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7 Unique Houseplants for Beginners

Today I’m talking about 7 easy beginner-friendly houseplants that you probably haven’t heard of. Because these beginner-friendly lists always have the same plants on them! One of the plants I’m spotlighting starts with an X, and I had to look up how to properly say the name several times 🙂 And I’ll probably still butcher it.

That’s right, spider plants aren’t on this list. Neither are ZZ plants, monstera deliciosa, heart-leaf philodendron, aloe…I mean, nothing against these plants. I grow most of them. But today we’re covering easy unique plants. So let’s find your next new favorite plant.

1. Epiphyllum oxypetalum “Queen of the Night”

The first plant is the Epiphyllum oxypetalum, more commonly referred to as the “Queen of the Night.” It’s called this because it produces gorgeous large blooms–but only at night. And when the blooms open, they last for only one night.

When the cactus isn’t in bloom, it can grow quite large and be a real anchor plant in your collection. I have mine hanging above my chaise in the sunroom. This tropical cactus loves lots of bright, indirect light; chunky, well-draining soil; and water only once the soil has dried out. It does just fine in normal household temperatures and humidity levels. Read more in my Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Care guide.

brittany goldwyn holding an Epiphyllum oxypetalum
queen of the night flower

2. Xerosicyos danguyi “silver dollar succulent”

Xerosicyos danguyi is a very cool succulent more often referred to as the “silver dollar succulent vine” because its flat, round, succulent leaves trail along vining stems.

You can grow it as a climbing plant, but I just keep mine in a small pot and let it go crazy. Like most other succulents, it enjoys lots of light—it can even do some direct sunlight if acclimated properly. Plant in a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix and water sparingly. See my Silver Dollar Succulent Care guide for more.

Xerosicyos danguyi

3. Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’

Marble queen pothos might not be a rare plant. But I’m including it for a very specific reason—I think it’s a great introduction variegated plant! If you’d like to add a variegated plant to your collection, the marble queen pothos is a good choice because it is very easy to care for.

Usually variegated plants need more light, but I keep my marble queen in medium light levels, and it has done very well over the years. So if you need a plant that doesn’t necessarily need bright, indirect light—this is a great one! Plant in well-draining soil and don’t water until the soil has dried out at least halfway. My Marble Queen Pothos Care article has more!

woman holding a marble queen pothos

4. Philodendron giganteum

Philodendron giganteum really makes a statement. I have pruned mine back many times, and it still dominates the space. Like many philodendrons, this one likes plenty of bright, indirect light. I have mine a few feet away from my sunniest window.

I love this one because it has all the drama of an elephant ear without all the drama of caring for one indoors. It doesn’t need high humidity to thrive, and it isn’t vulnerable to spider mines in dry air. Plant in a well-draining houseplant mix and wait to water before at least the top half of the soil dries out. Read more in my Philodendron Giganteum Care guide.

large philodendron giganteum
philodendron giganteum leaves

5. Hoya carnosa varieties

This one is kind of cheating, but I’m still including it. If you don’t have any varieties of Hoya carnosa, it’s a great choice for your low-maintenance plant collection. There are lots of different types of carnosa, including the ones pictured here—krimson princess, variegated rope, Chelsea, krimson queen, and more.

Their succulent-like leaves mean you don’t have to water them often. I let most of my Hoyas dry out almost completely before watering again. And most prefer bright, indirect light. But non-variegated varieties can do well in medium light levels. Use a chunky, well-draining soil.

woman with hoya carnosa plants

6. Disocactus anguliger “fish bone/ric rac cactus

This one might be one of my top three favorites in my whole collection. The Disocactus (formerly classified as Epiphyllum) anguliger, otherwise known as a “fish bone cactus” or “ric rac cactus.”

I love how crazy it looks. What looks like leaves are actually thick, deeply lobed stems. Plant in a succulent or cactus soil and water when the soil dries. Put in bright, indirect light. Too much direct light can burn the foliage (and I’ve done it with mine). My Ric Rac Cactus Care has more!

woman with a ric rac cactus

7. Selenicereus chrysocardium “fern leaf cactus

And for the last unique plant, we have the Selenicereus chrysocardium “fern leaf cactus.” This one reminds me a lot of the fishbone cactus, just a little more dramatic. Mine also grows a lot slower—the fishbone grows like a weed.

It has very similar care requirements, though. Bright, indirect light; a chunky succulent or cactus soil; and very little water. Soak the soil then let it dry out. Don’t worry about extra humidity, though it certainly won’t dislike more humidity if you’ve got it! Read more in my Fern Leaf Cactus Care article.

Selenicereus chrysocardium

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collage of plants that says 7 beginner-friendly unique houseplants

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