Exploring the Exotic: A Guide to House Plants from New Caledonia

Last Updated on June 18, 2023 by Derek

House plants from New Caledonia offer unique beauty and tropical vibes to any indoor space. With vibrant foliage and exotic forms, species like the Rhaphidophora tetrasperma and Schefflera actinophylla thrive as stunning additions. Embrace the lushness of New Caledonia’s flora and create an oasis within your home with these captivating house plants.

What plants grow in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia is a unique and beautiful island located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It boasts a wide range of flora and fauna, with many plants found nowhere else on Earth. As an avid houseplant enthusiast, I am particularly interested in the plants that call New Caledonia home.

In this article, I will discuss some of the most fascinating and beautiful plants that grow on this island. First, let’s talk about the importance of New Caledonian plants in the horticultural world.

Many rare and exotic species have been discovered on this island, making it a hotspot for plant collectors and enthusiasts. In fact, there are over 3,000 plant species native to New Caledonia!

From stunning orchids to delicate ferns, this island has something for everyone. One of my personal favorite New Caledonian plants is the Nepenthes klossii, also known as Kloss’s Pitcher Plant.

This incredible carnivorous plant can only be found in two locations on the island: Mount Panié and Mount Humboldt. It has stunning pitchers that can grow up to 30cm long and are filled with digestive enzymes that allow it to catch insects for food.

Nepenthes klossii Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Nepenthes klossii	Nepenthes klossii	9-11	Perennial	Well-draining	Bright indirect light	High humidity, keep soil moist

Another great thing about this plant is that it’s relatively easy to care for as long as you provide it with enough bright light and humidity.

Another fascinating group of plants found on New Caledonia are the Eucalyptus species.

While these trees are common throughout Australia, they are actually native to New Caledonia as well! These trees have adapted to survive in a range of different environments on the island – from arid shrubland to humid rainforest – making them incredibly versatile additions to any garden or collection.

Overall, there are countless incredible plants from New Caledonia that would make beautiful additions to any houseplant collection or garden. From carnivorous pitcher plants to towering eucalyptus trees, this island has a wealth of botanical wonders waiting to be discovered.

Small house plants from New Caledonia

There are quite a few small house plants from New Caledonia that will add a unique touch of tropical paradise to your home. One such plant is the Phalaenopsis schilleriana, also known as the Schiller’s orchid.

This orchid species is native to New Caledonia and has beautiful elliptical leaves, as well as stunning white and pink flowers that are sure to impress any houseguests.

Phalaenopsis schilleriana Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Phalaenopsis schilleriana	Phalaenopsis schilleriana	10-12	Not hardy	Well-draining	Bright indirect light	Moderate watering

It requires bright indirect light and moderate humidity, making it a perfect addition to any indoor garden.

Another great option for a small house plant from New Caledonia is the Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana).

This palm species can grow up to 12 feet tall outdoors but stays much smaller when grown in containers indoors, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. It has feathery fronds that add texture and movement to any room.

The Kentia palm prefers bright indirect light and moderate humidity but can tolerate lower light conditions.

Kentia Palm Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Kentia Palm	Howea forsteriana	9-11	Not hardy	Well-draining	Indirect to low light	Moderate watering

We have the Codiaeum variegatum (also known as croton), which is a colorful and vibrant plant species native to New Caledonia.

Its striking multicolored leaves come in patterns of reds, yellows, oranges and greens which makes them stand out amongst other plants in your collection. It requires bright indirect light but can live in varying levels of humidity which makes it easy to care for in most households.

Codiaeum variegatum Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Codiaeum variegatum	Codiaeum variegatum	10-12	Not hardy	Well-draining	Partial to full sun	Moderate watering

Overall, small houseplants from New Caledonia make great additions to any home due to their unique appearance and low maintenance care requirements. With so many different options available at your local garden center or online retailers you’re sure to find one that fits your style perfectly!

