Uncommon Indoor Greenery: 9 Rare Houseplants to Establish Yourself as the Most Envy-Inducing Plant Enthusiast Amongst Peers
In the world of indoor plant enthusiasts, there's a certain allure to owning hard-to-find species that add a touch of uniqueness to one's collection. Teo Spengler, a master gardener and docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, sheds light on some of these rare gems.
One such plant is the Mother of Thousands, with its thick blue-green, scalloped leaves and baby plants growing on the edges. This hard-to-find houseplant is a fascinating spectacle, with each new plant sprouting from the mother plant's edges, much like a miniature version of itself.
Another intriguing plant is the Ghost Orchid, a white, epiphytic orchid that has no foliage. Known for its rarity, this plant releases its scent at night to attract giant sphinx moths for pollination.
The Elephant Ear plant, with its huge, veined leaves shaped like elephant ears, is another eye-catching addition. Some species can reach up to 3 feet (1 m) long and 2 feet (.6 m) wide, making a bold statement in any indoor space.
For those seeking a nearly black houseplant, the Raven and the Black Cardinal, dark variations of the ZZ plant and Philodendron respectively, fit the bill perfectly.
The Queen of the Night Cactus, native to North America's Sonoran Desert, is a night-blooming plant that blooms only once a year, adding a touch of mystery to any collection.
Rare Philodendron varieties like Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' and Philodendron Mexicanum, with their striking foliage and uncommon growth habits, are other unique options. The Rattlesnake Calathea, specifically Goeppertia insignis, with its spotted strappy leaves and bright yellow-orange blooms, is another beauty that's hard to find.
While some of these plants may come with a higher price tag, such as the variegated Monstera that can reach prices up to $5,000.00 at auction, there are more affordable options. For instance, many variegated Monstera are available for less money, and these baby plants can be used to grow new Mother of Thousands plants.
The miniature Monstera plant, specifically Monstera adansonii, also known as the Swiss cheese plant due to its natural "holey" green foliage, is another affordable hard-to-find houseplant.
Indoor coffee bean plants can grow to 6 feet tall (2 m) with shiny green foliage, but do not produce enough beans to brew a cup of coffee. However, they make a striking addition to any indoor collection.
Liz Baessler, Senior Editor of the article, encourages plant enthusiasts to explore these unique and hard-to-find houseplants, highlighting the joy and intrigue they bring to indoor plant collections. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a novice, these rare plants are sure to captivate and inspire.
[1] Rare Houseplants: Collecting and Caring for Unusual Indoor Plants [2] 10 Rare and Exotic Houseplants to Add to Your Collection [3] Hard-to-Find Houseplants: Where to Find Them and How to Care for Them [4] The Most Rare and Exotic Houseplants to Add to Your Collection [5] Rare and Exotic Houseplants: The Ultimate Guide
- To enhance the distinct charm of one's home-and-garden lifestyle, exploring rare houseplants such as the Mother of Thousands, Ghost Orchid, Elephant Ear, and Raven can provide a unique touch.
- For enthusiasts seeking to expand their home-and-gardening collection, delving into hard-to-find houseplants like the Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' or the Rattlesnake Calathea offers a wealth of intrigue and visual appeal.
