Unique Flora Choices for a Distinct Indoor Plant Assortment
Unconventional houseplants can add a unique touch to any home, offering variations beyond the typical green foliage found at large retailers. From plants boasting zebra-striped flowers to those resembling wildlife, such as the bat flower and dolphin succulent, these houseplants are anything but ordinary. Below, we showcase several recommendations from experts in the field.
- Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University
- Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms
1 of 13## Ebony ZZ Plant
Unlike other houseplants with green foliage, the ebony ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) stands out with its dark purple leaves that have an almost black appearance. This plant is not only visually stunning but also incredibly resilient and low-maintenance. According to Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University, "It is drought-tolerant and thrives in a wide range of lighting conditions."
- Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
- Care requirements: Indirect sunlight; well-draining soil; water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
2 of 13## Triostar
Triostar (Stromanthe sanguinea) is a unique houseplant with stunning variegated pink-and-green foliage. It is a member of the prayer family and, like its counterparts, it folds its leaves up at night. This plant can be finicky but is generally beginner-friendly. It prefers humid environments, making the bathroom an ideal location for it. Langelo recommends using distilled water to minimize the impact of tap water's chemicals on the plant, and fertilizing it every couple of weeks during the growing season with a diluted balanced solution.
- Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-draining soil; water with distilled, room temperature water
3 of 13## Curly Orchid Cactus
The curly orchid cactus (Epiphyllum guatemalense 'Monstrose') is an epiphytic plant with long stems that twist and curl as they grow, looking like wavy locks of hair. Its stems produce aerial roots and spectacular white flowers with 6-inch long tubes that open at night.
- Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; moist, well-draining soil; water when the top inch of soil is dry
4 of 13## Life Saver Plant
The low-growing perennial life saver plant (Huernia zebrina) boasts unique zebra-striped flowers. This succulent grows in a creeping pattern and has gray-green stems with purple spots. Despite its intricate appearance, the life saver plant is easy to maintain and requires minimal watering.
- Size: 6 to 8 inches tall x 1 to 6 inches wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade; well-draining potting soil; water when the top inch of soil is dry (during the growing season, only water once a month, as the plant is dormant)
5 of 13## Albo Variegated Monstera
The albo variegated monstera (Monstera lechleriana Albo-Variegata) is a rare variety with lush green leaves featuring irregular splashes of creamy white. Its size and the complexity of its foliage make it a showstopper as it climbs and matures.
- Size: 6 feet long x 3 feet wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-draining potting soil; water when the top half of the soil is dry to the touch
6 of 13## Dolphin Succulent
The dolphin succulent (Senecio peregrinus) is aptly named for its leaves that resemble dolphin fins. This vining plant blooms in spring with small white flowers once it reaches maturity. It looks beautiful displayed in a hanging basket, allowing its curly foliage to cascade elegantly.
- Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
- Care requirements: Bright, direct sunlight; well-draining potting soil; water when the soil is mostly dry
7 of 13## Frizzle Sizzle Plant
Known for its quirky, curling foliage, the frizzle sizzle plant (Albuca spiralis) is a bulbous succulent with charming lime-yellow flowers that resemble daffodil blooms.
- Size: 8 inches tall x 12 inches wide
- Care requirements: Bright, indirect sunlight; well-draining potting soil; water when the soil is mostly dry
Tacca chantrieri, often known as the bat flower, is a tropical herbaceous perennial that grows from rhizomes. As its name suggests, this plant features bat-like flowers with brown, black, or purple whisker-like bracts.
- Height: Ranging from 2 to 3 feet tall
- Width: Measuring between 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care: Preferring indirect sunlight, this plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil. Regular misting is recommended to increase the humidity around the plant.
Next on the list is the living stone plant (Lithops spp.). This unusual plant mimics the appearance of stones and pebbles, growing in dry, sandy soil. Ranging in color from earthy shades to vibrant hues, this succulent can be a striking addition to any collection.
- Size: Typically 1/2 inch tall and 1 to 3 inches wide
- Care: Requiring bright, indirect sunlight, this plant thrives in well-draining cactus potting soil with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH. Water only when the soil is mostly dry.
Continuing with the list, the jel orchid (Macodes petola) features velvety, broad leaves with intricate veining. Although the foliage is captivating, this orchid also displays small clusters of creamy white flowers with yellow to brownish petals.
- Size: Growing up to 10 inches tall and 10 inches wide
- Care: Like many orchids, the jel orchid prefers bright, indirect sunlight. A mixture of perlite and coco coir medium is ideal for the soil, which should be consistently moist but not soggy.
Next up is the hoya heart (Hoya kerrii), a slow-growing vining succulent with thick, heart-shaped leaves. Mature plants can reach impressive sizes and are a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
- Size: Reaching lengths of 13 feet and widths of 3 feet
- Care: This plant prefers bright to medium, indirect sunlight and well-draining cactus potting soil with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH. Water only when the soil is mostly dry.
The Scindapsus Mount Salak (Scindapsus 'Mount Salak') is a lovely climbing plant with heart-shaped green leaves mottled with shades of green and silver. It's known for its ability to grow larger leaves and add impact to any space.
- Size: Growing up to 6 feet long and 3 feet wide
- Care: This plant thrives in bright to medium indirect sunlight and well-draining potting soil. Water when the top half of the soil is dry.
Finally, the Pothos Neon Joy (Epipremnum aureum 'Neon Joy') is an unusual pothos variety that can be difficult to find. Its heart-shaped leaves feature vivid neon-yellow coloring, with irregular dark green edges that create a striking contrast.
- Size: Thriving up to 6 feet long and 3 feet wide
- Care: This plant requires bright to medium indirect sunlight and well-draining potting soil. Water when the top half of the soil is dry.
The ebony ZZ plant is a unique addition to any home with its dark purple leaves, as mentioned by Martha Stewart, who often highlights unconventional houseplants in her gardening advice. Triostar, on the other hand, is a stunning houseplant with pink-and-green variegated foliage that can add a vibrant touch to a Martha Stewart-inspired garden, thanks to its ability to thrive in humid environments.
