Rare houseplants are the ultimate statement pieces for any plant lover’s home. From unique leaf patterns to mesmerizing colors, these plants not only stand out but also grow happily indoors—if you give them the right care.
Ready to add something special to your collection? Here’s our handpicked list of 10 rare indoor plants, plus tips on where to find them.
1. Monstera obliqua
🌿 Why it’s rare:
This plant is famous for its ultra-delicate, lace-like leaves—more hole than leaf.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Bright, indirect light
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High humidity
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Well-draining, airy soil
📍 Where to find:
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Etsy (reputable sellers only)
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Rare plant nurseries like NSE Tropicals or Steve's Leaves
2. Anthurium clarinervium
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Velvety, heart-shaped leaves with dramatic white veins make this a visual stunner.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Moderate to bright indirect light
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Likes humidity and consistent moisture
📍 Where to find:
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Equatorial Exotics
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Local tropical plant pop-ups
3. Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Striking pink variegation against dark green leaves—it’s Instagram-famous for a reason.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Needs bright, indirect light to maintain pink color
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Avoid overwatering
📍 Where to find:
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Ecuagenera
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Facebook plant trading groups (verify seller ratings!)
4. Variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii variegata)
🌿 Why it’s rare:
A cascading beauty with pink-edged, heart-shaped leaves.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Loves bright light
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings
📍 Where to find:
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Etsy shops
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Local succulent & cactus vendors
5. Philodendron ‘Gloriosum’
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Huge, velvety green leaves with striking white veins and a creeping growth habit.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Medium to bright indirect light
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Needs space to crawl horizontally
📍 Where to find:
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Rooted Tropicals
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Rare plant markets
6. Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Silvery-green leaves with deep, scale-like texture—like something out of a fantasy world.
🏡 Indoor care:
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High humidity
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Likes warmth and frequent watering (without soggy soil)
📍 Where to find:
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Plantify or Gabriella Plants
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Local Alocasia collectors
7. Hoya ‘Mathilde’
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Compact and covered in fuzzy leaves, with clusters of fragrant flowers when happy.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Bright, indirect light
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Let soil dry slightly before watering
📍 Where to find:
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Online Hoya specialty shops
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Plant swaps
8. Syngonium ‘Albo Variegata’
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Arrow-shaped leaves splashed with white variegation—eye-catching and fast-growing.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Bright, filtered light
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Regular pruning to encourage bushier growth
📍 Where to find:
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Ecuagenera USA
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Instagram sellers (with buyer protections)
9. Ficus shivereana ‘Moonshine’
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Subtle, speckled variegation on soft green leaves—it’s a classy twist on the popular rubber plant.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Bright light helps maintain variegation
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Let soil dry slightly between waterings
📍 Where to find:
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Rare Ficus growers
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Online platforms like Mercari or Facebook Marketplace
10. Begonia maculata (Polka Dot Begonia)
🌿 Why it’s rare:
Silver polka dots on deep green angel-wing leaves, with reddish undersides.
🏡 Indoor care:
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Likes humidity and filtered light
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Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot
📍 Where to find:
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Local plant shops
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Online sellers like The Sill or Bloomscape
🛒 Final Tips on Buying Rare Plants
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Check reviews before purchasing online. Stick to verified sellers or platforms with buyer protection.
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Ask for real photos of the plant, not just stock images.
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Quarantine new plants for a week before adding them to your collection.
🌟 Wrapping Up
Rare plants may seem intimidating, but many of them adapt beautifully to indoor life. With a little research, patience, and the right conditions, your indoor jungle can bloom with unique and stunning varieties.