Forget Labubus, consumer experts have just named rare houseplants the must-have collectible of 2026 – 6 striking varieties to get your hands on

Coffee ground fertilizer for houseplants.

The Garden Media Group, has released its 2026 Garden Trends Report for next year, which states houseplants are the new collectibles.

Just like collecting vintage cameras or Labubu plushies, the Garden Media Group says indoor plants have earned their place on the roster of 'intentional clutter' as individuals seek to collect rare varieties. As Homes & Gardens' resident houseplant expert and a proud plant parent, this is a houseplant trend I'm excited to see on the horizon.

I personally add the best unusual houseplants to my collection constantly. Bringing home new varieties is something I'm passionate about, which the 2026 Garden Trends Report notes is the driving force behind this trend: Individuals are creating a 'personal museum' of plants, filling their homes with variegated foliage galore.

A personal exhibition of the very best houseplants

(Image credit: Getty Images/DuKai photographer)

According to the Garden Media Group, 'Collecting is making a comeback, especially with Gen Z and Millennials. They're reclaiming individuality through collecting – a quiet rebellion against disposable culture.' Houseplants fit the bill nicely, as living things that can last for years and years with the right care.

Not only is it a long-lasting collection to have (especially if you opt for the longest-living houseplants), there is also an never-ending list of houseplants to choose from.

I adore seeking variegated indoor plants, adding pops of color to my interiors through fun, unique foliage.

'Collecting plants is the new Pokémon; rare cultivars, new foliage colors, and variegations are being chased,' the trends report states. 'Plant collecting taps the same emotions as gaming: achievement, progression, and control. It’s slow joy,' it continues.

Using stands for indoor plants and indoor plant shelves help to style your houseplants in the way this trend intends: a living exhibition in your home.

And just like a museum, each houseplant in your collection tells a story. As I walk through my own indoor garden, I can point out particular plants that were gifted by loved ones, those grown from cuttings shared by friends, and even a couple of houseplants I picked up from a quiet plant shop I once stumbled across while visiting a new city.

Of course, for those who have a favorite houseplant, this trend also allows for collecting multiple monstera varieties, calathea varieties, or types of orchid, so you can indulge in green possessions that will bring you joy for years to come.

6 rare houseplants to add to your personal plant museum

If you want to start building your own display of collectible houseplants, I have a few recommendations for you. You might already be aware of the types of plants below, but not necessarily these strikingly beautiful varieties:

Mermaid Tail Cactus

This is a lesser-known indoor succulent. The Euphorbia Lactea Crested 'Mermaid Tail', also referred to as 'Coral Cactus', is a uniquely shaped succulent prized for its intricate, crested growth pattern that mimics the elegant tail of a mermaid. Give it bright light and wait for it to dry out in between watering this succulent.

Aglaonema 'Khanza Pink'

This is a hard-to-come-by pink houseplant, but one that is sure to capture the attention of your guests. 'Khanza Pink' has dark glossy green leaves, edged in bright pink that leaks into the leaf veins. Follow Chinese evergreen care to look after it, alongside providing a bright position to maintain its vibrant color.

Philodendron 'Jungle Boogie'

Philodendrons are a good place to start if you want to collect unique houseplants because there are so many varieties to choose from. 'Jungle Boogie' offers unusual foliage with serrated edges. It's easy to care for, requiring occasional watering to stay healthy.

Zebra Plant

Zebra plant is one of the most eye-catching indoor flowering plants. Its dark green foliage has white veins that earn its name, looking like zebra skin. The best feature is its bright yellow blooms (and bracts), which tower from the center for weeks at a time.

Monstera 'Thai Constellation'

This is one of the most popular variegated houseplants. 'Thai Constellation' is a monstera with gorgeous cream and green foliage. It became a bit of a social media sensation, as houseplant enthusiasts fell in love with its speckled colors and low-maintenance nature.

String of Turtles Succulent

I love using indoor hanging plants to add some dimension to my houseplant displays. String of turtles is an adorable choice to add to your collection, with gem-sized foliage that is patterned like turtle shells. To get more for your money, try propagating your string of turtles – an extra plant for free.

Collectible houseplants is a trend I can't wait to see more of in the incoming year, and I'll be reporting on other 2026 indoor plant trends in the incoming weeks.

If you can't wait until then and need some indoor garden inspiration now, take a look at our report of houseplant trends 2025 – many of them are still sticking around for a while longer.

Elevate your houseplant collection with these stands and shelves:

Plant Stand with Grow Light

These indoor plant stands are able to display five houseplants each. The grow lights are an added bonus, supporting plant growth and enhancing the look of your personal plant museum display.

Fixwal

Small Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are ideal for showcasing special houseplants, giving them their own pedestal. The wooden design of these shelves are versatile, perfect for a number of rooms in the home.

Plant Stand with Hooks

This plant stand allows for multiple plants of different sizes to be displayed. The hooks even make it possible to add hanging baskets to your collection, ideal for trailing houseplants to cascade down.