The world of rare house plants is a fascinating one, filled with unusual and exotic specimens that can add a touch of the extraordinary to your home. These plants are often sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, and for good reason. They possess unique foliage, intriguing shapes, and, in some cases, truly stunning blooms.
As the popularity of rare house plants continues to soar, we find ourselves constantly on the lookout for new and unique indoor plants to add to our collections. The quest for that perfect rare house plant has become an almost obsessive pursuit for us!
When was the last time you ventured into a local garden center or home improvement store to browse their selection of house plants and indoor greenery? Chances are, you were greeted by a sea of Snake Plants, Spider Plants, Pothos, perhaps a Peace Lily or two, and a scattering of succulents nestled in adorable pots. While these are all undoubtedly lovely plants, they hardly fall into the category of unique and rare indoor house plants.
It’s as if every store under the sun sells the exact same assortment of plants! While these are indeed fantastic choices, they’re not exactly the rare house plants that you’re craving.
Well, fret no more, fellow house plant enthusiasts! We are here to liberate you from your house plant boredom and guide you towards discovering some extraordinary and rare house plants that you’ve probably never even heard of!
The world of rare house plants is truly a treasure trove of beauty. It’s time to expand your horizons and think ‘outside the pot’!
7 Top Rare House Plants that are Not Much Spoken About
1. Desert Rose: Rare Indoor Plant
Plantura Magazin
The Desert Rose is a gorgeous and unique indoor plant that belongs to the Adenium genus and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Arabia. It is a popular choice amongst houseplant enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
Care and Requirements for the Desert Rose
The Desert Rose thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. It prefers warm temperatures and low humidity, making it an ideal choice for indoor cultivation. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to avoid it.
Propagation of the Desert Rose
The Desert Rose can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seed propagation is a slower process, but it allows you to grow the plant from scratch. Stem cuttings are a more efficient method, and they provide you with a new plant that is already established.
2. Black Bat Flower: An Unique Indoor Plant
Lotuswei
The Black Bat Flower, also known as the Devil Flower or Cat’s Whiskers, is a truly unique and captivating houseplant. With its unusual bat-like appearance and exotic flowers, it is no wonder that this plant is sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Black Bat Flower derives its name from its distinctive floral structure. The plant produces a single inflorescence, or flower cluster, which resembles a bat with outstretched wings. The bracts, which are modified leaves, are large and dark purple, resembling the bat’s wings.
The Black Bat Flower is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Myanmar. It is an understory plant, meaning it grows in the shade of larger trees. In its natural habitat, the Black Bat Flower thrives in warm, humid conditions with ample rainfall.
Care and Cultivation
Despite its exotic appearance, the Black Bat Flower is relatively easy to care for as an indoor plant. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. Watering should be done regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The plant also benefits from high humidity, so misting the leaves regularly is recommended.
Propagation
The Black Bat Flower can be propagated through seeds or division of the rhizome. Seed propagation is a longer process but allows you to grow the plant from scratch. Rhizome division is a more efficient method, providing you with a new plant that is already established.
3. The Polka Dot Begonia: A Rare House Plant with Exotic Flower
Garden Betty
The Polka Dot Begonia, also known as Begonia maculata, is a stunning and unique houseplant that is prized for its captivating foliage and delicate flowers. Native to Brazil, this rare plant is a member of the Begoniaceae family and features striking white polka dots adorning its dark green leaves, resembling a starry night sky.
The Polka Dot Begonia is renowned for its large, angel wing-shaped leaves that measure up to 8 inches in length. The leaves are a deep shade of green, dotted with numerous white spots that vary in size and shape, creating a captivating pattern that resembles a celestial spectacle.
Caring for the Polka Dot Begonia
While the Polka Dot Begonia is a rare plant, it is relatively easy to care for in the right environment. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. Watering should be done regularly, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. The plant also thrives in humid conditions, so misting the leaves regularly is beneficial.
Propagation
The Polka Dot Begonia can be propagated through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Stem cuttings are a more efficient method, as they provide you with a new plant that is already established. Leaf cuttings can be challenging to root, but with patience and proper care, they can be successfully propagated.
4. Banana Shrub: Rare Indoor House Plants
The Banana Shrub, also known as the Michelia figo or Port Wine Magnolia, is a rare and captivating indoor plant that belongs to the Magnolia family. Native to China and Southeast Asia, this evergreen shrub is prized for its fragrant flowers and lush foliage, making it a coveted addition to any house plant collection.
The Banana Shrub is renowned for its intensely fragrant flowers, which emit a sweet, banana-like aroma that fills the surrounding air. The flowers, typically cream-colored and star-shaped, measure up to 2 inches in diameter and bloom in clusters during the spring and summer months. Their intoxicating fragrance is said to have aromatherapy benefits, promoting relaxation and tranquility.
Caring for the Banana Shrub
While the Banana Shrub is a rare plant, it is relatively easy to care for in the right environment. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Watering should be done regularly, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. The plant also thrives in humid conditions, so misting the leaves regularly is beneficial.
Propagation
The Banana Shrub can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. Stem cuttings are a more efficient method, as they provide you with a new plant that is already established. Air layering is a slower process but can be successful with proper technique.
5. Bromeliads: Rare House Plants
Housing
Bromeliads, belonging to the Bromeliaceae family, are a diverse and captivating group of epiphytic plants that have captivated the hearts of houseplant enthusiasts worldwide. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, these rare plants are renowned for their unique rosettes of leaves, vibrant inflorescences, and ability to thrive in a variety of indoor settings.
