When it comes to decorating a house with flowers, they usually focus on mass fashion. However, in many cases, it is better to use unusual indoor plants. You just need to correctly choose the appropriate solution, taking into account both design and purely practical aspects. Today we will tell you about the most unusual house plants from which it is difficult to take your eyes off!
The Best Unusual House Plants
Desert Rose (Adenium Obesum)
The homeland of the desert rose is sultry Africa. The trunk can be of any height and shape and the branches have a rosette of leaves at the end, decorated with white-pink flowers. The plant belongs to shrub succulents of the Kutrovy family. Although Desert Rose is used to the rather high temperatures in Africa, it feels comfortable in apartments. Under natural conditions, this rose feels comfortable at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since this plant is native to arid regions, it’s okay if you accidentally forget to water it. Make sure the soil is completely dry before watering. Also, to stimulate the growth of the rose, you can put it on the patio during the warmer months.
Banana Shrub
Some people call this exotic indoor plant a banana bush, but this is not entirely correct. It isn’t actually from the banana family but from the Magnolia family. The only thing this shrub has in common with this yellow fruit is a fragrant smell. These cute yellow flowers smell like bananas, which is why the plant got its name.
When choosing a place, it is better to give preference to a sunny window facing south (if you cannot place it here, put it to a window facing east or west). The roots of a banana bush are often susceptible to various root diseases, so do not water them too often. Be sure to let the soil dry between waterings, otherwise, root rot cannot be avoided.
Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia Tirucalli)
This uncommon houseplant would delight and surprise all your guests. This cactus got its name for its surprisingly unusual shape – it looks like a bunch of pencils that stretch in all directions. Its home is South Africa and India. When interacting with the plant, beware of its milk juice, as it is toxic and can cause irritation. For the same reason, keep it out of the children and pets.
Pencil Cactus grows best in sunny locations, so place it on a southern windowsill. Also, make sure you use cactus soil. As for watering, this should not be done often and a couple of times a month would be enough. When watering, make sure the soil is sufficiently saturated.
Nerve Plant ‘Super Red’ (Fittonia Verschaffeltii)
This variegated houseplant is native to South America. It got its name due to the bright red veins on the leaves, which look like nerve fibers. This is an easy-to-grow plant that would look great wherever you put it. Just remember that it prefers low humidity and fairly dry air. Beware of drafts and sudden temperature changes. The flower prefers bright indirect light, and you should avoid places with direct sunlight.
Monstera Variegata
This rare houseplant is native to Southern Mexico and Peru. Such an unusual Monstera requires the same care as Monstera deliciosa, although there is one difference. The fact is that the white part of the leaves is not able to absorb light, therefore the process of photosynthesis is more complicated. That is why a prerequisite to grow a larger and more beautiful plant is the presence of bright lighting.
Since Monstera is an epiphyte with aerial roots, it needs moist soil. But avoid waterlogging, as excessive dampness may adversely affect the condition of the plant. Water it only when you make sure the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Rose Succulent (Greenovia Dodrentalis)
Rose lovers know firsthand that cutting roses dry quickly. Greenovia rose succulent is a great option for those who want to enjoy these gorgeous flowers for much longer. Due to the ability of succulents to accumulate water, caring for them is not difficult.
Plants would grow best in a warm, well-lit area. But direct sunlight should be avoided so as not to burn the plant. It needs watering only when the topsoil is dry. You can easily test this by dipping your finger about 2 inches into the soil. In the cold season, it is recommended to reduce watering in half.
Albuca Spiralis Frizzle Sizzle
This exotic house plant is native to South Africa. This coiled flower has narrow leaves that curl at the tips. During the flowering period, you can observe fragrant yellow flowers that smell like vanilla. And during the period of active growth, which falls in the winter, Albuca Spiralis needs active weekly watering. But do not allow waterlogging, otherwise rotting of the roots cannot be avoided.
It is recommended to stop watering during the rest period. As for lighting, a simple rule applies here: the less light the plant receives, the fewer curls there would be on the leaves. The ideal option would be to place the Albuca Spiralis at the south window. Also, keep it away from drafts and radiators so as not to harm the plant.
Tradescantia zebrina (AKA Spiderwort or Inch Plant or Wandering Jew)
Perhaps the most difficult thing in caring for this unusual plant is stabilizing the moisture level. If the humidity is too low, the leaves may turn brown. Also, avoid waterlogging, otherwise, root rot cannot be avoided. When it comes to lighting, Tradescantia prefers bright indirect light. Lack of light may cause the fading of bright leaves.
Given the moderate toxicity of the plant, it is worth interacting with it only with gloves. For the same reason, keep it away from children and pets. The flower grows pretty quickly and a single stem can grow up to 6 pounds in length! Also, don’t forget about pinching back the long vines to make it thicker and more compact.
Black Bat Flower (Tacca Chantrieri)
This rare indoor plant would be the delight of all your guests. With its unusual shape, it resembles a deep purple bat in flight. The flowering period is short, from late summer to early autumn. Please note that this is a tropical plant and needs appropriate conditions.
The temperature should be at least 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid direct sunlight and drafts. Indoor black bat flowers should also be transplanted annually. Always use well-drained soil for this plant. You can also prepare a suitable potting mix yourself by adding vermiculite and perlite to peat-based soil.
Night-Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum Nocturnum)
This is perhaps the rarest and most fragrant houseplant on our list. As you can see from the name, it blooms in the dark. At night this flower comes alive with its lovely tiny white flowers that exude a strong sweet scent. For full bloom at night, the flower needs to get enough sunlight during the day. But do not place it in places where direct sunlight falls so as not to burn the plant.
The ideal option would be to place the night-blooming jasmine near the east or west window. Please note that this jasmine is not frost-hardy, so it makes sense to plant it only if you live in a hardiness zone from 8 to 11.
Madagascar Palm (Pachypodium Lamerei)
This exotic succulent from the dogbane family looks like a cross between a cactus and a palm tree. This miniature palm tree with a silvery thorny trunk does not grow taller than 6 feet at home. The plant requires warm temperatures and bright light to grow comfortably. Watering is necessary only when the soil surface is dry. During the dormant period, which falls in the winter, watering should be reduced. Madagascar palms tend to hibernate during the winter, so don’t worry if your plant’s leaves begin to fall off during this time.
Tweedle-Dee Begonia
With its appearance, this amazing begonia resembles a bonsai with small leaves with silver edges. The best location to place it would be a window that faces east or west. Avoid direct sunlight on the plant. The temperature should also not be lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also important to ensure a suitable humidity level, ideally more than 50%.
Our list of unusual houseplants is coming to an end. These are just a few exotic houseplants that are relatively easy to find on the market. There are many more of them because the richness of natural colors and forms is incalculable. If you have been thinking about replenishing your collection of rare flowers for a long time, now is a great opportunity to do this. Whichever plant you choose from the above, it would be a wonderful decoration in any room.