15 Exotic Aroid Plants That Will Elevate Your Collection

If you’re ready to take your plant collection to the next level, these exotic aroids will transform your growing space into a stunning display of nature’s finest specimens. From the coveted Pink Princess Philodendron with its rosy variegation to the magnificently fenestrated Monstera Albo, each species offers unique characteristics that captivate both novice collectors and seasoned botanists alike. Let’s explore what makes these remarkable plants so sought-after in the houseplant community.

1. Pink Princess Philodendron

The Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) is a highly sought-after tropical plant known for its stunning dark green leaves with vibrant pink variegation. This climbing aroid can grow up to 4 feet tall indoors and features heart-shaped leaves that can reach 8-10 inches in length. The pink variegation pattern is unique to each leaf, appearing in splashes, stripes, or half-moon patterns, making every plant distinctive. Due to its rare genetic mutation and difficulty in propagation, this philodendron variety has become one of the most expensive and coveted houseplants in recent years.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; some morning sun is beneficial for pink variegation
• Water: Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; avoid overwatering
• Soil: Well-draining, airy potting mix rich in organic matter; mix of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark
• Humidity: Minimum 60% humidity; benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Support: Requires moss pole or trellis for climbing and ideal growth

2. Variegated Monstera Albo

The Monstera Albo, a variegated form of Monstera deliciosa, is highly sought after for its stunning white and green marbled foliage. This genetic mutation results in sections of the leaves lacking chlorophyll, creating a dramatic white variegation pattern that makes each plant unique. While beautiful, the white portions cannot photosynthesize, making the plant grow slower than its non-variegated counterparts and requiring careful management to maintain healthy growth and ideal variegation.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; morning sun is tolerable
• Water: Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; avoid overwatering
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix of orchid bark, perlite, and high-quality potting soil
• Humidity: 60-80% humidity; benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); protect from cold drafts
• Support: Requires moss pole or trellis for climbing and proper growth
• Fertilizer: Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during growing season
• Pot: Use container with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years

3. Stunning Anthurium Crystallinum

The Anthurium Crystallinum is a striking tropical aroid known for its large, velvety leaves with prominent white or silvery veins that create a crystalline appearance against the deep green foliage. Native to Central and South America, this epiphytic plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and produces heart-shaped leaves that can span 6-8 inches in length. Its distinctive venation pattern and luxurious leaf texture make it a highly sought-after specimen for collectors and indoor plant enthusiasts.

• Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sun to prevent leaf burn
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-80%); use humidifier or pebble tray
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Soil: Well-draining, chunky aroid mix with orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes; plastic or glazed ceramic preferred
• Air Circulation: Good airflow while maintaining humidity

4. Philodendron Gloriosum

Philodendron gloriosum is a stunning terrestrial crawler known for its large, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white or light green veining against a dark green background. This slow-growing aroid develops its leaves along a creeping rhizome that grows horizontally across the soil surface rather than climbing. The velvety leaves can reach up to 2 feet in length, and new growth emerges in a bronze-pink color before maturing to its signature deep green shade.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix of orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and potting soil
• Humidity: Minimum 60%, preferably higher around 70-80%
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season
• Container: Wide, shallow pot to accommodate horizontal growth pattern
• Growing Medium pH: 6.0-7.0

5. Rare Philodendron White Princess

The Philodendron White Princess is a highly sought-after variegated cultivar known for its stunning white and green foliage. This rare climbing aroid features elongated leaves with irregular patches of creamy white variegation against dark green backgrounds. The amount of variegation can vary greatly between leaves, making each plant unique. As a tropical plant from the Araceae family, it requires specific conditions to maintain its distinctive coloring and healthy growth.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; morning sun is acceptable; low light will reduce variegation
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Humidity: 60-80% humidity; use humidifier or pebble tray if needed
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix of orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and potting soil
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Support: Provide moss pole or trellis for climbing
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

6. Silver Sword Philodendron

The Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) is a striking climbing aroid known for its distinctive silvery-blue, arrow-shaped leaves with a metallic sheen. This tropical plant, native to Brazil, can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors and features elongated leaves that mature from small, dark green juvenile forms into large, silvery adult foliage. The leaves can reach up to 12 inches in length, and the plant naturally climbs using aerial roots, making it an excellent choice for moss poles or trellises.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate medium light but avoid direct sun
• Water: Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, airy potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers 60% or higher; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Support: Requires climbing support like moss pole or trellis
• Soil pH: 5.5-7.0

7. Philodendron Verrucosum

• Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sun; can tolerate moderate shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; higher humidity (60-80%) required
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C), not tolerant of temperatures below 55°F (13°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix of orchid bark, perlite, peat moss, and charcoal
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Support: Requires moss pole or trellis for climbing
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity; regular misting or humidifier recommended
• Potting: Use containers with good drainage holes; repot annually or when rootbound

