9 rare and exotic houseplants that are actually easy to care
Explore our curated list of rare and exotic houseplants that are so easy to keep alive, grown in our Brooklyn community home. Discover the styling, propagation tips, along with how to ensure they stay thriving!
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Let’s face it, houseplants trend has taken on for some years now and a part of us want to feel differentiated. We don’t want to only grow the same old snake plants and spider plants, and pothos plants that every house has. The good news is that among the dozens of plants we have, we have also curated some really special plants that are extremely easy to care for. And want to know another unique thing about plants? a growing body of work shows they can talk and listen as well, in their own mysterious ways, this study shows.
In this article, we will not only talk about the care strategies we have adopted in caring for them in our brooklyn community home, but also point you to the places that are best to buy them from.
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
Let’s dive in.
Summary:
- Place Philodendron Pink Princess and Monstera Thai Constellation near east or west-facing windows for bright, indirect light.
- Let Hoya Carnosa and String of Pearls soil dry out between waterings, and keep Pineapple Plant soil slightly moist.
- Maintain 60-80% humidity and stable temperatures between 65-80°F, especially for Pineapple Plant and Monstera Thai Constellation.
- Use a mix of coconut coir, bark chips, and compost for Philodendron Pink Princess and Anthurium as fertilizer.
- Inspect Monstera Thai Constellation and Tradescantia Nanouk regularly for pests. Clean leaves, and use natural insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1. Pink philodendron
2. Black zz plant
3. Hoya plant
4. String of pearls
5.Pineapple plant
Here are our 9 rare and exotic houseplants
1. Pink Princess Philodendron
Mildly toxic
low/Medium light
Grows upto 5 feet
East/north windows
mildly toxic
low light
grows to 5 feet
East/north facing windows
The Pink princess Philodendron (aka Philodendron spp.): This pink trailing indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has heart-shaped, glossy pink leaves with beautiful green hues. This plant is both stylish and functional, rarely found in households. We have placed ours in the east-facing reading room, right next to its cousin with green leaves, where it thrives in bright, indirect light. Philodendrons are easy to care for, needing watering when the top inch of soil is dry. They’re manageable and forgiving, perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant parents. They are toxic to cats so we have actually hung them high in a basket and are very careful to not let the leaves drop. Its vines cascade around the top of the window frames that add a super inviting dynamic element to the room. When mature, the Philodendron can trail or climb, growing up to 5 plus feet long indoors!
Care tip: Thrive in bright, indirect light — need watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn . They’re low-maintenance — don’t let the furry animals ingest the leaves.
Propagation tip: Cut a 6-inch stem with at least one node, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Often associated with health and growth — it is well-suited for Pisces for their nurturing and caring nature
Pros and cons
($43)
($68)
($30)
$32
“Philodendron Brasil is stunning and easy to care for. It’s growing beautifully and quickly!”
2. pineapple tree
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 5 feet
west/east windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 5 feet
west/east facing windows
The Pineapple Tree (aka Ananas comosus) from the Bromeliaceae family is a striking, rarely found, tropical addition to any indoor garden. We have ours styled in a terracotta pot in our bright, west-facing living room on the first floor. The spiky, sword-like leaves are a stunning mix of green and yellow. This plant is not only visually appealing but also low-maintenance. Just water it when the top inch of soil is dry and provide good drainage. Best part: Pineapple plants are non-toxic to your pets!One of the joys, ofcourse, of having a pineapple tree is watching it produce its iconic fruit. It usually takes about two to three years to produce fruit, but we are hoping that the wait is worth it! The plant itself can grow up to five feet tall, creating a bold statement in any room.
Care tip: place it in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It thrives in well-draining soil and doesn’t like to be overwatered. Look out for yellowing leaves as a sign of too much water.
Propagation tip: Propagating this one is hard: twist off the top leafy crown from a ripe fruit, let it dry for 2-3 days, then place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long. Transfer to well-draining soil, and it will take 6-8 weeks to establish
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Pineapple Tree (Ananas comosus) symbolizes hospitality and warmth, and it’s most apt for Leos, who thrive on creating inviting spaces.
