If you’re an avid plant enthusiast, you’ve likely encountered the classics—Snake Plants, Pothos, and Monsteras. But what about those truly unique, rare and exotic houseplants that turn your indoor garden into a botanical wonderland?
Whether you’re looking to add an eye-catching centerpiece or simply want to expand your collection with something special, these uncommon houseplants will bring flair, challenge, and excitement to your space.
1. Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’)
💡 Why It’s Special: Stunning pink variegation on deep green, heart-shaped leaves.
The Pink Princess Philodendron is one of the more popular coveted houseplants, and for good reason. Its striking pink marbling is a result of genetic mutation, making each leaf unique. However, not every leaf will have pink—proper care is needed to maintain its vibrant coloration.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light helps maintain pink variegation. Too little light can result in more green leaves.
- Water: Keep soil lightly moist but never soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Humidity: Loves humidity! Aim for 60% or higher for best growth.
🚨 Did You Know? Some sellers try to pass off the ‘Pink Congo’ as a Pink Princess, but the Pink Congo’s pink leaves eventually turn green due to artificial hormone treatments. Always buy from reputable sources!
2. Variegated Monstera (Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo’ or ‘Thai Constellation’)
💡 Why It’s Special: Each leaf is a masterpiece, featuring splashes or marbling of white, cream, or yellow.
If you love the iconic Monstera deliciosa, its variegated varieties are a breathtaking upgrade. The ‘Albo’ Monstera has high-contrast white patterns, while the ‘Thai Constellation’ features cream-colored marbling. Due to their slow growth and challenging propagation, these plants are rare and expensive.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is essential for maintaining variegation. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves.
- Water: Let the top 2 inches of soil dry between watering. Overwatering leads to root rot.
- Support: Use a moss pole to encourage larger, fenestrated leaves.
💰 Pro Tip: Because of their rarity, variegated Monsteras often come with high price tags, sometimes exceeding $500 for a mature plant!
3. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)
💡 Why It’s Special: Tiny, patterned leaves mimic the look of a turtle’s shell, making it a fun and quirky addition.
This charming trailing plant is perfect for small spaces or hanging baskets. It’s slow-growing but relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering—overwatering can cause rot.
- Soil: A well-draining potting mix (like cactus or succulent soil) works best.
🐢 Fun Fact: Unlike other Peperomia species, the String of Turtles is semi-succulent, meaning it can tolerate short dry spells!
4. Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum)
💡 Why It’s Special: Unique, wavy fronds in an unusual blue-green hue set this fern apart from the rest.
If you struggle with keeping ferns alive, the Blue Star Fern might be your perfect match. It’s more forgiving than traditional ferns and thrives in lower-light conditions.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers indirect or dappled light—harsh sun can scorch its delicate fronds.
- Water: Keep soil slightly moist but not soggy. Unlike most ferns, it tolerates some drying out.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity but can adapt to average indoor conditions.
🌿 Botanical Bonus: This fern grows as an epiphyte in the wild, meaning it often attaches itself to trees rather than growing in soil!
5. Shingle Plant (Rhaphidophora)
💡 Why It’s Special: Its leaves lay flat against surfaces, giving it a unique “shingled” look as it climbs.
A must-have for climbing plant lovers, the Shingle Plant is unlike most vining species. Instead of trailing down, its oval-shaped leaves stay flush against a support structure, creating a stunning vertical display.
Care Tips:
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Too little light will slow growth.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Support: Needs a moss pole or wooden board to climb properly.
🌱 Growing Tip: Without proper support, this plant won’t achieve its signature shingling effect—train it early to climb!
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Indoor Jungle
Adding these rare houseplants to your collection isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about cultivating a more diverse and rewarding plant-growing experience. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic Pink Princess, the artistic Variegated Monstera, or the quirky String of Turtles, each of these plants brings a unique touch to your home.
🛒 Where to Find Them: These plants may not be available in big-box stores due to their rarity. Check specialty plant shops, online plant retailers, or plant swaps to track down these botanical treasures.
Which of these rare beauties would you love to add to your collection? Let us know in the comments!