Last updated on May 17th, 2023 at 07:22 am
Unlike Monstera Deliciosa, caladiums are not admired among the plant community as a plant that could make you go broke. Yet, the scarcity and uniqueness of the color and pattern could make the price soar high, especially if it’s in high demand! Below are just a few of the most expensive caladium that even though might still be in an affordable range for some, their distinctiveness makes it difficult to find in your usual plant shop.
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10 Expensive Caladium for Diehard Plant Enthusiasts
Carolyn Whorton (Caladium ‘Carolyn Whorton’)
Plant Size: 14 to 30 inches (35 to 76 centimeters) tall
The first most expensive caladium variety that is kind of difficult to find is Carolyn Whorton. They thrive both in shady areas and areas with full sun, even though it’s best to limit the amount of direct sun exposure to prevent burning, ‘crispy’ leaves. The color markings of Carolyn Whorton are what is most prominent about this plant.
With a combination of dark green edges, magenta veins, pale pink center, and dark green or magenta spotting, it’s easy to see why this variety is sought-after.
Carolyn Whorton is a slow-growing plant. It takes a lot of time and effort to cultivate it and bring it to maturity. This means that growers need to invest a lot of resources, including time, labor, and materials, to produce a healthy and vibrant plant.
Another reason for its high price is its rarity. This plant is not commonly found in nurseries or garden centers and is often sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. This high demand, coupled with its limited availability, drives up the price.
The price range for Carolyn Whorton can vary depending on factors such as size, age, and availability. Generally, smaller plants can cost anywhere from $30 to $50, while larger, more mature plants can cost upwards of $100 or more. However, it’s important to note that the price may fluctuate depending on the region and the vendor selling the plant.
Despite its high price tag, Carolyn Whorton is a plant that is well worth the investment for those who appreciate its beauty and rarity.
Miss Muffet (Caladium ‘Miss Muffet’)
Plant Size: 12 to 30 inches (30 to 76 centimeters) tall
Miss Muffet is another expensive caladium that requires potting soil with high organic matter that drains well. If you’re more fond of a variegated houseplant with white markings, this plant is definitely for you. Miss Muffet is a caladium variety with pale green or white foliage that adorns with magenta or white veins and unique dark pink dots. The color variety of this caladium can be more dominant in either white or pale green.
What makes Miss Muffet a unique and sought-after variety is its variegated foliage with white markings. The leaves of Miss Muffet are adorned with magenta or white veins and unique dark pink dots, giving it a distinct appearance. The color variety of this caladium can be more dominant in either white or pale green.
Due to its attractive appearance and high demand, Miss Muffet is one of the most expensive caladium varieties in the market. Its price can range from $20 to $50 for a small plant, while larger and more mature specimens can cost over $100. Despite its high price tag, many plant enthusiasts are willing to pay the price for the unique and striking beauty of Miss Muffet.
Candidum (Caladium ‘Candidum’)
Plant Size: 12 to 20 inches (centimeters) tall
In contrast to Carolyn Whorton, candidum variety would struggle to thrive under direct full sun and is best only in shady areas. For those who are looking for a plant to fill in your sparse shady garden, this one’s for you! When it comes to appearance, candidum is nothing but breathtaking and kind of has that peculiar feeling to them. They produce white foliage with slight dark green margins and prominent dark green veins.
One of the reasons why Candidum is expensive is its rarity. It can be difficult to find this particular caladium variety in nurseries or plant shops, and even online retailers often have limited stock. Another factor that contributes to its high price is its slow growth rate, which means that it takes longer for the plant to reach its mature size.
The price range for Candidum can vary depending on the plant’s size and availability. Generally, small-sized plants can cost anywhere from $30 to $50, while larger ones can range from $70 to $100 or more. Some rare and mature specimens of Candidum can even fetch prices of over $200.
