15 Uncommon Aroids Plant Lovers Love to Grow Indoors
Aroids are a diverse group of plants that have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts everywhere. Known for their unique foliage, aroids can add a tropical touch to any indoor space. From the bold, striking leaves of the Alocasia to the glossy vines of the Philodendron, these plants are prized for their beauty and ease of care. While some varieties are more common, there are many rare and uncommon aroids that offer something special for those looking to expand their indoor garden.
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Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’
The Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ is a rare, eye-catching aroid with striking pink variegation on its dark green leaves. It has become a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts due to its beautiful and unusual coloration. Native to tropical regions, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments and prefers indirect sunlight. It can grow as a climbing or trailing vine, making it versatile for different indoor settings.
A key feature of this plant is its ability to develop more intense pink hues with age and optimal care. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The ‘Pink Princess’ is also relatively easy to care for, needing only occasional watering to keep its soil slightly moist. While it may be on the rarer side, its aesthetic appeal makes it worth the investment.
Alocasia Polly (African Mask Plant)
The Alocasia Polly, often known as the African Mask Plant, is recognized for its dramatic, arrowhead-shaped leaves and striking white veins. This plant has become a highly sought-after addition to indoor collections because of its bold visual appeal. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires consistently moist soil to support its fast-growing nature. The plant’s distinctive appearance makes it a standout in any space, often used as a statement piece in living rooms or offices.
It also prefers high humidity, so it benefits from regular misting or a humidifier in dry environments. Despite being relatively easy to care for, the Alocasia Polly can be a bit fussy about its watering habits, requiring attention to prevent root rot. The dark green foliage contrasted with white veins provides an exotic touch to any indoor plant collection.
Anubias Barteri
Anubias Barteri is a versatile and hardy aquatic aroid that can also thrive as a low-maintenance houseplant. Often used in aquariums due to its ability to adapt to submerged or emersed conditions, it is a favorite for plant lovers who want a unique and easy-to-care-for option. The Anubias Barteri features dark green, leathery leaves that contrast nicely with its thick, sturdy stems.
It prefers low to moderate light and can even tolerate low humidity, making it a great option for spaces with less natural light. While it is slow-growing, its longevity and minimal care requirements make it a perfect choice for beginners. It can be grown in a pot or attached to driftwood or rocks, adding a natural touch to any indoor garden. This plant’s resistance to pests and diseases makes it a hassle-free addition to any collection.
Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)
The Monstera Adansonii, also known as the Swiss Cheese Vine, is a popular indoor aroid due to its unique perforated leaves. Unlike the more common Monstera Deliciosa, the Adansonii features smaller leaves with natural holes that give it a distinctive look. It grows as a vine, making it ideal for hanging baskets or vertical gardens.
The plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil but is adaptable to lower light conditions. Regular watering is essential to keep its soil consistently moist, but it should never be waterlogged. The Monstera Adansonii is relatively low-maintenance, making it a great plant for beginner indoor gardeners. Its attractive foliage, coupled with its fast-growing nature, makes it an indoor favorite.
Syngonium Podophyllum (Arrowhead Vine)
The Syngonium Podophyllum, commonly known as the Arrowhead Vine, is a versatile aroid known for its heart-shaped leaves and rapid growth. This plant is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant that will thrive in various light conditions, including low light. It’s a great option for beginners as it does not require constant attention, only needing occasional watering when the top layer of soil dries out.
As it grows, the leaves of the Syngonium Podophyllum change in shape, starting out arrowhead-shaped and gradually becoming more lobed as the plant matures. It can be grown as a trailing or climbing plant, with its vines reaching impressive lengths.
Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’
Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ is an ornamental aroid known for its striking silver-green foliage. Its leaves have a distinct pattern of light and dark green that adds elegance to any indoor space. Aglaonemas are known for their adaptability and resilience, making them one of the best indoor plants for low-light conditions. The ‘Silver Bay’ variety is particularly sought after for its vibrant foliage, which can brighten any room.
This plant thrives in indirect light and prefers its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The Aglaonema is relatively pest-resistant and is often chosen by plant lovers who want a beautiful yet low-maintenance plant. It is also an excellent air purifier, helping to keep the indoor environment fresh.
Philodendron Billietiae
The Philodendron Billietiae is a striking species native to South America with long, narrow leaves that have a distinct orange hue at their base. This rare aroid is relatively new to the indoor plant scene but has quickly gained popularity due to its unique and elegant appearance. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a consistently warm environment with high humidity.
The leaves of this plant are elongated and have a deep green color with subtle red or orange highlights. As a climber, the Philodendron Billietiae will do well on a moss pole or trellis. It requires moderate watering and a well-draining soil mix to thrive.
