Do you love rare plants? We do too! If your home is filled with lush greenery and you’re even featuring some plants with vibrant foliage and outstanding variegated patterns, you must live with the motto “There is always room for more!”
If you’re a serious collector, you developed for sure a love for rare plants, and that’s totally understandable! We know that there is something special about owning a plant that’s hard to find.
What really makes a plant rare? Well, it depends. Sometimes it’s about the species that have only a few individuals left or that exist in a limited geographic area. And yes, this is fascinating!
If you’re curious about the top most wanted rare plants, we got you covered! After some digging, we have for you a list with the most desired rare plants.
Are you ready? Let’s step into the realm of rare plants!
Monstera Thai Constellation
This plant captured the hearts of many this year. The Monstera Thai Constellation features large, yellow variegated leaves that come with a statement no matter where it’s placed. It is a rare plant, but surprisingly, it doesn’t act like a celebrity, and it’s incredibly low maintenance, which just adds more charm.
With origins from Thailand, this cutie got its name when being developed in a tissue culture laboratory there. Isn’t this cool?
Fun fact: Monstera plants are famous for their unique leaf wholes, believed to make them stand the strong winds in their natural habitat. With this ability, they can flex without breaking, which is an absolutely fascinating trait of these beautiful plants.
Musa Aeae
This stunning baby is truly a rare gem! They are the variegated versions of the banana plant. Hailing from Indonesia, they are truly tropical beauties, and their leaves boast a striking green with white variegation, almost resembling a camouflage pattern.
What’s interesting and amusing about this plant is that the peel of the fruit they create is also variegated. Cool, right?
However, it’s pretty unlikely for them to produce bananas while grown indoors, but no matter what, Musa Aeae doesn’t miss to make a statement in any space, as it can grow quite tall.
Fun fact: Banana plants are technically classified as herbs because their “trunk” is actually made up not of wood, as it may seem, but of tightly packed leaf bases. So they are one of the tallest herbs in the world. How can you not adore such a unique plant!?
Monstera Deliciosa Aurea
We have another stunning Monstera plant on the list, resembling the Thai constellation. Known as Monstera Borgsigiana Aurea, what’s so distinct about it is the unique yellow variegation appearing in a charming splotchy pattern. The leaves are compact and have less variation compared to other Monstera varieties.
What’s truly rare about this one is the fact that it features two types of plant tissue, and this is such an uncommon thing in nature. Such a special characteristic adds value and allure, and it’s one of the most desired plants for any collector.
Fun fact: They are often referred to as the Swiss cheese plants because of their iconic look, with leaf holes and splits. This texture brings a lot of visual interest, but it even has a role in allowing the plant to capture more sunlight, another feature that makes them thrive in the tropical environment where they originated.
Philodendron Florida Beauty
This one is a fan favorite! Known as the Magic Mask, the Philodendron Florida Beauty shares some similarities with the Florida Green, but it manages to stand out from it with a stunning variegated pattern.
Their gorgeous leaves feature yellow with some white patches that are evenly distributed to create a striking visual effect. The interesting thing about them is that their variation is stable, meaning it doesn’t fade over time. This is a must-have rare beauty any plant collector would be happy to have.
Fun fact: philodendrons are not only famous for their appealing look but also for their air-purifying qualities. They can remove toxins from the air, so they are a great addition to your home, bringing not only beauty but also promoting health.
Philodendron El Choco Red
Philodendron rubrijuvenile, as it’s called scientifically, is a stunning plant featuring large, heart-shaped leaves with a velvety texture. The name comes from its striking red coloration, and it literally means “red when juvenile. Imagine how adorable the leaves must look in their young days!
As the leaves mature, they transition into a rich green color. If you hunt rare plants and you love a splash of red, this beauty is definitely one you should consider!
Fun fact: Did you know that philodendrons can adapt to different light conditions? This makes them perfect for beginners and for experienced plant enthusiasts as well. They work best with indirect light, but they also tolerate lower light levels, which makes them incredibly versatile and a great addition to any indoor garden.
