Discover Unique Flora for Your Home: 6 Uncommon Houseplants to Consider
Freshening up your living space with greenery not only elevates the visual appeal of your home but also improves air quality and enhances your mood. While popular options like the fiddle leaf fig or snake plant are commonly found in many households, there’s a world of lesser-known botanical treasures waiting to be discovered. Here are six uncommon houseplants that are sure to make your indoor oasis stand out.
1. Calathea Orbifolia
The Calathea Orbifolia is a stunning plant characterized by large, round leaves with bold silver stripes. What sets this beauty apart is its ability to dance; its leaves move up and down from day to night in response to light changes. This plant prefers moderate to bright indirect light and thrives with regular watering, although you should allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Its air-purifying qualities and non-toxic nature make it a splendid choice for homes with pets and children.
2. Pepromia Prostrata (String of Turtles)
Peperomia Prostrata, also known as the String of Turtles, is perfect for those looking to add a quirky vibe to their indoor jungle. Its tiny, turtle shell-like leaves cascade beautifully down pot edges, making it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves. This easy-care plant enjoys bright, indirect light and can forgive the occasional forgetful waterer. To maintain its beauty, let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings, and provide it with good air circulation.
3. Alocasia Polly (African Mask Plant)
The Alocasia Polly boasts dramatic foliage shaped like an arrow or shield, with pronounced veins. Sometimes known as the African Mask Plant, its deep green leaves and silvery-white veins create a striking contrast. This dramatic plant is somewhat temperamental, preferring a humid environment and consistent watering schedule without sitting in wet soil. Bright, indirect light will keep the Alocasia Polly healthy and might just inspire its next growth spurt.
4. Hoya Kerrii (Sweetheart Plant)
The Hoya Kerrii, affectionately known as the Sweetheart Plant, features thick, heart-shaped leaves that store water, making it drought tolerant. It’s a slow-grower that can eventually trail or climb, and if you’re lucky, it may produce clusters of star-shaped flowers. This low-maintenance plant loves being pot-bound and enjoys bright indirect sunlight, and watering should only occur once the soil has dried out thoroughly.
5. Stromanthe Sanguinea (Triostar)
Add a pop of color with the Stromanthe Sanguinea, also referred to as the Triostar. This vibrant plant has leaves that flaunt multiple colors—green, white, pink, and purple, with magenta undersides. While it’s a bit more high-maintenance compared to other houseplants, the visual payoff is huge. It thrives under high humidity, consistent moisture (without waterlogging), and away from direct sunlight. The Triostar is an excellent choice if you’re willing to put in a bit more love and care.
6. Rhipsalis Baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)
For something truly unusual, the Rhipsalis Baccifera, or Mistletoe Cactus, is a tropical succulent that defies the common perception of what a cactus should look like. This plant has a jungle vibe with its cascading, branch-like stems that can grow several feet long. It’s an epiphyte in its natural habitat, meaning it grows on other plants, so in your home, it will do well in a hanging planter with a well-draining potting mix. Moderate indirect light and sparse watering are all this unique cactus needs to thrive.
Incorporating uncommon houseplants into your home can transform your space into a lush, enchanting retreat. Each plant comes with its own set of care instructions, so be sure to research and understand their needs. By choosing one—or several—of these unique options, you’re bound to breathe new life and personality into your living area, making it a true indoor oasis.