Indoor plants enhance your space’s appearance and ambiance. They have been shown to eliminate air pollutants, boost moods, reduce stress, increase creativity, and make people happier and healthier. Common plants found inside homes include aloe vera, the spider plant, peace lily, weeping fig, and jade plant.
There are also plenty of rare plants that you might not see that often but will add a special touch to your indoor space. Let’s take a look at them now.
What Are Rare Plants?
Rare plants tend to occur sparsely or only in a restricted geographic range. You can find these rare plants sold in-plant stores, garden centers, and online, at retailers like Flora Folia.
Stuck for inspiration? Here are five of the most exciting plants you didn’t know you wanted.
- Zanzibar Zenzi
Zanzibar zamioculcas – otherwise known as Zenzi, Zanzibar Zenzi, or ZZ – is an easy-to-grow indoor plant, perfect for novice growers. They have small glossy leaves that grow up to 3 feet long indoors. This plant grows well in bright sunshine, but will also be absolutely fine in low-light conditions. It’s not particularly thirsty, and will thrive with relatively infrequent watering; all in all, it’s a pretty easy indoor plant to care for.
This plant removes harmful indoor pollutants, such as toluene and xylene, aromatic solvents found in dyes, lacquers, glues, inks, varnishes, paint removers, paints, cleaners, degreasers, and pesticides. These are clear, colorless liquids with a pungent odor that can be detected at low air concentrations.
Below are some tips when caring for Zanzibar Zamioculcas Zenzi:
- Pruning: You don’t have to prune Zanzibar Zenzi often. Just remove dead leaves and unwanted stalks, and reserve major pruning for the spring and summer.
- Cleaning: Clean the leaves regularly using a damp cloth. Decrease dust build-up by incorporating misting into your cleaning routine.
- Repotting: Plants grow slower indoors than when they’re in the wild. Depending on the plant size and root density, it’s a good idea to to encourage new growth and provide fresh nutrients by repotting every two to three years.
- Cast Iron Plant
This rare indoor plant is also known by its botanical name, Aspidistra elatior. It’s a tough, leathery foliage plant that was popular in the Victorian era, but its good looks transcend time and fashion, making it suitable for any home design. It also has the ability to purify indoor air.
Here are some handy things to know about Aspidistra elatior:
- This indoor plant is tolerant of poor air quality and low light levels.
- Aspidistra adds a touch of elegance to your home style.
- This plant is ideal for cooler areas of the house, helping to bring a taste the tropics indoors.
- Ponytail Palm
The Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) isn’t a palm, but it belongs to the Agave family. It has an identifiable bulbous trunk that stores water, with long, fine leaves growing from the top like a ponytail, hence the name.
Check the following tips on how to care for ponytail palm:
- Place ponytail palms in a bright location, preferably under indirect sunlight.
- Keep the soil fairly dry. Allow the top inch to dry completely before watering again.
- When the tips of the leaves turn brown with distinct yellowing, your ponytail plant is overwatered. Pruning is necessary using a clean pair of sheers.
- Quicksilver
The botanical name for Quicksilver is Tradescantia fluminensis, a native to South America. It is also called inch plant, river spiderwort, and small-leaf spiderwort, and has striking striped green and white leaves. This plant is fleshy, lush, and fast-growing; it’s a real beauty, and a great addition to your indoor plant collection.
Take a look at these tips when caring for Quicksilver:
- Water the plant when the soil begins to dry.
- Quicksilver can also be grown outside or in a semi-outdoor space, such as a balcony or terrace. Make sure to keep it in partial shade.
- If you want to keep the plant compact, pinch the stem at the beginning of the growing season.
- Bungalow Palm
This plant’s botanical name is Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. Integrating a bungalow plant adds an instant tropical touch to your home. This plant has luscious mermaid tail fronds, which are popular indoors, and best grown in large pots.
Consider these tips when caring for a bungalow palm:
- Keep the roots warm with mulch.
- Palms love organic matter; enrich them with a home-made compost or similar.
- Keep the palm moist in summer and dry in winter.
Conclusion
You have just learned about the rare plants you probably didn’t know you wanted – until now! Zanzibar Zenzii, Cast Iron Plant, Ponytail Palm, Quicksilver, and Bungalow Palm are great additions to your home, apartment, or office. You can choose the best rare indoor plants based on your skill level in plant stores, garden centers, or online.
