Rare House Plants for your Eco-Friendly Home: Featuring "Which Rare House Plant Are You?" Quiz

The Goodness of Indoor Plants

Indoor plants not only add a touch of beautiful greenery to our living spaces but also offer a myriad of benefits that contribute to our overall well-being. They can easily become our go to eco-friendly house decorating option! Read on to discover why you should give your green thumb a chance and adopt some new green plant friends! PLUS take a fun quiz, Which Rare House Plant Are You?

What they can do...

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, indoor plants play a crucial role in purifying the air we breathe by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. This natural air filtration system can help improve air quality, reduce the risk of respiratory issues, and create a healthier indoor environment. Moreover, the presence of indoor plants has been linked to enhanced mental health and reduced stress levels. Studies have shown that caring for plants can have a calming effect, promoting relaxation and improving mood.

10 Unique and Rare Houseplants

Here are 10 unique and rare houseplants that can add a touch of healthy exotic beauty to your indoor space and aid in your fun transition to a more eco-friendly home. Each plant comes with an about, a VIBE description (for some fun), and a quick care note.

Note: Click on the link below the photo for photo credits and the blog/website connected to the photo. We got some great plant bloggers to start following!

Albuca Spiralis (‘Frizzle Sizzle’)

Albuca spiralis "Frizzle Sizzle" – Cactos e suculentas Portugal

About the "Frizzle Sizzle"

One interesting fact about the Albuca Spiralis is its unusual growth pattern. As the plant matures, it produces long, curly leaves that twist and spiral, creating a visually striking appearance. These leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and add a whimsical touch to any garden or indoor space.

In addition to its unique foliage, the Albuca Spiralis also produces delicate white flowers that bloom in clusters atop tall, slender stems. These flowers have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making the plant not only visually appealing but also beneficial to the ecosystem.

Vibe Description

Playful, endearing, and hopeful

The life of the party, maybe we can name the plant Ms. Frizzle?

If you know you know...

Quick Care

Caring for an Albuca Spiralis is relatively easy, as it requires minimal maintenance once established. Providing the plant with well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and occasional watering is usually sufficient to keep it healthy and thriving. Propagation can be done through offsets or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection of these intriguing plants

Banana Shrub (Michelia Figo)

Banana Shrub Care - Michelia figo aka Magnolia figo (guide-to-houseplants.com)

About the "Banana Shrub"

It is named for its unique banana-like scent that its flowers emit. The plant produces small, creamy yellow flowers that have a strong fragrance reminiscent of ripe bananas. In addition to its aromatic qualities, the banana shrub is prized for its glossy green leaves and compact growth habit, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.

Vibe Description

Confident, sincere, and joyful

Confident and cute! Who wouldn't want to smell like bananas?

Quick Care

It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. Would be happy with LOTS of light (south-facing window) and requires excellent drainage. Lets not forget to have the soil dry out completely.

Black Bat Flower (Tacca Chantrieri)

https://www.thespruce.com/bat-flower-plant-profile-4842137

About the "Black Bat Flower"

This exotic flower actually belongs to the yam family and is renowned for its striking appearance, which resembles a bat in flight. The plant features dark purple to black flowers that are surrounded by long whisker-like bracts, adding to its mysterious allure.

Vibe Description

Fascinating, sophisticated, and mysterious

Deep and opens up to those closest to them, revealing a rich personality.

Quick Care

The Black Bat Flower is also known for its preference for warm and humid environments, making it an ideal choice for tropical gardens or indoor spaces with proper care. It requires well-draining soil, regular watering, and indirect sunlight to thrive. Despite its somewhat intimidating appearance, the Black Bat Flower is a delicate plant that requires gentle handling to prevent damage to its intricate blooms.

How To Care For A Black Bat Flower (housedigest.com)

Black Gold Philodendron (Philodendron Melanochrysum)

About "Black Gold Philodendron"

One interesting fact about the Black Gold Philodendron is that its coloration can vary depending on the light conditions it is exposed to. In lower light settings, the foliage may appear darker, while in brighter light, the golden hues may become more pronounced. This chameleon-like quality adds to the allure of this already captivating plant

Philodendron melanochrysum - Black-Gold Philodendron (4.5" Pot) | Little Prince To Go (littleprinceplants.com)

Vibe Description

Loyal, peaceful, and helpful

Just wants to be your best friend!

Quick Care

The Black Gold Philodendron is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice for both experienced and novice plant owners. This plant thrives in moderate to bright indirect light and requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. With proper care, the Black Gold Philodendron can grow into a lush and vibrant specimen, adding a touch of sophistication to any indoor space.

Bromeliad Neoregelia

Bromeliad Neoregelia Sibella Live Tropical Plant Exotic - Etsy

About "Bromeliad Neoregelia"

One of the most distinctive features of Bromeliad Neoregelia is its rosette-shaped leaves that form a central reservoir known as a "tank." This tank collects water and provides a habitat for various organisms, making it a miniature ecosystem within the plant itself. The foliage of Neoregelia plants comes in a wide array of colors, including shades of green, red, pink, and orange, adding a splash of color to any garden or indoor space.

