The diversity of our planet’s plant species is truly astonishing. From carnivorous plants that lure and devour unsuspecting prey to miraculous life forms that look like they crash-landed here from outer space, the world is full of fantastical flora.
What’s more, we can bring plenty of these strange specimens into our homes to purify our air, add some life and colour, and even help with pest control.
With this in mind, we’ve pulled together some of the most unusual and unique houseplants around…
1. String of dolphins
You might have heard of the string-of-pearls plant, or perhaps you’ve been told about the string-of-bananas plant. But the most unique member of this family of evergreen succulents is arguably the string of dolphins.
Named to reflect the shape of its leaves, which bear an uncanny resemblance to a pod of jumping dolphins, this whimsical plant will make an interesting addition to anyone’s home.
String-of-dolphins like plenty of sunlight, so will thrive in a south-facing window. However, they’re relatively low maintenance, so can adapt to medium light in east and west-facing spaces if that’s all you have. Place them in well-draining soil and water sparingly, making sure the soil is completely dry each time to prevent root rot.
Note: String of dolphins are toxic to pets, so keep out of reach of cats and dogs. They can also be mildly toxic to humans, so make sure they’re out of the way of small children too.
2. Pitcher plant
Some of the most exciting houseplants don’t only look unique, but also perform a handy function – like the pitcher plant.
A pitcher plant is a carnivorous plant that uses striking, jug-shaped traps to capture insects. So, if you hate pesky flies finding their way into your house and buzzing around your head, a pitcher plant may be a welcome addition to your collection.
The term ‘pitcher plant’ doesn’t refer to a single species but to multiple species from different families. Two of the most popular to grow indoors are Sarracenia (or ‘trumpet pitchers’) and Nepenthes (pictured above). Nepenthes pitcher plants are often called ‘monkey cups’, as animals like orangutans have been seen sipping from them like goblets.
Pitcher plants generally need lots of light to flourish – so try to place them near a south-facing window. As for watering, they typically grow in boggy, tropical conditions – like the rain forests of South America and Indonesia. For best results, try to keep their soil damp at all times by watering regularly.
3. Marimo moss ball
If you’re looking for a genuinely fuss-free plant that’s fantastical and fascinating, why not grow marimo moss balls? These small velvety orbs aren’t actually moss at all, but a form of algae that grows in a satisfying spherical shape – ‘marimo’ literally means ‘seaweed ball’ in Japanese.
They’re native to a number of freshwater lakes in Japan and Northern Europe and are said to bring good fortune. Growing around 0.5cm in diameter a year, these long-living aquatic plants can reach a foot wide after many decades.
The best way to grow marimo balls is to put them in a transparent, open container with filtered, room-temperature water. Try not to place them somewhere where they’ll get a full day’s sun, as, ideally, you want to keep the water from getting hot. To keep your moss happy, you’ll also need to change the water every two to three weeks.
The wild marimo population is declining worldwide due to destructive human activity like fish farming and agriculture – and it’s a protected species in Iceland and Japan. In fact, there’s a three-day marimo festival hosted each year at Lake Akan in Northern Japan, where marimo balls that’ve been taken from the lake are returned to the waters one by one.
With that said, try to buy sustainable versions of this curious aquatic plant – for example, avoid balls harvested from the wild, instead choosing sustainably-farmed varieties.
4. Staghorn fern
Our next entry, the staghorn fern, is unique in several ways. Not only does it have large, ridged fronds resembling the horns of a stag, but it’s also what’s known as an ‘epiphytic plant’ – meaning it doesn’t need soil to grow. In the wild, the staghorn fern sticks to the surface of other plants, like large jungle trees.
Epiphytic plants allow growers to get creative when it comes to displaying them. Because they don’t need soil, they also don’t need a pot (although you can still put them in one if you want a traditional look).
Instead, many plant parents mount their staghorn ferns on individual wooden or cork boards using moss or other organic material, before attaching them to the wall. You can find out how to do this in this handy YouTube video.
However, others might want to mix and match epiphytic plants to create living collages like the one in this article from Pistils Nursery. Or why not hang them in baskets?
As for how to keep them happy, staghorn ferns hail from the humid rainforests of Southeast Asia and Australia – so they’re a great one to grow in your bathroom. However, make sure there’s a window nearby because they need bright but indirect sunlight. For information on watering, check out this article from Gardening Know How.
5. Polka dot begonia
Due to their striking leaves, begonias are popular among plant lovers looking to jazz up their living spaces. Begonia metallica – with its iridescent, wrinkled leaves – and Begonia rex – with its vivid purple hue – are common choices. However, if you’re looking for something more unique, why not consider polka dot begonia?
The polka dot begonia (or Begonia maculata) has one of the most visually exciting leaves of any houseplant. Not only are they adorned with silver spots – which look like they’ve been painted on – but they’re also uniquely shaped like angel wings and sport a bold red underside. In fact, they’re said to have inspired fashion giant Christian Louboutin to design his iconic red-soled stilettos.
Though the charms of this Pollock-esque plant don’t stop there, as begonias are also known for their air-purifying qualities.
However, this all comes at a price, as polka dot begonias can be challenging to look after. Originating in the rainforest of South America, they do well in warm, humid spots with indirect sunlight. So try to place yours in a bright kitchen or bathroom and keep its soil moist.
