Peering into the nooks and crannies of TikTok can sometimes lead you to discover a hidden nursery of one of the most rare, exotic and expensive plants in the world.
That's precisely the case with this video where creator @where_is_pong shares tantalizing peeks into his secret greenhouse packed with hundreds of rare and exotic variegated Monsteras.
@where_is_pong Somewhere only me know 😊. Welcome to my place 🌱💦👋🏻💚😄 #fypシ #fyp #variegatedplants #aroid #plants #mostera #monsteraborsigianaalbo #monsteraborsigianaalbovariegata ♬ Somewhere Only We Know - Gustixa
The viral TikTok video, with a whopping 218.7k views, pans into Pong's secluded garden.
The atmospheric clip presents an immersive journey into his personal greenhouse.
Veiled in a thick, almost otherworldly mist, it's filled to the brim with rare, heart-stoppingly beautiful plants – specifically the Monstera Borsigiana Albo and its variegated cousin.
One of the Most Expensive Plants in the World
What really sets this video apart, and likely a factor in its viral status, is the value of the plants it showcases.
One commenter, @xraygirl2003, hilariously pointed out the combined worth of the plants as "$100 Million in that greenhouse" to which Pong cheekily confirmed, "That price for last year is true."
Yet, despite the potentially sky-high value, Pong assures us that his commitment is to the plants themselves, not their price tags. "I grow them with love, I’m not worried about price."
Aside from giving us a peek into the elusive world of rare plant collection, the video also served as an informal crash course on plant care.
When @qnqura wondered aloud about her failing Monstera, Pong offered some sage advice: "They love more air humidity but don’t like moisture in a pot."
Yet, the longing for these beautiful, variegated Monsteras is all too real for many of Pong's followers.
As @sakumedic puts it, "I want a variegated monstera so bad but I cannot bring myself to spend $400 for one at my local plant nursery."
The Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata
Often simply referred to as the Variegated Monstera, this is a type of tropical climbing vine that is loved for its unique and striking appearance.
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this plant's large, glossy green leaves are irregularly splashed with chunks or streaks of white or cream, making each leaf an individual work of art.
The beauty and uniqueness of these variegated leaves have made it a prized possession among houseplant enthusiasts.
However, the Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata is incredibly rare due to its variegation, which is a naturally occurring genetic mutation that affects the plant's pigmentation.
This means the process cannot be artificially instigated, making each Variegated Monstera a product of luck and patience.
Additionally, the variegation doesn't just make the plant more beautiful—it also makes it more delicate.
Variegated plants are often more susceptible to sunburn, have slower growth rates, and require more care than their fully green counterparts.
This combination of rarity, beauty, and challenge make the Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata a must-have for plant lovers.
The Value of a Plant Doesn't Lie in its Price
While having a Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata remains to be a dream for others because of its hefty price tag, it is important to remember that there are still other beautiful plant varieties out there to care for.
Remember, as Pong teaches us, the value of a plant doesn't lie in its price tag, but in the love and care we invest in it.
If you'd like to know more about the cost of Monsteras, read here: How Much Do Monstera Plants Cost? [Inc. Rare Varieties]
For plant care, read here: Should I Cut The Dead Leaves Off My Monstera? [Inc. When And How To]