVID, but it’s a very competitive community—extremely so.”
Wilhelm added that she participates in various local and national online groups.
Wilhelm didn’t initially start caring for plants as a collector, but after inheriting a few special plants from her grandmother – an African violet and a hoya – which she says have been around her whole life.
She began researching to continue caring for them, but after meeting others in the plant community, she was hooked.
“I probably have over 200 [plants] now,’ said Wilhelm. “I have quite a few rare plants.” I have some that are imported from Indonesia, Thailand and South America. I have a few of what I would consider common houseplants that you would pick up at the nursery.”
Wilhelm also has a Monstera Thai constellation, and like Scott’s nursery, her rarer plants have their own room.
“I have one bedroom that I kind of dedicated to my rare plants that have higher humidity,” said Wilhelm, who fashioned a “little grow tent” into the space while turning IKEA cabinets into greenhouses.
“Many of the plants from overseas are used to higher humidity and need higher humidity to thrive,” she said.
Cathline also emphasized the Monstera Thai constellation’s need for higher humidity and explained that any problems that occur in the plant, such as pests or fungal spots, can be more visible in the light areas of the variegated plant. However, these factors should not deter enthusiasts.
“I personally believe it’s beginner-friendly,” said Kathleen, who has a plant at home.
“It’s relatively easy to care for, so I think it could be comfortable for beginners as long as they keep the humidity high.”
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