Pros and cons
($53)
($78)
($33)
$30
“It took some patience but the vibrant green leaves made it worth the effort. The plant has become a beautiful centerpiece in my living room, and I’m excited to see if it will eventually produce fruit”
3. African violet
Pet safe
medium light
Grows upto 2 feet
East/South facing windows
Pet safe
Medium light
grows to 2 feet
East/South facing windows
Meet the charming African Violet (aka Saintpaulia), a member of the Gesneriaceae family that adds a touch of vibrant color to any room! The African Violet is a stunning purple colored houseplant that has round, fuzzy leaves and blooms that range in color from deep violet to pale blue and vibrant pink, each unique in their appearances. These are ideal desk or bedroom plants! We have placed our African Violet in a ceramic pot, situated in the east-facing reading room — it only needs medium light. The African Violet is non-toxic to cats, and when it comes to maintenance, it’s manageable: consistent watering and avoiding water on the leaves are key is what we are learning. Its blossoms are not only a visual delight but also last long — they bloom several times a year! When fully grown, the African Violet remains petite, about six inches in height or diameter. Get this plant and keep it around your desk!
Care tip: water them when the topsoil feels dry, but be careful to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause spots. Place them in a spot with bright, indirect light – an east-facing window is ideal. Watch for wilting or drooping, which usually means it’s time to water. Ensure they’re in a warm spot as they prefer temperatures between 65-75°F. Keep an eye out for crown rot which can occur if the plant sits in waterlogged soil.
Propagation tip: select a healthy leaf with about 1.5 inches of stem, and place it in a small container of water, ensuring the stem is submerged but the leaf stays dry. Change the water weekly and roots should form in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once roots are an inch long, plant in small pot.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes loyalty and devotion, making it a fitting plant for Taurus, a zodiac sign known for its steadfastness and nurturing nature.
Pros and cons
($43)
($19)
$39
“The blooms keep coming in waves and stays for months!”
4. Begonia
Mildly toxic
Bright light
Grows upto 2 feet
East/South facing windows
Mildly toxic
Bright light
grows to 2 feet
East/South facing windows
The Begonia (aka Begonia spp.), a member of the Begoniaceae family, has quite uncommon asymmetrical leaves that come in a variety of shapes and colors. These also come in pink colored leaves! We’ve found that our begonia thrives best in bright, indirect light, so we have placed it on our windowsill in our our east-facing reading room. Begonias are non-toxic to humans but can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested in large amounts. These plants require only moderate watering when the topsoil dries out. They also bloom with charming clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, white, or red! Begonias can grow to about 1 to 2 feet tall!
Care tip: Begonias prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 5-7 days. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and watch for powdery mildew as a sign of high humidity. Avoid getting leaves wet to keep them healthy
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-6 inch healthy stem below a leaf node, place it in water. Ensure the node is submerged, and change the water every few days. Roots will appear in 2-4 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Begonias symbolize individuality and creativity, and they are most apt for the artistic and nurturing nature of Pisces
Pros and cons
($43)
($24)
($23)
$22
“Its vibrant blooms are stunning!”
5. Pink calathea (rosy)
Pet safe
low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/north windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/north facing windows
The pink calathea (rosy) Plant is from the Marantaceae family. This rare low light houseplant is a true eye-catcher. Each leaf looks like a piece of art, a blend of green, white, and purple patterns that resemble a peacock’s feathers. This plant thrives in low to medium, indirect light, making it perfect for our east-facing room where it enjoys gentle morning sunlight. We have placed our Peacock Plant in a beautiful ceramic planter that highlights its vibrant leaves. It grows up to 2 feet tall, and though it’s safe for pets, it does require high humidity and consistent watering to keep its foliage looking its best. Keep an eye out for drooping leaves, which can indicate it’s thirsty or lacking humidity. This one is our house favorite, sometimes we inadverttently tend to overwater because each of us want this plant to thrive :p
Care tip: Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once a week, and maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier. Watch for curling or browning leaf edges, which indicate it needs more humidity. Keep it in a warm spot away from drafts and AC and heaters please!
Propagation tip: divide the root clump during repotting, ensuring each division has several leaves and roots. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep them in indirect light with high humidity. New growth should appear within a few weeks. Water propagation is not recommended for this plant!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes renewal and creativity, making it a perfect match for Pisces, who are known for their artistic and nurturing nature.
Pros and cons
($58)
($78)
($20)
$24
“The Calathea is stunning with its vibrant patterns. It does require a bit more humidity but it’s worth it.”
