Top 14 Rare Houseplants That Thrive in Small Apartments

Best Rare Houseplants for Small Apartments That Are Totally Low Maintenance

Hey plant fam, it’s time to level up your indoor jungle game. If you’re anything like me, your Pinterest board is probably overflowing with dreamy plant-filled rooms, but the reality? You live in a tiny apartment with just enough space for your bed, your laptop, and maybe a shelf for a plant or two. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

The good news? Rare houseplants are out there, and some of them don’t just survive in small spaces—they thrive. These little green treasures bring all the aesthetic vibes without taking over your whole life (or square footage). So, if you’re ready to flex your plant parent status and make your apartment the envy of your Zoom background, let’s dive into the top 14 rare houseplants that are perfect for small spaces.

1. String of Turtles (Peperomia prostrata)

First off, the name. String of Turtles—how cute is that? This plant features tiny round leaves that look like little turtle shells strung along delicate vines. It’s a trailing plant, which makes it ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, or cascading off a windowsill. Plus, it’s a slow grower, so it won't take over your space.

• Care Level: Easy. Keep it in bright, indirect light and let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
• Price: Around $10-$20 for a 2-4 inch pot.
• Where to Get: Etsy, rare plant shops, or local nurseries with a good selection of trailing plants.
• Pro Tip: Use a chunky, well-draining soil mix like one for succulents to keep those turtle-shell leaves happy.

2. Variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii variegata)

You’ve probably seen the basic String of Hearts all over Instagram, but the variegated version is a total showstopper. Its heart-shaped leaves come with pink, white, and green variegation that scream soft girl aesthetic. Perfect for trailing down a bookshelf or climbing a mini trellis.

• Care Level: Easy. Likes bright, indirect light and tolerates some neglect. Water when the soil is completely dry.
• Price: Around $25-$40 for a small pot, depending on variegation quality.
• Where to Get: Etsy, niche online plant shops, or Facebook plant trade groups.
• Pro Tip: Rotate the pot every week to keep the pink variegation balanced on all sides.

3. Monstera Dubia

Meet the Monstera Dubia, the mysterious cousin of the Insta-famous Monstera Deliciosa. Unlike its bold, split-leaf cousin, the Dubia grows flat against a plank or moss pole, and its leaves feature striking silver patterns. It’s compact and thrives in high humidity, so it’s perfect for tiny bathrooms or corners with a pebble tray.

• Care Level: Moderate. Needs bright, indirect light, consistent watering, and high humidity.
• Price: $50-$100, depending on size and maturity.
• Where to Get: Rare plant retailers like Steve’s Leaves or specialty plant shops.
• Pro Tip: To keep the silver patterns vibrant, mist it regularly and place it near a humidifier.

4. Hoya Compacta (Hindu Rope Plant)

The Hoya Compacta looks like a green goddess braid, with its thick, curled leaves growing in tight spirals along its vines. It’s also a flowering plant, producing clusters of star-shaped, sweet-smelling blooms. Plus, it’s a slow grower, so it stays compact and manageable.

• Care Level: Easy. Thrives in bright, indirect light and likes to dry out between waterings.
• Price: $25-$50 for a healthy, trailing plant.
• Where to Get: Etsy, big-box garden centers, or local plant swaps.
• Pro Tip: Use a small hanging pot to show off the plant’s trailing shape and give it maximum airflow.

5. Pink Princess Philodendron

The Pink Princess is the Beyoncé of houseplants—glamorous and attention-grabbing. Its dark green leaves are splashed with bubblegum pink variegation, making it a statement piece in any room. This plant is rare and pricey but totally worth the hype.

• Care Level: Moderate. Needs bright, indirect light and humidity to maintain the pink variegation.
• Price: $70-$200+ for a small cutting, depending on the intensity of the pink.
• Where to Get: High-end plant shops, rare plant Facebook groups, or Etsy.

6. Pilea Glauca (Aquamarine)

This cottagecore dream plant has tiny, silvery-blue leaves that shimmer under the light. The delicate, trailing growth pattern makes it perfect for small spaces like windowsills or hanging planters. Plus, it’s super low-maintenance, so beginner plant parents can thrive.

• Care Level: Easy. Likes bright, indirect light and slightly moist soil.
• Price: Around $15-$25 for a small pot.
• Where to Get: Etsy or local nurseries that specialize in small trailing plants.
• Pro Tip: Trim the ends occasionally to encourage bushier growth.

7. Alocasia 'Silver Dragon'

The Silver Dragon is pure fantasy. Its metallic, dragon-scale-like leaves are compact enough for small spaces but still dramatic enough to make a statement.

