Decorating with indoor plants offers several benefits. Studies have shown exposure to plants contributes to improved moods, energy levels, and focus. It’s no wonder that creating indoor gardens became such a popular trend during the pandemic.
Incorporating rare and unusual plants into your indoor garden is a stunning way to set your decor apart. Here are some of the best houseplants to bring rare beauty to your indoor garden.
Peperomia Heart of the Jungle
The Heart of the Jungle Peperomia is a unique plant with contrasting shades of pink and green. The deep green leaves are heart-shaped with stripes of light green and pink. The stems grow vertically, reminiscent of coral, fading from deep pink to light green. Its similarity to coral has earned it the title of the perfect plant for water zodiac signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) when you order on Bouqs.
Peperomia plants are simple to care for and resilient to neglect. Place your Heart of the Jungle in indirect sunlight. A shelf or table set back from a sunny window is the perfect spot for this one-of-a-kind plant. Peperomias are also prone to root rot and require well-draining soil. Water when the soil is dry, approximately every two weeks.
Raven ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are one of the easiest plants to care for. The vertical stems and waxy leaves add a nice touch to any indoor garden. For those who prefer a touch of goth glam in their indoor garden, the raven ZZ plant is the perfect variation.
Raven ZZ plants aren’t as rare as they used to be, but they can be difficult to find. This ZZ variation sprouts with the traditional green leaves and transitions to a stunning pitch-black shade as it grows. ZZ plants prefer bright light with well-draining soil. These drought-resistant plants can go weeks without watering. If the soil is dry and the leaves appear droopy or wrinkly, it’s time for a splash.
Opuntia Cactus
This cute cactus is guaranteed to elevate the mood-boosting effects of your indoor garden. Often referred to as the Bunny Ear Cactus, the Opuntia grows in the shape of a cartoonish bunny with adorable ears. As the cactus grows, it will continue to span out and grow additional “ears” losing its classic bunny shape. However, the plant is beautiful and makes a great addition to an indoor garden.
Like most cactus plants, the Opuntia prefers direct sunlight with minimal watering. This makes it the perfect plant to set and forget in a sunny window. Water once per month to avoid damage and be cautious when handling this prickly, spiny plant.
String of Dolphins
String plants look beautiful in hanging and face-inspired planters. While the string of pearls is a charming addition to any indoor garden, the string of dolphins offers a rare beauty that’s fun and whimsical. This vining succulent has dolphin-shaped leaves that seem like they’re jumping out of the pot as they grow. The string of dolphins is a hybrid between the string of pearls and the candle plant succulent.
Plant this succulent in well-draining soil and place it in bright, indirect sunlight. While this plant thrives in direct sun, it’s more resilient and tolerant of low-light environments than other succulent varieties. Give your string of dolphins a good soak every few weeks and let the soil dry completely in between waterings.
Greenovia
The Greenovia is often called the rose succulent as its compact rosettes bloom like roses. New growth is nearly identical to rosebuds and the likeness continues as they grow. Many of these succulents grow in a soft green shade while some offer an enchanting pink hue. Greenovias are a cultivar of the Aeonium genus, sharing traits with the popular house tree leek.
Rose succulents require a sunny window to grow and thrive but wither in intense heat. Water your Greenovia plants infrequently, letting the soil dry completely between waterings. Pink rose succulents are particularly hard to find and are more finicky than their green counterparts.
Magnolia Figo
Magnolias are gorgeous outdoor shrubs that are notoriously short-lived and difficult to grow. However, their beautiful blooms make them well worth the effort.
Many indoor gardeners are unaware that they can grow a magnolia plant indoors. Magnolia Figo is a Chinese magnolia variant that grows up to four feet tall and flourishes in a terra cotta pot. The gorgeous blooms are a creamy yellow and have a unique, banana scent, earning it the nickname “banana shrub.”Banana shrubs require full sun and warmth to flourish. Let the top two inches of soil dry between watering and don’t let the roots sit in moisture. This high-maintenance plant requires regular fertilization and pruning.
Albuca Spiralis
The Albuca Spiralis is a succulent that would have a home in a Dr. Suess book. Even its moniker, Frizzle Sizzle, is whimsical and joyously weird. These unique stalks grow vertically and then spiral into ringlets. These bulb succulents grow to eight inches tall and bloom with vanilla-fragranced yellow-green flowers in the spring.
Like most succulents, the Frizzle Sizzle likes full sun and infrequent watering. This plant is ideal for low-maintenance gardeners who want a touch of whimsy in their indoor jungle.
Hoya Plants
There are several Hoya plant varieties to consider when adding a touch of rare beauty to your garden. The lovely Hoya Carnosa is a vining plant that blooms clusters of delicate, star-shaped white flowers. The Hoya Multiflora is similar, but the stars burst forth with tail-like petals, earning it the name “Hoya Shooting Star.” Finally, the Hoya Kerrii grows a vine of heart-shaped leaves. Plant retailers often sell these heart-shaped cuttings for Valentine’s Day.
Hoyas all do well with bright, indirect sunlight, high humidity, and frequent watering. Add one or all of these gorgeous plants to revitalize your indoor garden.
Begonia Maculata
The Begonia Maculata is a rare begonia variation that’s covered in white polka dots. This otherworldly appearance has earned this unique plant the name “The Polka Dot Plant.”
Polka dot begonias require bright, indirect sunlight, frequent watering, and regular fertilization. Begonias can be fussy and difficult to care for, but they’re happiest in high-humidity environments, like a sunny bathroom window.
Adding any of these plants will capture a rare, unique beauty in your indoor garden. Choose plants based on your caretaking abilities and work toward some of the fussier, high-maintenance plants.