rare houseplant solid green spider plant

Top 5 Rare Houseplants in the World

January 20, 2023

There are plenty of studies that explain why humans love rare things. From diamonds to coins, comics to trainers, the human race is obsessed with collecting things that are available in incredibly short supply. Why should rare houseplants be any different?

Plant collectors across the world are searching high and low for unusual, rare houseplants and are willing to spend some serious cash to obtain them. With variegated monsteras and rare philodendrons with four-figure price tags, rare indoor plants are all the rage.

Rare Houseplant #1: Solid Green Spider Plant

I was recently gifted an incredibly rare plant from a family friend: the Solid Green Spider Plant. Also known as the Shamrock Spider Plant, a Solid Green Spider Plant is known for having just one color.

Since the most commonly found version of the spider plant is variegated, the Solid Green Spider Plant is anything but boring. Its bright and vibrant block color makes it unique, interesting, and harder to find.

The Solid Green Spider Plant is such a rare plant that it produces its own babies to share the love and maintain healthy growth. Cute!

Rare Houseplant #2: Variegated Monstera Deliciosa

Variegated plants are having a serious moment right now and variegated monsteras are among the most sought-after rare plants. Two particular variegated monsteras are in serious demand right now: the Monstera Albo Variegata and the Monstera Thai Constellation.

Monstera Albo Variegata

The most popular variegated monstera is by far the albo monstera, aptly named for its beautiful white leaves. Like all variegated plants, this variegated monstera grows slowly due to a lack of chlorophyll. Since its defect is natural, tissue culture is so far proving impossible, making growth far too slow to satisfy demand.

Monstera Thai Constellation

The Thai Constellation is another sought-after variegated monstera that originates in Thailand. Whilst the albo is typically taller in shape, the Thai Constellation is shorter with off-white speckles across its leaves. Although the Thai Constellation has been produced for years in tissue culture, growers simply cannot keep up with demand from Europe and the USA.

Rare Houseplant #3: Rare Philodendrons

There are plenty of rare philodendrons, although none more so than the Philodendron Pink Princess and the Philodendron Gloriosum.

Philodendron Pink Princess

Unlike the albo variegated monstera, this philodendron’s variegated leaves are pink in color – supposedly mutating from the Philodendron Erubescens’ deep red flowers. The pink variegation beautifully complements the natural dark green contrast to create a picture-perfect pattern that’s truly Instagram-worthy.

While multiple growers are known to be propagating their mother plants, demand still outweighs supply – and it’s not difficult to see why! The Philodendron Pink Princess is the perfect example of a rare houseplant that’s sure to turn heads.

Philodendron Gloriosum

Another example of a rare philodendron is the Philodendron Gloriosum. Its large, heart-shaped leaves have a velvet effect with contrasting white veining veins. With plenty of growers trying to satisfy demand, the prices of this rare houseplant have dropped dramatically, making it one of the more affordable rare plants to add to your collection.

Rare Houseplant #4: Epipremnum Amplissimum Silver Stripe

The Epipremnum Amplissimum Silver Stripe belongs to the Pothos strain. Native to Australia and New Guinea, the Silver Stripe has elongated and glossy leaves with superb silver stripes. With far-reaching vines, the Epipremnum Amplissimum variegated plant is the perfect contribution to any urban jungle or rare plant collection.

Rare Houseplant #5: Pseudolithos Cubiformis

The Pseudolithos Cubiformis is a distinctly modern plant that perfectly suits geometric, eclectic styles. A cubic-shaped succulent, the Pseudolithos Cubiformis maintains its rare shape when sufficiently nourished, making it one of the easiest plants to care for though its rarity makes it one of the most expensive plants to buy.

Rare Indoor Plants: worth the hype?

Owning a rare indoor plant is about more than status and hype. A rare houseplant adds depth and color to a plant collection and sparks joy in the lives of many plant parents.

There are some disadvantages to owning rare plants, however, since the seeming lack of progress due to slower growth makes them a little more difficult to care for.

The verdict

If you’re on the market for a rare indoor plant, consider something like the Philodendron Gloriosum whose price has decreased significantly in recent months. Or, better yet, keep it in the family by propagating rare plants owned by family and friends to add an extra special rare plant to your collection.