How (not) to get scammed when buying rare plants online
I came across this video last week.
Some poor soul bought a pink Monstera online… only to find out that it wasn’t what it originally seemed. Turns out, the seeds were never pink to begin with (not naturally, anyway).
The scam? That people are selling these (sometimes for hundreds of pounds). And I can see why people fall for it. I mean… look at those leaves:
Anyway…
That video got me thinking about all the sneaky tricks that exist in the world of rare houseplants. If you’re into collecting (or even just browsing) rare or “unusual” species online… this one’s for you.
Let’s talk houseplant scams.
Because sadly, they’re more common than most people think.
The rare plant boom (and the dark side that came with it)
When COVID hit, we all spent more time at home than ever.
Naturally, we wanted to make that space a little greener. Houseplants exploded in popularity. And so did the market around them.
Rare aroids, philodendrons, monsteras, and hoyas started fetching hundreds, if not thousands, online. Even a single cutting could go for eye-watering prices.
Suddenly, everyone and their neighbour was selling plants online. Facebook groups, Etsy, Instagram shops, Gumtree. You name it.
And wherever there’s high demand, you better believe scammers aren’t far behind.
Trick #1: The angle of the photo
This one can get even the most experienced of plant parents.
You’re scrolling and spot a photo of a gorgeous, lush plant. It looks massive. You think, “That must be in at least a 10-inch pot!” But here’s the trick: the person is holding the plant out towards the camera. It’s a simple perspective game.
The background looks tiny. The plant looks huge. But in reality? You’re probably looking at a small 4-inch pot.
Always double-check the actual measurements in the description.
Don’t let camera tricks empty your wallet.
Trick #2: That’s not the plant you’re buying
Sometimes the listing shows a mature, glorious plant. And buried right at the bottom of the text, in tiny print, it says:
“Photo is of the mother plant. Actual plant is a cutting.”
Now, this isn’t always a scam. Some sellers just want you to see what the plant could look like one day.
But if they’re not being clear? Or if you only realise after you’ve paid? That’s when it becomes an issue.
Lesson: read every word of the description. Especially the fine print.
Trick #3: The “too good to be true” price
You’ve seen this one too.
You’re browsing through listings of £400 Philodendron “Strawberry Shakes”…
Then suddenly stumble across one for £50. You think, “Wow, what a deal!”
But it’s almost always a red flag.
If a plant is dramatically cheaper than what you’ve seen elsewhere, there’s usually a catch. At best, you’ll get a tiny, unrooted cutting. At worst… nothing at all.
Trust your instincts. If it seems fishy, it probably is.
Trick #4: The seller seems… off
When it comes to online sellers, communication is everything.
If you message them and get a weird, vague, or overly defensive reply? That’s assign to walk away.
There are sellers who’ve scammed people, disappeared, and reappeared with a new name somewhere else. Check for reviews. Ask around in forums or groups. And don’t be afraid to skip a deal if something doesn’t sit right.
The best sellers are usually proud of their plants and their reputation.
They’ll respond quickly, answer questions clearly, and go the extra mile to reassure you.
Trick #5: The “rare” colour that shouldn’t exist
Let’s come back to the pink Monstera for a second.
Because this is one of the most infamous scams in houseplant history.
Growers were chemically altering plants like the Philodendron Congo to make the leaves bright pink.
They’d stay that colour just long enough for someone to buy them… Then weeks later, revert to boring ol’ green.
It’s heartbreaking (and wallet-breaking).
Here’s what you should know:
- Leaves need chlorophyll to photosynthesise.
- No chlorophyll = no energy.
- No energy = slow death.
So if you see a plant that’s entirely white or pink with no green variegation? Chances are, it’s either been chemically treated or it’s simply not viable long-term.
Don’t be fooled by the Instagram appeal. Ask yourself:
“Can this plant actually survive like this?”
A final word (from someone who’s learned the hard way)
I’ve bought a lot of plants online.
Most of them have been great. But a few… not so much.
I’ve been duped by cleverly angled photos. Bought what I thought was a plant, only to receive a half-rooted stick. It happens!
So if you’re building your dream indoor jungle and feel the urge to grab the rarest thing you can find, just remember: a little scepticism can save a lot of heartbreak.
Happy (and scam-free) shopping
