Tasneem SoniThe houseplant obsession that swept the world a few years ago is showing no signs of slowing down, creating a generation of houseplant experts and avid collectors. But the focus is no longer on the low-maintenance and beginner friendly.
Indoor plant enthusiasts are now after rare plants, unusual plants, and expensive plants – usually a combination of all three. Getting all the attention on social media feeds, these houseplants are the hottest collectors’ items of the year.
Variegated Monstera
Lush leafy houseplants featured at the top of most-wanted houseplant lists and are still favorites in many plant lover’s hearts. The most well-known of these is the ever-popular Monstera. This genus of plants, the most famous of which is Monstera deliciousa, is incredibly sought after, but none is more prized than the variegated Monstera.
Featuring patches of stark white across the foliage, or more interestingly, leaves with half white and half green split down the middle, you can’t scroll through your social media feeds without coming across one of these beauties. They are quite difficult to care for due to the high levels of variegation, reserved for the most diligent of plant parents.
Hoyas
The incredible range of the Hoya genus is only one part of this plant’s popularity. They have stunning waxy leaves in a range of colors, textures and shapes, and they are one of the few houseplants known to reliably produce flowers indoors. These clusters typically come in pink or white and add a pop of color to your interior design in a plant world focused on green foliage.
Their thick leaves also hold plenty of water, meaning they require less attention than some fussier houseplants. Look for variegated varieties or rare types for a true collector’s item.
Pink Princess Philodendron
Another variegated plant, the Pink Princess Philodendron is expensive and quite difficult to find but certainly worth the detective work. One look at the stunning leaves will tell you why. This plant has deep green leaves with patches of pastel pink and grey unlike any other houseplant.
A cultivar of Philodendron erubescens, this rare houseplant is actually quite easy to care for. But, be careful when purchasing – there are imitation plants sold as Pink Princess that are actually altered by hand, reverting back to the original green color once you bring them home.
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as the Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is a trailing plant with stunning heart-shaped leaves similar to the climbing Philodendron species popular in South Africa. They are declared invasive and cannot be planted outdoors. But, bring them indoors and contain them in a pot and they make wonderful, quick growing houseplants that are incredibly low-maintenance.
The common Golden Pothos is not as popular anymore, superseded by the rare cultivars like Pearls & Jade and N’joy. There is tons of variety in variegation pattern and color, ensuring there is a perfect plant for every plant lover.
Cacti & Succulents
Cacti and succulents are generally not suitable for indoor growth. They require full sun for large parts of the day and need soil that drains incredibly well with moisture that evaporates quickly. So, why have they become some of the most popular social media houseplants?
In short, experienced houseplant owners are looking for a challenge. That, and cacti and succulents provide a structural design feel that other tropical houseplants typically don’t have. They require very sunny north-facing windows and little fuss to thrive, but they can be rewarding and low-maintenance options under the right conditions.
By Madison Moulton
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