Houseplants serve as more than just decor—they breathe life and vibrancy into our homes.
If you’re eager to elevate your indoor garden, consider adding some unique species that stand out from the ordinary.
With features ranging from striking zebra-like blooms to foliage resembling sea creatures, like the dolphin succulent and bat flower, these remarkable plants aren’t what you’d typically find in retail nurseries.
Below is a curated list of exceptional houseplants that have earned the approval of gardening professionals.
Unique Houseplants
- RAVEN ZZ PLANT
The raven ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is celebrated for its striking, dark leaves that create a stunning contrast alongside standard green houseplants.Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also easy to care for, thriving in varying light conditions.
- Size: Typically grows between 2 and 3 feet in height and width
- Care Tips: Thrives in indirect light, prefers well-draining soil, and requires watering only when the top couple of inches of soil are dry.
- TRIOSTAR
Meet the Triostar (Stromanthe sanguinea), whose eye-catching pink-and-green variegated leaves offer a beautiful touch to any room, closing elegantly at night.
- Size: Can grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care Tips: Enjoys bright, indirect sunlight, needs well-draining soil, and prefers distilled water for irrigation.
- CURLY ORCHID CACTUS
With spiraled, evergreen stems and aerial roots, the curly orchid cactus (Epiphyllum guatemalense ‘Monstrose’) is an intriguing addition to your indoor garden.
- Size: Typically reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet and widths of 1 to 2 feet
- Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight, needs moist, well-draining soil, and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
- LIFE SAVER PLANT
The life saver plant (Huernia zebrina) stands out with its unique zebra-patterned flowers and low maintenance requirements, making it perfect for plant enthusiasts of all levels.
- Size: Grows to 6 to 8 inches tall and can spread from 1 to 6 inches wide
- Care Tips: Likes bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and needs watering only when the top inch is dry.
- ALBO VARIEGATED MONSTERA
Distinguished by lush green leaves splashed with irregular creamy-white patterns, the albo variegated monstera (Monstera lechleriana Albo-Variegata) is a must-have for unique plant collections.
- Size: Can achieve lengths of up to 6 feet and widths of 3 feet
- Care Tips: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, requires well-draining soil, and should be watered when the top half of the soil is dry.
- DOLPHIN SUCCULENT
Named for its playful dolphin-shaped leaves, the dolphin succulent (Senecio peregrinus) adds fun to your collection and produces delightful small white flowers.
- Size: Grows between 12 to 24 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide
- Care Tips: Prefers bright, direct sunlight, needs well-draining soil, and should be watered when the soil feels mostly dry.
- FRIZZLE SIZZLE PLANT
With its tightly curled leaves and bright yellow flowers, the frizzle sizzle plant (Albuca spiralis) is sure to capture attention.
- Size: Typically reaches about 8 inches in height and 12 inches in width
- Care Tips: Enjoys bright, indirect light, requires well-draining soil, and watering when the soil is mostly dry.
- BAT FLOWER
The bat flower (Tacca chantrieri) is striking with its bat-shaped blooms and trailing whisker-like bracts, adding a conversation piece to your indoor space.
- Size: Grows to heights of 2 to 3 feet and widths of 1 to 2 feet
- Care Tips: Prefers indirect sunlight, needs moist, well-draining soil, and benefits from regular misting.
- LIVING STONE PLANT
The living stone plant (Lithops spp.) mimics the look of actual stones, showcasing earthy colors and vibrant hues, making it an excellent choice for a unique display.
- Size: Typically stands at about 0.5 inches tall and ranges from 1 to 3 inches wide
- Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil, needing water only when the soil is largely dry.
- JEWEL ORCHID
With its glossy leaves adorned with intricate veining and clusters of delicate flowers, the jewel orchid (Macodes petola) is attention-grabbing and elegant.
- Size: Grows to about 10 inches in height and width
- Care Tips: Requires bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.
- HOYA HEART
Featuring thick, heart-shaped leaves, the hoya heart (Hoya kerrii) adds a touch of charm to any space, growing slowly and steadily.
- Size: Can reach lengths of up to 13 feet while spreading 3 feet wide
- Care Tips: Thrives in bright to medium indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
- SCINDAPSUS MOUNT SALAK
The scindapsus Mount Salak features heart-shaped green leaves with dappled silver markings, making it a lovely choice for any indoor garden.
- Size: Can grow up to 6 feet long and 3 feet wide
- Care Tips: Enjoys bright to medium indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
- POTHOS NEON JOY
Radiating a vibrant neon yellow, the Pothos Neon Joy (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon Joy’) is captivating with its small, heart-shaped leaves.
- Size: Grows to about 6 feet long and 3 feet wide
- Care Tips: Prefers bright to medium indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.
Enhancing Your Indoor Space
Incorporating these remarkable plants into your indoor environment can dramatically enhance both the aesthetic appeal and diversity of your collection, ensuring it stands out as truly exceptional.
Source: Marthastewart