Why is Pilea peperomioides so expensive? Like the title says, I've been looking to buy a plant and everywhere I look has it for around $30 - $50 for a small plant. ...
Anonymous replied:
[Here](http://www.wildchicken.com/nature/garden/ga008_a_chinese_puzzle.htm) is an article about the history of the discovery of pilea pepermioides. It's actually a fairly common houseplant in many parts of Europe and regularly sold in nurseries over there for low prices. The plant recently gained a lot of traction on social media (especially Instagram and Pinterest) and is slowing becoming more readily available in the US. I ordered one from ebay last week [from this listing](http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pilea-Peperomioides-Chinese-money-plant-Pancake-plant-UFO-plant-2-Pot-/152721427176?var=&hash=item238ee80ae8:m:m0sfxutXhfAX5vwv-QzzS6g) and it was $20 for a small plant plus a few dollars shipping. Check out /r/PPeperomioides for more info about the plant and more links to where you can purchase one.
adavis425 replied:
Also check out accentsforhomeandgarden.com. I got one in a 3" inch pot for $20 last week.
TheMothFlock replied:
Here is my theory: simple supply and demand. The plant's popularity and trendiness took off like a rocket and few to no growers were producing them commercially. Scarcity + high demand = high cost. What we are seeing now is more commercial growers and home propagators stepping up to meet demand and here in a few seasons I'd be willing to bet the prices drop out. I've watched prices dip slightly since as recently as last spring and I've noticed more distributors popping up.
Peachpoison replied:
They will definetly be more available and cheaper over the next couple years, nurseries in the u.s are picking up on the trend, soon they will be everywhere. I feel bad for the people who bought them at the ridiculous prices on ebay, the sellers are straight up crooks, there really isnt anything special about the plant other than how cute it is, it grows like a weed and does fine in any window.