5. Monstera thai
Mildly toxic
low light
Grows upto 10 feet
East/north windows
mildly toxic
low light
grows to 10 feet
East/north facing windows
The Monstera thai constellation: This exotic large leaf tropical plant, part of the Araceae family, has fenestrated, verigated leaves that develop splits and holes as they mature, and different green and white strips — giving the plant a distinctive and elegant appearance. These plants are a breeze to care for—water it when the top inch of soil is dry and it will flourish. Do note, however, that the Monstera is toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of curious animals. While it can produce flowers and fruit, this is rare indoors. When it grows big, it will reach up to 8-10 feet tall, and its broad and glossy leaves will span up to 2 feet! No wonder it is one of the most purchased plant
Care tip:Thrives in bright, indirect light — water when the top inch of soil is dry, roughly every 1-2 weeks. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering. Its aerial roots can be trained to climb a moss pole for added support and growth
Propagation tip: Cut a stem just below a node with at least one leaf and aerial root. Place the cutting in water with the node submerged, keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks before you transfer it to soil!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Monstera plant symbolizes profound growth and ambition — ideal for Leos who appreciate bold, dramatic aesthetics!
Pros and cons
($115)
($120)
($165)
$23
“I’ve seen examples of variegated monsteras in person at plant stores, but I truly believe mine from Plantvine is the prettiest example I’ve ever seen”
6. Black ZZ plant
Mildly toxic
low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/north windows
Mildly toxic
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/north facing windows
The ZZ plant (aka Zamioculcas zamiifolia): This rare easy care indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has waxy, lush, and uniquely black tropical leaves that cascade elegantly. Known for its resilience, this one thrives in low to medium light conditions. Care for the black ZZ plant, just as its ancestor zz plant, is super easy —water sparingly and watch it thrive — best for those who forget to water plants. At its tallest it is about 3 feet high. Note, however, that it is toxic to pets, so it’s best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Care tip: Prefers low to medium indirect light. Water it every 2-3 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Watch for yellowing leaves that indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Cut a healthy leaf with an inch of stem . Place it in a glass of water with only the stem submerged, not the leaf. Place the glass in bright, indirect light and change the water every week. Roots will develop in 3-4 weeks, then plant the cutting in well-draining potting soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Often seen as a symbol of prosperity and endurance, this plant is best suited for taurus and capricorn!
Pros and cons
($58)
($48)
($38)
$40
“ZZ is a favorite in your house.. it sits in our bedroom next to lamp. We haven’t killed it in 3 years!”
7. String of pearls
Mildly toxic
medium light
Grows upto 6-8 feet
East/west windows
Toxic
medium, light
grows to 6-8 feet
east/west facing windows
The String of Pearls is a stunning trailing houseplant from the Asteraceae family thats rarely found in households. Its trailing stems adorned with round, bead-like leaves resemble a string of pearls. These quirky leaves store water, so it’s a drought-tolerant beauty. We’ve placed ours in a west-facing living room and is easy to care for – just let the soil dry out completely between waterings. While it’s not pet-friendly, it is not highly toxic as well so we have kept it high above out of reach from our cats. Occasionally, it graces us with tiny, white flowers that have a subtle, cinnamon scent and bloom in late spring to early summer. This succulent can grow up to 2-3 feet long
Care tip: Water only when the soil is completely dry, about once every two to three weeks. Watch for shriveled pearls, which means it needs more water, and avoid letting water sit in the saucer of your hanging planter to prevent root rot
Propagation tip: cut a 4-6 inch stem, remove the bottom pearls, and place it in water; roots will appear in 2-3 weeks, then transfer to a well-draining cactus mix once roots are 1-2 inches long
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes joy and vibrant energy, making it perfect for enthusiastic and nurturing Leos who thrive on bringing life and color into their spaces
Pros and cons
($58)
($33)
($38)
$10
“Like pearls they drape over my window and i have tied it up so that it goes up and covers the whole rectangle of my window frame!”
8. Hoya
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3-4 feet
East/North/west facing windows
pet safe
low, light
grows to 3-4 feet
east/North facing windows
The Wax Plant (aka Hoya) belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family and has become a standout addition to our home. We have placed it in the west-facing bedroom on the first floor. Its waxy leaves glisten under the sunlight, and capture our guests attention with their unique shapes and sometimes even speckled or marbled patterns. During spring, the Hoya surprises us with clusters of sweet-scented, star-shaped flowers that seem almost sculpted from wax — trust us, this is a keeper! We’ve chosen a rustic terracotta hanging planter for it, enhancing the organic elegance it lends to the space. This plant is not toxic to cats and dogs and is also very forgiving and thrives in neglect!
Care tip: place it in a spot that gets medium to bright, indirect sunlight. Water your hoya only when the soil has completely dried out—about every 10 to 14 days, and less frequently in winter. Hoyas store water in their leaves. These plants thrive in average household humidity and prefer temperatures between 60-85°F. Avoid pruning the flower stalks after blooming as they will rebloom from the same spurs
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-5 inch stem below a node, strip lower leaves, submerge one node in water, and place in bright, indirect light. Change water every few days. Expect roots in about a month, then pot in soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes protection and spiritual healing. Individuals born under the zodiac sign of Cancer are well-suited to care for this plant!
