Helping unusual plants thrive can seem daunting, but with the right care and attention, your unique botanicals can reign supreme. As a plant expert, I’m often asked how to care for rare finds and exotic species. Here are my top tips for helping distinctive plants flourish in your home.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
When introducing an unusual plant to your space, carefully consider where to situate it. Most quirky plants hail from faraway lands, so replicating their native climate is key.
Light
Determine the plant’s ideal light levels. Does it prefer bright direct sunlight or shaded spots? Place accordingly, and adjust if leaves indicate stress. Insufficient light will cause spindly, weak growth. Too much may scorch or fade.
Humidity
Some oddballs need muggy conditions, while others thrive in arid air. Group plants with similar humidity preferences, and use pebble trays or a humidifier to raise moisture when needed.
Temperature
If your plant is used to sultry jungle warmth, keep it in the warmest room. For cool-climate specimens, choose cooler locales away from heating vents. Avoid drafty spaces.
Air Flow
Stagnant air encourages problems like mold. Ensure decent airflow without blasts directly on your plants. Gentle circulation is ideal.
Soil
Use a potting mix suited to the plant’s ecology. Rainforest dwellers need moisture-retentive yet freely draining soil. Mediterranean natives prefer fast-draining mixes. Ask at your nursery for advice.
WATER WISELY
Irrigation techniques can make or break your unusual plant. Learn its preferences and water accordingly.
Amount
Check soil before watering and add just enough to moisten the root zone. Feel the pot’s weight to gauge when it’s dry enough for more. Err on the side of under-watering.
Method
Some plants are particular about water delivery. Rainforest specimens may prefer simulated showers from above. Others like deep drinks directly to their roots.
Quality
Many unusual plants are sensitive to tap water chemicals. Filtered, distilled, or rainwater may be best. Let stand overnight before use so chlorine can evaporate.
Frequency
Rather than on a fixed schedule, water based on each plant’s needs. Some thrive on consistently moist soil, while others demand prolonged dry spells.
Drainage
Ensure pots have drainage holes and use free-draining soil. Soggy roots quickly lead to decay. Elevate pots above drip trays to avoid sitting in water.
GET FERTILIZING RIGHT
As with water, fertilizer tactics should suit the unique plant. Gauge nutrient needs and fertilize accordingly.
Type
Select plant-specific blends if possible. Otherwise, use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Slow-release pellets are another option.
Application
Follow label instructions for best results. Whether mixing into irrigation water, top-dressing soil, or dissolving in a spray bottle, use caution. More isn’t better with fertilizer!
Timing
Feed actively growing plants in spring and summer, reducing or withholding fertilizer in fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Don’t push growth artificially in low light.
Signs of Deficiency
If leaves yellow or develop dead patches, increase fertilizer strength or frequency. But eliminate other issues like pests, disease, and watering problems first.
Signs of Excess
If leaf tips brown or roots burn, immediately flush soil to remove excess salts. Resume fertilizing at a weaker dilution.
WATCH FOR PESTS
Your exotic plant, as a foreign introduction, likely has no natural predators in your area. Be vigilant for signs of infestation and take quick action.
Insects
Watch for telltale damage or frass. Remove pests manually or use insecticidal soap. Avoid toxic chemicals if possible.
Fungus and Mold
Improve air flow and reduce watering frequency. Remove affected leaves. Apply sulfur powder or neem oil to deter further spread.
Critters
Protect against pets, rodents, etc. Use barricades, hanging displays, or shelf placement. Apply animal deterrents.
Disease
Isolate infected plants. Sterilize tools after use on sick specimens. Remove severely affected leaves/stems. Use approved fungicides only when necessary.
GIVE THE RIGHT SUPPORT
To display your prized plant perfectly, tailor support strategies to its growing habits.
Self-clinging types
Provide mesh, moss poles, or other material for aerial roots to adhere to. Keep humidity high. Mist frequently.
Vining varieties
Install sturdy trellises anchored securely. Use Velcro ties to train stems into position. Avoid abrasive materials.
Top-heavy specimens
Stake tall, upright plants to prevent toppling. Use cushions between stakes and stems to avoid injury.
Trailing types
Situate on high shelves or in hanging displays. Prune to contain spreading or promote cascading.
Large foliage
Keep lower leaves pruned for air flow. Rotate plants periodically so all sides receive light.
REPLICATE THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Mimicking the plant’s original habitat provides familiar conditions. Some tactics to try:
- Use the right potting mix (e.g. orchid bark, succulent soil, peaty blends)
- Add decorative mulch or gravel like that found in native setting
- Group with other flora from the same region
- Play sounds of rainfall or jungle birds
- Diffuse plant-specific essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, pine
- Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or mister to keep its preferred humidity
- Install specialty lighting like grow lights or UV lamps
With attentive care tailored to your plant’s singular needs, your exotic botanical will flourish. Pay close attention and make adjustments until you succeed in creating an ideal microclimate. With time and patience, your unusual plant will reign supreme!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of unusual houseplants?
Some examples of unusual houseplants include carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps, rare tropicals like black bat flower or corpse flower, exotic orchids, succulents like living stones, unusual cacti, and rare ferns or aroids.
Where can I buy rare and exotic houseplants?
Try specialized online nurseries, local plant shops focused on rare finds, botanical gardens, conventions or shows, and enthusiast groups online where members often trade cuttings. Exercise caution to avoid purchasing poached plants.
Why are my unusual plant’s leaves turning brown or yellow?
This could indicate too much or too little water, improper lighting, low humidity, pests or disease, or incorrect temperature. Assess its care and make adjustments to better meet the plant’s needs.
What should I do if my exotic houseplant gets pests?
Isolate the affected plant. Remove pests manually if possible. Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Use chemical pesticides cautiously as a last resort, following all safety directions.
How often should I fertilize my rare indoor plants?
Unless directions state otherwise, fertilize at half strength every 2-4 weeks in the growing season, reducing frequency in fall/winter. Watch for signs of deficiency/excess and adjust your regimen accordingly.
How can I increase humidity for tropical houseplants?
Run a humidifier, place pots on pebble trays with water, or group plants together to increase local humidity. Mist frequently. Enclose plants in a terrarium or cloche. Grow in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity naturally occurs.
Conclusion
Caring for exotic and unusual plants indoors provides a fun challenge for experienced plant parents. Tailor their care by replicating native conditions as closely as possible. With attentive and consistent care, even the rarest botanicals can thrive in your living space. Let your unique plants’ beauty and fascinating features brighten your home. Just be sure to give them the specialized treatment they need to reign supreme!