Note: Polka dot begonias are toxic to humans and animals, so keep them out of reach of pets and children.
6. Desert rose
The desert rose is a truly beautiful and one-of-a-kind plant. Not actually a rose but a succulent, it’s evolved to survive in some of the harshest climates in the world, putting on mesmerising displays of colour in otherwise bleak environments.
Native to arid areas of Africa, Madagascar, and the Middle East, the desert rose is famous for its thick, woody stem and luminescent white, pink, or red flowers. It makes a perfect patio plant in drier, warmer climates, but in the UK you’ll need to grow it inside.
To recreate its native conditions as best you can, place your desert rose in a sunny spot – by a south-facing window or in a conservatory, for example. Water infrequently (around once a month in autumn and winter and a little more during spring and summer) and place in a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot.
However, before adding a desert rose to your home, it’s worth noting that they can get very large (up to three metres tall and over a metre wide) – so you’ll need plenty of space.
Note: Desert roses are toxic to humans and animals, so be sure to keep them out of reach of children or pets.
7. Air plants
Like the staghorn fern, air plants are epiphytes – meaning they don’t need soil to grow, instead using their roots to cling to other surfaces. However, they’re generally much smaller than staghorn ferns, allowing you to display them in lots of weird and wonderful ways.
For example, some people place them inside cholla wood (dried cactus stems). The air plants’ tendrils wrap through the holes, giving the appearance of some kind of ocean-dwelling creature in its lair.
Continuing the marine theme, another way to display these curious specimens is to place them inside sea urchin shells and hang them from your ceiling. Together, the plant and shell look uncannily like a jellyfish. This article from Garden Therapy will walk you through how to create this effect.
For more ideas on how to display air plants, why not read this blog post from Super Moss?
Air plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. When it comes to watering, submerge them completely a few times a week for around 20 minutes. Stand them upside down on a towel afterwards and allow them to dry completely to prevent rot. Check out this guide from Homes & Gardens to learn more.
8. Variegated monstera
Monstera deliciosa, or the ‘Swiss cheese plant’, has become popular in recent years with those looking to adorn their homes with greenery. They sport an appealing aesthetic – with large, holey leaves – and are relatively easy to look after.
If you like the sound of a Monstera deliciosa but would prefer something that’ll help your plant collection stand out from the crowd, then why not consider its more elusive and expensive cousin: the variegated monstera?
Variegated plants are ones that have leaves and/or stems with different coloured sections. This unique colouring is caused by a lack of chlorophyll (the pigment that makes plants green) in some of the cells. Sometimes, leaves are marbled with swirls of white, while others have sections that look like they’ve been entirely painted over.
The original type of variegated monstera (Monstera deliciosa variegata, or ‘true variegated monsteras’) was born due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation. However, other types have been genetically engineered to have equally striking appearances – like the ‘Thai Constellation’ variety.
To learn more about variegated monsteras, check out this blog post from Garden Betty.
Note: Monsteras are toxic if ingested, so keep out of reach of children and pets.
9. Hoya kerrii
Hoya kerrii are a captivating and endearing addition to any indoor garden. Hailing from Southeast Asia, their unique leaves – which are cookie-cutter heart-shaped – have earned them nicknames like ‘hoya hearts’ or ‘lucky hearts’.
Popular for their easy-going, low-maintenance nature, Hoya kerrii prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place them in well-draining soil and try to avoid overwatering – every few weeks will do; just make sure that the top inch of soil is dry each time.
Just as famous for their slow growth as their iconic leaves, Hoya kerrii are well-suited to patient caretakers – and they’ll eventually reward you with occasional clusters of sweet-smelling, star-shaped flowers.
One thing to remember when buying Hoya kerri is that the single-leaf varieties sold in most garden centres – while cute – will probably not grow into a much larger plant. If you want your plant to develop, make sure you buy one with a few leaves and a visible, rooted stem.
10. Living stones
Lithops – known as ‘living stones’ or ‘pebble plants’ – are extraordinary succulent plants that mimic the appearance of small pebbles or stones. Native to arid regions of Southern Africa, these quirky plants have adapted to blend seamlessly into their rocky surroundings to avoid predators.
While some are grey or brown, others can be luminous green or vivid pink – so they can form dazzling mosaics, like little art installations in your home. Plus, in autumn or early winter, little flowers resembling dandelions or daisies can emerge from the crack down the middle – adding to the display.
Living stones require very little maintenance as long as you provide them with the right conditions.
Firstly, like other succulents, they need well-draining soil – a cacti-specific mix is typically a good choice – as they’re very susceptible to overwatering. In fact, living stones go completely dormant during the summer and winter months, so they won’t need watering at all during this time.
As for the rest of the year, dowse every couple of weeks, when the soil has had a chance to dry out completely.
As far as light is concerned, try giving them as much as possible. South-facing windows are preferable, and if you don’t have an area with at least three hours of direct sunlight, you might need to invest in a growing lamp.
Final thoughts…
From the exotic to the extraordinary, we hope this list not only shows that the world of botany has no bounds, but that there are plenty of unique and unusual plants that can thrive in our homes.
For more house plant inspiration, head over to our home and garden section. Here, you’ll find a range of articles, from 12 shade-loving houseplants for low-light rooms to 10 low-maintenance indoor plants that can add life to your home.
Have you got any of the plants listed in this article? Or are you tempted to add any of them to your collection? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.