Unusual and Interesting Indoor Plants for the Home
We already know that plants in the home offer several benefits, so why settle for usual when there are so many interesting and unusual house plants you could display in your home.
02/07/2022
Indoor plants are wonderful for bringing the garden indoors and they can instantly add a fresh vibe to a stale room. Indoor plants have been gaining popularity in the 21st century and there are trendy plants that pop up on social media all the time, driving increased attention to the benefits of owning a few indoor plants.
peperomia 'napoli nights'
Peperomia Varieties
Having recently purchased a couple of Peperomia for my home, I was also surprised to see some very unusual plants at my local Woolworths store in the garden section. If you haven't yet taken note of these, you must take a look at your local Woolies store. The stock of indoor plants that they offer is of the best quality and they usually offer some exciting indoor plants, plants that you don't even see in garden centres.
peperomia 'watermelon'
Care for Peperomia
One thing that all Peperomia species love is well-drained soil, and it is recommended that you use an orchid potting mix to ensure the roots remain dry. Only occasional watering is required and a bright spot away from direct sunlight. I have one Peperomia in the kitchen under LED lights and one in the bathroom close to the window. They are both flourishing well.
peperomia schumi red
"Plants are solar powered air purifiers whose filter never needs replacing.”
- Khang Kijarro Nguyen.
Gasteria 'Ox Tongue'
This indigenous plant of the genus Gasteria is found growing wild throughout the country. Popular as an indoor plant, it is easy to grow and doesn't require much in the way of maintenance. When planted in a well-draining soil, only a good watering is needed when it the soil is dry.
Care for Gasteria
Give the plant a good watering when the soil dry but avoid water on the leaves. If happy with its situation, this plant will reward you with shoots that can be removed and replanted. These plants like indirect, bright light indoors and can also be put outdoors in display in a shady spot.
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”
- Luther Burbank
Streptocarpus 'Pretty Turtle'
This unusual and rare plant is known for its patterned foliage that resembles the markings on a turtle's back. Their hardy nature makes them ideal as indoor plants, bringing interest to a bright spot out of direct sunlight.
Caring for Streptocarpus
While they like a bright spot, these plants do not enjoy direct sunlight, they also a prefer their soil to be kept moist but overwatering is not good. Water only when the soil starts to dry and apply organic plant food once a month. Bear in mind that the leaves of this plant can be toxic, so set up a spot that is out of reach of children and pets.
"To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul."
- Alfred Austin
Calathea Varieties
All Calathea varieties like a bright spot of indirect light and only need to be watered when the soil is dry. They prefer a moist soil that drains well.
Calathea 'orbifolia' is a beautiful, variegated plant that has an interesting pattern and colour and can grow up to 30 cm in the perfect position. All Calathea varieties like a bright spot of indirect light and only need to be watered when the soil is dry. They prefer a moist soil
Calathea 'roseopicta' brings a splash of rosy colour to a room that provides a stark contrast to the unusual leaf pattern in silver and green.
Calathea 'freddie' has a striking zebra pattern on the leaves that is a striking feature of this plant. Bright light and regular watering are all this plant needs to flourish.
Calathea amabilis - Lifestyle Garden Centre
“I grow plants for many reasons: to please my eye or to please my soul, to challenge the elements or to challenge my patience, for novelty or for nostalgia, but mostly for the joy in seeing them grow.”
- David Hobson.
Ficus Lyrata 'fiddle leaf fig'
The fiddle-leaf fig has gone from being an unknown plant to an indoor plant of note. Aptly named for the shape of its large leaves, the fiddle-leaf fig is a gorgeous specimen plant that can reach a height of up to one metre. These plants are also known for being air-purifiers since they can absorb VOCs from the air.
Caring for Ficus Lyrata
Give them a spot with high light but out of indirect sunlight and these plants will be happy. You can plant them under a grow-lamp or have them close to a window where they can be turned occasionally so that all their leaves get to soak up bright light. The plant only needs water when it is dry, so water every 8 to 10 days. Overwatering can cause brown spots on the leaves, so keep a lookout for this.
"You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy plants, and that’s pretty much the same thing."
Unknown
Alocasia dragon scale
A beautiful specimen plant, the Alocasia is a rare plant that is perfect for a humid room. It loves indirect light and a warm spot and likes its roots to dry out between watering. This is the ideal plant for areas with high humidity.
Caring for Alocasia
A bright spot, watering when dry and lots of humidity (or spraying with a mister) and this little gem will thrive. Place it in a bathroom or wet room or on a shaded patio. Only apply fertilizer every few months.
Stromanthe sanguinea
The striking foliage of this plant makes it a popular indoor plant. It does not like cold, so keep it away from draughty windows and out of direct sunlight - just bright light. Another plant that loves humidity and a hot environment, it is ideal for a north-facing room.
Caring for Stromanthe
Water at least once a week in hot weather to keep the soil moist for not too wet and mist the foliage between watering. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves, but it does love bright, indirect light.