Plant aficionados, gather around! If you are a sucker for unique greenery that transforms your living space into an enchanting forest, buckle up. We’re about to take a dive into the mesmerizing realm of rare exotic houseplants and rare houseplants that not only spruce up your home but also make you the envy of your plant-loving friends.
Table of Contents
- Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
- Anthurium Clarinervium
- Monstera Obliqua
- String of Dolphins
- Ripple Jade
- Variegated ZZ Plant
- Velvet Calathea
- Hoya Linearis
- Stephania Erecta
- Black Velvet
- White Fusion Calathea
- Rhipsalis Baccifera
- Ceropegia Woodii Variegata
- Philodendron Pink Princess
- Euphorbia Obesa
- Begonia Amphioxus
- Cuban Oregano
- Rex Begonia
- Nepenthes
- Jewel Orchid
- Mimosa Pudica
- Wandering Jew
- Sansevieria Moonshine
- Episcia
- Crassula Umbella
- Bonus Plants
- Conclusion
While many of the plants in the list above are considered exotic or rare in certain parts of the world, the term “exotic” can be relative depending on your location and what is commonly available in your local nurseries or plant shops.
For example, Anthurium Clarinervium and Alocasia Dragon Scale are considered exotic due to their unique foliage and are not commonly found in typical retail settings. However, plants like the Hoya Linearis or Philodendron Pink Princess might be more readily available but are still considered rare or unique due to their appearance or care requirements.
The focus of the list was to provide a range of plants that offer exotic or unusual features, whether it’s the color, pattern, shape, or care requirements that set them apart from more common houseplants.
If you’re a plant enthusiast looking for unique plants to add to your collection, the rarity or exotic nature of a plant can also depend on various factors like local availability, demand, and even current plant trends.
Here are 25 Rare Exotic Houseplants list that you could consider to add to your plants collection.
#1 Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ is a heart-stopper with its dragon-scale like leaves, making it a mythical creature in the plant world.
Care Tips
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep it damp but not soggy.
- Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil.
#2 Anthurium Clarinervium
Anthurium Clarinervium steals the spotlight with its heart-shaped, velvet-textured leaves.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist, not waterlogged.
- Soil: Opt for organic, well-draining soil.
#3 Monstera Obliqua
If you’ve seen Swiss cheese, you’ll instantly connect with Monstera Obliqua’s naturally perforated leaves.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Weekly, or when the soil feels dry.
- Soil: Peat-based mix.
#4 String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus)
Senecio peregrinus, image courtesy of Walmart.
For those who love the sea, the String of Dolphins plant with its dolphin-shaped leaves will bring a splash of ocean into your home.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright light but not direct sun.
- Water: Minimal; let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Cactus or succulent mix.
#5 Ripple Jade
Crassula arborescens undulatifolia or ripple jade offers a stunning visual treat with its wavy leaves, making it a rare and exotic addition to your plant family.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright light; tolerates some direct sun.
- Water: When the soil is dry to touch.
- Soil: Well-draining soil mix.
#6 Variegated ZZ Plant
Image: Reddit.
If you’re looking for a plant that is forgiving but beautiful, the Variegated ZZ Plant is your go-to with its splash of colors on its leaves.
Care Tips
- Light: Low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Sparingly; it’s drought-tolerant.
- Soil: General-purpose potting soil.
#7 Velvet Calathea (Calathea rufibarba)
Want to touch heaven with your fingertips? The Velvet Calathea’s leaves offer an extraordinary velvety texture that can make you feel just that. The beautiful patterns on the leaves look like an artist’s best day at work.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can bleach the beautiful patterns.
- Water: Consistent moisture is key. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Soil: Opt for a well-draining, organic soil mix.
#8 Hoya Linearis
If you’re on the hunt for a cascading rare plant to hang from your ceiling, Hoya Linearis will be your best mate. With its long, draping stems covered in small, linear leaves, it adds a bohemian flair to any space.
Care Tips
- Light: Enjoys bright, indirect light.
- Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Any well-draining soil mix will do.
#9 Stephania Erecta
Stephania Erecta is the minimalistic sculpture your living room didn’t know it needed. This rare exotic houseplant features a bulbous base with slender stems and round leaves—pure elegance.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Water moderately; prefers to dry out a bit between waterings.
- Soil: Sandy, well-draining soil is ideal.
#10 Black Velvet
No, it’s not a cake or a song; it’s a stunning plant with deep, dark, velvety leaves that can make anyone fall in love at first sight.
Care Tips
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Opt for a fast-draining potting mix.
#11 White Fusion Calathea
White Fusion Calathea is the ultimate showstopper with its dazzling mix of white, green, and lilac leaves. Trust me; this one demands—and deserves—attention.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Likes to be kept moist, not drenched.
