The Monstera Albo, also known as the White Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most sought after houseplants on the market right now. With its gorgeous white variegated leaves, this tropical vine makes a statement in any space. However, Monsteras Albos don’t come cheap, with mature plants easily fetching hundreds of dollars. If you love the look of this plant but don’t want to break the bank, follow these tips to help you find a good deal on a Monstera Albo.
Shop small local nurseries
Look beyond big box stores
When searching for a Monstera Albo, avoid the temptation to simply walk into your nearest big box store. Large chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s typically don’t carry rare houseplants like the Albo, and if they do, the markup is usually very high. Instead, seek out small, local plant nurseries in your area. These independent shops are more likely to get shipments of trendy plants like the Albo. And because they don’t have the high overhead costs of a large retail store, their prices are often much more reasonable. “Learn about the increasing availability of rare Monstera varieties at local nurseries.”
Time your visit strategically
In addition to choosing the right vendors, you also need to time your shopping trip well. Small nurseries will often get new shipments of plants at the beginning of each week. So by visiting in the middle of the week, early in the morning, you stand the best chance of finding a freshly unpacked Monstera Albo. This beats waiting until the weekend when the choicest picks may be already gone.
Buy young/small plants
Grow it yourself
One of the easiest ways to find a cheaper Monstera Albo is to buy a small or young plant instead of a fully mature one. Large Monsteras with dense, fenestrated leaves command the highest prices. But if you purchase a plant that only has a few leaves, it will be much more affordable. Then you can have the satisfaction of nurturing it yourself and watching it grow over time. Make sure to give it proper care including bright indirect light, a moss pole for climbing support, and consistent watering. “Check out essential Monstera care tips for nurturing your young plant.”
Divide & conquer
Another option is to purchase an Albo plant that has multiple vines instead of a single stem. Once the plant fills out, you can divide it and essentially create two or more new Monsteras for the price of one. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the root ball and tease apart the root clusters, making sure each new plant has some viable roots and a growth node. Then repot the divisions separately and tend to them while they establish. In a year or two you’ll have multiple lush Albo plants!
Check online stores & apps
Shopping for plants online opens up many more purchasing possibilities compared to what may be available locally. Here are some top online outlets to locate affordable Albo deals:
Online nurseries
Websites like Gabriella Plants, Steve’s Leaves, Greenboog and Plant Mail order plants and ship them directly to you. Since they maintain large, updated inventories, an Albo may pop up here when you least expect it. Sign up for email lists and check the sites regularly. Act fact when you see a good deal because the plants sell out extremely quickly! “Discover a variety of Monstera plants available online.”
Facebook Marketplace
Search Facebook Marketplace to find Albo cuttings and starter plants listed by sellers in your area. Individual plant lovers who propagate and sell clippings often offer much better prices than large retailers. Just be sure to thoroughly vet any sellers, read reviews, and inspect plants carefully upon purchase.
Mobile apps
In addition to Marketplace, also browse plant shopping apps like VarageSale and OfferUp. Like Facebook, you may be able to connect with local sellers offering discounted Albo Monsteras or divisions. But again, do your homework to ensure the plants are pest-free and shipped properly.
Wait for sales
As a final money-saving tip, the virtue of patience can pay off when Albo hunting. Consider holding off on purchasing one full-price, and wait for seasonal plant sales instead.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Many online nurseries offer special discounts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, even sparing rare finds like the Albo. Subscribe to seller email lists so you never miss a sitewide promo code. With some persistence refreshing those checkout carts, you might just score on a beauty!
Winter & holiday sales
Winter is another prime time for plant sales, as nurseries seek to offload inventory before spring. Also keep an eye out for special Presidents’ Day, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas sales for chances to snag an Albo Monstera at a steep markdown. A little delayed plant gratification can feel so sweet when you ultimately save big!
Where to buy monstera albo? Benefits from importing plants from Thailand
- Shipping: Door to door shipping, fast and safe with Dragon Courier
- Biodiversity: Thailand is known for its rich biodiversity, including a wide variety of aroid species. This diversity allows importers to access a broad range of unique and exotic aroid plants.
- Quality and Health of Plants: The suitable climate helps the plants grown here stay healthy and of high quality.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Due to favorable growing conditions and efficient production methods, Thai aroid plants can often be more cost-effective compared to those from other countries.
- Access to Hybrid Varieties: Thai growers are often involved in the development of new hybrid aroid varieties, offering unique plants that may not be available from other sources.
Monstera species are the most sought after by aroid plant lovers
Conclusion
Discovering where to buy a Monstera Albo plant without draining your bank account requires some inside-knowledge. By avoiding big box stores in favor of smaller nurseries, timing your shopping carefully, growing your own starters, dividing plants, broadening your search online, having patience, and pouncing on seasonal sales, you can absolutely land this coveted botanical treasure at a reasonable price. Just dedicate some strategy and effort towards the hunt, and soon you’ll be unboxing a gorgeous new variegated Monstera baby ready to thrive in your home. Happy and affordable plant parenting awaits!
FAQ
- Where can I find affordable Monstera albo plants? Answer: Look for nurseries or plant shops offering sales or discounts. Online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay might also have listings from individual sellers with competitive prices.
- Are there any reputable online stores to purchase cheap Monstera albo? Answer: Yes, online stores like The Sill, Planterina, and even Amazon offer Monstera albo plants. Prices can vary, so it’s worth checking multiple sources and reading reviews to ensure quality and fair pricing.
- Can I buy Monstera albo seeds or cuttings for a lower price? Answer: Yes, purchasing seeds or cuttings can be more affordable than buying a mature plant. Check online forums, social media groups, or local plant swaps for potential deals.
- How do I ensure I’m getting a good deal on a Monstera albo? Answer: Compare prices across different sellers, check the plant’s health and variegation, and read reviews to ensure you’re buying from a reputable source. Remember, extremely low prices might indicate a scam or poor-quality plant.
- Are there specific times of the year when Monstera albo is cheaper? Answer: Prices may vary with the season. Often, plants are cheaper during the off-peak season or during special sales like Black Friday or end-of-season clearances. Signing up for newsletters from favorite shops can alert you to upcoming sales and deals.