8. Philodendron Dark Lord

The Philodendron Dark Lord is a striking tropical aroid known for its dramatic foliage that shifts from copper-bronze to deep green as the leaves mature. This rare cultivar features large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long, emerging from dark burgundy stems. As a climbing variety of Philodendron, it develops aerial roots and can reach impressive heights when given proper support. The plant’s name comes from its distinctively dark coloration, particularly evident in new growth, which emerges in an almost black-purple hue.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; can tolerate moderate shade
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity (60-80%); benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions between 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, rich aroid mix with orchid bark, perlite, and organic matter
• Support: Requires climbing support such as a moss pole or trellis
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

9. Alocasia Black Velvet

Alocasia Black Velvet (Alocasia reginula) is a striking dwarf aroid known for its compact size and distinctive velvety black-green leaves with prominent silvery-white veining. This miniature jewel of the Alocasia family typically grows to only 6-12 inches tall, making it perfect for small spaces and terrariums. The heart-shaped leaves have a thick, plush texture that gives the plant its common name, while their deep color and contrasting venation create a dramatic appearance that makes it highly sought after among rare plant collectors.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Humidity: High humidity (60-80%); benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: Warm conditions between 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Potting: Small pots with drainage holes; prefers to be slightly root-bound
• Winter Care: Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during dormancy period

10. Metallic Syngonium Pink Splash

Metallic Syngonium Pink Splash is a stunning cultivar of the Syngonium podophyllum species, prized for its unique coloration and metallic sheen. The leaves display a mesmerizing combination of pink, silver, and green variegation with an iridescent quality that appears to shimmer in the light. Young leaves start with an arrow shape and mature into a divided form with multiple leaflets. This compact climbing plant can be grown as a houseplant or in tropical outdoor settings.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Humidity: Minimum 60%; benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, airy potting mix rich in organic matter
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; can be grown in hanging baskets or with climbing support
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings with nodes

11. Philodendron Red Anderson

Philodendron Red Anderson is a stunning hybrid aroid known for its large, deeply lobed leaves that display vibrant red coloration on new growth, gradually maturing to a deep green. This climbing variety features dramatic foliage with pronounced veining patterns and can reach impressive sizes when given proper support. The Red Anderson’s distinctive coloring and growth pattern make it a sought-after specimen among aroid collectors and indoor plant enthusiasts.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Humidity: Requires high humidity levels (60% or higher)
• Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions between 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss
• Support: Requires climbing support like a moss pole or trellis
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced fertilizer
• Maintenance: Regular pruning to control size and maintain shape

12. Variegated Florida Ghost Philodendron

The Variegated Florida Ghost Philodendron is a striking cultivar of the Florida Ghost Philodendron, known for its unique white to cream variegation patterns on its leaves. This rare aroid produces heart-shaped foliage that emerges nearly pure white before gradually developing green patches and sectors as the leaves mature. The variegation pattern is unstable and can vary considerably between leaves, making each plant unique. These climbing plants can reach several feet in height when provided with proper support.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sun which can burn leaves; morning sun is tolerable
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
• Humidity: Minimum 60% humidity; preferable 70-80%
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season
• Support: Requires moss pole or trellis for climbing
• Propagation: Through stem cuttings with nodes

13. Philodendron White Knight

The Philodendron White Knight is a rare and sought-after climbing aroid known for its stunning variegated foliage. This tropical plant features dark green leaves with patches of white variegation, and its new leaves emerge with a distinctive purple-burgundy color that matures to green. The stems are dark purple to almost black, creating an striking contrast with the foliage. As a climber, it can reach several feet in height when provided with appropriate support, while maintaining a relatively compact growth pattern.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves and fade variegation
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Humidity: Requires high humidity levels of 60% or higher
• Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions between 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss
• Support: Needs climbing support like a moss pole or trellis
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Growth Rate: Moderate to slow growing

14. Philodendron Melanochrysum

Philodendron Melanochrysum is a striking tropical aroid plant known for its velvety, dark green leaves with bronze or gold venation. Native to Colombia, this climbing plant produces large, heart-shaped foliage that can grow up to 2 feet in length when mature. The leaves emerge with a reddish tint and develop their characteristic deep green color as they age, maintaining a luxurious velvety texture that makes it highly sought after among plant collectors.

• Light: Bright indirect light; protect from direct sun; can tolerate medium light conditions
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-80%); benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: Warm conditions between 65-85°F (18-29°C); avoid cold drafts
• Soil: Well-draining, airy mix of orchid bark, peat moss, perlite, and charcoal
• Support: Needs climbing support like a moss pole or trellis
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Propagation: Through stem cuttings with nodes

15. Anthurium Magnificum Silver

The Anthurium Magnificum Silver is a stunning tropical aroid known for its large, velvety leaves with prominent silvery-white veins against a dark green background. This rare variety is native to Colombia and is highly sought after by collectors for its dramatic foliage that can grow up to 2 feet long. The leaves have a distinctive heart shape and display a unique quilted texture, with the silvery venation creating an eye-catching contrast that makes it a showstopping houseplant.

• Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-80%); use humidifier or pebble tray
• Temperature: Warm conditions between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, chunky aroid mix with orchid bark, perlite, and organic matter
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Potting: Use containers with good drainage holes
• Support: May need stake or moss pole as plant matures