A bidding war has broken out for a rare house plant, treasured for its white stains.

More than 300 bids ended with around $6,500 being paid for a variegated monstera on Trade Me.

Spokesman Logan Mudge told Kate Hawkesby the mad demand for the plants kicked off early this year, with a similar sale.

"Apparently Instagram's got a big part to play in this. There's been influencers who have kitted out their houses to look like indoor rainforests."

He says there is enormous interest from all over the country for houseplants.

The auction record is held by a variegated minima which sold for more than $8,000 this year.

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