Anthuriums emerged as the collector’s plant of 2019-2021, with velvety leaves and white veins commanding premium prices in the #RarePlants bubble.
The Velvet Obsession
While grocery stores sold Anthurium andreanum (red spathes), collectors obsessed over foliage varieties: Clarinervium (heart-shaped with white veins), Crystallinum (elongated velvety leaves), Warocqueanum (queen anthurium, 4-foot leaves), and Regale (pale veins).
Instagram plant influencers from 2019 onward posted macro shots of vein patterns, new leaf unfurling time-lapses, and humidity setups.
The Price Bubble
Rare anthuriums peaked during the 2020-2021 houseplant speculation bubble. Anthurium Warocqueanum sold for $1,000+ per plant. Crystallinum went for $300-500. The market crashed in late 2021 as tissue culture propagation scaled up.
Humidity Demands
Anthuriums’ need for 70%+ humidity made them greenhouse plants for most climates. Growing cabinets, Ikea greenhouse hacks, and humidifier setups became common solutions.
Source
- Bloom & Wild: “The Rise of Rare Houseplants” (2020)
- Price peak: 2020-2021
- Market correction: late 2021