How to Care for Your First Rare Houseplants (Without Stressing Out)
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So you grabbed your first rare plant—or maybe a few, because let’s be honest, that’s usually how it goes here at BWH. Whether it’s a Philodendron spiritus sancti, a variegated Monstera (those are the ones with patchy colors or patterns on the leaves), or a velvet-leaf Anthurium, you’ve officially entered the world of rare houseplants.
Rare plants need more of the conditions they’re used to in nature. Most come from tropical rainforests, where they grow in warm, humid environments with dappled light and rich, airy soil. When you bring one into your home, your job is to get as close to those natural conditions as possible.
This guide walks through each step of rare plant care: lighting, humidity, temperature, watering, soil, feeding, and pest prevention. You’ll learn what to do, how often to do it, and how to tell if it’s working.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Plant “Rare”?
The term rare doesn’t always mean hard to care for—it usually refers to:
Limited availability due to slow growth, difficulty propagating, or high demand
Unusual features like variegation (unique patterns), leaf shape, or coloring
Species native to very specific environments
Because of these factors, rare plants often need a bit more attention to recreate the conditions they love. Think of them as plants with a wish list, not a rule book.
Step 1: Set Up the Right Environment
Rare plants usually come from tropical or subtropical environments, which means they’re used to filtered light, consistent moisture, and higher humidity.
Light
Most rare plants need bright, indirect light for at least 8 to 12 hours a day. This means a room that fills with natural light but where the sun doesn’t shine directly on the plant’s leaves.
Why this matters:
Tropical plants evolved under tree canopies, where sunlight is filtered. If the light is too harsh, the leaves can burn or lose their color. If the light is too weak, growth slows and leaves may lose their variegation or grow smaller.
What to look for:
Getting enough: Steady growth, defined patterns on leaves, and regular new leaf production.
Not enough: Leggy stems, dull or faded leaves, slow growth, or leaning toward the window.
Too much: Brown or crispy leaf edges, bleached or sun-faded patches.
Try placing your plant near an east- or north-facing window, or supplement with a full-spectrum grow light for at least 10 hours a day if your space is low-light.
Humidity
Rare plants usually come from humid regions, so they prefer humidity levels between 60% and 80%.
Why this matters:
Low humidity causes leaf edges to brown and curl, especially on thinner-leafed varieties like Anthuriums and Alocasias. High humidity helps the plant stay hydrated and supports steady leaf development.
How to raise humidity indoors:
Use a humidifier nearby.
Group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Place the plant on a tray of pebbles with water (make sure the pot is above the waterline).
What to look for:
Healthy humidity: Leaves stay smooth, uncurled, and hydrated-looking.
Too dry: Crisp edges, curling, or stalled growth.
Too moist: Sagging or drooping leaves, yellowing, and browning near the edges
You can track humidity with a small hygrometer to see what your plants are experiencing each day.
Temperature
Most rare plants prefer daytime temps between 65°F and 80°F and slightly cooler nights. Avoid placing them near drafty windows, heaters, air conditioners, or frequently opened doors.
Why this matters:
Sudden temperature changes can stress plants, especially delicate species like Philodendron 'Melanochrysum' or Anthurium 'Warocqueanum'. Growth may slow, or new leaves may emerge damaged or not open fully.
Step 2: Dial In Your Watering Routine
Most rare plants like the soil to be slightly moist but not wet . Let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
Why this matters:
Many rare plants have sensitive roots that rot quickly if left in soggy soil. At the same time, letting them dry out completely can cause stress or slow growth.
How to check:
Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, water thoroughly, ensuring the excess drips from the drainage holes.
For larger pots, use a moisture meter near the center of the pot for a more accurate reading.
What to look for:
Well-watered: Firm leaves, steady new growth.
Too dry: Wilting, drooping, or leaf edges curling inward.
Too wet: Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or a sour smell in the soil.
Always water thoroughly, allowing water to drain fully from the pot before returning it to a decorative pot or shelf.
Step 3: Choose the Right Potting Mix
Rare plants do best in chunky, well-draining soil that mimics their natural environment.
What works:
A mix with coco coir, perlite, orchid bark, and some compost.
Our Dirt Bag is a solid all-in-one option, especially for aroids and tropicals.
For delicate-rooted plants, add extra perlite to improve drainage.
Why this matters:
Heavy soil holds too much water and limits oxygen around the roots. That’s one of the fastest ways to stress or kill a rare plant. A well-draining mix keeps roots healthy and encourages faster growth.
Step 4: Feed Smart (Not Too Much)
Rare plants grow best with a gentle, consistent feeding schedule during the growing season (spring through early fall).
How often:
Every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
Pause or reduce in winter unless the plant is still actively growing.
Why this matters:
Rare plants often need more nutrients to support their larger or more complex leaves. Without feeding, growth may stall or new leaves may emerge smaller and paler.
Signs your plant needs food:
New leaves emerge smaller than the last
Growth is slow or has stopped
Older leaves yellow even though water and light are consistent
Avoid overfeeding, which can cause root burn or fertilizer buildup in the soil. If in doubt, err on the side of feeding less often and watching for signs.
Step 5: Be Proactive About Pests
Rare plants are just as prone to pests as any others. In some cases, they may even be more vulnerable because of softer leaf tissue or extra humidity.
Common culprits:
Spider mites: Tiny, dusty speckling and webbing under leaves
Thrips: Silvery streaks and distorted new leaves
Mealybugs: Cottony clusters in leaf joints
Prevention steps:
Isolate new plants for a week or two when they arrive
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth weekly
Use a gentle pest treatment (like insecticide or neem oil) every few weeks as prevention
Avoid overwatering, which can attract gnats and fungi
If you notice pests, act fast. See our Pest Control Guide for how to treat each type.
Step 6: Go Easy on Yourself
We mean this sincerely: you’re doing great. Rare plants can be a bit dramatic—but part of the fun is learning what makes them tick.
Some final encouragement:
A dropped or yellowing leaf isn’t the end of the world
Browning edges can happen even when you’re doing everything right
Growth may slow after transit—give it time to acclimate
Ask for help! Join a plant community or reach out to us
Caring for rare plants isn’t about perfection—it’s about observation, adjustment, and a little extra attention. Once you’ve got the basics down, the reward is worth it: gorgeous, unique plants that set your collection apart.
Ready to level up? Explore our Rare Plants, grab the right potting mix, and treat yourself to some plant care tools that make the process even smoother.
