Complete Gardening
Explore a collection of houseplants that seem to come from another world. These 20 unique specimens feature bizarre shapes, vibrant colors, and textures that defy logic.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, these alien-like plants are sure to intrigue and inspire.
1. Lithops
Lithops, often called “living stones,” are an extraordinary genus of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Resembling small pebbles, these plants mimic stones as a survival adaptation.
Their unique appearance allows them to blend seamlessly into their rocky surroundings, protecting them from herbivores.
Lithops require minimal watering and thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Perfect for those who appreciate low-maintenance plants, they offer a fascinating glimpse into nature’s ingenuity.
While they may appear lifeless, Lithops bloom with delicate flowers, adding a splash of color to their stony facade. Their exotic allure makes them a conversation starter.
2. Mimosa Pudica
Mimosa Pudica, commonly known as the “sensitive plant,” is famous for its rapid response to touch. Native to Central and South America, its feathery leaves close almost instantaneously when disturbed.
This unique mechanism is thought to deter predators by making the plant less appealing.
The thrill of watching Mimosa Pudica react never gets old, making it a favorite among children and adults alike. In addition to its interactive features, the plant produces delicate pink flowers that resemble small pompoms.
Provide it with bright light and regular watering to keep it thriving indoors.
3. Tillandsia
Tillandsia, or air plants, challenge conventional gardening by thriving without soil. These epiphytes absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, making them incredibly versatile and low-maintenance.
Originating from forests, mountains, and deserts of Central and South America, they exhibit a wide range of shapes and colors.
Their ability to cling to almost any surface, from driftwood to stone, offers endless creative display options. Frequent misting or soaking keeps them vibrant and healthy.
Tillandsia’s otherworldly appearance, with spiky leaves and occasional bright blooms, adds an exotic touch to any space.
4. Euphorbia Obesa
Euphorbia Obesa, often dubbed the “baseball plant,” is a captivating succulent resembling a perfect sphere. Native to South Africa, it presents a striking symmetry with subtle ridges and a smooth texture. Its peculiar shape and ability to store water make it a drought-tolerant marvel.
Though it might seem like a cactus, Euphorbia Obesa is distinct and requires care similar to other succulents. It prefers bright, indirect light and minimal watering.
Its unobtrusive size and unique form make it ideal for compact spaces. This plant’s alien-like appearance offers a delightful surprise to those who encounter it.
5. Trachyandra
Trachyandra is a rare and captivating plant known for its spiral, tentacle-like leaves. Native to South Africa, its intriguing form resembles something from a science fiction movie. These curls and twists create an architectural marvel that captivates plant enthusiasts.
Trachyandra thrives in well-draining soil and requires bright, indirect light. Regular watering, while allowing the soil to dry out between, keeps it healthy.
Its unique aesthetic adds a touch of whimsy to any collection. This plant’s unusual, alien-like appearance sparks curiosity and admiration, making it a must-have for those seeking something extraordinary.
6. Buddha’s Hand
Buddha’s Hand, or Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis, is a peculiar citrus plant known for its strange, finger-like fruits. Resembling a bright yellow, hand-shaped object, its appearance is as intriguing as its potential uses. The fruit lacks pulp or juice but emits a heavenly fragrance.
Used traditionally in perfumes and as a natural air freshener, its zest can also enhance culinary dishes. The plant prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil to thrive.
Buddha’s Hand’s exotic form and aromatic allure make it a fascinating addition to both gardens and indoor spaces. Its uniqueness is unforgettable.
7. Albuca Spiralis
Albuca Spiralis, affectionately known as the “Corkscrew Albuca,” is a bulbous plant with leaves that curl into tight spirals. Originating from South Africa, it delights with its whimsical foliage and charming yellow blooms.
The spiral leaves emerge in winter, adding a playful twist to plant collections. Its care involves moderate watering and bright, indirect light, allowing it to flourish.
As the plant matures, it produces tall stalks adorned with sweet-scented flowers. Albuca Spiralis’s quirky, alien-like appearance makes it a popular choice among collectors, offering unusual beauty and intrigue.
8. Dionaea Muscipula
Dionaea Muscipula, commonly known as the Venus Flytrap, is one of the most iconic carnivorous plants. Native to subtropical wetlands of the United States, its jaw-like leaves snap shut upon detecting prey. This rapid movement, triggered by sensitive hairs, fascinates and terrifies.
The plant thrives in sunny, humid conditions, requiring distilled water and nutrient-poor soil. Its carnivorous nature supplements its diet in nutrient-deficient environments.
Though small, the Venus Flytrap’s dramatic feeding spectacle offers a glimpse into the alien-like adaptability of nature, sparking endless curiosity and wonder in observers.
9. Stapelia Gigantea
Stapelia Gigantea, often referred to as the “Carrion Flower,” is notorious for its large, star-shaped blooms that mimic the smell of rotting flesh. This unsettling scent attracts pollinating insects, crucial for its reproduction. Despite its odor, the flower’s intricate patterns and hairy texture are visually captivating.
Native to southern Africa, it thrives in well-draining soil and bright sunlight. Minimal watering is needed to maintain its health.
Stapelia Gigantea’s bizarre appearance and sensory contradiction make it a favorite for those interested in the stranger aspects of botany, providing a truly alien experience.