Alocasia Frydek Variegata
This is a tropical gem that hails from Southeast Asia, and it stole the hearts of many plant enthusiasts. Collectors are dreaming about their dark green leaves and stunning silver speckles that offer a captivating metallic appearance. This plant is occasionally available in stores, so keep an eye out for it! The Alocasia Frydek Variegata is a must-have for any plant lover with its gorgeous heart-shaped leaves and impressive growth potential.
Fun fact: They are known for unique shapes and sizes, and some varieties can reach up to three feet in height. These plants thrive in humidity, so they are perfect for terrariums and even bathrooms where the moisture level is higher. If you want a touch of the tropics at home, this one is an excellent choice!
Philodendron Florida Ghost
The Philodendron Florida Ghost is a rare climbing plant that takes all the attention. This species of philodendron can grow up to 35 cm and continue to develop over time. Every new leaf starts off an immaculate white that gets to fade into a soft yellow before transforming its appearance completely into a light or dark green. This ability of changing color while maturing makes them known as chameleon plants by many experts.
Fun fact: With their ability to climb and attach to surfaces, philodendrons are often growing up in trees in their natural habitat, allowing them to reach for sunlight in dense forests. Their power of adaptability keeps them stunning and healthy, but also very resilient plants able to thrive in various indoor settings.
Monstera Albo Borsigiana
This stunning plant resembles its sisters, the Monstera Aurea Borsigiana and Monstera Thai Constellation, but it captures attention in its own way. With beautiful, large, and striking white spots on its leaves, it stands out. Sometimes you might even find an almost entirely white leaf, while Monsteras are known for their solid green. This variation is absolutely gorgeous, but it requires a bit more caregiving to maintain its unique variation.
Regardless, it’s the eye-catching addition you need in your home, and there’s no wonder why it’s on the list of most wanted rare plants this year.
Fun fact: In Mostera plants, the variegations are due to genetic mutation, making them somewhat unpredictable. The rarity in their coloration adds to their appeal, and each plant is one of a kind. You should keep in mind that they thrive best in bright, indirect light that helps them keep their vibrance and their variegation intact.
Philodendron Plowmanii
We have even more from the Philodendron family, and they continue to shine with the stunning Philodendron Plowmanii. This plant gained its name on the list, with exceptionally large leaves, making them a rarity among Philodendrons. They feature creamy-colored veins, creating a beautiful contrast against the lush green hues of their heart-shaped foliage that makes them truly rare.
Such a tropical beauty is far from being only eye-catching; it is a wonderful addition to any collection. They are a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Fun fact: Different from the philodendrons that climb, Plowmanii spreads along the ground, making it naturally ground cover in its native tropical habitats. This gives them a distinctive appearance, and they stand out from the other varieties.
Anthurium Warocqueanum
From lush wet forests in Colombia, the Anthurium Warocqueanum, known as Queen Anthurium, deserves its affectionate name because of its distinct beauty.
Plant collectors have had this one on the list for a long and even if they are aware it’s a bit tricky to care for them, everybody loves their dark green leaves with a velvety texture that feels luxurious to the touch.
The impressive leaves can grow quite large, and they can reach up to a meter or more. They thrive in high humidity, so if there’s a spot for them in your greenhouse, she might be the one for you!
Fun fact: Anthuriums are known for their unique structure featuring a heart-shaped spathe coming in various colors. The spadix, a part that holds the tiny flowers, can often be mistaken for the flower itself, so they are an incredible addition to any plant collection.
Monstera Adansonii Variegata
These plants are certainly well represented on this rare plant list, with Monstera Adansonii Variegata being the most familiar of the bunch. They combine plants’ classic charm with striking bursts of whites and vibrant greens.
They can either climb or trail with their small leaves, a versatile option for any space. These plants are also named cheese plants or monkey masks, considering their holes.
Fun fact: Monstera plants are considered excellent air purifiers, improving indoor air quality by removing toxins. Their unique leaf pattern and their climbing nature make them very lively plants that passionates are always looking for to add a touch of the tropics to their home décor.
Alocasia Azlanii
Often referred to as the “Red Mambo,” this is a jaw-dropping plant with gorgeous deep green leaves with shimmering purple and red hues. This unique iridescent foliage makes this plant a great addition to any collection. With Borneo origins, this rare beauty thrives in warm and humid environments.
