Aussies baffled by caged 'rare' plant at Bunnings: See why it's under lock and key!
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At the Seniors Discount Club, we're always on the lookout for the quirky and unusual stories that resonate with our members, and this one certainly fits the bill. Imagine walking into your local Bunnings Warehouse, expecting to find the usual array of gardening tools, paint supplies, and outdoor furniture, only to come across a plant so 'rare' and sought-after that it's been placed under lock and key!
This was the reality for shoppers at a Bunnings store in Western Australia, where a photo emerged on social media showing a Thai constellation monstera, a plant with striking variegated leaves, caged like a precious jewel. The image quickly captured the attention of Australians nationwide, sparking a flurry of comments and questions.
The metal cage on wheels, complete with a sign urging customers to seek staff assistance for a closer look, seemed to elevate the plant to a status akin to that of a high-end retail item. But what makes this plant so special, and why the need for such security measures?
Jarryd Kelly, curator manager for the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, shed some light on the situation. He explained that while the species Monstera deliciosa is quite common, the variegation seen in the Thai constellation variety is not. This unique feature has made the plant a 'statement piece' among houseplant enthusiasts, driving up demand and creating a situation of limited availability.
The rarity of the Thai constellation monstera is compounded by the fact that it's not the quickest plant to propagate, making it harder to find in the market. Despite this, Kelly noted that the plant has become commercialised, with mass production leading to increased availability and somewhat lower prices—though 'lower' is relative when online prices can range from $90 to $300!
The reactions from Aussies online were mixed, with some questioning the rarity of a plant available at a mainstream retailer like Bunnings, while others humorously pointed out the irony of a caged plant on wheels. 'Despite all the rage it is still just a plant in a cage,' one person quipped, referencing the famous Smashing Pumpkins lyrics.
Bunnings, for their part, explained the reasoning behind the caged display. A spokesperson revealed that after a few of these 'rare and highly sought after plants' mysteriously 'disappeared' from the O’Conner store in WA, they decided to take extra precautions to prevent any more unplanned walkabouts. Thankfully, the plants are now back in their normal spots in the nursery, presumably with a watchful eye being kept on them.
For our green-thumbed members, this story might serve as a reminder of the lengths some will go to for the perfect addition to their indoor jungle. It also highlights the fascinating world of plant collecting, where rarity and beauty can turn a simple houseplant into a coveted treasure.
Have you ever come across a plant so rare that it needed to be kept under lock and key? Or perhaps you've got your own story of a prized plant in your collection. We'd love to hear about your horticultural adventures, so please share your experiences in the comments below!
And remember, if you're venturing out to your local Bunnings or any other garden centre, keep an eye out for those unique finds—they might just be the talk of the town, or at least, the talk of the Seniors Discount Club!
This was the reality for shoppers at a Bunnings store in Western Australia, where a photo emerged on social media showing a Thai constellation monstera, a plant with striking variegated leaves, caged like a precious jewel. The image quickly captured the attention of Australians nationwide, sparking a flurry of comments and questions.
The metal cage on wheels, complete with a sign urging customers to seek staff assistance for a closer look, seemed to elevate the plant to a status akin to that of a high-end retail item. But what makes this plant so special, and why the need for such security measures?
The caged plants caught the attention of several social media users. Image Credit: Facebook/The Bell Times 2.0
Jarryd Kelly, curator manager for the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, shed some light on the situation. He explained that while the species Monstera deliciosa is quite common, the variegation seen in the Thai constellation variety is not. This unique feature has made the plant a 'statement piece' among houseplant enthusiasts, driving up demand and creating a situation of limited availability.
The rarity of the Thai constellation monstera is compounded by the fact that it's not the quickest plant to propagate, making it harder to find in the market. Despite this, Kelly noted that the plant has become commercialised, with mass production leading to increased availability and somewhat lower prices—though 'lower' is relative when online prices can range from $90 to $300!
The reactions from Aussies online were mixed, with some questioning the rarity of a plant available at a mainstream retailer like Bunnings, while others humorously pointed out the irony of a caged plant on wheels. 'Despite all the rage it is still just a plant in a cage,' one person quipped, referencing the famous Smashing Pumpkins lyrics.
Bunnings, for their part, explained the reasoning behind the caged display. A spokesperson revealed that after a few of these 'rare and highly sought after plants' mysteriously 'disappeared' from the O’Conner store in WA, they decided to take extra precautions to prevent any more unplanned walkabouts. Thankfully, the plants are now back in their normal spots in the nursery, presumably with a watchful eye being kept on them.
For our green-thumbed members, this story might serve as a reminder of the lengths some will go to for the perfect addition to their indoor jungle. It also highlights the fascinating world of plant collecting, where rarity and beauty can turn a simple houseplant into a coveted treasure.
Have you ever come across a plant so rare that it needed to be kept under lock and key? Or perhaps you've got your own story of a prized plant in your collection. We'd love to hear about your horticultural adventures, so please share your experiences in the comments below!
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