• Care Level: Moderate. Needs high humidity, bright, indirect light, and regular misting.
• Price: $40-$80 for a small plant.
• Where to Get: Rare plant retailers or tropical plant shops.
• Pro Tip: Place it on a pebble tray to maintain consistent humidity.

8. Anthurium Clarinervium

This compact stunner is known for its heart-shaped leaves with bold white veins. It’s a rare beauty that loves humidity and adds a touch of drama to your small apartment.

• Care Level: Moderate. Prefers high humidity and bright, indirect light.
• Price: $50-$120 depending on size.
• Where to Get: Specialty plant shops, Etsy, or plant expos.
• Pro Tip: Use filtered water for this one—it’s sensitive to tap water minerals.

9. Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)

Not all rare plants are big. The Jewel Orchid is small but mighty, with velvety dark leaves that shimmer under the light. And guess what? It blooms with tiny, delicate flowers too.

• Care Level: Easy. Thrives in medium light and slightly moist soil.
• Price: $20-$50 for a small plant.
• Where to Get: Etsy, local nurseries, or specialty orchid sellers.
• Pro Tip: This plant loves low light, so it’s perfect for a cozy corner.

10. Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)

The Mini Monstera gives you all the drama of its big sibling without the size. It’s fast-growing and perfect for moss poles or trellises.

• Care Level: Easy. Likes bright, indirect light and regular watering.
• Price: $25-$60.
• Where to Get: Big box stores, online plant retailers, or local garden centers.
• Pro Tip: Prune it to encourage a fuller shape and prevent leggy growth.

11. Calathea 'White Fusion'

If you love plants that look like they were painted by an artist, the Calathea White Fusion is your new obsession. Its swirling mix of white, green, and purple leaves will make your apartment look like a Pinterest board IRL. While it’s compact and perfect for small spaces, it does demand a little extra TLC to keep its stunning colors vibrant.

• Care Level: Moderate to Difficult. Loves high humidity, distilled water, and low to medium indirect light.
• Price: $30-$80 depending on size and condition.
• Where to Get: Specialty plant stores, Etsy, or rare plant Facebook groups.
• Pro Tip: Place it near a humidifier or mist it regularly to prevent crispy edges on those gorgeous leaves. Avoid direct sunlight—it’s a diva about that.

12. Dischidia Oiantha 'Variegata'

This trailing beauty is like the quirky, artsy cousin of the String of Hearts. Its tiny, variegated, teardrop-shaped leaves add a whimsical touch to any small apartment. Whether you hang it in a planter or let it cascade off a shelf, the Dischidia Oiantha Variegata adds charm without hogging space.

• Care Level: Easy. Thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn’t need constant watering—let the soil dry out between drinks.
• Price: $20-$40 for a trailing plant.
• Where to Get: Etsy, tropical plant stores, or international sellers on rare plant websites.
• Pro Tip: Hang it in a sunny spot with plenty of airflow, and use a lightweight potting mix to keep it happy.

13. Ceropegia Sandersonii (Parachute Plant)

The Parachute Plant is out-of-this-world cool. With its parachute-shaped, alien-like flowers and trailing vines, it feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. This rare trailing plant is compact and thrives in bright spots, making it perfect for apartments.

• Care Level: Moderate. Needs bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water sparingly, as it dislikes being overwatered.
• Price: $30-$50 depending on size.
• Where to Get: Etsy, online rare plant shops, or specialty succulent stores.
• Pro Tip: Train its vines along a small trellis or let them drape naturally for a dramatic, space-saving look.

14. Philodendron Micans

The Philodendron Micans is an absolute mood. Its velvety, heart-shaped leaves shimmer in shades of deep green and bronze, giving it a rich, elegant vibe. It’s a fast grower and super forgiving, making it a perfect pick for beginners who still want rare plant energy in their home.

• Care Level: Easy. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Price: $15-$40 depending on size.
• Where to Get: Local nurseries, Etsy, or big-box stores with solid plant sections.
• Pro Tip: If you want it to trail, let the vines cascade off a shelf. If you want a fuller look, pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth.

Why Rare Plants in Small Spaces Are the Move

Here’s the thing about rare houseplants: they’re not just about aesthetics (though, let’s be real, they look amazing). They bring personality, texture, and a sense of calm to your space—even if you’re working with 500 square feet.

Small apartments don’t mean you have to stick to basic succulents. These rare beauties thrive in tight spaces and are low-key the perfect roommates—they don’t take up much space, they’re quiet, and they make your home 100x cooler.

So, grab your favorite plant pot, find a sunny corner, and start building your rare plant jungle. Who needs a backyard when you’ve got a dreamy indoor oasis?

Stay tuned for more plant inspo, home vibes, and aesthetic ideas from your fave explorer, right here on Woke Waves Magazine. 🌿✨

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