Vibe Description:

Vibrant, strong, and captivating

Catches the eye of many, but has a quiet and humble spirit.

Quick Care

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Bromeliad Neoregelia is relatively easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Regular watering is essential to keep the central tank filled, but it's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Bromeliad Neoregelia is a versatile plant that can be grown in various settings, including terrariums, hanging baskets, or as a striking focal point in a garden bed.

Calathea Orbifolia

About "Calathea Orbifolia"

Calathea Orbifolia, also known as the "prayer plant," is a stunning tropical plant that is highly sought after for its unique foliage. This plant features large, round leaves with silver-green stripes that create a mesmerizing pattern, making it a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and interior decorators alike. ECO-FRIENDLY FUN FACT: this plant is also known to have a higher CO2 absorption rate than its other house plant buddies.

One of the most fascinating characteristics of Calathea Orbifolia is its daily leaf movement, where the leaves open and close in response to light. This behavior has earned it the nickname "prayer plant" due to its resemblance to hands clasped in prayer.

Vibe Description

Timeless, laid-back, and caring

Makes people feel safe and secure, a refreshing dose of classic fun!

Quick Care

When it comes to placement in your home, Calathea Orbifolia does best in bright, indirect light and benefits from being placed near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight. It is important to avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the delicate leaves. Its care requirements include regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as well as occasional misting to maintain the humidity levels it prefers.

How to Grow and Care for Calathea Orbifolia (thespruce.com)

String of Hearts (Ceropegia Woodii)

About "String of Hearts"

This plant is characterized by its long, trailing stems adorned with small, heart-shaped leaves that have a striking silver pattern on them. The intricate beauty of the foliage makes "String of Hearts" a sought-after addition to any indoor garden or plant collection.

Vibe Description:

Fair, decisive, and passionate

Natural born leader with a zeal for what is good!

String of Hearts — Flora Grubb Gardens

Quick Care

In terms of care, "String of Hearts" thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot. It is a drought-tolerant plant, meaning it is best to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. Additionally, this plant benefits from occasional fertilization during the growing season to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Propagation of Ceropegia woodii is relatively easy, as it can be propagated from stem cuttings placed in water or soil. With proper care and attention, "String of Hearts" can grow vigorously and produce charming pinkish-purple flowers that resemble miniature parachutes, adding an extra element of beauty to an already stunning plant.

Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’

Alocasia Dragon Scale - Aroid Nursery

About "Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale"

The leaves of the Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ resemble dragon scales, hence its name, with a texture that is both mesmerizing and intricate. The leaves of this plant are a deep green color and have prominent silvery veins running through them, adding to its allure. Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ is a relatively compact plant, making it suitable for indoor spaces such as offices or homes.

Vibe Description:

Contemplative, reliable, and stoic

Has been on a quest or two back in the day.

Quick Care

It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to keep its soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. When caring for Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’, it is essential to provide it with a humid environment, as it is native to tropical regions and prefers high humidity levels. Regular misting or placing a humidifier near the plant can help create the ideal conditions for its growth.

Rhipsalis Baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)

Rhipsalis baccifera | Samuel Antonelli | Flickr

About the "Mistletoe Cactus"

One of the most distinctive features of the Mistletoe Cactus is its pendulous or trailing stems, which give it a graceful and cascading appearance. These stems are made up of segmented, cylindrical sections that can vary in color from bright green to reddish-brown, depending on the species and environmental conditions. In its natural habitat, the Mistletoe Cactus produces small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually give way to colorful, berry-like fruits. These fruits are an important food source for birds and other wildlife, helping to spread the cactus seeds to new locations and ensuring its survival in the wild.

Vibe Description

Sweet, cheerful, and empathetic

Takes care of people like its second nature.

Quick Care

As a houseplant, the Mistletoe Cactus has gained popularity for its low-maintenance nature and unique aesthetic appeal. It is well-suited for hanging baskets or containers, where its trailing stems can drape gracefully over the edges. When grown indoors, this cactus requires bright, indirect light and well-draining soil to thrive.

Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)

How to Grow and Care for Swiss Cheese Plant (thespruce.com)

About "Swiss Cheese Vine"

Its unique name comes from the distinctive appearance of its leaves, which are full of natural oval-shaped holes, resembling a block of Swiss cheese. The Swiss Cheese Vine is a climbing vine that can grow both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile choice for plant lovers. Its vining nature allows it to trail elegantly from hanging baskets or climb up a support, adding a touch of lush greenery to any space. With proper care, this plant can produce delicate white flowers and eventually develop into edible fruit.

Vibe Description

Charming, observant, and open-minded

Quick to crack a joke or share a story!

Quick Care

Caring for a Swiss Cheese Vine involves providing it with bright, indirect light, regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and occasional fertilization during the growing season. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can bring a tropical vibe to your home or garden with its unique foliage and easy-going nature.