10. Haworthia Cooperi
Haworthia Cooperi is a delightful succulent characterized by its translucent, bubble-like leaves. Native to South Africa, its unique appearance resembles tiny, water-filled balloons clustered together. The leaves’ transparency allows sunlight to penetrate, aiding photosynthesis.
This succulent prefers bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for those new to gardening. Its compact size fits well in small spaces.
Haworthia Cooperi’s peculiar leaf structure and easy maintenance draw interest, making it a captivating addition to any collection. Its otherworldly charm never fails to impress plant lovers seeking something different.
11. Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis, also known as mistletoe cactus, is an intriguing epiphytic cactus native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Unlike typical cacti, it thrives in shaded, humid environments, with thin stems that cascade gracefully.
Its growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, adding a touch of the exotic to indoor gardens. Regular watering and indirect light help maintain its lush appearance.
Rhipsalis’s ability to adapt to different conditions, combined with its delicate, hair-like structure, provides an alien-like elegance to any plant collection, captivating those with a taste for the unusual.
12. Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Adansonii, affectionately known as the “Swiss Cheese Plant,” is celebrated for its perforated leaves. Native to Central and South America, its fenestrations allow light to pass through, mimicking the dappled sunlight of its natural environment.
This vining plant thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Regular watering keeps its foliage lush and vibrant.
Monstera Adansonii’s unique leaf pattern and lush growth make it a popular choice among indoor gardeners. Its ability to climb and adapt to various spaces adds a touch of the exotic, making it a beloved addition to plant collections.
13. Pseudolithos
Pseudolithos is a bizarre succulent that closely resembles a stone or pebble. Native to arid regions of Africa, it has evolved to blend with its rocky surroundings to avoid detection by herbivores.
Its unusual, bumpy texture and muted colors offer a stark contrast to more traditional plants. Pseudolithos requires minimal watering and thrives in bright light, making it well-suited for sunny windowsills.
This plant’s rock-like appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a fascinating choice for succulent enthusiasts seeking something truly unique. Its alien form captivates those who appreciate nature’s wonders.
14. Crassula Umbella
Crassula Umbella, known as the “Wine Cup,” is a succulent with unique, umbrella-shaped leaves that form a cup. Native to South Africa, it produces delicate yellow flowers that emerge from the center of the “cup,” creating a striking visual display.
This plant thrives in well-draining soil and requires bright light. Minimal watering is essential to prevent root rot.
Crassula Umbella’s peculiar growth habit and charming flowers make it an intriguing addition to succulent collections. Its distinct appearance and easy care requirements appeal to both novice and experienced gardeners seeking something out of the ordinary.
15. Dischidia Nummularia
Dischidia Nummularia, often called “String of Nickels,” is an epiphytic vine with round, coin-like leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, it thrives in humid environments, often found clinging to trees in its natural habitat.
This plant is ideal for hanging baskets, where its trailing stems can cascade gracefully. It requires indirect light and regular watering to maintain its lush appearance.
Dischidia Nummularia’s unique leaf shape and trailing habit provide an unusual and elegant addition to indoor gardens. Its adaptability and charm make it a favorite among plant lovers seeking a touch of the exotic.
16. Euphorbia Tirucalli
Euphorbia Tirucalli, known as the “Pencil Cactus,” is a succulent plant characterized by its thin, pencil-like stems. Native to Africa, its sparse foliage and unique form create a striking silhouette.
This hardy plant thrives in bright light and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
Despite its name, it’s not a true cactus but shares similar drought-resistant properties. Euphorbia Tirucalli’s unusual structure and resilience make it an intriguing choice for those seeking an alien-like addition to their plant collection. Its bold form and easy care appeal to modern aesthetics.
17. Orbea Variegata
Orbea Variegata, commonly known as the “Starfish Flower,” is a succulent named for its star-shaped blooms. Native to the arid regions of South Africa, its unusual flowers feature intricate patterns and a leathery texture.
The plant thrives in well-draining soil and bright light, requiring minimal watering. Its blossoms emit a mild, unpleasant smell, attracting pollinating insects in its natural habitat.
Orbea Variegata’s bizarre, alien-like flowers and easy care requirements make it a captivating choice for succulent enthusiasts. Its fascinating form and unique pollination strategy offer a glimpse into nature’s creativity.
18. Kalanchoe Beharensis
Kalanchoe Beharensis, known as “Elephant’s Ear,” is a striking succulent with large, velvety leaves. Native to Madagascar, its foliage displays a bronze hue that adds warmth and texture to any space.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires infrequent watering. Its ability to adapt to various conditions makes it a versatile addition to any plant collection.
Kalanchoe Beharensis’s impressive leaf size and soft texture give it an alien-like appearance that captivates plant lovers. Its bold form and low-maintenance nature make it an appealing choice for both new and seasoned gardeners.
19. Fenestraria Rhopalophylla
Fenestraria Rhopalophylla, or “Baby Toes,” is a succulent known for its peculiar, finger-like leaves. Native to the arid regions of South Africa, its translucent leaf tips allow sunlight to reach the underground part of the plant.
This adaptation protects it from harsh environmental conditions. It thrives in bright light with minimal watering, making it perfect for sunny windowsills.
Fenestraria Rhopalophylla’s unique leaf structure and ability to survive extreme conditions make it a fascinating addition to succulent collections. Its charming, alien appearance enchants those who appreciate nature’s adaptations and resilience.