Fun fact: Alocasia Azlanii’s leaves change colors depending on the angle light comes from, offering them a constant shifting and almost holographic appearance.
Anthurium Clarinervium
With velvety heart-shaped leaves, this is one of the most desired Anthuriums among collectors. Their deep green with bold white veining creates an eye-catching contrast. Mexican native, it enjoys humidity, and it’s a bit more forgiving in care compared to other anthuriums.
Fun fact: Anthurium Clarinervium belongs to plant groups with leaves resembling lace or leather, with unique textures and veining. They are another category of plants that help purify the air.
Begonia Maculata
Known commonly as the Polka Dot Begonia, this rare plant is known for its striking silver spot and dark green leaves. On the reverse side, the leaves are deep red, adding even more charm to this elegant plant. A Brazilian native, it prefers bright and indirect light, as well as high humidity.
Fun fact: The Begonia Maculata is known for blooming with clusters of small white flowers when properly taken care of. With its spotted leaves, it gives a truly one-of-a-kind vibe.
Syngonium Pink Splash
This one is extremely appreciated for its beautiful variegate, featuring striking splashes of pink across the arrowhead-shaped leaves. This is a rare plant, with each leaf’s pink variegation varying significantly, so every plant is unique.
The Syngonium Pink Splash is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light.
Fun fact: In Feng Shui, Sygonium plants are considered lucky, and it’s said they bring good fortune, making the Pink Splash a gorgeous, meaningful addition to any plant collection.
Hoya Kerrii Variegata
Called the Sweetheart Plant because of its heart-shaped leaves, the Hoya Kerrii Variegata is a rare succulent-like plant with an incredible charm. Their leaves come with a creamy yellow birder, adding to their cute appearance. A Southeast Asia native, it’s quite low maintenance, and it refers to bright, indirect light.
Fun fact: This plant is often sold on Valentine’s Day as a single heart-shaped leaf, but with proper care, it can grow into a full line of heart-shaped leaves.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia Variegata (ZZ Plant Variegata)
This is a stunning version of the famous ZZ plant, with glossy green leaves striking in cream or white variegation. This extraordinary plant is known for resilience, an ability to thrive in low light conditions, making it excellent for beginners. Originating from Africa, it’s also drought-tolerant, so it doesn’t require frequent watering and care.
Fun fact: The ZZ plant is considered to be a forever plant because it survives for long periods without water. It’s the perfect choice for those who tend to forget to care for their plants regularly.
Rhipsalis Baccifera
Commonly known as the mistletoe cactus, this unique plant stands out with long and thin, cascading stems. A South American rainforest native, this cactus thrives in indirect light and high humidity. Distinct from most cacti, it doesn’t need bright sunlight, which makes it ideal for indoor environments.
Fun fact: Rhipsalis Baccifera is the only native African cactus growing in a tropical forest, a fact that showcases its special adaptability compared to other cacti.
Calathea Orbifolia
The Calathea Orbifolia is known for its large, round leaves that easily bring into the spotlight the beautiful green and silver stripes. Such a tropical beauty thrives in bright light and high humidity, so it’s perfect to place it in bathrooms, kitchen tables, or shelves. Coming from South America, this low-maintenance plant can bring a lot of beauty to your house with an astonishing appeal.
Fun fact: The Calathea orbifolia is famous for its ability to “dance.” With its leaves opening during the day to capture light and closing at night, they mimic the natural movements of plants in the wild, bringing a tropical, almost spiritual dance of nature into your home.
Ceropegia Woodii (String of Hearts)
Commonly known as the String of Hearts, this delightful trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves is a unique variety with shades of green and silvery grey, which makes it one of the plant lovers’ favorites. They prefer bright, indirect light and minimal watering, growing amazingly in well-draining soil.
Fun fact: The string of hearts produces small, tubular flowers resembling lanterns. Their blooms attract pollinators, which adds extra charm to this lovely plant.
If you love to have lots of plants and you feel like you don’t really have enough place for them, here you can find Metal Plant Stands that can blend amazingly in your house or apartment, looking discreet and fitting every interior design style.
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