Unusual house plants to grow

Some, such as the fishbone cactus, are sold as they would appear in their natural habitats. Others, such as cristate cacti, display odd growth forms that have been selected for cultivation.

If you're ever unsure about how to grow a certain house plant, spend a bit of time researching it to find out where it's native to and the conditions it enjoys. Try to recreate the conditions in your own home by growing them in the right soil and with the right amount of light. Most house plants enjoy a regular misting, too.

String of pearls

*Senecio rowleyanus*. Photo: Getty Images.

Through evolution, each leaf on the string of pearls (or string of beads plant), Senecio rowleyanus, is almost perfectly spherical. They function as water storage organs and have a smaller surface area to volume ratio than 'normal' leaves, so lose less water. Grow in hanging containers to make the most of the the beads.

Cristate cacti

Mammillaria cristate form — Cristate mammillaria

There are lots of cacti that display crested or cristate growth forms. It's a form of fasciation, which for some plants can have some unsightly results, but in many cacti leads to a beautiful, undulating effect like this Mammillaria geminispina variation (pictured).

Air plants

Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) — Spanish moss, *Tillandsia usneoides*

Air plants, including (Tillandsia) are some of the easiest but most unusual plants you can grow. They're epiphytes, which means they don't require soil to grow – instead they live attached to other plants. Species include Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) that are iconic in the deep south of the United States, draping the branches of great oak trees.

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple'

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is a hybrid of Crassula falcata and Crassula pyramidalis. This slow-growing variety will look good for years. Grow it in a bright, airy spot in cactus compost.

Fishbone cactus

The fishbone cactus, Epiphyllum anguliger, has distinctive zig zag leaves. As an epiphyte it looks great in a hanging container, which mimics its natural environment. A bright spot out of hot sun is best, though it'll benefit from extra sunlight towards the end of summer to aid the production of the stunning, fragrant flowers.

Crassula 'Hottentot'

Crassula 'Hottentot' is a fantastic hybrid, with small, succulent leaves that lie close to the stem, giving them a stacked appearance. It's a great trailing house plant and will also produce clusters of small creamy flowers.

Haworthiopsis attenuata

Haworthiopsis are a group of generally small, succulent plants, many of which possess white, striated tubercles on their leaf surfaces. Haworthiopsis attenuata (shown left and back) is one such species – it's easy to grow expanding fairly quickly by producing offsets and enjoys growing in bright, indirect sunlight.

Staghorn fern

As the name suggests, the staghorn fern, Platycerium bifurcatum, has large, branching fronds. They're epiphytes, so don't require soil and can be secured to wooden boards. They'll happily grow in soil, too, and look lovely in hanging containers.

More eye-catching house plants to grow

Pony tail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata – the base of the stem is swollen and stores water
Bird of paradise, Strelitzia reginae – lush, tropical appearance with bright orange, beaked flowers
Pineapple, Ananas comosus – needs little explanation – enjoy watching your own pineapple fruit grow and mature
Urn plant, Aechmea fasciata – beautiful grey-green leaves with a dramatic, hot pink bloom
Codiaeum 'Iceton' – fabulous foliage plant, enjoying a sunny spot to bring out the pink, yellow, green and orange leaf colouring
Bougainvillea, Bougainvillea glabra - a bright and showy evergreen plant perfect for windowsills
Snake plant, Sansevieria - a striking house plant, with sword-like leaves

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