January 6, 2026

What Does It Really Mean When a Houseplant Is Called “Rare”?

When people hear the word rare, they often assume a plant is fragile, impossible to find, or only for expert growers. In reality, “rare” can mean a few different things—and many rare plants are perfectly manageable with the right care and expectations. 

A plant may be considered rare because it’s hard to propagate, produced in limited quantities, newly introduced to the market, or simply slower to grow. Rarity isn’t always permanent; some plants become more available over time as growers refine their propagation techniques. 

 

Is a Rare Plant Always Harder to Care For? 

Not necessarily. Some rare plants are just as easy to grow as common houseplants—they’re just less available. Others may have more specific needs for light, humidity, or watering. Knowing why a plant is rare helps you understand what kind of care it will need and whether it’s a good fit for your home. 

 

Why Are Some Plants Hard to Find? 

Many rare houseplants fall into one (or more) of these categories: 

• Slow growers – Plants that take a long time to reach saleable size. 
• Limited propagation methods – Some can’t be easily grown from cuttings. 
• New or experimental varieties – Recently developed by breeders and not widely distributed yet. 
• High demand – Popular plants that sell faster than growers can produce them. 

How Do Growers Create Rare and Unique Plants? 

Modern growers often use tissue culture, a propagation method that allows plants to be grown from tiny pieces of plant material in a controlled environment. This technique makes it possible to produce healthier, more consistent plants—and eventually helps once-rare varieties become more widely available. 

 

 

 

 

 

What Should I Look for Before Buying a Rare Plant? 

Before bringing one home, consider: 

• Your available light 
• Your watering habits 
• Humidity levels in your space 
• How much attention you enjoy giving your plants 

Asking questions and understanding a plant’s background goes a long way toward long-term success. 

 

Want to Learn Even More About Rare Houseplants? 

Join us for National Houseplant Day at Mahoney’s Winchester on January 10th from 10am–1pm, featuring our partners Proven Winners Leafjoy and The Plant Company. Enjoy a Rare Plant Talk at 10am, a Q&A session at 11am, a free repotting clinic, limited rare plant availability, a free Leafjoy Little plant for the first 100 attendees, exclusive one-day discounts, and lunch available from Tandoor and Curry on Wheels—stop in, ask questions, and discover what makes rare plants so special in person.