Exotic and rare plants to have at home

What are exotic plants? The definition covers all plants taken from their natural habitat, later introduced into a new location, where they may jeopardize native species. For this reason, they are still designated as invasive exotic plants. However, when gardening lovers think of exotic plants, they still refer to plants with strange stems and unusual flowers, many of which are present in remote locations.

This is really a way to give a touch of irreverence to the house, so we present some examples of exotic plants in Portugal, from the most popular to the most eccentric.

Exotic and rare plants for the interior of the house

Would you like to create a green space with bright tones at home, but don´t know which plants to choose? Opt for exotic and rare plants, unusual in Portugal, whose names are even stranger and more difficult to pronounce.

• Schefflera arboricola: it is a rustic exotic plant, with leaves similar to the tips of an umbrella. Native to Taiwan and some islands in the Pacific, it is also a perennial plant, which grows up to 9 meters high, especially in places where the temperature reaches 25ºC. During the winter it shivers from the cold and must be protected from drafts.
• Trachyandra: this rare exotic plant is part of the succulent plant family and is known from South Africa and Madagascar. It has probably the most mesmerizing leaves of all plants, because they are curly. They take time to grow and reach a maximum of 61 cm, with white and grayish inflorescences from late winter to early spring.
• Haworthia cooperi or glass succulent: rare exotic plant from South Africa, it has very shiny transparent leaves. They like sandy soils and, like any other succulent plant, do not need soggy soils. It is still a small exotic plant, only 4 to 5 cm in diameter and looks good in small pots by a window.
• Crassula Umbella: it is a succulent plant nicknamed glass of wine from South Africa and uncommon in Portugal. It only reaches 15 cm, with green and yellow tones. They are exotic plants difficult to grow, as they are quite susceptible to diseases.

Exotic plants from Madeira

Madeira Island is the Portuguese destination of choice for lovers of exotic plants. Its mild climate has allowed the cultivation of a series of plants native to India and Brazil in the Laurissilva forest, with more than 15,000 hectares in area. Interestingly, the exotic plants from Madeira are common plants in the gardens and houses of the region, although sometimes rare in the mainland.

• Protea: native to South Africa, protea are very desired exotic plants due to their flower with rounded petals at the base and sharp tips. Its inflorescence is large and grows favorably in places with temperatures between 7º and 27ºC.
• Sapatinho Orchid: orchids are rare exotic plants and some of them are on the list of the most expensive plants in the world. The one we most easily find in Madeira is the slipper orchid, brought from Asia. It grows indoors and in small pots in semi-shade gardens. They need little water and it will be enough to water them once a week.
• White skirt or Trumpet tree: the white skirt plant is an exotic plant very famous for its fragrant pendant white flowers. It adapts immediately to hot climates, and likes lots of water and light. In recent years, its use has been discussed, due to its toxic effects.
• Tamarilho: is one of the exotic plants with fruit, native to the mountains of Peru and Bolivia and belonging to the Solanaceae family. The fruit, also called passion fruit tomato or English tomato, is bittersweet and rich in vitamins A and C. As for its cultivation, it is easy, and should be done in sunny areas, but protected from wind and frost.

Exotic plant prices and where to find them

Having presented the examples of exotic and rare plants in Portugal, we want you to start preparing your garden. Given the growing popularity of exotic plants, we suggest some pages that offer free home delivery services.

• Urban Jungle: they are well-known specialists in indoor gardening, who have some of the most bizarre exotic plants, such as Trachyandra or albuca spiralis, available from 15 euros.
• Cactus and Succulents in Portugal: with a team attentive to the needs of the most creative gardeners, it has a series of exotic and rare succulent plants, including pots of Haworthia cooperi, from 2€.
• Growit: in this company created by a Portuguese of Belgian origin, it is possible to buy seeds of some exotic plants, such as proteas. In addition, other conventional and organic seeds are available for you to make your garden at home.

You can try visiting florists and nurseries near you, to understand what types of exotic and rare plants are found in Portugal.

Source:  idealista.pt