Pros and cons
($35)
($48)
($39)
$23
“hoya plant feels so exotic. This is one plant I rarely see in other households and is so easy to manage!”
9. Pink Chinese evergreen
Mildly toxic
Low to bright light
Grows upto 3 feet
Any windows
mildly toxic
low light
grows to 3 feet
Any windows
The Chinese Evergreen (aka Aglaonema): This rare pink indoor plant, part of the Araceae family has vibrant, sprawling and welcoming pink leaves We have placed ours in the top floor north facing room, where it thrives in low light and adds a pop of color. Styled in a contemporary ceramic pot, it enhances the room’s modern look. This plant is incredibly easy to care for, barely requiring watering—just once every two weeks or when the soil feels dry. Chinese Evergreen is toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach. When mature, it can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide. Also note that the varieties with darker green leaves can tolerate dimmer conditions but those with light or colorful variegation require brighter light to retain their colors and patterns. Ours is dark green, and hence our decision to place it in the top floor north facing room.
Care tip: Thrives in low to medium. Water every 1-2 weeks. Watch for yellowing leaves that can indicate overwatering. If the leaves are silver or white, put it in a brighter spot.
Propagation tip:Cut a healthy stem with at least 5-6 inches and a few leaves. Place the cutting in water with the cut end submerged. Keep in bright, indirect light. Roots will develop in 2-3 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Chinese Evergreen symbolizes longevity and good fortune — ideal for Pisces who appreciate its calming presence and easy care.
Pros and cons
($43)
($58)
($29)
$27
“Love the pink leaves! This plant is very hardy and doesn’t require much maintenance”
How to keep these rare and exotic House Plants thriving?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Optimal Light Conditions:
The Philodendron Pink Princess and Monstera Thai Constellation prefer bright, indirect light — place them near east or west-facing windows where they receive plenty of light without being scorched by direct sun. On the other hand, the Black ZZ Plant can handle low to bright indirect light, so group them in any location, but perhaps aesthetics, the color, the height, into consideration.
Watering Techniques:
Proper watering is crucial — The Hoya Carnosa and String of Pearls prefer their soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. The Pineapple Plant needs moderate watering, where the soil should be kept slightly moist but never soggy. Always ensure pots have proper drainage to avoid water clogging because it leads to root rot.
Humidity and Temperature:
Exotic plants like the Pineapple Plant and Monstera Thai Constellation thrive in high humidity environments — aim to keep humidity levels around 60-80%, which can be achieved using a pebble tray with water. Maintain stable temperatures between 65-80°F, as these plants can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes that causes stress and hinder their growth.
Soil and Potting:
Philodendron Pink Princess and Anthurium thrive in a mix of coconut coir, bark chips, and compost, which provides good aeration and drainage. Repotting every 1-2 years helps refresh the soil and provides more space for root growth.
Pest and Disease Management:
Regularly inspect your plant like the Monstera Thai Constellation and Tradescantia Nanouk for signs of pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth can help prevent infestations. If pests are detected then use natural insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat them — this is a generic tip that works for most houseplants.
FAQ
What are some rare and exotic indoor plants for low light conditions?
- Black ZZ plant, pink princess philodendron, monstera thai constellation, Monstera peru etc are some excellent choices.
How do I care for a Monstera Thai Constellation?
- Provide bright, indirect light, water regularly but allow the soil to dry between waterings, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
Why are some houseplants so expensive?
- The high cost of some houseplants is due to factors like rarity, slow propagation rates, unique appearances, and high demand among collectors. But also, the margin for the seller is normalized to be super high these days because indoor plants have become like furniture, high value!
How can I propagate rare Philodendrons like the Pink Princess?
- Propagate by taking stem cuttings with at least one node, placing them in water or moist soil until roots develop, and ensuring they receive bright, indirect light and high humidity
What are some rare and exotic houseplants that are safe for pets?
- Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia), Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia), and Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans), African violet are some excellent choices.
Conclusion
Rare and exotic indoor plants can be a fantastic conversation starter when you have guests over. It not only sets you apart, but also introduces you to the huge diversity of plants we have on this earth, and lets you try new living beings! We hope this article has been useful for you, and has introduced you to some stunning plants you will bring home and feel empowered to care for. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. If you have any tips for new parents, please put it in the comments as well and help the community out. Happy planting!
