A Monstera plant is worth a lot depending on the size and age of the plant. A young plant can be worth around $30 while an older, more mature plant can be worth over $100. The value of a Monstera plant also depends on the rarity of the plant. Some varieties of Monstera are very rare and hard to find, which makes them more valuable.

How much are Monstera plants worth?

You’ve been admiring those magnificent Monstera plants in the yard for as long as you can remember. The beautiful foliage and charming blooms draw plenty of attention when it comes time to trim the bushes in the spring. However, did you know that these beautiful plants have a much deeper story behind them? Let’s dive into how much are Monstera plants worth, where they came from, and what characteristics make them so special.

Where Do They Come From?

The Monstera genus is widely considered to be among the most ancient flowering plant genera, dating back over 150 million years. Its relationship with bananas is quite possibly because of this (Banana and Monstera are both classified in the same order, which is actually a sub-division of the eudicot family). Over the years, the leaves of the plant have been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Interestingly enough, some modern researchers even believe that the psychedelic compound found in certain types of mushrooms may have been inspired by the intricate leaf patterns of the Monstera plant.

On rare occasions, these tropical beauties will be found growing wild in their natural habitat, but the majority of the time they’re grown in large-scale greenhouses. During this process, the growers use natural hues of green and yellow to paint the stems and foliage to create a more tropical look (hence the name “Sunset”). In general, the warmer the climate, the larger the leaves and the faster the flowers will appear. You’ll notice that South American Monstera plants have particularly broad leaves, which help them withstand the summer heat.

Why Are They So Special?

When you think of a Monstera, what comes to mind? For some, it might be the brilliant yellow blooms that appear in the springtime or the velvety soft leaves, which are almost impossibly durable. What you may not know is that these are among the oldest living plants on the planet, surviving for hundreds of years even without human care. This is because of something called “asymmetrical nuclear division,” which allows the plant to reproduce without limit.

Simply put, this means that aside from the usual process of cell division in which a cell gives rise to two new cells with half the original DNA content, the plant also undergoes nuclear fusion. This is why the fruits of the Monstera plant are referred to as “bananas” (from the Latin for “I am woman”—the phrase “par excellence” comes from a Roman poet, meaning “the best among them”). During reproduction, the nuclei of two separate cells become intertwined, increasing the plant’s genetic diversity.

This is why the fruits of the Monstera plant are so prized by natural breeders and plant enthusiasts. It is not uncommon for these enthusiasts to shell out as much as $1300 for a single specimen! As you would expect, the price largely depends on the size and the rarity of the plant, but this is not at all uncommon for a high-quality ornamental plant.

Do They Have A Use?

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about the Monstera plant is that it has so many uses. Aside from its aesthetic value, which also makes it a popular choice for landscapers, the leaves of this plant have been found to have antimicrobial properties and can be used to help cleanse wounds and prevent infections. In folk medicine, the leaves and twigs of this plant have been shown in studies to be effective in treating arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, and fever.

The plant is also known to repel certain types of insects, including flies, wasps, and bees. This is likely because of the plant’s essential oils, which give off a lemon-like scent. This scent has been known to repel these creatures for up to five kilometers! Whether you’re trying to keep the mosquitoes away from your picnic or you just want to give your garden a splash of color, these versatile little plants will fit perfectly into your scheme.

More Than Just The Flowers

While the flowers of the Monstera plant are truly magnificent, there is so much more to this tropical beauty. If you dug deeper into the origins of the genus, you would find that there are actually hundreds of different varieties of these plants, which have been around for centuries. Even now, with modern horticulture practices, breeders around the world continue to search for new and different varieties, with the purpose of expanding the plant’s cultural, aesthetic, and medicinal value. One of the most interesting facts about these fascinating plants is that aside from the banana-esque fruits, their various woody parts (trunks, branches, and roots) have been found to be edible and even delicious. In some parts of the world, this has led to the development of sophisticated methods for trapping rodents, encouraging the growers to further explore the culinary delights that this bountiful plant has to offer. Of course, the leaves are also a source of vitamins and minerals, making them an important part of any diet.

The Evolution Of Botanical Science

Even now, more than 150 years after Carl Ludwig Willdenow first described it, the name “Monstera” still causes scientists and specialists to prick up their ears. This is due, in part, to the fact that even after more than a century of research, the plant is still considered to be among the most complex species in terms of its evolutionary history. This makes it one of the most interesting and unique plants—if not the most interesting and unique plant—of the plant kingdom. For those who appreciate scientific curiosity, Willdenow’s original description of the plant remains one of the most detailed and comprehensive ever penned, providing a wealth of information about this fascinating creature.

The Final Word

So, it’s time to put all this information into practice and let your imagination run wild by planting a few of these iconic, plant-loving creatures in your garden or on your window sill. Be sure to water them regularly and you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of this amazing plant for many years to come.