Let's be honest most rare plants aren't low maintenance, and these aren't snake plants; they are exotic tropicals usually from the jungles of Latin America, Asia, or Africa. However, they may seem harder than it looks and some varieties are easier than others. Some rare plants should come with a warning label, though; 'warning: may die and induce stress.'
I'm not going to sugarcoat that some rare plants are hard to grow, I believe in transparency, and if you are successful with your plants, everyone is happy.
Before I get into the top 3 easy(ish) rare plants, let me tell you which rare plants new plant parents should not buy as their first plant.
Anthurium Warocqueanum, also known as Queen Anthurium, believe me, she's the queen! It's easy to be seduced by the long velvet leaves, but unless you have a perfect greenhouse environment with grow lights, humidifiers, and more, leave this one to more experienced collectors.
Aglaonema Pictum Tricolor, also known as Aglaonema Camouflage, is another rare beauty. You may be surprised to find this on the list because Aglaonemas are usually low-maintenance plants. The reason it's on the list is that they are difficult to root. I wanted to grow them commercially but was met with hesitation from growers I've worked with in the past. If you find a rooted and established Camoflauge Aglaonema, you should be able to grow it, but usually, they are sold in juvenile form, and mature plants can be pretty costly.
Shops that flip (buy and sell, but don't grow) plants may carry some of these and say they aren't hard to grow because they aren't growing from seed or cutting. I'm not knocking those shops; I'm just pragmatic. Some may also have success with them as a beginner, but growing one plant vs. being able to stably grow and trial hundreds of plants is different and reduces your success rate if harvest trials aren't successful.
Below are our top 3 rare plant favorites and care tips for new plant collectors
1. Philodendron Gloriosum
Philodendron Gloriosums are by far one of my favorite exotic tropical plants; it may be because they are native to Colombia, one of my favorite countries in Latin America. They add drama and give a tropical look to any space. They also add depth and height and have velvet leaves, making them even more irresistible.
Philodendrons fall under the Araceae family, a diverse genera (125 and over 3k species.)
Water & Humidity
Water when topsoil is dry, do not keep it too moist. Philodendron Gloriosum can skip a watering (don't push it past a week without checking it) and don't require extremely high humidity like some rare plants. They do thrive in humid conditions, though.
When ready to water make sure to water thoroughly and all around. I like to bring my plants to the sink for a good soak and then I let it drain completely. I usually place it on a saucer and empty it several times until there is no water coming out of the pot or left on the saucer.
Light
They can be grown in shadier spots in the home (not low light; lower light) but will
grow faster in bright indirect light.
Potting Medium & Fertilizer
Like many epiphytic aroids, they need a well-draining mix; perlite, coco coir, orchid bark will do the trick. You can grow in sphagnum moss but will need to incorporate nutrients.
They benefit from fertilizer throughout spring and summer because they aren't super fast growers. Use a slow-release fertilizer and/or houseplant fertilizer and make sure to follow the packaging instructions (less is more.) I recommend new plant parents begin with slow-realease fertilizers because they are more forgiving than liquid fertilizers. If you don't measure liquid fertizliers properly you could easily end up with leaf or root burn.
2. Anthurium Clarinervium
You can't help but fall in love with a heart-shaped leaf plant like Anthurium Clarinervium. The veining on this rare masterpiece and heart shape makes it a must-have. I find the Clarinervium, if established (we're not talking about unrooted cuttings or seedlings here), is far easier than some other rare anthuriums. They also grow faster than their cousin Anthurium Crystallinum.
Clarinerviums can actually be found readily available in some plant shops in Europe. However, they are native to Mexico - viva Mexico!
Water & Humidity
They need consistent watering, but make sure not to overwater or let sit in water.
Anthurium Clarinerviums are also epiphytes, so they grow mainly on trees with exposed roots. If their roots sit in water they will be susceptible to root rot. Also, the reason why you want to be consistent with watering is that they are prone to leaf marks, which is only cosmetic but for some can be distressing. Remember that plants are living things, not hard goods like other decorative objects. Some markings or leaf tears are to be expected.
When ready to water make sure to water thoroughly and all around. I like to bring my plants to the sink, as I mentioned, for a good soak and then I let it drain completely. I usually place it on a saucer and empty it several times until there is no water coming out of the pot or left on the saucer.
Rare anthuriums do not like cold drafts and need plenty of ventilation. Poor air
circulation could lead to fungal issues.
Potting Medium & Fertilizer
Like Philodendrons, they need a well-draining mix; perlite, coco coir, orchid bark
will do the trick. You can grow in sphagnum moss but will need to incorporate nutrients.
They benefit from fertilizer during the growing season as well; spring and summer. Use a slow-release fertilizer and/or houseplant fertilizer and make sure to follow the packaging instructions (less is more). For new plant parents start with slow-release fertilizer, as I mentioned above.
3. Syngonium Albo Variegatum (Syngonium Podophyllum)
Also known as the arrowhead vine, this plant grows quickly and is easier than most other albo variegata varieties. Syngonium varieties in general make great houseplants, they are real givers!
Syngoniums are exotic tropicals native to several parts of Latin America, from Mexico to Ecuador and Brazil. However, they are quick to acclimate to home environments.
Syngonium Albos can get leggy, so if you prefer a bushier plant this may not be the best houseplant for you. You can pot several together, but it naturally grows tall and messy since they are vining plants. You can prune and encourage a bushier plant, but I prefer to leave it in it's natural form and add support for vining.
Water & Humidity
When ready to water make sure to water thoroughly and all around. As I mentioned, I like to bring my plants to the sink for a good soak and then I let it drain completely. I usually place it on a saucer and empty it several times until there is no water coming out of the pot or left on the saucer. Do not let the plant sit on water too long.
Like most aroids, they thrive in high humidity but syngomium albo will adapt to average household temperatures without needing a humidifier (provided your home has above freezing temps.)
Light
Syngonium Albo will grow well in most light conditions, except extremely low light.
They do best in medium to bring indirect light. Be careful with too much sun exposure as this can turn your albo leaves brown or burn them.
Potting Medium & Fertilizer
Like many epiphytic aroids, they need a well-draining mix; perlite, coco coir, orchid bark will do the trick. You can grow in sphagnum moss but will need to incorporate nutrients.
Use a slow-release fertilizer and/or houseplant fertilizer and make sure to follow the packaging instructions (less is more.) As mentioned, if you are new to rare houseplants start with a slow-release.
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