KOTA BHARU – Abdul Halim Yusuf said, the most expensive house plant that he sold was the 916 gold yam, which is priced at RM 8,000 per tree.
Halim, 36, from Kampung Padang Benbam, is a grower of the Alocasia New Guinea Gold house plant, which is also known as “keladi 916 gold”.
The plants have been popular after going viral on social media and fetching prices as high as RM100,000. Halim said he started his business with a capital of RM13,000, which he used to purchase the plants from a nursery in Selangor.
“My investment was worth it because all the 916 gold seedlings are bringing lucrative returns now. The response has been encouraging, with more than 100 trees sold in less than a month.
“I sell the 916 gold plants according to the market price of RM450 to RM8,000 per tree. However, it still depending on the size and special characteristics.
He added that he had earned RM70,000 from his efforts.
“Demand is always increasing but for now there is no stock of yams that can be sold. Many customers have to make bookings because they are worried that they will not be able to buy the plants,” he said.
“Demand for ornamental yams will continue to increase as many competitions for the most beautiful yams are held,” he said.
Source: NEW STRAITS TIMES
