Variegated Philodendron spiritus sancti: the $25,000 Plant

For decades, the Philodendron spiritus sancti has been considered the holy grail of rare plant collecting with a handful of large mother plants selling for as high as $10,000-$20,000 at auction during peak covid spending, and various reports of thefts including from Botanical Gardens. Now enter variegation. The pursuit of unique, rare plant species has only surged in popularity among enthusiasts. The introduction of the Variegated Philodendron spiritus sancti more recently has become as one would expect, the next Holy Grail Philodendron.

By Allison Marie October 31, 2023

Philodendron spiritus sancti Origin & Popularity

The origin of this species plays a role in it's mystique. First collected by George Bunting in 1982, and published in 1987. One of the rarest of all Philodendrons in situ, only known to grow naturally in the high elevated rain forest in Espirito Santo, a small region in Brazil, it's considered endangered in the wild. It's been the victim of poaching, and even theft in institutionalized Botanical Gardens. It has been thought there are more Spiritus Sancti in collections than in the wild.

The "PSS" are known to be slow growing, and difficult to make stem propagations. They seem to prefer a cooler environment, at times making it challenging for growers. Matured Sancti feature elongated petiole that hold coveted, long, skinny dagger-shaped leaves. They make for impressionable centerpieces in addition to the added story of having one of the most coveted plants in the past few decades.

Philodendron spiritus sancti & Tissue Culture

It's important to understand the state of tissue culturing Philodendron spiritus sancti. It was rumored in late 2020 the plant had been successfully tissue cultured, and became reality in 2021 with a mass distribution. An incredible feat that created supply for what was once considered the most difficult plants to acquire within the aroid community. This has allowed collectors worldwide to gain access to the magnificant show plant.

Introducing the Variegated Philodendron spirtus sancti

Also significant in 2021 was one of the first ever successful breeding attempts of the species. Domonick Gravine of Redleaf Exotics self pollinated a large matured plant he's owned since 2018. This feat was overshadowed by producing what is the first ever Variegated yield of Philodendron spiritus sancti seedlings.

First sprouted in September of 2021, out of over a thousand seedlings produced in this seed batch, only 100 showed variegation. These are known to be the only variegated specimens to have ever been produced. Note, there have been rumblings that a handful have come out of tissue culture, but none have been publicized and the quantity would be in the single digits.

$25,000 Seedling

Variegated seedlings were not sold until March of 2022, and while most plant pricing is variable depending on respective clone variegation quality, size and other factors, one of the more stunning variegated seedlings sold for $25,000.

Overseas market interest picked up almost immediately with shipments to Thailand going for as high as $60,000.

Future of Variegated PSS

As most enthusiasts know well, the plant market is highly volatile, and unpredictable. However it's safe to assume this plant will remain a 4-5 figure plant for the foreseeable future given it's gorgeous disposition, massive appeal and limited propagation potential. It's been recorded many from the initial seedling purchase have experienced challenges growing, and in some cases even death.

Until we see more in circulation, the Holy Grail Plant of the 90's and 2000's has fittingly evolved to become one of the Holy Grail Plants of the current variegated frenzy.