---
title: "8 Exotic Houseplants You’ve Never Heard Of"
date: "2017-12-05"
modified: "2017-12-05"
authors:
  - name: "Jennifer Noonan"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/8-exotic-houseplants-you-ve-never-heard-of-51717/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Furniture & Design"
  - "Gardening"
  - "Houseplants"
  - "Lawn & Garden"
tags:
  - "gardening"
  - "houseplants"
---

# 8 Exotic Houseplants You’ve Never Heard Of

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/lithops.jpg>)

### Swallowtail or Butterfly Plant (Christia obcordata)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/swallowtail-butterfly-plant.jpg>)
*Wikimedia Commons via&#160;Raffi Kojian*

Christia obcordata, more commonly known as the swallowtail or butterfly plant, boasts triangular leaves with stripes of pink and green. It prefers a shaded [window environment](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/11-indoor-gardening-projects-absolutely-anyone-can-do-578237/>) as it will burn in direct sun, and it serves as an epic conversation starter in any home.

### Madagascan Palm (Pachypodium cactipes)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Pachypodium-cactipes.jpg>)
*amazon.com*

With a thick stem and waxy green leaves, the Madgascan palm (Pachypodium cactipes) looks like a throwback from the primeval world. As long as it receives sufficient light and well-drained soil, the easy-to-grow plant will reward gardeners with showy yellow [flowers](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-foolproof-flowers-anyone-can-grow-51150/>).

### Wine Cup (Crassula umbella)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/umbrella-plant.jpg>)
*flickr.com via&#160;mutolisp*

Also called “wine cup,” Crassula umbella features waxy, round-cupped leaves that encircle a stalk of yellow-green flowers with reddish-pink centers. Like other succulents, Crassula umbella is [easy to care for](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/plant-shelf-ideas/>), and it makes an attention-grabbing centerpiece or decorative accent.

### Red Coral (Rhipsalis ramulosa)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/red-plant.jpg>)
*flickr.com via&#160;epiforums*

Known as the coral cactus or red coral plant, Rhipsalis ramulosa originated in South and Central America before being brought to the United States. Red coral has no spikes, although it’s part of the cactus family, and its flat leaves that cascade downward make it well suited to a [hanging pot](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-self-watering-planter/>).

### Living Stone (Lithops)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/lithops-1.jpg>)
*flickr.com via&#160;Reggie1*

Sometimes called living stone, lithops is a succulent native of southern Africa. The plant resembles pebbles or stones, and it comes in shades of gray, green, rust, brown, green, and even pink. Lithops are small enough to [grow on a windowsill](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-herbs-to-grow-indoors/>) or patio table, and a collection will bring an unusual natural element to any room.

### Corkscrew Albuca (Albuca spiralis)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/spiralis.jpg>)
*etsy.com via&#160;Arvice30*

Easy-growing corkscrew albuca (Albuca spiralis) blooms with yellow, vanilla-scented flowers, and its leaves grow in curly ringlets—hence the name “corkscrew.” A native of the African desert, it requires little water, and [houseguests](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/guest-bed-ideas/>) won’t be able to resist gawking at its extraordinary appearance.

### Variegated String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus 'Variegata')

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/pearl-plant.jpg>)
*etsy.com via&#160;jquinsucculents*

If you desire a rare succulent, check out the showstopping Curio rowleyanus 'Variegata', which is commonly known as variegated string of pearls. The plant’s long, trailing tendrils are punctuated by pea-shaped leaves that store water and add cascading beauty [wherever the plant is displayed](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/8-plants-never-to-grow-indoors-50897/>).

### Crinkle-Leaf Begonia (Begonia moyesii)

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/crinkle-leaf.jpg>)
*pernellgerver.com*

Crinkle-leaf begonia (Begonia moyesii) may be small and compact, but it provides a grand feast for the eyes with its stunning, deeply veined foliage. Its crinkled green leaves have a dark maroon underside, which pairs nicely with its white summer [flowers](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/flowers-that-attract-bees/>).

### Foolproof Florals

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/8-exotic-houseplants-youve-never-heard-of.png>)
*bobvila.com*

Not feeling so adventurous? If these wild houseplants aren’t your taste, [give these basic ones a try](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/count-on-these-25-indoor-plants-for-easy-color-year-round-53105/>) that are sure to thrive, whether you [have a green thumb or not](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-gardening-tools/>).

## Author
A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](<https://www.paramount.com/about/brands/mtv>), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](<https://www.nickelodeon.com>). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-noonan-ab62a05/>)