Postman Joyner (Caladium ‘Postman Joyner’)
Plant Size: 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 centimeters) tall
This one of the most expensive caladium plants is a big fan of humidity. When it comes to light requirements, Postman Joyner caladium enjoys partial and full shade. Unlike the previous caladium varieties, the color pattern of Postman Joyner is less complicated, with dark green or dark purplish-green margins and magenta or reddish-pink centers. The veins marking of this plant is not that too prominent, but it’s in a color of sheer deep pink.
One of the reasons for the high cost of Postman Joyner is its rarity. It can be challenging to propagate and grow, and it may take several years before a mature plant can produce new offsets. Additionally, the demand for this caladium variety is high among collectors and enthusiasts, leading to higher prices.
The price range for Postman Joyner can vary depending on factors such as plant size, age, and availability. Small or starter plants may cost around $20 to $30, while mature plants with several leaves can reach up to $100 or more. Some sellers may even auction off rare specimens for hundreds of dollars, making it a highly valuable addition to any caladium collection.
Aaron Caladium (Caladium ‘Aaron’)
Plant Size: 24 to 25 inches (60 to 63 centimeters) tall
It’s safe to say that this shade and warmth-loving expensive caladium variety is a white version of Postman Joyner. These two share a similar color pattern but are producing different colors. Aaron caladium will provide you with dazzling white foliage with white veins and dark green or dark zucchini green margins. This plant is best for shade gardens and looks fantastic when paired with alocasia.
The price range for the Aaron Caladium can vary depending on factors such as plant size, availability, and location. Generally, the cost for a small to medium-sized plant can range from $20 to $50, while larger plants can fetch upwards of $100 or more. However, due to the plant’s popularity, it’s not uncommon to find it sold out or on backorder at many online retailers. Some collectors and enthusiasts may even pay a premium price for rare or unusual variations of the Aaron Caladium, such as those with a different leaf color or pattern.
Scarlett O’ Hara (Caladium ‘Scarlett O’ Hara’)
Plant Size: 15 to 25 inches (38 to 63 centimeters) tall
Named after the famous fictional character from the 1936 movie ‘Gone with the Wind’, Scarlett O’Hara is just another gorgeous and one of the most expensive caladium varieties that are generally easy to take care of. This perennial plant has distinctive foliage that consists of bright green margins, magenta veins, and a splash of white or pink center. Scarlett O’Hara went into dormancy during winter and fall.
The high price of Scarlett O’ Hara is due to its rarity and difficulty to cultivate. Caladiums are primarily grown in warm, humid climates and require specific soil conditions and care. Scarlett O’ Hara, in particular, is known for being more challenging to grow and cultivate than other varieties. The limited supply and high demand for this plant make it a luxury item in the plant market.
The price range for Scarlett O’ Hara can vary depending on the seller and location. On average, a small potted Scarlett O’ Hara plant can cost between $30 to $50, while larger plants can go up to $100 or more. Rare specimens or collectors’ items can even sell for thousands of dollars at plant auctions. The high cost of Scarlett O’ Hara may make it unattainable for some plant enthusiasts, but for those willing to invest in its beauty, it can be a valuable addition to any plant collection.
Fire Chief (Caladium ‘Fire Chief’)
Plant Size: 20 to 26 inches (50 to 66 centimeters) tall
This fancy-leaved caladium glows as bright as a flame. Fire Chief would easily steal anyone’s attention with their pink and magenta markings, which can take up nearly 80% of their arrowhead-shaped foliage. They need occasional watering, the general rule of thumb is about once or twice a week. Keep their soil moist but do not let them be too soggy, which this plant hates.
The price range for Fire Chief caladiums can vary depending on the size of the plant and where it is purchased. Typically, a small Fire Chief plant can cost around $20 to $30, while a larger plant can cost upwards of $50 to $60. However, prices can fluctuate depending on the season, demand, and availability. Some specialty nurseries may even charge higher prices for this particular variety. Despite the high price tag, many avid gardeners and plant enthusiasts are willing to pay for the striking beauty and unique characteristics of the Fire Chief caladium.
