Autumn 2026: Our Top 10 Rare Plants for Beginners

After more than 31 years growing and supplying rare and unusual plants from our nursery in Nambour, Queensland, we know that starting a rare plant collection can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of species to choose from, where do you begin?

We’ve put together our top 10 rare plants that are perfect for beginners — beautiful, forgiving, and sure to impress visitors to your home or garden.

1. Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant)

Hoyas are the ultimate set-and-forget rare plant. These gorgeous climbing plants produce clusters of waxy, fragrant flowers and thrive on neglect. They prefer bright indirect light and only need watering when the soil dries out completely. Perfect for hanging baskets or trailing from a shelf.

2. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Don’t let anyone tell you African Violets are old-fashioned — the modern varieties are stunning. With proper light (bright, indirect) and bottom watering, these compact beauties will reward you with near-continuous blooms in purple, pink, white and bicolour patterns. We carry over 30 varieties in our African Violets collection.

3. Philodendron ‘Brasil’

This eye-catching trailing plant features heart-shaped leaves with bold yellow and green variegation. It’s incredibly hardy, tolerates low light, and grows quickly. A perfect first rare plant that looks far more expensive than it is.

4. Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo Flower)

With their glossy, heart-shaped spathes in red, pink, or white, Anthuriums are guaranteed conversation starters. They’re surprisingly easy to grow indoors with bright indirect light and regular watering. Each flower lasts for weeks.

5. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium)

Mount one on a board or grow it in a hanging basket for a dramatic statement piece. Staghorns are native to Australia and thrive in filtered light with regular misting. They look exotic but are remarkably tough in the right conditions. Browse our Ferns collection.

6. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

This quirky succulent features cascading strands of tiny, bead-like leaves. Give it bright light, well-draining soil, and water sparingly. It’s a show-stopper in hanging pots and perfect for beginners who tend to underwater their plants. See our Succulents & Cactus collection.

7. Calathea (Prayer Plant)

Known for their stunning leaf patterns and the way they fold up at night (like praying hands), Calatheas bring life and movement to any room. They prefer humidity and indirect light. The Calathea medallion is a great starter variety. Find them in our Indoor Plants.

8. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Nearly indestructible, the ZZ Plant thrives in low light, low water, and general neglect. Its glossy, dark green leaves look sophisticated in any setting. The newer ‘Raven’ variety with near-black foliage is particularly striking.

9. Begonia rex

Rex Begonias are grown for their spectacular foliage rather than flowers. Swirling patterns in silver, purple, pink and green make each leaf a work of art. They do well in bright indirect light and appreciate humidity. Explore our Amazing Flowering Plants.

10. Dischidia (Ant Plant)

A lesser-known cousin of the Hoya, Dischidias are fascinating epiphytes with unique leaf shapes. They’re easy to grow in a bright spot with occasional watering and make excellent terrarium plants.

Ready to Start Your Collection?

Browse our online shop to find these plants and hundreds more. We ship Australia-wide, and for customers in Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, our Quarantine Concierge Service handles all the paperwork and treatments so your plants arrive legally and healthy.

Have questions? Get in touch — Bob and Bev are always happy to help fellow plant enthusiasts find their next green treasure.

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