Collector’s Edition: Rare Houseplants

Here is an unusual tropical plant, sure to ‘Uplift’ your spirits! ‘Uplift’ is an understory plant, native to the forests of South America. Each oval-shaped leaf is like a work of art, with mottling or marbling, in every shade of green–almost as if painted by an impressionist. Given the right conditions, new leaves and stems may occasionally exhibit some pinkish-red undertones. ‘Uplift’ needs bright, indirect light, but avoid placing it in direct sun. It detests cold drafts and wet feet. With consistent water and well-draining soil, ‘Uplift’ will grow on like a living masterpiece.

We invite you to step ‘Into the Night’ and embrace the shadows of this compact jewel alocasia. It has arrowhead-shaped leaves that are so dark green, they are almost as dark as the midnight sky.  Stems are  lighter green, occasionally tinged with hints of purple. ‘Into the Night’ is touchably soft, cloaked in a velvety layer of fuzz. Like other creatures of the twilight, this alocasia will thrive in a dewy, high humidity atmosphere.

This iconic houseplant has become a staple in many homes, and for good reason. It is an easy grower, and the fenestrated leaves with their unusual holes and slits are truly eye-catching! Juvenile plant foliage will be solid, and fenestrations will appear over time as the plant gets bigger and grows. There are a lot of common names for this plant, including Swiss Cheese Plant, Swiss Cheese Vine, Mexican Breadfruit, Split-Leaf Philodendron, and more. Please note that while this is NOT a Philodendron, the genera Monstera and Philodendron are indeed related.

Named after the Malay word for “tortoise” or the Indonesian word for “turtle” is a unique tropical plant known as ‘Kura Kura’ Labisia. This rare, eye catching specimen has elliptical-shaped, glossy leaves adorned with the patterns and textures of a turtle’s shell. Though an often slow grower, ‘Kura Kura’ will thrive in a warm, high-humidity environment, making it especially well-suited for life under glass.

‘Tentacular’ is an enigmatic marvel among botanical enthusiasts, with its otherworldly tentacle-like foliage. It has sinuous burgundy-hued stems that give rise to wispy green foliage, swaying in an unseen current. Unlike a tentacled monster in the deep sea, this terrestrial being enjoys bright light and regular fertilizer. The happier you keep your ‘Tentacular’ Alocasia, the more tentacles it will grow.

Here’s an anthurium that is sure to become the object of your affection–’Heart’s Desire’. More than just a pretty plant, ‘Heart’s Desire’ will enchant you with its heart-shaped leaves, as soft as a lover’s touch. Leaves emerge in blushed tones of red and will warm your heart as they mature to green. What makes this Anthurium truly swoonworthy, however, is its opulent pale veining, reminiscent of a ribcage holding a heart. A love affair with ‘Heart’s Desire’ is one you won’t want to pass up!

Named after American physician-botanist, Dr. Jeff Block’s, lovely wife, is a show-stopping, nearly as lovely anthurium with a bold, modern edge. Say hello to DocBlock’s infamous Michelle®!  This award-winning anthurium features gorgeous, heart-shaped leaves that shimmer with velvety opulence, in colors ranging from burgundy-purple to intense, dark green. Leaves have striking venation, in shades of bright white and pink, adding dramatic contrast. Unlike the outers of each leaf, which feature rich, dark hues, the undersides lighten from lavender to pale green over time, adding additional contrast and dimension. Each leaf on Michelle® is a visual masterpiece, as elegant as its namesake!