4 Unique Plants that are Sure to Impress

People choose indoor plants for ease of care, but every now and then it is worth a little extra effort to grow a plant for its intrigue.

The plants discussed below have various points of interest from shape to flowers to fragrance. These plants, while some may be a little more difficult to grow, are sure to delight and even entertain.

Mimosa pudica

This plant is also known as the “sensitive plant” because the leaves fold in on themselves when touched. In addition to this unique characteristic, the plant also produces a beautiful pink bloom. The bloom has thin petals arranged in a ball shape that resembles a pompom.

According to Dave’s Garden the Mimosa pudica can grow up to 24 inches tall. It prefers to be kept evenly moist and thrives in bright light.

Lithops

Lithops are referred to as living stones because they look just like rocks. They are succulents that naturally grow in rocky environments and blend in well to their surroundings. They produce a bright yellow flower in the fall that is similar to a daisy.

Guide to Houseplants suggests planting these plants in a small but deep container because of their large taproot. The plants require plenty of bright light and very little water. Allow the potting mix to dry several inches down between waterings through the spring and summer until the plant flowers. Once the plant produces a flower Guide to Houseplants recommends not watering at all until spring.

After the living stone flowers, new leaves will eventually grow from the split where the flower was originally produced. Living stones can live for a long time and may not flower for the first 2 or 3 years.

Platycerium

There are several varieties of Platycerium available. They more commonly referred to as staghorn ferns. These ferns are epiphytic therefore they can be mounted and hung on a wall. They can also be grown in sphagnum moss in a container.

Byron Martin, owner of Logee’s Greenhouses, explains on The Martha Stewart Show that staghorn ferns have two types of fronds. The sterile frond grows at back of the plant and hardens into a sort of shield that the fertile fronds grow out of. The fertile fronds are shaped like antlers and usually drape down from the shield.

The staghorn fern should be allowed to dry a bit between waterings, but the back plates should be soaked thoroughly at each watering. The plants also like high humidity and bright light.

Passiflora

The passion flower is a truly exotic, tropical looking plant. There are several species that produce incredibly intricate flowers in reds, whites, blues and purples. The flowers are also very fragrant.

The passion flower is a fast growing vine that must be supported by a trellis or other structure. Better Homes and Gardens suggests that the plants can grow as tall as 30 feet. They should be planted in well draining potting mix and allowed to dry a bit between waterings. The plants also require plenty of bright light.

Attracting Attention

These are just a few indoor plants that are sure to get attention. Your interior landscapes will benefit from having eye-catching and intriguing plants.

What is the most unique plant you have grown?

Photo “Mimosa pudica flowers” courtesy of Hafiz Issadeen
Photo “Lithops 4607” courtesy of Yellowcloud
Photo “San Diego, Ca courtesy of Herb NeufeldPhoto “Passion Flower” courtesy of yosser