Tapestry (Caladium ‘Tapestry’)
Plant Size: 15 to 18 inches (38 to 45 centimeters) tall
Tapestry is the best fit for those who crave a more compact, limited growing space-friendly plant. This heat and moisture-tolerant plant has astounding foliage that is a mix of three different colors: reddish-pink in its veins, dark green on the outer side, and milky white at each center.
The reason why Tapestry is expensive is due to its rarity and limited availability. This plant is not widely propagated, making it difficult to find in stores or nurseries. The price range for Tapestry can vary depending on its size and availability, but it is not uncommon to see it sold for hundreds of dollars. In fact, some rare Tapestry caladium bulbs have been known to sell for over a thousand dollars in online auctions.
Moonlight (Caladium ‘Moonlight’)
Plant Size: 15 to 18 inches (38 to 45 centimeters) tall
Also known as the Florida Moonlight or Ghost Caladium, ‘moonlight’ is one of the most expensive caladium varieties that is most notable for its colorings. They produce a distinctive white color that nearly fills all parts of the foliage, with thin dark green color on their margins and vague green-colored veins. Plant them along with colorful, shade-loving plants like begonia or lobelia, and get ready to get a burst of charm in your landscape!
One reason why Moonlight is an expensive caladium is that it is a relatively new and rare variety. As with any rare plant, scarcity and exclusivity can drive up the price. Additionally, Moonlight is known for being difficult to propagate, which also contributes to its high cost.
The price range for a Moonlight caladium plant can vary depending on factors such as size, availability, and location. On average, a small Moonlight caladium plant can cost around $20 to $30, while larger, more mature plants can cost upwards of $50 or more. Some specialty nurseries or online retailers may charge even higher prices for this sought-after variety. Despite the high cost, many collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay for the striking beauty and rarity of the Moonlight caladium.
Florida Sweetheart (Caladium ‘Florida Sweetheart)
Plant Size: 12 to 18 inches (30 to centimeters) tall
Florida sweetheart is just another most expensive caladium variety that is rare and highly in demand, to the point it’s quite challenging to get one! They produce perfect heart-shaped foliage with pale pink color, magenta veins, and dark green edges. Florida sweetheart can be brought indoors and outdoors, but take note that this plant is rather being under partial shade than direct light.
The price of Florida Sweetheart caladiums can vary depending on several factors, such as plant size, color, and availability. Generally, a small-sized plant can cost around $20, while a larger-sized plant can go up to $50 or more. The price can also go up during peak planting seasons, such as spring and summer when demand is high. Despite the high price, many gardeners and plant enthusiasts are still willing to pay for Florida Sweetheart due to its unique appearance and ease of care.
Do the Most Expensive Caladium Caring Guide Differ from the Cheaper Ones?
The joy of thriving aroids is not just about the fantastic views they’ll bring us, but also about their similar maintenance regime. There’s no specific need that differentiates expensive caladium from the less-expensive ones. But it’s worth noting that depending on their variety, the light tolerance among varieties can differ. For instance, caladium candidum can be grown under full sun, but it would be cruel to place Postman Joyner in the same place as candidum, as they only tolerate partial shade.
Why Are Some Caladium Varieties More Expensive Than Others?
The complexity and time-consuming process of creating a variegated plant is the main reason why some caladiums are pricier than others. In addition, the more unusual their color and pattern are, the bigger the amount of money you’ll have to spend to own one.
Spending Money for the Most Expensive Caladium Plants: Yay or Nay?
In the end, the decision to spend more money on the most expensive caladium varieties is up to you. But if you do, every buck you spent on these gorgeous and exotic plants will be worth it! If you’re looking for a high-quality and visually stunning plant, these plants might be suitable for you.
New author in the hood. Loves gardening and flowers are my spirit animals (yes I know they are not animals but I insist). I will be covering most of the flowers’ topics here and occasionally random though as well.
