If you've been caring for plants for a while, you've probably got pretty good at the basics! Odds are, your fiddle leaf is flourishing and your monstera is well...a monster! Now might be the time to try something new and different. But, just like a Chanel bag, the more coveted and scarce the plant, the more pricy it is! With that in mind, it's good to ask yourself: am I really ready for rare plants?

We've unpacked a few key questions to ask yourself before investing in your first few rare plants. Anything we've missed? We want to hear it!

Are You Confident With Basic Plant Care?

Take a look around your home and look at your plants. Are they happy and healthy? Do you have a strong "gut instinct" when it comes to plant care? You might have had some wins and fails, and that's totally normal and ok. But, if your common plants are thriving and pest free, it might be a great time to think about adding a rare plant to your collection. 

Tip: If you haven’t yet repotted a plant or dealt with common issues like root rot or fungus gnats, it could be worth waiting to get these tasks under your belt!

Do You Have the Time and Patience?

Look, lots of rare plants aren't actually that much more complicated, but they just take a bit more time. Often, they're slower growing and slower to respond to changes in the home. Some rare plants can be a little pickier though. They might need a specific humidity level or light condition. Therefore, you need a bit more time and patience to monitor a rare plant. 

Do You Have the Right Home Environment?

Rare plants usually come with specific needs regarding light, temperature, and humidity. For example, plants like the Anthurium Clarinervium or the Alocasia Silver Dragon may need indirect bright light and high humidity to really thrive.

In Australia, especially in spring, it's important to consider how the heat and sun might affect your rare plant. You might need to invest in a humidifier or tweak your watering schedule to avoid crispy leaves.

Are You Ready for the Price Tag?

Rare plants can be pretty pricey, but there are a few sneaky hacks you can do to get the price down! Look on Facebook marketplace or similar platforms; it's full of passionate plant people looking to give you a ripper deal! Consider buying the plant as a cutting and raising it from a baby; it will be cheaper and way more rewarding!

Before making an investment, ask yourself if you’re comfortable with spending more, and whether you’re ready to nurture this pricey plant to its full potential.

Do You Love a Plant Care Challenge?

If you love learning about new species, adjusting your care routine, and watching your plant thrive , then rare plants might be right up your alley. Use our Essential Plant Care Kit on all your rare plants to keep them in tip top condition all year round. If you ask us, there is something special about seeing an incredibly patterned or textured leaf unfurl.