Funky Weirdo Plant Picks

Funky Weirdo Plant Picks

Posted by Jessie Jacobson & Hannah Brand on Jan 15th 2025

Hannah's Favorite Funky Weirdo Plant Picks

Over the years, I've developed a deep fascination with the strange, the unusual, and the downright weird plants. Collecting weird and unique plants is a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows me to explore the vast diversity of nature. From rare carnivorous species like Venus Flytraps to exotic succulents with bizarre, sculptural forms, these plants bring an element of surprise and wonder to my personal plant collection.

Many collectors are drawn to the challenge of finding unusual specimens, often seeking out plants with striking colors, odd shapes, or unusual growth habits. The joy of nurturing these oddities often lies in the care and attention required to keep them thriving, as each plant comes with its own set of needs, making the collection process both educational and deeply satisfying. In the blog this week, I'm counting down my top favorite weird plants!

 


Frizzle Sizzle

Starting off strong, Albuca spiralis Frizzle Sizzle is native to South Africa. This plant features spiraling, corkscrew-like leaves that twist and curl in all directions, creating a whimsical, almost alien-like appearance. In addition to its unusual foliage, Albuca spiralis produces delicate, star-shaped flowers that emit a sweet, lily-like fragrance, typically in late winter or early spring.

 


Leopard Lily

Second on my list is Ledebouria socialis, more commonly known as Leopard Lily. A unique succulent native to South Africa, this plant features small, bulbous growth and slender leaves covered in silvery spots, creating a stunning contrast against its green base. Leopard Lily produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems, usually in shades of pale-purple or pink. Known for its resilience, Ledebouria socialis thrives in low-input conditions, making it a favorite among plant collectors who appreciate both its beauty and ease of care.


Lithops

In the third place position are Lithops commonly known as Living Stones. This is a fascinating genus of succulent plants that closely resemble small stones or pebbles, making them masters of camouflage in their native South African deserts. These unique plants have thick, fleshy leaves that split down the middle, often with intricate patterns or textures. Lithops thrive in arid conditions and are known for their ability to go dormant during dry periods, only to bloom with vibrant, daisy-like flowers when they emerge. Their otherworldly appearance and low-maintenance care make them a must-have for collectors of unusual plants.


Lifesaver Cactus

Fourth on my list is Huernia zebrina, more commonly known as the Lifesaver Cactus. This is a striking succulent native to Southern Africa. With its fleshy, star-shaped, deep red and yellow striped flowers, it truly lives up to its name. This plant's unique blooms resembling zebra stripes, are often the highlight of its appeal, attracting attention with their unusual appearance and strong scent. Despite its bizarre looks, Huernia zebrina is a relatively low-maintenance plant, thriving in dry, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, making it a favorite among collectors of weird succulents.

 


Star Cactus

Astrophytum asterias Superkabuto, a stunning and highly sought-after cultivar of the Star Cactus is known for its distinctive, flattened shape and smooth, almost velvety surface. Superkabuto is particularly prized for its unique markings, which appear as irregular white dots across its green body, creating a striking contrast. With a slow growth rate and an affinity for dry, well-drained soil, it’s a low-maintenance plant that makes a standout addition to any collection of unusual cacti.


Butterwort

Sixth on my list is Pinguicula primuliflora, more commonly known as Butterwort. This is a carnivorous plant native to the southeastern United States. With its rosette of soft, green leaves that resemble primrose flowers, it lures and traps small insects using the sticky, glandular secretion on its leaf surfaces. This unique plant produces delicate, purple or white flowers that rise above its leaves in spring, adding a touch of elegance to its carnivorous nature. Pinguicula primuliflora thrives in humid, moist environments and is a fascinating addition to any collection of strange and unusual plants, offering both beauty and a natural method of pest control.


Philodendron Tortum

Last but certainly not least on my list is Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Tortum'. This insane aroid has a fern-like appearance and loves to climb. Like many philodedrons, this one frows as a epiphyte in nature. New leaves emerge a coppery-orange color and can reach several feet long. Wha'ts not to love?


And there you have it—just a few of the weird and wonderful plants that never fail to fascinate and surprise me. From carnivorous curiosities to desert survivors to alien-like blooms, the plant kingdom is full of oddities that challenge our perceptions of nature. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting to explore the world of unusual plants, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. I hope this list sparked your curiosity and inspired you to seek out some of these quirky specimens for your own collection.

Happy plant hunting!