My top 3 plants you won’t see everywhere.

There’s something fun about discovering plants that other people might not consider as houseplant material.   Today I’m sharing 3 of my such plants.    Let me know what you think of them.

When you’re just starting with indoor plants, popular varieties are perfect for sparking your plant passion.  But after a while, you might find yourself wanting something more unique.

Today, I’ll share my top three picks.   They’re unusual, fascinating, and certainly not commonly used as houseplants.   They’d be a fantastic addition to any plant collection.

Syngonium Podophyllum ‘Mokito’:

Each leaf has its own stunning, unpredictable variegation – the splashes of lime and mint-green make each leaf a mini-masterpiece.  Once you have a few of the more common Syngoniums these would be ideal to add to your collection.

Why they are Uncommon:

These specific cultivars are special plants because of their intense and unpredictable variegation.  Often traded among plant enthusiasts rather than sold in large quantities. 

Care:

Variegated plants need more light.  The variegated sections don’t have the chlorophyll that the green sections do, so the whole plants photosynthesis is less efficient.  Plus, many variegated plants grow slower or have weaker growth.

But be aware that too much sun can scorch delicate variegation on plants.  Finding the happy medium is the key to having these plants look their best. 

Easy to grow, given general plant requirements and keeping an eye out for insect infestations.

Since these plants love to grow vines, you can either provide some support (moss pole or trellis) or allow it to cascade freely.

Procris repens syn Pellionia (Trailing Watermelon Begonia):

While sometimes mistaken for Peperomia, this plant has a delicate beauty and uniquely textured leaves with dark green veins and a lighter green background, often with purple undersides.   It trails beautifully over the edges of pots.

Why it’s Uncommon:

It is not as widely available as other common trailing plants.  Its subtle, intricate beauty makes it really stand out.

Care:

Research says they prefer consistent moisture but not soggy, so ultimately suited to terrariums or humid conditions.

But mine do not receive this pampering.  They get a tough-love approach, like all my plants, and still they thrive.

Euphorbia platyclade (Dead Stick Plant):

This succulent has flattened, segmented, ribbon-like stems that branch out irregularly.  It truly is a weird plant with its very sculptural, almost skeletal appearance.  It is not a plant I would call pretty, yet it has a captivating sculptural quality.

I personally love Euphorbias and have a large collection of them.

Why it’s Uncommon:

Its appearance is highly unusual.  Perhaps not immediately recognised as a plant, let alone an alive and thriving specimen.

Care:

Not something that I would grow as a houseplant in my house, due to the conditions it requires.   Your house might receive more light than my house, so consider this one.

It looks like something from another planet, but it’s surprisingly easy-going.

Euphorbias need bright light, or even a sunny area out on the deck will work well.  They thrive on neglect as they are very drought tolerant.

Euphorbia may induce adverse reactions in certain individuals; exercise caution when handling them.

Today’s plants are not that rare but are not often available.  They were all sourced through my plant contacts.  I often swap plants with people that I have met, mostly through social media or markets.   I prefer to meet in person whenever able to make these connections more special.

 As always, when I talk about plants, I only use examples that I have in my own collection.

Have you encountered these plants, or do you have any other “uncommon” gems in your indoor plant collection?

Perhaps I will see you this weekend,
at the Waikato Branch, Annual Tree Crops Sale Day.  

Who knows what will be on offer this time, but there is always something of interest.

I will have a selection of plants and pottery there as well.   
Come and say hi, if you decide to go to it.  



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