Rare Plant Care Made Simple; A Guide for New Zealand Homes

Growing rare plants can feel intimidating at first, but once you understand what these special plants really need, it gets much easier and a lot more enjoyable. Rare plants often come from very specific natural environments like tropical rainforests or cloud forests where humidity, light and temperature stay fairly stable. Our homes here in New Zealand are quite different, so it helps to think about how we can give our plants something close to what they’re used to.

When you keep this in mind, caring for rare plants stops being about memorising a long list of “rules” and instead becomes about matching the plant to the closest version of its natural home. For example, increasing humidity, choosing the right potting mix, or adjusting the light level are all simple steps that make a huge difference. Once you get into the habit of looking at your plants and thinking, “What would you be getting in nature?” everything becomes clearer. And when you start to see them respond with new leaves, stronger roots, fewer issues... it suddenly feels a lot less intimidating and a lot more rewarding!

Match the Light to Your Plant’s Needs

One of the biggest things rare plants respond to is light. Many of them come from underneath dense forest canopies, where they get bright but filtered light rather than full sun. In NZ homes, direct afternoon sun through a west-facing window can be too strong and can burn leaves. That’s why a bright spot where the light is indirect, for example near an east-facing window or behind a sheer curtain often works best. Plants that don’t get enough light will stretch, their growth will slow, and variegation can fade. Too much direct light, and you’ll see leaf edges crisping or bleaching.

Always remember- If you would sunburn there, so will they!

Think Like Their Natural Habitat

Rare tropical plants evolved in places where humidity stays high and temperature changes are gentle. NZ homes tend to be much drier, especially in winter with heaters or heat pumps running, and humidity can sit quite low. This can stress plants that are used to consistent moisture in the air. A simple way to help is by providing extra humidity around your plant such as placing a tray of pebbles with a little water under the pot or using a humidifier are two easy options. Keeping plants out of cold drafts and away from direct blasts of heat will also make a big difference.

Some rare plants have a reputation for being a little extra fussy, and it’s usually well-deserved. Queen and King Anthuriums, for example, can struggle in the typical New Zealand home environment because they don’t cope well with fluctuations in temperature or humidity. If you’ve ever had one sit there looking dramatic for weeks on end, it’s usually a sign that they want conditions to be steadier than what an open room can offer. Many collectors keep these varieties in a closed cabinet or greenhouse-style setup where the humidity can stay consistently high and the airflow can be gently controlled. It doesn’t have to be fancy - even a simple glass cabinet with some small fans can make a massive difference in keeping the leaves firm, the roots active, and the plant generally happier.

Why Rare Plants Can Be a Bit More Challenging

Many rare plants are slow growers or hard to propagate. That’s part of what makes them special and also part of why they can be pricier or harder to find. Some don’t root easily from cuttings, others take a long time to develop lush foliage. When you do succeed in

helping one thrive, it’s a very satisfying feeling, like nurturing something truly unique.

Water Right

It’s Not Just How Often, But How You Do It

Watering rare plants properly often comes down to knowing how they like to be watered rather than sticking to a fixed schedule. Some rare plants like their soil to stay a bit moist, but not soggy, while others prefer the top of the soil to dry out a little before they get another drink. The key is to check the soil with your finger or a moisture meter so you’re responding to what the plant actually needs that day. Overwatering is one of the main causes of root rot, and few rare plants recover well from that. Make sure the pot and soil let excess water escape quickly - a heavy, dense mix that holds too much moisture will cause problems, especially in cooler NZ winters.

Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Other Issues

Tender leaves and higher moisture environments can invite pests like spider mites, mealybugs or fungus gnats, and rare plants are no exception. Check your plants regularly as new pests can spread quickly if left unchecked. Quarantining new plants before you place them with the rest of your collection helps protect everyone. If you do find pests, gentle treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap used early tend to be very effective (and check out our common pests blog post).

Final Thoughts... Observation Is Your Best Tool

There’s no one-size-fits-all checklist for rare plant care, and that’s okay. Each plant gives you clues, by how its leaves look, how fast it grows, or how it reacts to light and moisture about what it prefers. Learning to read those signals makes caring for rare plants feel like a partnership rather than a chore. With the right tweaks and a bit of patience, your rare plants can become some of the most vibrant and rewarding parts of your home.

If you ever want specific care tips for a particular plant, we’re always happy to help, just reach out or drop in when we’re at the Sunday Riccarton Market.