Indoor and outdoor plants don’t just bring life and freshness into our homes—they’re also a unique form of self-expression. If you want to transform your home or garden with plants that truly stand out, here’s a selection of 10 indoor and outdoor species known for their striking shapes, colors, or personalities. From minimalist interiors to bold, character-filled gardens, these plants are perfect for plant lovers, design enthusiasts, or anyone simply looking for something different.
Indoor Plants
1. Calathea orbifolia: Large Leaves and a Hypnotic Pattern
The Calathea orbifolia is a tropical indoor plant known for its large, round leaves with silvery stripes. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and thrives in indirect light, high humidity, and regular watering. It’s perfect for adding an elegant and exotic touch to any interior space.
2. Alocasia ‘Polly’ or ‘Amazonica’: Sculptural Shape
This indoor plant features dark, glossy leaves with striking white veins that look almost hand-carved. It grows to about 60–90 cm in height and needs filtered light, moderate watering, and ambient humidity. Ideal for modern interiors and bold design corners.
3. Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig): A Striking Classic
With its large violin-shaped leaves, the Ficus lyrata can grow 2–3 meters tall indoors with sufficient natural light. It’s a hardy plant that prefers spaced watering and warm temperatures. Perfect for adding height and presence to living rooms or dining areas.
4. Peperomia argyreia (Watermelon Peperomia): A Colorful Miniature
Its small leaves with silver and green stripes resemble a watermelon—hence the name. The Peperomia argyreia grows to about 20–30 cm tall and is easy to care for: it prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. A great choice for shelves and desks.
5. Monstera adansonii (Monstera Monkey Mask): Uniquely Perforated Leaves
This Monstera variety is famous for its naturally hole-filled leaves. It can grow as a trailing or climbing indoor plant, reaching 1–2 meters. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Perfect for adding a wild, tropical touch to indoor spaces.
Outdoor Plants
6. Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise): Sculptural Blooms
The Strelitzia reginae produces striking orange and blue flowers that resemble exotic birds. Outdoors, it can grow up to 2 meters tall. It needs full sun or partial shade, moderate watering, and a mild climate. A showstopper for patios or garden focal points
7. Agave attenuata: Natural Architecture
With its soft rosette shape and curved stem, the Agave attenuata is perfect for modern or desert-style outdoor spaces. It grows to about 1 meter tall and 1.5 meters wide. It needs full sun and almost no watering. Known for its symmetrical shape and low maintenance.
8. Bougainvillea: A Burst of Color
This climbing plant blooms in masses of pink, orange, or purple flowers. Outdoors, it can grow up to 5 meters tall if left unpruned. It needs full sun, moderate watering, and space to spread. Ideal for covering pergolas, walls, or garden fences.
9. Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur Coral Tree): Striking Flowering Tree
Known as the Ceibo, this tree produces intense red flowers that are hard to miss. It can grow 5 to 10 meters tall, depending on the climate. It needs full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional watering. A spectacular focal point for large gardens.
10. Cereus peruvianus (Candelabra Cactus): Height and Hardiness
This cactus can reach up to 6–8 meters tall and forms thick, sculptural columns. Extremely drought-resistant, it prefers full sun. Ideal for xeriscape gardens or as a central feature in minimalist outdoor spaces.
Whether you’re looking to bring your indoor spaces to life or turn your garden into a natural showpiece, these indoor and outdoor plants offer eye-catching, original, and character-filled options. Choose the plants that best match your space and lifestyle, and enjoy the decorative power of nature. And if you’re leaning toward low-maintenance choices, check out our special article with practical recommendations here: easy-care outdoor plants. You can also visit our marketplace to find the best sustainable plant accessories.
