iBebot is an IoT company, under the Tektos incubation program, launching intelligent environmental well-being products with the focus on social communities.
Growing houseplants has always been a common practice forever but it’s just these few years that the demand suddenly surged. This was brought about by social media hype and the pandemic surely influenced the gardening craze greatly. Now, owners aren’t just plant collectors but also millennials who buy and grow houseplants for their mental health.
These houseplants popular on Instagram aren’t hyped for nothing! They are expensive for the following reasons: rarity, breeding, variegation, beauty, and propagation potential. Growing isn’t easy for everyone so knowing your plant and the most conducive environment for them to thrive should be your top priority unless you’re okay with them dying together with your precious money.
Here are three of the luxury houseplants you might want to have for yourself.
Variegated Monstera
Variegated Monsteras are popular luxury house plants with varieties that can range from $700-$5000 while normal green ones can sell for $20 at garden shops. Tons of vloggers and influencers feature this plant. Aside from its obvious beauty, the reason why it’s expensive is because of its rarity in relation to its slow propagation rate.
When it comes to growing the Variegated Monstera Deliciosa, it thrives in increased humidity above 60%, well-draining soil, and temperatures between 65-80ºF (18-27ºC). AirComfort helps in tracking temperature & humidity to make sure a perfect condition for your plant.
Fertilization pattern differs depending on the season; during Spring and Summer it must be fertilized with a good balanced 20-20-20 NPK-Fertilizer but not in Autumn and Winter months. With ibebot’s soil sensor - SoilQuality, you can track the EC value of your plant to check the ideal range suitable for absorbing nutrients.
Alocasia Azlanii
This is also known as Red Mambo with leaves that appear dark green, almost black, and have shimmery veins that can appear red, purple, or even hot pink. Its price ranges from $100-$700 depending on size. It’s also gaining popularity because of social media so the demand together with the price is climbing as well.
There are different varieties of Alocasia and the Alocasia azlanii prefers bright indirect sunlight and a well-draining soil mix. It only requires water when the top 2 inches of the soil are dry. Do not ever soak this plant because it is very delicate. Use SoilQuality to measure the best soil moisture value. This plant thrives in temperatures between 65 and 75ºF (18 and 24ºC) and likes higher humidity of at least 60% which AirComfort can help you out with.
Philodendron Pink Princess
This Pink Princess is also a social media influencer's favorite for its beauty. This plant has dark green to black leaves with hot pink variegation. If you’re planning to get one for yourself, you must know how much it is. Small specimens with 2 to 5 leaves can sell for $100-$300 while large ones with good variegation can go for $1000 or higher.
It can be taken care of just like any other similar philodendron but it prefers loose and well-draining highly organic soil. For best variegation, subject it in bright, indirect light. Water heavily only when the top few inches of the soil dry up. Know when it's best to do this using SoilQuality which can measure the soil moisture. As for the ideal temperature 55-95 F (13-35 C) and humidity 50%+ you can set your own threshold using AirComfort.
When it comes to plants it doesn't matter if it’s cheap or expensive, you must know the appropriate environment that suits them well so you can keep them inside your home whether for decoration or to boost your mental health.
Happy growing!
