Sometimes, we just can’t afford the plant of our dreams. With the skyrocketing price tags of collector houseplants, rare plant “dupes” are becoming more popular.
What is a dupe? A dupe is simply a plant that looks like another plant. We thought it would be fun to put together a list of Rare Plant Dupes so you can create the same look you love for less.
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Dupes
Let’s start with the holy grail of philodendrons, the Spiritus Sancti. The average plant collector is probably not going to afford or even find one of these. But, you can find similar foliage in other beautiful species. The Spiritus Sancti is known for its long blade-shaped foliage and prominent lobes or “ears.” Let’s start with some pretty great dupes that have a similar leaf shape.
1. Philodendron Atabapoense
The Atabapoense shows a very similar leaf to the Spiritus Sancti. Plus, it even features the same sort of reddish or purple abaxial, or underside, of the leaf. The lobes of the Atabapoense are reminiscent of the Spiritus, creating a kind of bunny rabbit ear look. As a juvenile, these two plants are almost indistinguishable from each other. Upon growing into a mature form, the Atabapoense starts to show some of its uniquely different characteristics.