The pandemic-inspired houseplant craze has led to a surge in demand for rare and exotic plants, but this obsession may be contributing to a sinister black market that threatens the survival of endangered species.
As our love for houseplants grows, it’s crucial to understand the dark side of this trend. Here are 10 shocking facts about the houseplant black market that every plant enthusiast should know.
1. Succulents are Being Poached by the Thousands
South Africa, home to almost a third of all succulent species, is facing a surge in illegal plant poaching. Smugglers are digging up rare and endangered succulents to meet the soaring demand from collectors worldwide.
Some species are so specialized that an entire population could be wiped out in a single morning.
2. Social Media is Fueling the Illegal Trade
The rise of “plantfluencers” and the popularity of houseplants on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have inadvertently contributed to the black market. It has been reported that social media is helping plant smugglers connect with buyers, making it easier to sell illegally harvested plants.
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3. Poaching Could Surpass the Lucrative Rhino Horn Trade
In South Africa, plant poaching might eclipse the country’s notorious rhino horn industry. The demand for rare succulents is so high that syndicates are paying locals several months’ worth of salary for plants that can sustain a family for years when sold in Asia, Europe, or America.
4. Entire Species Could Go Extinct within Years
Many iconic succulent species in South Africa may go extinct within the next few decades due to poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. Some plants are so rare that they only grow in areas smaller than a soccer field, making them incredibly vulnerable to extinction.
5. Pandemic Plant Obsession is Exacerbating the Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue of plant poaching worldwide. As people sought to bring nature indoors during lockdowns, the demand for rare houseplants skyrocketed, leading to increased pressure on wild populations.
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6. Illegal Succulent Trade is a Global Issue
Plant poaching is not unique to South Africa; it’s a global problem affecting various regions, including the United States, the Philippines, and Italy. In 2020, Italian officials raided a greenhouse containing more than 1,000 illegally harvested Chilean Copiapoa cacti worth approximately $1.2 million on the black market.
7. Endangered Plants are Openly Sold Online
Despite laws protecting endangered species, imperiled plants are readily available for purchase online. A study by the University of Notre Dame found that 10% of plants and seeds advertised on the internet were endangered and offered for illegal interstate shipping (ref).
8. Rare Houseplants Can Fetch Exorbitant Prices
The demand for rare and unusual houseplant varieties has led to speculative markets where prices can reach absurd heights. Individual cuttings of variegated Monstera albo, for example, have sold for thousands of dollars (ref), fueling the frenzy for exotic plants.
9. Poaching Threatens Entire Ecosystems
The impact of plant poaching extends beyond the targeted species; it threatens entire ecosystems. Cacti and succulents are integral parts of their habitats, and many have heavily restricted ranges, meaning the actions of just a few individuals can have devastating consequences.
10. Awareness & Responsible Sourcing are Key
To combat the houseplant black market, it’s crucial for plant enthusiasts to be aware of the issue and to source their plants responsibly. Researching the natural histories of the plants we keep and connecting with the geographies and communities they come from can help mobilize conservation efforts.
Protecting Endangered Plants from the Black Market
As the allure of rare and exotic houseplants continues to grow, it’s essential to recognize the potential environmental cost of our plant obsession.
Through raising awareness, supporting conservation initiatives, and making informed choices about the plants we bring into our homes, we can help protect endangered species and preserve the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.