Bromeliads are characterized by their rosette-shaped growth form, where their leaves spiral inwards, forming a cup-like structure in the center. This cup serves as a reservoir for rainwater and nutrients, allowing the plants to adapt to the epiphytic lifestyle, growing on other plants or structures for support.
The beauty of Bromeliads lies in their incredible diversity of colors, shapes, and textures. Their leaves, ranging from vibrant greens to striking reds and purples, can be smooth, spiny, or even strap-like, adding a touch of the exotic to any indoor space.
Caring for Bromeliads
While Bromeliads are considered rare plants, they are relatively easy to care for indoors. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Watering should be done by filling the central cup of the rosette with water, allowing it to evaporate naturally. Misting the leaves regularly is beneficial, as it mimics the humidity of their tropical origins.
Propagation
Bromeliads can be propagated through division of pups or offsets. Pups are small plantlets that form around the base of the mother plant, while offsets are young plants that develop from the flower spike. Both methods are relatively straightforward and allow you to expand your Bromeliad collection.
You can also read: 10 Best Low Maintenance Indoor Plants: Redefine Your House Plants
6. Night Blooming Jasmine: Unique House Plant with Fragrance
MasterClass
Emerging from the depths of the night, the Night Blooming Jasmine, also known as the Queen of the Night or Cestrum nocturnum, is a rare and captivating houseplant that mesmerizes with its intoxicating fragrance and exquisite blooms. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, this evergreen shrub has gained popularity among houseplant enthusiasts due to its unique blooming habits and alluring beauty.
Unlike most flowering plants, the Night Blooming Jasmine unfolds its beauty under the cloak of darkness. As the sun sets and dusk descends, the plant’s tubular white flowers emerge, releasing an intoxicating fragrance that fills the air with a sweet, floral aroma. This nocturnal perfume is said to have a calming and relaxing effect, adding a touch of enchantment to the evening atmosphere.
Caring for the Night Blooming Jasmine
While the Night Blooming Jasmine is a rare plant, it is relatively easy to care for in the right environment. It prefers bright, indirect light during the day and warm temperatures. During the night, it requires cooler conditions to trigger its nocturnal blooming. Watering should be done regularly, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. The plant also thrives in humid conditions, so misting the leaves regularly is beneficial.
Propagation
The Night Blooming Jasmine can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings are a more efficient method, as they provide you with a new plant that is already established. Seeds can be challenging to germinate, but with patience and proper care, they can be successfully propagated.
7. The Bird of Paradise: Majestic Indoor Plant with Exotic Beauty
JOMO Studio
Emerging from the tropical rainforests of Africa, the Bird of Paradise, also known as Strelitzia reginae, is a rare and captivating indoor plant that has captivated the hearts of houseplant enthusiasts worldwide. With its vibrant orange and blue flowers that resemble exotic birds in flight, this striking plant is sure to add a touch of the tropics to any indoor space.
The Bird of Paradise’s name aptly reflects its striking resemblance to a bird in flight. Its large, leathery leaves form a sturdy base from which the plant’s iconic flowers emerge. These flowers, typically orange with a blue beak-like protrusion, resemble birds of paradise, hence the plant’s name.
The Bird of Paradise is not just about the flowers; its foliage is equally impressive. The leaves are large, oblong-shaped, and have a deep green hue that adds a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor space. They grow in an alternating pattern along the stems, creating a dense canopy that enhances the plant’s overall appeal.
Caring for the Bird of Paradise
While the Bird of Paradise is a rare plant, it is relatively easy to care for in the right environment. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Watering should be done regularly, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. The plant also thrives in humid conditions, so misting the leaves regularly is beneficial.
Propagation
The Bird of Paradise can be propagated through division of rhizomes or seeds. Rhizome division is a more efficient method, as it provides you with a new plant that is already established. Seeds can be challenging to germinate, but with patience and proper care, they can be successfully propagated.
8. The Lipstick Plant: Captivating Indoor House Plant
Gardener’s Path
The Lipstick Plant, also known as the Aeschynanthus radicans, is a rare and captivating indoor plant that stands out for its unique lipstick-shaped flowers. Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, this epiphytic plant has gained popularity among houseplant enthusiasts due to its exotic appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
The Lipstick Plant, with its vibrant red blooms and captivating foliage, is a rare and enchanting indoor plant that is sure to add a touch of drama and excitement to any living space.
The Lipstick Plant is renowned for its striking tubular flowers, which resemble lipstick tubes in their shape and vibrant red color. These flowers, typically clustered in groups of three to five, emerge from the undersides of the leaves, adding a splash of color and drama to the plant’s overall appearance.
Caring for the Lipstick Plant
While the Lipstick Plant is a rare plant, it is relatively easy to care for in the right environment. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Watering should be done regularly, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. The plant also thrives in humid conditions, so misting the leaves regularly is beneficial.
Propagation
The Lipstick Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or division of the rhizome. Stem cuttings are a more efficient method, as they provide you with a new plant that is already established. Rhizome division is less common, but it can also be successful with proper technique.
Finally
Each plant listed possesses a particular charm that sets it apart from the rest, introducing a touch of the unique into any space. These eight rare indoor plants with exotic flowers are sure to captivate the senses, adding a touch of the tropics, a symphony of colors, and an enchanting fragrance to any home.
With proper care and attention, these extraordinary specimens will thrive for years to come, bringing a piece of the extraordinary indoors and transforming your living space into a veritable indoor oasis.