Luxury van traded for potted plants – a fair exchange?

Thailand – A brand new Toyota Vellfire, costing about ฿3.8 million (S$154,440), was traded for potted plants, sparking a debate if the exchange was a fair one.

Facebook user Oat Padriew recently posted an image of the new van, a bright red bow included on the hood.

In front of the van were five potted Philodendrons.

The caption reads, “Trading a van for some plants is a thing. One family of elephant-eared plants is worth one Toyota Vellfire”.

According to Plants Spark Joy blog, there are several reasons that make Philodendrons rare, with some being harder to find due to their geographic location.

The blog noted that the rarest Philodendrons are found in tropical rainforests, costing thousands of dollars, while common ones are very cheap.

For example, the Pink Princess Philodendron once had buyers bidding hundreds of dollars when it was considered rare, although it’s now readily available in the market.

Variegation, or colour mutations in its foliage, also increases the plant’s value. The variegated Philodendron Billietiae can be sold for $6,000.

From the photos attached in the posts, it appears that a couple of the Philodendrons had white markings, indicating a colour mutation.

With over 2,000 shares and 500 comments, members from the online community wondered if they too could trade their plants for a car.

A netizen also questioned the value of the exchange. “Wow, it seems my Vellfire is worthless. Gotta trade up then.”

“I wouldn’t even trade 100 grams of rice for those plants. It’s gone way too far,” said another netizen.

Based on the photos of what is presumed to be the parties involved in the exchange, they appear to be happy with the transaction./TISG

Read related: Bukit Batok residents ordered to remove over 2000 potted plants in rooftop garden after 17 years

Bukit Batok residents ordered to remove over 2000 potted plants in rooftop garden after 17 years