Plants come in so many different shapes, colors, and sizes that choosing which ones to add to your collection can be surprisingly difficult. That’s especially true if you’re limited on space or budget.
These are some of my favourite plants that I think are the most interesting. Some are unusual, some are incredibly beautiful, and others have fascinating features that make them stand out. They might not be everyone’s taste, but these are the plants I’d love to fill my collection with.
Swallowtail Plant
One of my absolute favourites is the swallowtail plant. I just think it’s incredibly unusual looking. The leaves have a butterfly-like shape that immediately catches your attention, and it’s not a plant you see in many people’s collections.
Stromanthe Triostar
The Stromanthe Triostar is one of the prettiest foliage plants around. I love the striking mix of pink, cream, and dark green leaves. The colours are so vibrant, and I really like the elegant shape of the leaves too.
Florida Ghost
The Florida Ghost is such a unique philodendron. I love its ghostly white leaves, and one of the coolest things about it is that the amount of light it receives can influence how white or green the foliage becomes. It’s like the plant is constantly changing.
Sensitive Plant
I’ve always loved the sensitive plant because it’s interactive. Watching the leaves fold up when you touch them never gets old. Any plant that reacts to you instantly is fascinating.
Mermaid Tail Plant
The mermaid tail plant is another unusual one. Its strange, textured growth makes it look completely different from most houseplants, which is exactly why I like it.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant is another favourite because it’s always moving. Throughout the day you can actually watch the leaves change position, lifting and lowering with the light. It makes the plant feel much more alive.
Peace Lily
The peace lily isn’t particularly unusual, but it’s one of those plants that always looks elegant. Between its glossy leaves and white flowers, it’s a stunning addition to almost any collection.
String of Turtles
I love string plants in general, but the String of Turtles has to be my favourite. The tiny leaves genuinely resemble little turtle shells, making it both unusual and incredibly cute.
Begonia Pavonina
The Begonia Pavonina is famous for its stunning iridescent blue shimmer. It’s one of the most eye-catching foliage plants you can own and looks almost unreal in the right light.
Polka Dot Begonia
I absolutely love polka dot patterns, so the polka dot begonia was always going to make this list. The spotted leaves are bold, distinctive, and instantly recognisable.
Tiny Dancer Alocasia
The Tiny Dancer is such a fun-looking plant. Its small, upright leaves give it a unique appearance that’s unlike most other alocasias, making it a real conversation starter.
Alocasia Stingray
The Stingray plant is one of the most unusual alocasias available. The leaves really do resemble stingrays gliding through the water, making it one of the most striking houseplants you can own.
Alocasia Bambino
The Alocasia Bambino plant is more common than some of the others on this list, but it’s still incredibly attractive. Its narrow, dramatic leaves make it a standout plant despite being easier to find.
Calathea Ornata
The Calathea Ornata is another plant I love because of its beautiful colouring. The dark green leaves are covered with delicate light pink stripes, creating a really elegant contrast.
Sundew Plant
The sundew is one of the prettiest carnivorous plants in my opinion. Its tiny, sparkling sticky droplets almost look like they’re covered in dew, even though they’re actually used to trap insects.
Butterwort
The butterwort is another fascinating carnivorous plant. Its sticky leaves catch small flies, making it both unusual and surprisingly useful if you have fungus gnats around your house.
Scarlet Bell Pitcher Plant
The Scarlet Bell pitcher plant has to be one of the most unusual plants on this list. Instead of sticky leaves, it catches insects using its beautiful pitcher-shaped traps, making it both strange and incredibly interesting.
These are the plants that I personally find the most interesting. I definitely seem to be drawn towards plants that are interactive, have unusual shapes, or feature really striking colours and patterns. They might not all be rare, and they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think each one brings something unique to a plant collection. If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s a little different, any of these would make a fantastic choice.