7 Houseplants With the Most Unique Leaves We’ve Ever Seen

Sure, an indoor jungle would be nice, but if you only have space for a few plants in your home, make them ones that are especially striking. These seven houseplants have some of the most unique leaves we’ve seen — striking presentations that are sure to hold the eye and make your friends ask — what is that?

The string of pearls, or or Senecio rowleyanus, is a succulent with tiny nodules that grow on long, trailing stems. It likes bright but indirect light, and prefers to dry out between waterings, so cactus mix soil is a good option. Bev from Bev Cooks has one, displayed to perfection in a little hanging pot. JOY US garden has lots of tips for caring for and propagating your string of pearls.

The prayer plant, or Maranta, is so called because the leaves fold up at night, like hands folded in prayer. It likes bright, indirect light and a moist environment. It’s also, as the folks over at A Beautiful Mess point out, non-toxic to children, cats, and dogs, so you won’t have to worry about your pets snacking on it. The Jungalow has a great guide for caring for your prayer plant.

The lovely ladies at a Lovely Life have this striking plant sitting on a windowsill. The shape of the leaves is definitely unique, but it’s the color that really catches the eye. These plants, also known as purple shamrock, will thrive in a sunny window, according to these growing instructions from Michigan State University.

This little cutie, spotted on Lebens Lustinger, is a petite Chinese money plant. Its scientific name is Pilea Peperomioides, and it was brought to Europe from China by a Norwegian missionary in 1946. Like a lot of houseplants, the Chinese money plant likes bright, indirect light. Check out this article for more information about caring for your Chinese money plant.

The white spots on this plant from Paris Cote Jardin are so striking that they almost look painted on, but the Begonia maculata comes by its spots naturally. According to Learn 2 Grow, the Begonia maculata likes indirect light and well-drained soil.

The Watermelon Peperomia, seen here in a photo from Pistilis Nursery, is a tropical plant with striking leaves that look like, well, a watermelon. It likes well-drained soil and bright, indirect sunlight. SF Gate has more tips for keeping your peperomia happy.

The birds nest fern is a plant with undulating, waxy leaves — this ‘Crispy Wave’ variety, spotted on Bakker, is even more striking. White Flower Farm has lots of tips for growing Birds nest ferns — they like indirect light and consistently moist, but not soggy soil.

What are your favorite unique houseplants?