Originally sent 25 September 2026. This is an archive of that newsletter; product prices and availability were accurate at the time of sending and may have changed.
Hello from the greenhouse
Collector plants do not always have to come with collector-level prices. Some certainly do, but there are still plenty of distinctive plants that can add something genuinely interesting to a collection without costing hundreds of dollars.
This month I have selected eight plants from the greenhouse, all currently priced under A$100. There are four very different Alocasias, three Monsteras and a colourful Syngonium. Some stand out for their leaf shape, others for their variegation, and each has its own character as it develops.
Collector plants under A$100
- Alocasia ‘Stingray’ — A$27
- Alocasia ‘Low Rider’ — A$39.95 — greenhouse collection only
- Alocasia ‘Pink Passion’ — A$25
- Alocasia ‘Batik’ — A$36
- Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’ — A$49.99
- Monstera ‘Burle Marx Flame’ — Medium — A$90
- Monstera adansonii ‘Frozen Freckles’ — A$27
- Syngonium ‘Pink Passion’ — A$34
See currently available plants
What is happening below the leaves?
The leaves are what we notice first, but the roots live with every choice we make about the growing mix. A good mix is not simply the one that drains fastest. It needs to hold enough moisture for the roots while leaving enough open space for air to return after watering.
The right balance changes with the plant, the size and shape of the pot, where it is growing and how you water. In my new article, I explain what I have learnt from growing cuttings through to established aroids, Anthuriums and plants climbing on moss poles — and why I do not rely on one universal recipe for everything.
Read Choosing the Right Mix for Tropical Plants
Choosing for someone else?
Urban Jungle Sydney gift cards let them choose the plant that suits their own collection. They are available online, including a A$200 option.
Until next time
I hope this selection shows that building an interesting collection does not always mean spending hundreds of dollars on one plant. If you would like to ask about any of these plants — or about choosing a growing mix for something already in your collection — you are welcome to contact me through the website or message Urban Jungle Sydney on Instagram.
Marc
Urban Jungle Sydney
