What are some of the most peculiar yet gorgeous varieties of houseplants out there? Or what “conversation starter” plant pieces can you add to your home or office?
Lush and beautiful greenery may already fill your home or office — or perhaps this is how you want it to be. So, why stop at just owning the classics or the popular varieties? Instead, you can add pizazz for your eye candy or stun others with rare, incredible beauties they’ve never seen before.
Here are seven rare and unique plants you can add to your green flora collection:
Mermaid Tail Coral Cactus – Euphorbia lacteal cristata
This incredible, eye-catching cactus type has a fanned crest that looks like its namesake, resembling a wavy underwater coral or mermaid’s tail; it is actually created from two succulents that were grafted into one.
You don’t need to invest much care (partial sunlight and weekly waterings) into this low-maintenance succulent to keep it flaunting its beautiful light green shade or its showstopping pink-tipped ombre color.
Prayer Plant – Maranta leuconeura
Have a low-light environment but still want to add drama to your interior design? Prayer plants are canopy growers and used to very little light. They grow well in the shade, like in the understory of trees.
They don incredible visual stripes and color contrasts on their textured leaves. There are wide varieties and color combos like the Green Maranta or the Lemon Lime version, so take your pick to impress your guests.
Persian Shield – Strobilanthes dyerianus
You won’t find a more stunning house or garden plant with rich color like this: ranging from iridescent violet to shining indigo.
Persian Shield is native to Southeast Asia, meaning it will only thrive in hot climates and struggle in cool and cold ones. The solution’s easy: grow it inside year-round, where it makes a great container plant.
Ripple Peperomia– Peperomia caperata
Most are more familiar with the typical round green Peperomia plants, but did you know that this tropical native from Brazil also carries a stunning rippled version in the same family?
Check out the Peperomia caperata abrico, also known as the Ripple apricot peperomia. This plant has crinkled, deep-ridged, and ombre red-tipped leaves with dark green veins. Some even bloom white stamen-looking flowers called inflorescences in the warmer seasons.
They are low-maintenance, versatile plants as they tolerate low-light indoor environments and don’t require daily watering.
Calatheas
Calatheas are similar in appearance to prayer plants and equally unique and gorgeous. It, too, loves low light but sets itself apart by showing off more distinctive colors on the undersides of its leaves like the bright pink and purples.
For a little more subtle but beautiful variety, go for the Calathea Burle (pictured on the left). For a more vibrant high-contrast look, check out the Calathea Makoyama in the same family. Remember that it’s tropical, so it prefers heat and humidity as it brightens your home.
Polka Dot Splash Plant – Hypoestes phyllostachya
Polka dot plants are popular border plants both indoors and outdoors, but the ‘Splash’ varieties are especially impressive. They come in a broad range of colors: pink, red, rose, white, purple, and even mixed splash (pictured on the left).
However, their standout quality is their spotted “splash” patterns on their leaves, a true emblem of nature’s incredible artistry— and for your visitors, their appearance will make a splash.
String of Turtles Succulent – Peperomia prostrate
Yes, this plant does look a bit like its name! The aptly named string of turtles is part of the Peperomia family and is characterized by delicate round green and patterned succulent leaves, growing in lacy whorls that will add whimsical beauty to any space.
They’re especially a favorite for hanging on the ceiling or the lip of a rack or bookshelf because of how they grow in gentle cascades.
If you want something fresh to set apart your plant collection and entertain guests with unique natural beauty, come stop by Payless Hardware, Rockery, and Nursery to pick up some of our extraordinary plants that are absolute must-haves for any indoor space.
