Our Favorite Unusual House Plants  (2024)

Did you know that your selection of easy to care for houseplants doesn’t have to be restricted to common, everyday varieties? While these tried and true favorites are great to have around, sometimes it can be inspiring to freshen things up a bit. There is an exciting world of houseplants to discover that is undeniably extraordinary. Thrilling houseplant varieties can range in features from textural intrigue and whimsical growth patterns to phenomenal foliage.

Bringing some of these horticultural masterpieces home will not only add visual interest and newfound excitement to your living space, but they will draw the attention of all who you welcome into your home. Join us as we highlight some of the most fun and unusual houseplants that you simply must have!

Begonias (Semperflorens-Cultorum Group)

Don’t count on all begonia plants as being common, everyday plants. Begonia plants also come in a variety of exotic species that produce vibrant and prominent leaves with remarkable variegation and texture. Keep an eye out for some of these varieties with standout foliage.

• Begonia ‘Maculata’
• Begonia ‘Melanobullata’

• Begonia’ Connee Boswell’
• Begonia ‘Rex’

Sensitivity Plant (Mimosa Pudica)

If you like to interact with your plants on a more personal basis, consider adding sensitivity plants to your indoor gardens. The plants’ mesmerizing foliage responds to gentle touch and soft breezes by closing up its finger-like leaves and drooping. They thrive in full sun conditions and average to poor soil.

Pebble Plants (Lithops)

If you have a super sunny window, consider planting some intriguing pebble plants that resemble quirky stones. They have long taproots that reach down into the soil and thrive in hot and dry conditions. It is fascinating to watch them grow and develop. They are incredibly compact, getting only ½ inch to 2 inches in height, and they thrive on some neglect as long as they have enough direct sunlight.

Hoya Heart (Hoya Kerrii)

You may be looking for love in all the wrong places if you don’t have a hoya heart plant or two planted in your home. This sweetheart of a succulent plant produces thick heart-shaped leaves that are sure to make you smile. Not only that, but they don’t take a ton of time and attention for them to thrive, so they just keep on giving love as they grow.

Lifesaver Plant (Huernia Zebrina)

Huernia Zebrina produces spectacular, five-point star-shaped blooms whose centers resemble the ever-popular lifesaver candies. These cactus plants add such sweet floral rewards and are relatively easy to care for.

String of Dolphins (Senecio Peregrinus)

Gardeners who also have an affinity for the ocean, will love the ‘string of dolphins’ succulent plant, as its foliage mimics the look of pods of dolphins diving through the air. Perfect for hanging baskets, this lovely succulent plant adds texture and intrigue as its stems cascade over the edges of planters.

Green Brain Cactus (Mammillaria Elongata ‘Cristata’)

The quintessential houseplant for your office or study space is undoubtedly the green brain cactus. Its crested wormy growth pattern and green hue actually resemble the intricate convolutions of a brain! For added fun and intrigue, plant this cactus plant in a skull or head shaped planter. But anywhere you plant these easy to care for, fun and usual houseplants, they are certain to draw attention.

Zig-Zag Cactus (Selenicereus Anthonyanus)

No matter what direction your home decorating adventure is taking, a zigzag cactus will always keep you on the right path. While it is a cactus plant, it is free from the prickly spines that are signature to cacti varieties. This succulent’s fascinating ricrac leaf shape is not all that there is that makes this houseplant a standout. It also produces deliciously scented evening blooms and sometimes delivers edible fruit!

Air Plants (Tillandsia)

If you are looking for adorable plants that draw attention, consider adding air plants to your home décor. They do not need any soil at all and offer a clean and fresh textural flair. They rely on water absorption through their leaves and should be watered once a week by either laying them in a water bath or spritzing them with a water atomizer. Try some of these fun and vibrant varieties of air plants.

• ‘Bulbosa’
• ‘Medusa’

• ‘Pink Jonathan’
• ‘Conehead’

Lucky Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)

Add a symbol of prosperity, luck, and success to your home by adding a lucky money tree to your collection of indoor plants. Its presentation of five leaves on each stem is believed to represent the five elements of earth, metal, wind, fire, and water. These braided-stemmed beauties are relatively easy to grow when given the right balance of sunlight, water, and humidity.

Staghorn Ferns (Platycerium Bifurcatum)

On your quest for fun and unusual houseplants, be sure to check out the staghorn ferns. These prolific growers look fabulous and rustic when mounted in wall planters, as they resemble the horns of a stag. When growing these treasures indoors, be sure to provide sufficient moisture enough dampness, and humous soil.

Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia Fejeensis)

It’s hard not to fall in love with the fuzzy rhizomes that look like rabbits’ feet and protrude from this plant’s base. Try growing these fun and unusual houseplants in hanging baskets to cast the spotlight on their furry legs as they creep out over the containers’ edges.

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus)

If you can’t get enough of fern plants, consider adding even more variety with a bird’s nest fern. This plant has thick, undivided, and crinkly upright leaves and thrives with bright, indirect light and a consistent watering regimen.

Ponytail Palms (Beaucarnea Recurvata)

These fun and unusual houseplants are cheerful accouterments to any home or office. The foliage looks much like a breezy palm tree, but this plant is actually a succulent and a member of the agave family. They require very little care and bring about a relaxing oasis vibe.

Curly Q Twisted Lipstick Houseplant (Aeschynanthus Radicans)

It doesn’t get more fun than twisted lipstick plants. Its showstopping ringlets of foliage and its vibrant ‘tube of lipstick-esque’ blooms are rewarding attributes of this fun and unusual houseplants. These resilient indoor plants look breathtakingly beautiful when trailing from hanging baskets. Other varieties of lipstick plants include:

• ‘Cassiopeia’

• ‘Mona Lisa’

Corkscrew Grass (Juncus Effusus Spiralis)

Take a walk on the wild side and grow corkscrew grass in your home. This plant produces unique and wildly exciting foliage that is disorderly and fun. Native to Japan, this grass-like plant requires lots of moisture to thrive.