Dieffenbachia ‘Tropic Snow’
Dieffenbachia ‘Tropic Snow’ is a popular aroid known for its large, creamy white and green variegated leaves. This tropical plant can grow quite large, making it an excellent choice for filling larger indoor spaces. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions as well. L
ike most Dieffenbachia varieties, it prefers consistently moist soil, though it should not sit in water to avoid root rot. This plant’s bold foliage makes it a showstopper in any indoor garden. It is also relatively easy to care for, making it a great option for those new to aroids. The ‘Tropic Snow’ variety can be found for prices ranging from $30 to $100 depending on size and condition.
Epipremnum Aureum ‘Marble Queen’
Epipremnum Aureum ‘Marble Queen’ is a beautiful variegated variety of pothos known for its creamy white and green leaves. It’s a popular choice for indoor plant lovers due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. This plant thrives in a variety of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light.
The ‘Marble Queen’ is a trailing plant that can be used to create a cascading effect, making it a favorite for hanging baskets and high shelves. While it prefers its soil to dry out between waterings, it can tolerate occasional neglect. It is a hardy plant that is also quite resilient to pests, making it an excellent choice for beginner plant enthusiasts.
Alocasia Reginula (Black Velvet)
The Alocasia Reginula, often referred to as the Black Velvet, is an exotic indoor plant known for its striking dark leaves with silvery veins. The deep, almost black color of the leaves gives it a mysterious and dramatic look, while the silver veins add a touch of contrast. Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives in humid environments and prefers indirect light.
This plant enjoys moist but well-draining soil and should be watered when the top layer of soil feels dry. It’s a slow grower, but with patience, it can become a stunning centerpiece in any room. Because of its uniqueness and striking appearance, it is highly sought after by collectors. A mature Alocasia Reginula can range in price from $40 to $100 depending on its size and health.
Anthurium Clarinervium
Anthurium Clarinervium is a rare aroid that features velvety, heart-shaped leaves with bold white veins running through them. It is an eye-catching indoor plant that thrives in warm, humid environments and does best in bright, indirect light. Like most anthuriums, it is relatively low-maintenance but requires consistently moist soil to keep its leaves vibrant.
This plant is also an air purifier, making it an excellent addition to your indoor space. The leaves can grow quite large, creating a lush, tropical feel. It’s a perfect choice for adding texture and contrast to your collection of aroids.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
The ZZ plant, scientifically known as Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, is a popular and low-maintenance aroid loved for its waxy, dark green leaves that shine with a unique gloss. It is well-suited for low-light environments, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces with less natural light. The ZZ plant’s thick, upright stems make it a great addition to any space in need of vertical interest.
It also has a remarkable tolerance for drought, making it perfect for people who may not have the time to water their plants frequently. Despite being relatively slow-growing, the ZZ plant is highly resilient and can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. Its ability to purify the air and its ease of care make it a favorite among plant lovers.
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, often referred to as the Mini Monstera, is an aroid that resembles the larger Monstera Deliciosa but on a smaller scale. It has glossy, deeply cut leaves that give it a unique appearance, making it a sought-after indoor plant for those looking to add a bit of tropical flair. Unlike the Monstera, the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma is a smaller and more compact plant, making it perfect for small spaces or as a hanging vine.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil that remains slightly moist. Regular pruning can help control its growth, but it will thrive with little care otherwise. The Mini Monstera’s vibrant, green foliage makes it a standout plant that can be used to fill up empty corners or add vertical interest.
Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’ (Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’ is a striking variety of the common Peace Lily, known for its unique white-and-green marbled leaves. It maintains the well-known benefits of Peace Lilies, such as their air-purifying qualities, while offering an added aesthetic appeal with its variegated foliage. This plant thrives in moderate to low light conditions and can tolerate some neglect, making it a great choice for those who are new to indoor gardening.
The ‘Domino’ variety produces small white blooms similar to the classic Peace Lily, adding a touch of elegance to any room. It enjoys a humid environment, and regular watering ensures the best growth. The Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’ is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced plant lovers due to its minimal care needs.
Philodendron Birkin
Philodendron Birkin is a stunning aroid that has gained popularity for its bold, white-striped variegation against dark green leaves. This plant’s unique appearance is the result of a mutation that causes the white or cream streaks, which can vary from leaf to leaf. It is a low-maintenance plant that does well in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate lower light conditions.
The Philodendron Birkin is perfect for those who want to add a unique pop of color to their collection without too much hassle. It grows slowly but steadily, with new leaves emerging in bright shades of green and white. With regular watering and occasional feeding, it will thrive and make a beautiful addition to any room.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.