Garden & Home TeamThe rare-indoor-plant trade has boomed in recent years. And with it, an ongoing debate about which plants are truly rare and which are perceived to be, but houseplant collectors certainly won’t be disappointed with these varieties.
Begonia amphioxus
This is definitely a prima donna of the indoor-plant world. Its unusual shaped bright green leaves and ruby red dots make it a true beauty. They require constant warm, humid conditions and should be grown in bright light, not direct sun.
Alocasia cuprea ‘Red Secret’
Not as rare as it was a year ago, this plant does not have cuprea as the specific epithet for nothing. The leaves truly shine, glimmering like polished copper. Avoid cold weather or keep slightly drier during the winter if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Philodendron brandtianum
Truly a charming creeping/vining species of philodendron. These are fairly easy to grow, providing good humidity is maintained, especially through the dryer months. Temperatures below
10°C will result in slower growth.
Hoya krohniana ‘Super Eskimo’
One of our favourite hoya cultivars at the moment, although not as easy to grow as Hoya carnosa. ‘Super Eskimo’ requires warmer growing conditions and cannot handle minimum temperatures lower than 8 °C. Provide bright light – the silver on the leaves intensifies with higher light and temperatures.
Philodendron verrucosum
The leaves of this species are truly special. Always provide high humidity, dappled light and avoid temperatures below 8 and above 30°C.
Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo variegata’
Incredibly popular at the moment and all over social media feeds. Growing requirements are much the same as for the normal green variety. Because the plant has variegation it tends to grow slower.
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