Indoor plants have really blossomed in recent years.
The prices, which even at first glance seem unspectacular specimens, can now achieve, but then surprise: In New Zealand a very rare specimen of the genus Rhaphidophora tetrasperma was auctioned for the equivalent of around 16,000 euros on Sunday evening.
248 offers were received for the “used” plant on the “Trade Me” website, the New Zealand counterpart to eBay classifieds.
According to the seller, the plant is special because of its “excellent” white color on the leaves and trunk. In addition, the ninth sheet is just about to unroll, it said. The ad for the fast-growing climber, which is also often referred to as the mini monstera due to its similarity to the very popular monstera, was clicked on more than 102,000 times. Lovers expressed their enthusiasm in comments: "She is a beauty," wrote one user. The American broadcaster CNN told spokeswoman Millie Silvester that it was the most expensive houseplant that had ever been auctioned on "Trade Me". In the last few minutes of the auction, the price shot up again after two contenders had repeatedly outbid each other.
The auction shows how much kiwis, the nickname for the New Zealand population, adore indoor plants, New Year's Eve told the broadcaster. “Indoor plants have become more and more popular in recent years. We see prices keep climbing as more New Zealanders jump on the trend. "