Indoor plants have become increasingly popular in recent years, with the United States experiencing a significant surge in houseplant interest. According to a 2021 survey of independent garden centers in the U.S. and Canada, succulents and foliage plants were nearly universally offered, reflecting their widespread appeal.1
As more people embrace the world of indoor greenery, you might be curious about unique and visually striking plants that can transform living spaces.
Here are 17 of the most bizarre and beautiful houseplants that are adding an extraordinary touch to homes across the country.
1. Trachyandra (Trachyandra tortilis)
Hailing from the arid regions of Madagascar and South Africa, the Trachyandra is a perennial plant that looks like it’s having a bad hair day. Its dark green leaves curl and twist in spirals, creating a whimsical, almost comical appearance.
This quirky feature has made Trachyandra a favorite among fans of unusual houseplants, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to a minimalist space.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright indirect or direct light
- Water: Low to medium, once a week
- Soil: Well-draining with 25% sand
- Humidity: Low to moderate
- Temperature: 60-80°F
2. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
The String of Pearls plant is a succulent that lives up to its name with cascading stems adorned with small, spherical leaves that resemble a string of green pearls. This unique trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves, where its delicate strands can dangle freely, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining succulent mix
- Humidity: Low to moderate
- Temperature: 70-80°F
3. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
The Venus Flytrap is nature’s own little horror show. This carnivorous plant features hinged leaves that snap shut when triggered by unsuspecting insects. Not only is it a fascinating conversation piece, but it also serves as a natural pest control for your home, trapping flies and other small insects.
Care Guide:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Soil: Nutrient-poor, acidic soil mix
- Humidity: High
- Temperature: 70-95°F
4. Living Stones (Lithops spp.)
Lithops, aptly nicknamed “living stones,” are succulent plants that have evolved to resemble pebbles or rocks. This clever camouflage helps them survive in their native harsh desert environments.
These little oddities come in various colors and patterns, making them a delightful addition to any succulent collection.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, direct light
- Water: Minimal, mainly in growing season
- Soil: Very well-draining, gritty mix
- Humidity: Low
- Temperature: 65-80°F
5. Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
The Bat Flower is a stunning curiosity that looks like it flew straight out of a Tim Burton movie. With its large, dark purple or black flowers and long, whisker-like bracts, this plant is sure to be a showstopper in any indoor garden.
Despite its exotic appearance, it’s related to the humble orchid.
Care Guide:
- Light: Partial shade
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix
- Humidity: High
- Temperature: 60-85°F
6. Buddha’s Temple (Crassula pyramidalis)
Buddha’s Temple is a succulent that looks like a perfectly stacked tower of finely carved jade. Its geometric precision is truly a wonder of nature, with each leaf fitting snugly against the next to form a compact, square column.
This architectural plant is a living sculpture that adds a touch of zen to any space.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining succulent mix
- Humidity: Low
- Temperature: 60-75°F
7. Dolphin Succulent (Senecio peregrinus)
The Dolphin Succulent, a hybrid of the String of Pearls and Candle Plant, features leaves shaped like tiny leaping dolphins. This whimsical plant brings a playful aquatic theme to your indoor garden without the need for an aquarium.
Its cascading nature makes it perfect for hanging baskets or tall shelves.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining succulent mix
- Humidity: Low to moderate
- Temperature: 70-80°F
8. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
The Staghorn Fern is an epiphytic plant that grows on trees in its natural habitat. Its fronds resemble deer antlers, giving it a sculptural quality that’s both prehistoric and elegant.
Mounted on a wooden board, it becomes a living piece of wall art that adds a touch of the wild to your home.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Soak thoroughly when the mounting board feels light
- Mounting: Sphagnum moss and wooden board
- Humidity: Moderate to high
- Temperature: 60-80°F
9. Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)
The Sensitive Plant, also known as the “Touch-Me-Not,” is a fascinating interactive houseplant. Its leaves fold inward and droop when touched, only to reopen minutes later.
This unique defense mechanism makes it a hit with children and adults alike, turning plant care into an engaging experience.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- Humidity: Moderate to high
- Temperature: 60-85°F
10. Medusa’s Head (Euphorbia caput-medusae)
Medusa’s Head is a succulent that lives up to its mythological name. Its central stem produces numerous snake-like branches that twist and turn, creating a wild, serpentine appearance.
This unique plant adds a touch of drama and intrigue to any succulent collection.
Care Guide:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining cactus mix
- Humidity: Low
- Temperature: 50-80°F
11. Living Pebble Plant (Conophytum calculus)
The Living Pebble Plant is a master of disguise, closely resembling small stones or pebbles. These tiny succulents form clusters of round, fleshy bodies that split to reveal delicate flowers.
Their unassuming appearance makes them perfect for creating miniature desert landscapes.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Minimal, mainly in growing season
- Soil: Very well-draining, gritty mix
- Humidity: Low
- Temperature: 60-80°F
12. Rabbit Succulent (Monilaria obconica)
The Rabbit Succulent, when young, looks like a pair of bunny ears poking out of the soil. As it grows, these “ears” elongate, creating a whimsical, Dr. Seuss-like appearance.
This charming little plant is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining succulent mix
- Humidity: Low
- Temperature: 60-75°F
13. Lifesaver Plant (Huernia zebrina)
The Lifesaver Plant gets its name from its unique flowers, which feature a raised, ring-like structure in the center that resembles a lifesaver candy. The flowers are typically yellow with reddish-brown bands, creating a striking contrast against the plant’s succulent stems.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining cactus mix
- Humidity: Low to moderate
- Temperature: 60-80°F
14. Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)
The Spiral Aloe is a mathematical wonder of nature, with its leaves arranged in a perfect spiral pattern. This symmetrical beauty is not only visually striking but also a testament to the Fibonacci sequence found in nature.
It’s a living, growing sculpture that adds a touch of sacred geometry to your space.
Care Guide:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining succulent mix
- Humidity: Low
- Temperature: 50-80°F
15. Starfish Flower (Stapelia grandiflora)
The Starfish Flower is known for its large, star-shaped blooms that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. While visually stunning, these flowers are infamous for their carrion-like odor, which attracts flies for pollination.
It’s a fascinating example of nature’s diverse pollination strategies.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining cactus mix
- Humidity: Low
- Temperature: 60-80°F
16. Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
The Watermelon Peperomia earns its name from its distinctive leaf pattern, which resembles watermelon rind. Its round, fleshy leaves feature silvery stripes alternating with dark green, creating a striking visual effect.
This compact plant is perfect for adding a pop of pattern to small spaces.
Care Guide:
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- Humidity: Moderate to high
- Temperature: 60-80°F
17. Monkey Face Orchid (Dracula simia)
The Monkey Face Orchid is a whimsical orchid species whose flowers bear an uncanny resemblance to a monkey’s face. Native to the cloud forests of southeastern Ecuador and Peru, this rare orchid is a delightful conversation starter and a testament to nature’s sense of humor.
Care Guide:
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
- Humidity: Very high
- Temperature: 50-80°F
The world of houseplants extends far beyond the common varieties found in most homes. These 18 strange and beautiful specimens offer a unique opportunity to transform your living space into an interesting indoor garden.
Each plant brings its own charm and character.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.