- Soil: Well-draining, peat-based soil is best.
#12 Rhipsalis Baccifera
Add a dash of drama to your home with Rhipsalis Baccifera, a trailing cactus that defies the usual cacti norms with its lush and leafy form.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water when the top inch of the soil is dry.
- Soil: Use cactus or succulent mix for best results.
#13 Ceropegia Woodii Variegata
Commonly known as the Variegated String of Hearts, this rare houseplant features charming heart-shaped leaves cascading down slender strings. This variegated form elevates it to an even more ethereal beauty.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining soil mix is crucial; a cactus or succulent mix works well.
#14 Philodendron Pink Princess
Do you fancy a dash of regal extravagance? The Philodendron Pink Princess offers just that with its lush green leaves splashed with hues of vibrant pink.
Care Tips
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Well-draining, peat-rich soil.
#15 Euphorbia Obesa
Resembling a ball, the Euphorbia Obesa is a rare succulent that can be a conversation starter. It’s also commonly known as the “Baseball Plant” for its unique shape.
Care Tips
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Drought-tolerant; water sparingly.
- Soil: Requires well-draining, sandy soil.
#16 Begonia Amphioxus
Image source: Reddit.
With its unique leaf shape and striking pattern, the Begonia Amphioxus offers a feast for the eyes. It’s definitely one of the more exotic-looking Begonia species you’ll come across.
Care Tips
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Soil: Well-draining soil with high organic matter.
#17 Cuban Oregano
Not your regular kitchen herb, the Cuban Oregano is an exotic, velvety leafed plant that’s as decorative as it is useful in your cooking.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright light.
- Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Any standard potting mix will do.
#19 Rex Begonia
A plant that looks like it’s been hand-painted by an artist. Rex Begonias or Escargot Begonia offer an incredible variety of colors and patterns on their leaves, making each one unique.
Care Tips
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
- Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich soil.
#19 Nepenthes
Nicknamed the “Monkey Cup,” Nepenthes is a carnivorous plant known for its pitcher-like structure that traps insects. A fascinating addition that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Soil: Acidic, well-draining soil, like sphagnum moss.
#20 Jewel Orchid
Not all orchids are about the flowers. The Jewel Orchid has stunning velvety leaves that shimmer with iridescent markings, creating a luminous display.
Care Tips
- Light: Low to medium light.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Soil: Orchid soil mix or peat moss.
#21 Mimosa Pudica
Commonly known as the “Sensitive Plant,” Mimosa Pudica is famous for its leaves that quickly fold inwards when touched. A fun and interactive plant for people of all ages.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil.
#22 Wandering Jew
This plant is known for its striking variegated foliage and its ability to spread or trail, making it ideal for hanging baskets.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Soil: Any well-draining soil will do.
#23 Sansevieria Moonshine
Sansevieria Moonshine, a variant of the snake plant, offers silvery-green leaves that stand upright, adding a modern touch to any space.
Care Tips
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water sparingly; it’s drought-tolerant.
- Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
#24 Episcia
A relative of the African Violet, Episcia stands out with its colorful foliage and bright, petite flowers. This exotic beauty thrives in indoor settings.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Lightweight, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
#25 Crassula Umbella
Also known as “Wine Cup,” this rare succulent offers a unique umbrella-shaped top. It’s almost like having a small, green, architectural wonder right in your home.
Care Tips
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Drought-tolerant; water sparingly.
- Soil: Well-draining soil mix.
#26 Bonus Rare Exotic Houseplants
Pink Moonstone
If you’re a fan of succulents, the Pink Moonstone will make your heart skip a beat with its perfectly rounded leaves in a beautiful pastel pink hue. Many succulents fan found that it’s quiet difficult to get one, that is why this plant is on the rare exotic houseplants list.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water thoroughly but infrequently.
- Soil: Use a well-draining succulent mix.
Adenium Obesum, Desert Rose
The Adenium Obesum, commonly known as Desert Rose, is not your typical houseplant. With a thick, swollen trunk and beautiful pink or red flowers, this plant is a stunner.
Care Tips
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Let soil dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining soil, preferably cactus mix.
Conclusion on Rare Exotic Houseplants
Phew! That was quite the journey through the lush of rare exotic plants, sometimes mysterious, always enthralling world of rare exotic houseplants. Each of these 25 marvels offers something unique, whether it’s fascinating textures, captivating forms, or surreal colors. Not only do these rare houseplants elevate your home decor, but they also provide a fulfilling and therapeutic plant-care experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a greenery newbie, we hope this curated list inspires you to diversify your indoor garden. Happy planting!
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