Most common New Caledonia trees

When it comes to New Caledonia trees, there are some species that have become quite popular as ornamental plants in households around the world. One of the most commonly seen and beloved New Caledonia trees is the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla).

This tree has a symmetrical, conical shape and a beautiful dark green foliage that makes it perfect for holiday decoration. It is also very easy to care for, making it a great choice for novice gardeners.

Norfolk Island Pine Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Norfolk Island Pine	Araucaria heterophylla	10-11	Not hardy	Well-draining	Bright indirect light	Moderate watering

Another stunning tree from New Caledonia is the Kanak Quinine Tree (Cinchona pubescens).

This tall evergreen has show-stopping pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The bark of this tree contains quinine, which is used to treat malaria.

While this plant might not be ideal for all households as it requires a lot of space, its beauty cannot be denied.

Cinchona pubescens Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Cinchona pubescens	Cinchona pubescens	9-11	Hardy	Well-draining	Partial shade to full sun	Moderate watering

We cannot talk about New Caledonia trees without mentioning the Kauri Pine (Agathis montana).

This ancient giant has been around since before humans have walked on Earth and can live up to 2,000 years old. Its wood was highly prized by indigenous peoples and used to create canoes and buildings.

Nowadays it is mostly seen as an ornamental plant due to its striking appearance; with its straight trunk reaching up high towards the sky topped by its pyramidal crown of branches covered in thick glossy leaves.

Agathis montana Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Agathis montana	Agathis montana	9-11	Hardy	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	Regular watering

Overall, any houseplant enthusiast should consider getting a New Caledonia tree as they are all unique and fascinating specimens that will add personality to any indoor jungle.

New Caledonia rainforest plants

New Caledonia is known for its vast rainforests and diverse flora. The island is home to a range of unique plants that are only found in this part of the world. These rainforest plants are no doubt some of the most exotic and beautiful houseplants you can ever have in your collection.

In this section, we will discuss some of the most interesting New Caledonia rainforest plants that you can grow as houseplants. One famous rainforest plant from New Caledonia is Zoanthus sociatus, commonly referred to as Button Polyps.

These tiny button-shaped polyps come in a variety of colors including green, blue, purple, and brown. They thrive in low light conditions and are easy to care for.

I find it amazing how these creatures open their tentacles during feeding time, making them an excellent addition to any aquarist’s collection.

Zoanthus sociatus Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Zoanthus sociatus	Zoanthus sociatus	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable	Medium to high light	Regular watering

Another interesting rainforest plant from New Caledonia is the Dracaena umbraculifera or simply Umbrella Tree.

This large tropical tree can grow up to 20 feet tall indoors with proper care. It has long sword-like leaves that form an umbrella-shaped crown at the top.

The unique shape and size make it an ideal centerpiece for any room with high ceilings. When you pair it with a beautiful planter pot, the result is a display that oozes elegance.

Dracaena umbraculifera Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Dracaena umbraculifera	Dracaena umbraculifera	10-11	Hardy	Well-draining	Indirect light to partial shade	Moderate watering

Let’s talk about Aglaonema marantifolium or Chinese Evergreen Plant from New Caledonia which boasts attractive foliage ranging from grey-greenish to dark green with shiny silver-grey spots on its leaves making it hard not to notice them when walking by them indoors or outside on your patio!

It tolerates dimly lit environments very well while offering air-purifying benefits too!

Aglaonema marantifolium Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Aglaonema marantifolium	Aglaonema marantifolium	10-12	Hardy	Well-draining	Low to moderate light	Moderate watering

If you’re looking for unique and exotic houseplants that will add life and color to your space while purifying indoor air, New Caledonia rainforest plants are an excellent choice. These plants are not only visually appealing but also easy to care for, making them perfect for both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts.

Easiest New Caledonia seeds to grow as houseplants

If you are looking for some exotic houseplants to add a little bit of tropical flair to your home, then you might want to consider growing some New Caledonian plants.

