So, you’re a newbie plant enthusiast with some botanical experience already under your belt. You’re looking to start collecting some more uncommon plants and gradually work your way up to the big league rare plants. Unfortunately, you know that you can’t quite afford the pricey rare plants that you see all over Instagram and social media just yet. But you want to have some cool plants that are a bit more unusual than Spider Plants and your run-of-the-mill Pothos. What’s a newbie to do? In this post, I provide a list of 10 cool plants for beginner rare plant collectors.
Disclaimer: This is based off my own opinions and is by no means a comprehensive list. Different people will have their own suggestions and preferences. However, I have picked a range of different plant species that would be a good introduction for a newbie rare plant collector that already has some basic plant-keeping experience. Most of these plants are not particularly expensive and can be used as practice for the more expensive and “rare” plants that you may get in the future.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma is great for every level of experience, but especially so for beginners. It grows quickly, propagates well and adapts to many different conditions and humidity levels. It can become a specimen plant quite easily if you give it something to climb. Check out my Rhaphidophora tetrasperma care guide for more tips on growing a healthy, happy plant!
Personally, I’ve found the wild-type to be much hardier and more adaptable than the commercial tissue-cultured type. If you want to see a tissue-cultured type R. tetrasperma, check out this post.
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera adansonii is a classic, and it’s hard to say no to those gorgeous, fenestrated leaves. Like its cousin the Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii is one of the quintessential plants that can give you the “tropical paradise” vibe wherever you put it.
Monstera adansonii can also grow quickly, but it will need something to climb if you want to eventually get huge, fenestrated leaves.
Alocasia “Black Velvet”
Dark, velvety and gorgeous, the Alocasia “Black Velvet” is a good plant to get newbies started off in the Alocasia genus. Their thick and sturdy leaves, almost leather-like, are much more adaptable to lower-humidity conditions. While it can tolerate lower humidity levels than thinner-leaved Alocasias, you will want to make sure that it is not deprived. After all, even if this is a practice plant, you want all of them to look great, don’t you?
I’ve also listed this plant in my article, “the Top 10 Alocasias You Must Have.”
Alocasia “Frydek”
Ah, yes, the Alocasia “Frydek”. The Diva of divas. This plant may test your patience level and give you a taste of caring for thin-leaved Alocasias. While some people may argue against recommending this for a beginner, I disagree, especially if you intend to buy more expensive plants like Alocasia cuprea. Since Frydeks have become increasingly cheaper, I believe that you should start with this plant before trying to purchase other (very pricey) plants. Call it a trial by fire. Until you can hone your watering and pest control skills, you should avoid buying expensive Alocasias. If you can get your Frydek to thrive and keep the pests (spider mites and thrips) in check without losing your mind, then you can graduate on to the rare Alocasias that you’ve had your eye on.
If you can’t, then you should think twice before shelling out a lot of money for something that has a very low probability of surviving and thriving.
For more information on Alocasias, check out my Alocasia care guide.
Watermelon Peperomia
Peperomias are a hugely diverse genus of plants. The most popular of them is the Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia), and it’s no surprise why that is. The silver- and green-striped leaves with vibrant red petioles can be a stunning contrast among the rest of your plant collection. Yes, there are many other peperomias you can start with first, but the Watermelon Peperomia is truly something special.
As a warning, you need to get the watering precise with Peperomias. It will need to dry out between watering, otherwise too much moisture will cause it to rot. It does not take much to make a Peperomia rot!
Philodendron Micans
Need to satisfy your fix for velvet-leafed plants? Philodendron micans might be the answer! For newbie rare plant collectors, a Philodendron micans is both affordable, accessible and beautiful. When allowed to climb, the leaves get bigger and can be mistaken for a Philodendron melanochrysum from a distance.
For Philodendron care tips, check out this article.
Begonia Maculata var. Wrightii
If you want to delve into keeping Begonias, Begonia maculate var. wrightii is one of the most popular and stunning plants. It is all over social media and for good reason. The white-spotted emerald leaves with red reverse are very eye-catching. They are very adaptable and, for me at least, quite fuss-free. They propagate very well via stem cuttings, and before you know it, you will have them everywhere!
Xanthosoma Lindenii
Xanthosoma (Caladium) lindenii is a jaw-dropper. If you have a weakness for dark green leaves and striking white veins, then this plant is for you! I feel like they have yet to be popularized by social media, which is too bad. These plants are quite affordable and beautiful. Currently, they are commercially available in the United States through homedepot.com, Etsy or Costa Farms.
ludisia discolor
If the world of jewel orchids intrigues you, I would recommend first starting off with a Ludisia discolor. This dark, velvet-leafed orchid has glittering red veins. It has a sprawling, creeping habit that can make it hard to contain. It is adaptable, highly-tolerant of low humidity and is the perfect gateway plant into other, slightly more finicky jewel orchid species like Dossinia marmorata or Macodes petola.
Ceropegia Woodii Var. variegata
No budding rare plant collection is complete without mentioning some type of hanging plant. The variegated Ceropegia woodii is the perfect candidate for your bland vertical spaces. The cute, heart-shaped leaves are mottled with pink and white and create an elegant, cascading effect. It can be uncommon commercially, but is relatively affordable from online sources. It will add some lovely color and texture to the rest of your collection.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting your plant-collecting journey, I hope you found this article useful. While I’ve directed these suggestions to beginner plant collectors, I think these beautiful plants belong with anyone who will appreciate them, no matter how fancy their collection.
What other plants do you think would be great for beginner rare plant collectors? Drop your suggestions into the comments!
Always Keep Growing,
Heather (a.k.a. The Botanical Chick)
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