Greenhouses are home to some of the most fascinating and unusual flowers, thanks to the controlled environment that allows for the cultivation of unique species from around the world. The combination of temperature, humidity, and light can mimic natural habitats, encouraging the growth of flowers that are not commonly seen in typical outdoor gardens. While some greenhouse flowers are famous for their beauty and rarity, others stand out due to their strange shapes, colors, or growing habits. Below are some of the most unusual greenhouse flowers, each offering a distinct visual appeal.
1. Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
The corpse flower is arguably one of the most unusual and notorious flowers to grow in a greenhouse. Known for its massive size, it is capable of growing up to 10 feet tall, and its pungent odor is often described as smelling like rotting flesh. This scent is intended to attract pollinators like flies and beetles that are drawn to decaying organic matter. The bloom itself, a large spathe (a kind of leaf) that surrounds the actual flower, is deep purple and yellow, resembling the appearance of a decaying corpse. The flowering cycle of the corpse flower is unpredictable, with blooms appearing only once every few years, making it a rare spectacle in greenhouse settings.
2. Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
The ghost orchid is a truly ethereal flower, often considered one of the most beautiful and elusive orchids. With its delicate white petals and long, slender structure, it appears almost translucent when in bloom, giving it an otherworldly presence. The ghost orchid is native to the swamps of Florida and parts of the Caribbean, but it has become a popular choice for greenhouse cultivation. It requires highly specific conditions, including high humidity and temperatures, making it a perfect candidate for a greenhouse. Its beauty is not the only aspect that makes it unique; it is also one of the most challenging flowers to pollinate, as it relies on specific species of moths for pollination.
3. Bat Flower (Tacca palmata)
The bat flower is a striking and peculiar plant known for its large, dark flowers that resemble the face of a bat. The flower has long, black filaments that dangle like the bat’s wings, creating a dramatic effect. Bat flowers are typically black or dark purple, and their unusual shape and color make them stand out in any greenhouse. Native to Southeast Asia, these plants thrive in humid, tropical climates and are often grown in greenhouses to mimic these conditions. The plant’s bizarre appearance and unusual blooming habits make it a favorite among greenhouse enthusiasts.
4. Jade Vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)
The jade vine is a stunning, exotic flower known for its mesmerizing turquoise-blue hue. Native to the rainforests of the Philippines, the jade vine produces long, cascading clusters of flowers that resemble a string of jade-colored beads. Its unique color sets it apart from many other flowering plants, and it is often considered one of the most beautiful vines in the world. Due to its tropical origins, the jade vine is best cultivated in a greenhouse where temperatures remain warm and conditions are humid. Its unusual color and cascading growth make it an eye-catching addition to any greenhouse.
5. Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica)
Although not traditionally known for its flowers, the sensitive plant is unusual because of its remarkable response to touch. When the plant’s leaves are disturbed, they fold up in response to the movement, creating the illusion of the plant “shrinking” or “closing up.” This phenomenon, known as “nyctinasty,” is believed to be a defense mechanism against herbivores. The flowers of the sensitive plant are small, pink, and fluffy, often resembling pom-poms. While the flowers may not be the most striking part of the plant, the movement of the leaves makes it a fascinating and unusual addition to any greenhouse.
6. Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum)
The titan arum is another species of the Amorphophallus genus that is often grown in greenhouses due to its unusual characteristics. This plant is famous for its enormous bloom, which can reach up to 12 feet tall. The flower’s appearance is equally strange, with a large, funnel-shaped spathe that opens up to reveal a central spadix. Like its cousin, the corpse flower, the titan arum emits an odor similar to rotting flesh, attracting pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies. The titan arum is often a one-time-only bloomer, flowering once every several years, which makes it a rare and exciting event for greenhouse visitors.
7. Cobra Lily (Darlingtonia californica)
The cobra lily is a carnivorous plant that thrives in cooler, boggy environments. Its flower is distinctive, resembling a cobra with its hooded structure and long “tongue” extending upward. Native to Northern California and Oregon, this plant has evolved to trap and digest insects. The cobra lily’s unique appearance and carnivorous nature make it an interesting and unusual flower to grow in greenhouses. It requires cool water and acidic, nutrient-poor soil to thrive, conditions that are easily replicated in a controlled greenhouse environment. Its serpentine form makes it a particularly striking feature among greenhouse plants.
8. Welwitschia mirabilis
Although technically not a flowering plant in the traditional sense, Welwitschia mirabilis is often found in greenhouses due to its bizarre and ancient appearance. This plant is native to the deserts of Namibia and Angola and is one of the longest-living plants on Earth, with some specimens thought to be over 2,000 years old. It has only two long, strap-like leaves that grow continuously throughout the plant’s life, along with a woody, trunk-like stem. The plant does produce cones, which contain its reproductive structures, but these are not flowers in the conventional sense. The Welwitschia’s strange form and longevity make it a fascinating specimen for greenhouse cultivation.
9. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
The bleeding heart is a striking perennial known for its heart-shaped flowers that appear to be “bleeding” due to a drop of pink or red at the bottom. The flower’s delicate appearance is both enchanting and unusual, and it is often grown in greenhouses to ensure optimal growing conditions. The plant’s unique flowers, which dangle like little hearts from arching stems, create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere in any greenhouse. Despite its delicate look, the bleeding heart is hardy and can thrive in shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
10. Parrot Flower (Impatiens psittacina)
Native to Southeast Asia, the parrot flower is named for its resemblance to a colorful parrot in flight. Its petals are shaped like a bird’s beak, with vibrant hues of purple, pink, and yellow. This rare flower is not commonly seen in gardens, and its unusual appearance makes it a highly sought-after plant for greenhouse cultivation. The parrot flower requires a warm and humid environment to thrive, which is why it’s ideal for greenhouse growing. Its vivid colors and distinctive shape make it one of the most exotic and unusual flowers on the planet.
Conclusion
The world of greenhouse flowers is filled with fascinating and unusual species that offer an entirely new perspective on floral beauty. From the massive corpse flower to the delicate ghost orchid, these plants push the boundaries of what we expect flowers to look like. Their strange shapes, colors, and growing habits make them highly prized by greenhouse enthusiasts and plant collectors. Growing these unusual flowers in a greenhouse setting allows for the perfect conditions to cultivate and showcase these botanical wonders, making them a unique addition to any plant collection. Whether it’s the eerie allure of the corpse flower or the striking form of the cobra lily, these flowers add an extraordinary touch to any greenhouse.