Variegated Monstera Deliciosa & Thai Constellation
Camera IconVariegated Monstera Deliciosa & Thai Constellation Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Top rare indoor plants for Perth collectors in 2019 and where to find them

Sara FitzpatrickEastern Reporter

YOU have been living under a rock if you haven’t heard that indoor plants are the hippest home accessory money can buy.

This year, Monstera Deliciosa and Devil’s Ivy will keep their top dog status.

However new kids on the block, Philodendron Pink Princess, Ficus Umbellata and Epipremnum Pinnatum will give them a nudge, says Linda Vydra of The Jungle Collective.

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Known for her party-like plant sales around Australia, Linda is always on the prowl for the next big thing in the planting world.

Below she names her top three hard-to-find indoor plants of 2019 for serious collectors:

1. Variegated Monstera Deliciosa & Thai Constellation

This species has been a phenomenon for some time. It is a natural freak of nature with a cell mutation that occurs one in every 1000 plants to create beautiful white marbling throughout its famous Swiss cheese-like leaves. I predict 2019 will be the year growers finally begin to meet some of the demand and the plant will be enjoyed by more plant nuts. By rare plant standards, it is a very low-fuss option. Like the common Monstera Deliciosa, it enjoys a bright space with indirect light and a thorough watering about once a week.

2. Cercestis Mirabilis or African Embossed Aroid

Its dramatic arrow-shaped leaves and intense patterned foliage is like nothing else. A fairly obscure species, it should become more known this year. It pops up occasionally on eBay, going for bargain prices, but won’t last long once demand catches up. Native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, it likes high humidity and can be trained up a totem. Not ideal for beginners but serious collectors will love it.

Cercestis Mirabilis or African Embossed Aroid
Camera IconCercestis Mirabilis or African Embossed Aroid Credit: Supplied/Supplied

3. Anthurium Crystallinum

With giant white-veined leaves, this showpiece beauty is hard to beat. It is still extremely rare but will probably pop up this year on occasion. A tropical species native to Columbia and Panama, it likes high humidity and won’t handle the cold. Avoid direct light and keep soil moist over summer. This one is an absolute must-have for the dedicated collector.

The next Jungle Collective plant sale is February 2-3 at The Old Pickle Factory, West Perth.

Anthurium Crystallinum
Camera IconAnthurium Crystallinum Credit: Supplied/Supplied