5 Unlikely Houseplants Western Nurseries Are Obsessed With Right Now
Unexpected and collector-worthy botanicals worth the hunt.
Courtesy of Somewhere That’s Green
Western houseplant lovers are embracing the unexpected, and for good reason. A little odd, a little whimsical, and far more resilient than they appear, these plants prove that personality and practicality don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Across the 13 Western states, plant parents are moving past the basics and into a more intentional era of indoor greenery, one where form, longevity, and emotional payoff matter just as much as ease of care. Here we tap into the plant-tastic mind of John Kish, owner and founder of Somewhere That’s Green in Bend, Oregon, who highlights collector-worthy houseplants that may be flying under your radar but are quietly thriving in Western homes. He shares why these “unlikely” picks are shaping the next chapter of indoor gardening, from thoughtful care to design-driven ways of living with plants. As Kish puts it, “Here we are, in 2026… Indoor plants are here to stay.” But how we live with them is evolving.
Why These Plants, and Why Now?
According to Kish, today’s plant lovers are less interested in sheer quantity and more focused on intention. “I think most people are at their capacity with indoor plants and most plant parents are educated on the basics,” he says. “I think 2026 is for leveling up our indoor plant game.”
Economic uncertainty and cultural fatigue have also reshaped buying habits. “Plant purchasers are understandably being pickier about what they want to invest in and bring into their spaces,” Kish notes, pointing to a renewed interest in shopping locally for both knowledge and community. “Reconnecting to your local growers and sellers not only provides an experience, but also provides a safety net of knowledge.”
The ‘Unlikely’ Factor
Courtesy of Somewhere That’s Green
The move toward quirkier plants feels less like rebellion and more like evolution. “We’ve seen the pothos and snake plants since the ’70s,” Kish says. “Integrating the unique and quirky into our homes is no different than any other fashion or style trend.”
He’s quick to clarify that rarity isn’t the goal. “The term ‘rare’ can be based off multiple facets,” he explains, emphasizing ethical sourcing and steering clear of plant poaching. More importantly, “growing unique plants with unique habits can often educate plant parents about broader horticulture topics.”
Nurseries as Tastemakers
Courtesy of Somewhere That’s Green
Independent nurseries now play a critical role in shaping healthier plant culture. “I function in the realm of accessibility, and [feel] that nature should be accessible for all,” Kish says. As trends stabilize post-2020, “rare plants become more available and common plants become more understood and appreciated.”
Today’s customers are asking smarter questions. “We’ve evolved from, ‘Do you have any low light plants?’ to, ‘What are some hardy yet cool varieties available?’” Kish explains. His guiding principle: “Biophilic design is always about painting with the proper colors based on the environment you’re given.”
Design, Emotion, and Living with Plants
Ultimately, houseplants aren’t decor—they’re companions. “Living amongst plants is natural, whereas fluorescent lights and concrete are not,” Kish says. The goal isn’t excess, but harmony. “Reconnecting with our roots but in a functional way is the key.”
And yes, there’s joy in dreaming big. “Do I dream of living in Fern Gully? Yes, yes I do,” Kish admits. “So I started a plant shop as that’s one step closer to my dream.”
For Western homes, these unlikely plants offer something lasting: beauty with backbone, and a reminder that a little weird often feels just right.
The 5 Unexpected Houseplants Worth Collecting
1. Queensland Bottle Tree “Brachychiton rupestris”
An easy-to-care-for caudex plant, perfect for modern bonsai-styled decor. Place in a bright sunny window and water sparingly.
Pro Tip: Let soil dry completely before re-watering, especially as the tree matures. Use a cactus or bonsai soil mix that drains well. Avoid overwatering, which can easily cause root rot. Native to Australia, these plants have evolved to store water in their base. For a striking display, place in a low bowl with gravel and a stone for a modern, sculptural look.
2. Jewel Orchid “Ludisia discolor”
Zloyel/Getty Images
This terrestrial orchid from Southeast Asia thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Known for its metallic, glitter-like burgundy veins and winter blooms, it’s a must-have for indoor decor or terrariums.
Pro Tip: Prefers well-draining soil with high humidity. This velvet-leafed plant trails and creeps along the soil surface, producing multiple shoots with its prolific growth habit. Avoid overwatering or excessive humidity, which can cause the plant to “melt” and rot. In Oregon, a terrarium with chunky tropical or aroid soil works best. A perfect winter pick, its white blooms emerge on tall spikes when most other plants are dormant.
3. The King Anthurium “Anthurium veitchii”
JillianCain/Getty Images
A true scene-stealer, this tropical plant grows massive corrugated leaves that demand the central spot in any indoor design.
Pro Tip: Native to Colombia, this epiphyte thrives in moist tree crotches or chunky, well-draining soil with high, filtered light and occasional sun. The better the humidity, the larger and healthier the leaves. Often labeled a “slow grower,” Kish notes, “I get a leaf every few months, still providing validation and joy for my green heart.” It’s fairly hardy and less velvet-leafed than other anthuriums, making it a go-to for most plant lovers. As it grows, display on a pedestal or in a hanging coir basket for maximum drama.
4. Slipper Orchid “Cypripedioideae”
Courtesy of Somewhere That’s Green
An evolved orchid subfamily, slipper orchids have a pouch-like lip that traps insects to aid pollination. Genera span tropical and temperate climates worldwide.
Pro Tip: Paphiopedilums prefer bright indirect light or soft morning sun. They thrive in an aroid or orchid mix with bark and moss. Maintain decent humidity and feed with organic fertilizer to support blooms. Overwatering can still cause root rot; allow the top few inches of soil to dry before watering. After blooming, trim the spike—its stunningly spotted leaves remain, keeping this plant gorgeous year-round.
5. Fernleaf Cactus “Selenicereus chrysocardium”
Native to Mexico and Central America, this epiphytic jungle succulent is known for its deeply lobed leaves that resemble large fern fronds.
Pro Tip: A fast-growing plant, it loves bright indirect light and highly draining soil. Overwatering can cause rot. Popular for its easy care and cascading growth, this plant can also reward lucky owners with fragrant, night-blooming flowers.