These beautiful plants that originate from the island of New Caledonia are not only visually appealing but also very easy to grow from seeds. One of the easiest and most popular New Caledonian plants to grow from seeds is the Rhopala pulchra.

This stunning plant with its large deep green leaves and beautiful white flowers is sure to be a showstopper in any garden or home. The Rhopala pulchra is relatively hardy, making it a great option for novice gardeners who are looking for something a little more exotic.

Rhopala pulchra Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Rhopala pulchra	Rhopala pulchra	8-11	Hardy	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	Regular watering

Another easy-to-grow plant from New Caledonia is the Melicope rubra. This plant has gorgeous red berries that attract birds and butterflies alike, making it an excellent choice for anyone who loves nature.

As long as you provide it with plenty of sunlight, water and well-draining soil, this wonderful plant will thrive in your home.

Melicope rubra Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Melicope rubra	Melicope rubra	10-11	Perennial	Well-draining	Partial shade	Regular watering

If you’re looking for an unusual but strikingly beautiful houseplant, then look no further than Eurycoma longifolia.

This rare tree-like plant has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia as an aphrodisiac due to its alleged testosterone-boosting properties. While there’s no guarantee that growing this plant will improve your love life, there’s no denying that it will certainly add a unique character to your living space.

Eurycoma longifolia Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Eurycoma longifolia	Eurycoma longifolia	10-12	Perennial	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	Moderate watering

Growing New Caledonian plants from seeds can be an excellent way to introduce some tropical vibes into your home without breaking the bank or needing expert knowledge on gardening. With their vibrant colors and effortless growth habits, these plants have everything you need when choosing new house plants – beauty and ease of care!

What is Oncothecaceae?

Oncothecaceae is a family of plants that originates from New Caledonia. While this may be an unfamiliar name to some, it’s a shame that more people aren’t aware of these exceptional plants. Oncothecaceae houses about ten species, most of which are endemic to New Caledonia.

These unique and rare plants are perfect for collectors and enthusiasts alike. One of the most sought-after species in the Oncothecaceae family is Oncosperma tigillarium, also known as the Walking Palm.

This plant gets its nickname from its ability to seemingly walk through the forest over time due to its method of growth. The roots grow in a specific direction while the trunk grows in another direction; this causes it to slowly change position over time, giving it an almost animated appearance.

Oncosperma tigillarium Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Oncosperma tigillarium	Oncosperma tigillarium	10-12	Hardy	Well-draining	Full sun to partial shade	Regular watering

Another fascinating plant within this family is Oncotheca decaryi, or Devil’s Walking Stick. This plant has unusual spiky stems with clusters of small green leaves at their tips and can grow up to 5 meters tall!

It’s easy to see why they’re called Devil’s Walking Sticks as their thorny stems look like something straight out of a horror movie.

There’s Oncocalyx glabrescens – a rare species native only to two isolated areas within New Caledonia.

It’s hard not to admire this plant’s hardiness considering how rare it is; its tough leaves allow it survive even in harsh environments where other plants would wilt away completely.

In addition, Oncocalyx glabrescens produces beautiful yellow flowers once mature; making it perfect for any collector looking for not only unique but also beautiful houseplants.

Oncocalyx glabrescens Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Oncocalyx glabrescens	Oncocalyx glabrescens	9-11	Perennial	Well-draining	Bright indirect light	Moderate watering

Oncothecaceae family has some truly remarkable and extraordinary plants native to New Caledonia. Each one comes with its unique features that make them stand out from one another; if you’re an enthusiast or collector looking to add something exciting to your collection, look no further than Oncothecaceae.

The ferns of New Caledonia

Ferns are some of the most popular house plants, and New Caledonia has a plethora of unique fern species that can add a touch of exoticism to any indoor garden.

One of the most incredible ferns native to this archipelago is the Hymenophyllum, a delicate and intricate plant that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. The Hymenophyllum is often referred to as “filmy fern” due to its thin and translucent fronds.

