Exotic houseplants are like a vacation for your living room, bringing those tropical vibes right into your home. If you’re looking to spice up your indoor jungle, here are some of the most popular varieties and what makes them so special.
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++Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
The Wax Plant (or Porcelain Flower) is a total showstopper with blooms that look almost fuzzy and smell absolutely amazing. This exotic beauty is a fast grower and loves to climb up a trellis or trail gracefully from a high shelf. Those stunning pink flowers stick around from spring all the way through fall, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them. Plus, if you want to share the love, it’s super easy to grow new Hoya plants from cuttings.
++Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Originally hailing from the forests of Mexico, the Ponytail Palm is famous for its thick, bulbous trunk that looks just like an elephant’s foot. From the top of that “foot,” long, thin leaves fountain out like wild grass. These guys come in all sorts of sizes and are perfect for container gardening. Since they handle warm indoor temperatures like a champ, they make fantastic, low-maintenance roommates.
++Mango (Mangifera indica)
Ever wanted to grow a plant that everyone recognizes for its fruit, but rarely sees as a houseplant? Try a Mango tree! With its long, glossy green leaves, it looks like a sophisticated little tree and adds a lush touch to any room—even before it fruits. The coolest part? You can actually grow one yourself right from a pit. Sprouting mangoes has become a huge trend lately, and it’s a fun project for any plant parent.
++String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
The String of Hearts features delicate, trailing vines adorned with tiny, heart-shaped leaves. It looks absolutely stunning when the vines spill over the edge of a pot, making it a go-to choice for bookshelves or hanging planters. If you give it the right light and a little TLC, this exotic gem will even reward you with unique, lantern-shaped flowers.
++Orchids (Orchidaceae)
With their elegant, exotic blooms, orchids are a timeless classic. They come in almost every color imaginable and are a favorite for a reason—they’re basically living art. They also make the perfect gift! Just remember that they love a bit of humidity, so keep them in a bright spot and give them a light misting every now and then to keep them happy.
++Giant Taro / Elephant Ear (Alocasia macrorrhizos)
The massive, dramatic leaves of the Alocasia really do look like giant floppy elephant ears. This exotic beauty comes from Northern Vietnam and thrives in warm indoor environments. If you’re looking for a “statement plant” that brings a massive burst of green into your home, the Elephant Ear is exactly what you need.
++Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Straight from the jungles of Central and South America, the Monstera is the ultimate “it” plant. Those iconic split leaves are so stylish they’ve inspired everything from wallpaper to fashion. One of the best things about the Swiss Cheese Plant is its versatility; it handles indirect light or even shadier spots quite well, making it perfect for filling that empty corner in your living room.
%%Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Looking for something with a bit of an edge? The Venus Flytrap is the ultimate conversation starter. As a carnivorous plant, it actually lures in flies, snaps shut, and digests them. You can even feed your Venus Flytrap yourself and watch the fascinating process in action. Everyone knows what they look like, but surprisingly few people actually have one in their collection!