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The 4 most exotic houseplants you can grow at home

Houseplants bring natural beauty indoors, and as plant-growing technology becomes more and more advanced, there are more exotic options to choose from. Plants from around the world can now be an addition to your bedroom, living room, or entryway. From flowering plants to leafy greenery, there are a variety of beautiful options to pick.

What is the most exotic plant you can grow indoors?

Living Stone plant with yellow flower blooming
Natalia van D/Shutterstock

When it comes to finding a plant that likes to live on the wild side, there are a lot of stunning options out there. Many exotic plants have been genetically modified and maintained so they will grow beautifully in your home. If you are looking for a fun exotic plant for your house, check out some of these interesting options:

  • Madagascan Palm. The Madagascan Palm, also known as the Pachypodium cactipes, is a truly unique plant. It is naturally found in Madagascar and other parts of Africa. This plant has some key features like a thick stem with little spikes, green leaves that have a waxy film, and bright yellow blooms. It can grow easily indoors as long as it has enough access to sun and ample water. As a result, you will be able to enjoy the bright and stunning flowers this plant offers.
  • Wine Cup. The wine cup plant is also known by its scientific name of Crassula umbella. This plant is a stunning succulent that features cup-shaped leaves with tiny, maroon bulbs in the center. They grow naturally in southern Africa and love the heat. It is important to ensure that this indoor plant has access to plenty of light.
  • Living Stone. The scientific name of this plant is Lithop. Living Stone is a very unique type of plant that is native to South Africa. It gets its name from the gray, stone-like succulents that grow on it. Although this plant normally features the succulents, it also blooms bright yellow flowers to add a little cheer to your home.
  • Corkscrew Albuca. The Albuca spiralis is not only beautiful, but it also smells great. This plant blooms pretty yellow flowers that give off the scent of vanilla. The leaves grow in curls, hence the corkscrew name. The Corkscrew Albuca is native to the deserts of Africa and requires a lot of sunlight to flourish and grow.
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What are some exotic flowers to grow indoors?

Four bromeliad plant in pots
Oliver Hoffmann / Shutterstock

If you love the idea of having exotic plant life in your home but prefer color and vibrancy, then exotic flowers may be the best option. Some stunning exotic flowers that you can grow in your own home include:

  • Bromeliad. This flowering plant features feathery petals that are available in many bright colors like yellow, pink, orange, and red. It grows naturally in Brazil and Paraguay.
  • Clivia. The Clivia plant features large clusters of smaller-sized plants. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and requires bright light to flourish indoors. This plant grows naturally in the Eastern Cape, Swaziland, and other places.
  • Lipstick Plant. The tube-like flowers on this plant are something to remember. They are bright red, which is where the lipstick name stemmed from. This plant grows in the Asian tropics.
  • Moth Orchid. Orchids are a naturally beautiful flowering plant. The moth orchid features soft purple colors that bloom on brown stems. This orchid grows naturally in southeastern Asia and parts of Australia.
  • Begonia. The small clusters of blooms on this plant are bright orange. The flowers stand out beautifully against the green leaves of this plant.

Exotic houseplants can be the perfect way to add some flair to your home. There are so many beautiful, foreign plants that naturally grow on the continents of Africa and Asia. With a variety of exotic plants, you can bring a touch of the world into your very own home. Many of these plants are low maintenance and easy to care for. So, if you are looking to add some natural decorations to any room in your home, check out some of these wild, exotic plants for the perfect final touch.

Asparagus fern care guide: Everything you need to know
How to grow beautiful asparagus ferns
Asparagus fern

When you’re choosing a new houseplant to add to your collections, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. There are so many fantastic indoor plants, from small trees to colorful flowers. Ferns are a popular choice for houseplants, and they’re great for adding a touch of lush greenery to any space.

There are tons of different types of ferns, but one you may not be familiar with is the asparagus fern. Although it is called a fern (and resembles one), it is actually not a true fern. It does still make a fantastic houseplant. Here’s what you need to know about asparagus fern care.
Planting asparagus ferns

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Your complete sago palm maintenance guide
Grow a sago palm to add a tropical flair to your home
A small sago palm in a pot designed to resemble a wicker basket. It sits on a table of light wood, next to a bookshelf of the same wood. The wall behind it has a dacorative pink, blue, and white triangular pattern.

Sago palms may not be true palms, but they are just as gorgeous. However, with these subtropical houseplants, you won’t have the same kind of look offered by those tall trees. Instead, the green fronds grow directly from the trunk without branching out. Sago palm maintenance is fairly simple, relying mostly on proper growing conditions. Adding this lovely houseplant to your collection is an excellent way to bring the tropics to your home. If you want to grow your own today, this guide will explain everything you need to know to help it thrive!
Care requirements for your sago palm

Because they’re native to tropical regions, sago palms prefer to be in warm, humid environments. This is why, for the most part, they’re grown as houseplants outside of these areas. Sago palms grown indoors should be protected from any drafts or air flowing from heating and AC units as the extreme shift in temperature can cause damage.
Light
Sago palms prefer bright, indirect lighting and shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight. Direct lighting, especially on hot summer days, can cause sunburn damage and result in wilting leaves. As a houseplant, sago palms will favor east-, west-, and south-facing windows so long as they receive a lot of lighting throughout the day. Keep in mind that too much shade will also cause adverse effects, most noticeably spare foliage.
Soil
Like most houseplants, sago palms need only well-draining soil (and of course, a pot with a drainage hole for excess water to escape through)! There are potting mixes made specifically for palms grown in containers, and although the sago palm isn’t a true palm, this should do the trick.
Water
As a tropical plant, sago palms prefer moderately moist soils. They can tolerate some drought, but not very well. Proper sago palm maintenance requires watering the plant whenever the soil is dry to touch; however, be mindful of how much you’re watering to avoid soggy soil and leaving your plant susceptible to root rot.
Diseases and pests to be aware of

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Ponytail palm care: Your complete guide for this popular houseplant
From lighting to watering, here's what you need to know about ponytail palm care
Hand holding ponytail palm in pot

Casually browse lists of houseplants that are nearly impossible to kill, and you’ll probably find the ponytail palm next to your hardy pothos and philodendron plants. Featuring arching leaves and an onion-like base, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a plant that’s as easy to find as it is to maintain. If you come across the ponytail palm at a grocery store or nursery, there’s no need to think twice about picking it up. Adding this low-maintenance plant to your houseplant collection is a great way to liven up practically any room. If you want to start growing a ponytail palm, just follow this simple ponytail palm care guide!
What is the ponytail palm?

Also known as an elephant foot tree or bottle palm, the ponytail palm features a thick trunk with curled, grass-like leaves protruding from the top. If you want something low maintenance, we’ve got good news: the ponytail palm is actually an easy-care succulent, not a real (and finicky) palm — it is, in fact, native to semi-desert areas of southeast Mexico. Still, you’ll get tropical vibes without needing to commit too much space or energy toward proper upkeep. 

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