During the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of people took up indoor gardening as a new hobby. For many of those who decided to become plant parents during that period, collecting and growing indoor plants and trees became more than a hobby and more like a lifestyle. But how do you know when you’ve officially reached the level of plant expert? We’ve created this checklist of the indoor plants and rare specimens that every dedicated plant aficionado should have if they want to be considered a serious collector.
The five most collectible houseplants in America share a common theme: they all possess unique and striking appearances that set them apart from more common houseplants. Rarity, vibrant colors, and unusual patterns are some of the factors that make these plants highly coveted among collectors.
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, has been a popular collectible houseplant for many years. Its striking, large, fenestrated leaves set it apart from other indoor plants, making it a favorite among collectors.
The Monstera deliciosa’s leaves are dark green and glossy, with unique holes and slits that give the plant its recognizable appearance. Native to Central America, this plant can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 feet in height indoors. Its popularity is driven by its architectural beauty, as well as its low-maintenance nature, as it can thrive in a range of lighting conditions and requires minimal care.
Collectors love the Monstera deliciosa because of the dramatic statement it makes in any space. Additionally, the plant’s ability to purify the air and improve indoor air quality adds to its appeal. In recent years, rare variegated forms of the Monstera deliciosa, such as the Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’, have become highly sought after, driving up their value and increasing the overall collectibility of the species.
Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’
Philodendron Pink Princess
The Philodendron Pink Princess is a highly collectible houseplant due to its striking appearance and rarity. This plant is characterized by its deep green leaves, which are adorned with patches of bright pink variegation, creating a stunning visual contrast.
This unique plant is a hybrid variety of the Philodendron erubescens, which is native to Colombia. The Pink Princess’s rarity and the difficulty in propagating it have contributed to its high demand and price tag among collectors. In addition to its beauty, the Philodendron Pink Princess is relatively easy to care for, making it an attractive addition to any plant collection.
As a climbing plant, the Pink Princess benefits from the support of a stake or trellis, allowing it to display its colorful foliage to its full potential. Its love for humidity and indirect light makes it an excellent candidate for a terrarium or bathroom plant.
Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’
Scientific Name: Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’
Common Names: African Mask Elephant Ear, Alocasia Polly
Overview: Alocasia ‘Polly,’ also known as ‘African Mask’ or ‘Elephant’s Ear,’ is a compact and exotic-looking houseplant with glossy, arrowhead-shaped leaves that feature striking white veins. The dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the plant’s light green stems.
This plant is a favorite among collectors due to its unusual appearance and ability to create a focal point in any interior space. Alocasia ‘Polly’ is relatively easy to propagate and care for, but it does require a humid environment to thrive, making it a bit more challenging to maintain.
African Mask Alocasia
Alocasia ‘Polly,’ also known as ‘African Mask’ or ‘Elephant’s Ear,’ is a compact and exotic-looking houseplant with glossy, arrowhead-shaped leaves that feature striking white veins. The dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the plant’s light green stems.
This plant is a favorite among collectors due to its unusual appearance and ability to create a focal point in any interior space. Alocasia ‘Polly’ is relatively easy to propagate and care for, but it does require a humid environment to thrive, making it a bit more challenging to maintain.
Calathea orbifolia
Scientific Name: Calathea orbifolia
Common Names: Round Leaf Prayer Plant
Overview: Calathea orbifolia is a stunning houseplant with broad, round leaves that feature alternating stripes of silver and deep green. The plant is native to South America and is known for its unique appearance and low-maintenance care requirements. Calathea orbifolia thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist soil.
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- This item ships in a black grower pot.
Calathea orbifolia
The Calathea orbifolia is a highly collectible houseplant due to its eye-catching foliage and captivating movement. Native to South America, this plant features large, round leaves that are marked with striking silver bands, creating a mesmerizing pattern.
What sets the Calathea orbifolia apart from other houseplants is its fascinating movement. The plant’s leaves move throughout the day in response to light, opening during the day to capture sunlight and closing in the evening. This movement, known as nyctinasty, is controlled by the plant’s internal circadian rhythm.
Despite its preference for specific growing conditions, such as high humidity and indirect sunlight, the Calathea orbifolia’s beauty and movement have made it a highly sought after species.
Senecio Peregrinus, String of Dolphins
This item ships in a grower pot.
String of Dolphins
The String of Dolphins (Senecio peregrinus) is a popular and charming houseplant, known for its unique and playful dolphin-shaped leaves. As a hybrid of Senecio rowleyanus (String of Pearls) and Senecio articulatus (Candle Plant), it inherits the trailing growth habit of its parent plants, making it perfect for hanging planters and cascading displays.
This plant has gained popularity due to its whimsical appearance, low-maintenance nature, and ease of propagation. The fleshy, curved leaves resembling leaping dolphins capture the imagination of plant enthusiasts and attract those seeking a fun, conversation-starting addition to their collection. The String of Dolphins thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, making it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice plant caretakers.
Is there a plant you think that deserves to be on this list? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on our social media @PlantVine