This species is highly sought after among house plant enthusiasts, not only for its beautiful appearance but also for its challenging growing requirements. To grow this fern successfully, one must provide it with high humidity levels, bright but filtered light, and consistently moist soil.

Hymenophyllum Growing Conditions

Plant Common Name	Scientific Name	US Growing Zone	Hardy/Perennial	Soil Type	Sunshine Requirements	Water Needs
Hymenophyllum	Hymenophyllum	8-10	Perennial	Moist, well-draining	Shade to partial shade	High humidity, keep soil moist

If you’re looking for a challenge and want to add an uncommon plant to your collection, the Hymenophyllum might be an excellent choice. Another stunning fern from New Caledonia is Davallia solida or simply rabbit’s foot fern.

This species earned its common name due to its rhizomes that resemble tiny rabbit feet. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can survive in low-light conditions, making it an excellent choice for homes or offices with limited natural light.

Additionally, rabbit foot ferns are pet-friendly plants that can thrive in container gardens or hanging baskets. We have the Cyathea lepifera or silver tree-fern.

Incredibly tall – up to 30 meters (100 feet) -, it’s definitely not a houseplant but worth mentioning since it’s one of the most magnificent species found in New Caledonia’s rainforest ecosystem. The silver tree-fern has striking silvery fronds that shimmer in sunlight and look stunning when planted en masse in outdoor gardens with other tropical foliage plants.

New Caledonia has many impressive fern species that range from easy-to-care-for plants like rabbit’s foot ferns to challenging yet rewarding plants like the Hymenophyllum. If you’re a fan of these green beauties, don’t be afraid to try and grow some New Caledonian species in your home or office – they’ll surely add an exotic vibe to your indoor garden.

What is Trasburgiaceae?

Trasburgiaceae is a family of flowering plants that is endemic to New Caledonia, which means they are only found there and nowhere else in the world. Members of this family are small to medium-sized trees, shrubs, or vines with simple leaves and inflorescences that produce small white flowers.

One thing that makes Trasburgiaceae so fascinating is their incredibly diverse ecological and geographical distribution within New Caledonia. They can be found in a range of habitats from low-elevation forests to high-elevation maquis shrublands, and from ultramafic (highly mineralized) soils to limestone formations.

These unique adaptations make them well-suited for growing as houseplants due to their hardiness and versatility. Another aspect that sets Trasburgiaceae apart from other plant families is their unusual reproductive system.

Emerging research shows that most species within the family are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female individuals rather than having both sexes on the same plant. This discovery adds an element of intrigue to growing these plants as it may be necessary to have both male and female specimens in order to propagate certain species.

If you’re looking for a rare yet rewarding addition to your houseplant collection, I highly recommend exploring the fascinating world of Trasburgiaceae plants from New Caledonia. With their unique adaptations and intriguing reproductive system, you’re sure to find something captivating within this diverse family of flowering plants.

Summary

As we come to the end of our journey exploring the house plants of New Caledonia, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the diversity and beauty that exists in this small South Pacific island. From rainforest plants to small houseplants, New Caledonia has something for every plant enthusiast.

One thing that stands out about New Caledonia is its unique flora, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The Oncothecaceae family is a perfect example of this with its distinct look and interesting growth patterns.

The Trasburgiaceae family is another fascinating group with its intricate flowers and leaves. If you’re looking to add some greenery to your home, consider trying out some of the easiest New Caledonia seeds to grow as houseplants.

These low-maintenance options are perfect for those new to gardening or those who have limited space. And if you’re feeling bold, why not try growing some ferns from New Caledonia?

Their delicate fronds and unique shapes will add a touch of exotic elegance to any room. Exploring the world’s flora is an endlessly fascinating endeavor and New Caledonia offers a wealth of plant life for enthusiasts to discover.

By bringing some of these beautiful specimens into our homes, we not only enhance our living spaces but also connect with the natural world in a meaningful way. Let’s continue to appreciate and care for our beautiful planet by surrounding ourselves with House Plants from New Caledonia.