Aside from traditional flowers, there is an entire plant world of practically unknown beauty. They are flowers that They surprise, hypnotize and sometimes disturb.
some have animal appearance, others look hand painted and others are disguised with colors and textures that defy logic.
10 flowers that seem from another planet
This list includes ten of the most unusual flowers that exist, all with that alien aspect that catches you instantly.
1. Monkey Orchid (Ape Dracula)
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This orchid grows in the cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru, where humidity and cool temperatures are key for its development. Its petals seem to form the face of a little monkey with eyes, nose and mustache.
It is a capricious plant, but its flowering justifies any effort.
Care:
- The ape dracula It needs bright indirect light, humidity 70-90%, temperatures of 15-24°C (10-15°C at night).
- Use drained substrate (sphagnum moss/bark), water 1-2 times/week with distilled water, and fertilize every 2-3 weeks (diluted 20-20-20).
- Ensures good ventilation, avoids waterlogging and direct sunlight. Transplant every 1-2 years. Beware of pests (mites, mealybugs) and root rot.
2. Bat flower (Tacca chantrieri)
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The general shape of this flower It reminds us of a bat spreading its wings. Their dark, almost black petals, They are combined with long hanging structures like plant beards.
This mysterious flower is native to Southeast Asia and thrives in humid, shady climates.
Care:
- The Tacca chantrieri needs indirect light, humidity 60-80% and temperature 18-25 °C.
- Use rich, drained substrate (peat, perlite). Water 1-2 times/week to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Spray the leaves with distilled water to provide extra moisture.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks (diluted). Avoid cold currents. Transplant every 1-2 years.
3. Frangipani or frangipane (Plumeria rubra)
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Frangipani flowers They have a perfect spiral geometry, with five thick, waxy petals that look like they were sculpted in wax. The large spearhead-shaped leaves are no less spectacular.
The colors of this curious and pretty flower go from white to fuchsia or yellow with gradients, as if they were hand painted. Furthermore, his intense and sweet fragrance adds an almost hypnotic touch. It is a sacred plant in many places in the Pacific and symbolizes eternity.
Care:
- The Plumeria rubra It loves full sun, so place it where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct light. Keep the soil well-drained, such as peat-sand, and water every 7-10 days, allowing it to dry out between watering.
- Prefers heat (20-30°C) and low humidity. Fertilize every 2 weeks in spring-summer with a fertilizer rich in phosphorus.
- Pruning in winter to stimulate flowers. Keep an eye on mites and mealybugs, and protect from frost.
4. Variegated Dahlia (Dahlia ‘Harlequin’)
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This variety of dahlia It sports bicolor petals, where red, purple or pink intermingle with white as if someone had splashed them with brush strokes.
Its irregular and striking pattern makes it a rarity in the world of dahlias.
Care:
- The Dahlia ‘Harlequin’ needs full sun (6-8 hours daily) and rich, well-drained soil with compost.
- Water every 4-5 days, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Prefers a temperature between 18 and 24 °C.
- Fertilize every 2 weeks in spring-summer with balanced fertilizer. Prune wilted flowers and watch for aphids and mites. In winter, dig up the tubers and store them dry to protect them from frost.
5. Caladium Black Meteor (Caladium ‘Black Meteor’)
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This caladium is one of the most impressive varieties, since Its enormous leaves have a deep black background dotted with electric pink veins that look like traces of light in space.
It does not produce particularly showy flowers, but Its foliage is enough to create a visual effect worthy of an extraterrestrial plant.
Care:
- Caladium ‘Black Meteor’ needs bright indirect light and rich, well-drained soil with peat.
- keep the wet soil, watering every 4-5 days, without flooding it.
- Prefers a temperature from 21 to 27 °C and high humidity (60-80%). Fertilize every 2 weeks in spring-summer with diluted liquid fertilizer. Avoid cold currents and watch for mites or aphids. In winter, store the tubers in a dry, warm place to protect them from frost.
6. Serruria florida (Protea)
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Known as blushing bride or love flower in South Africa, this plant is a true botanical gem. Their heads look like pink feather pompoms with a pearly white heart.
The structure is delicate and symmetrical, like a creation made by a futuristic designer. Its rarity and ethereal appearance make it especially appreciated in exotic bouquets and specialized gardens.
Care:
- The flowering serruria want the full sun (6-8 hours a day) and an acidic, sandy and well-drained soil.
- Water every 7-10 days, letting the soil dry between waterings. Prefers 15-20 °C and low humidity.
- Fertilize minimally in spring with a low phosphorus fertilizer. Pruning after flowering (July-October) to maintain shape. Watch the fungus Phytophthora and avoids flooding.
7. Jade flower (Strongylodon macrobotrys)
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This climbing plant produces hanging clusters of flowers in an impossible turquoise blue, as if they were liquid crystals.
It grows in tropical climates and is difficult to find outside of the Philippines, its country of origin. Its alien appearance does not leave anyone indifferent.
Care:
- The Strongylodon macrobotrys Jade vine needs full sun or partial shade and rich, well-drained, peat moss soil.
- Water every 7-10 days, maintaining humidity without waterlogging.
- Prefers 15-30 ºC temperature and high humidity (60-80%). Fertilize every 2 weeks in spring-summer with balanced fertilizer.
- Pruning after flowering to control its growth. Watch for mites and avoid temperatures below 15 °C.
8. Kiss Flower (Psychotria elata)
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Famous for its red bracts that look like fleshy lips,-Some people call it hot lips. This plant is found in the jungles of Central America.
Although its true flower is small and white, the red wrapping that surrounds it is what has made it viral on social media and so intriguing.
Care:
- The Psychotria elata needs partial shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil with peat. Water every 4-5 days, maintaining humidity without waterlogging. Prefers 20-27 °C and high humidity (70-80%). Fertilize it every two weeks in spring-summer with diluted liquid fertilizer.
- Avoid cold drafts and watch for aphids or mites. Prune lightly to maintain shape and protect from temperatures below 15°C.
9. Blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea)
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The radial filaments of the flower, its perfect symmetries and its cold color palette give it an air of extraterrestrial machinery.
In addition to being decorative, It has medicinal properties. It adapts well to temperate gardens and attracts butterflies and pollinators.
Care:
- To take care of the Passiflora caeruleaknown as passion flower, place it in a location with full sun or partial shade, as it needs at least 4-6 hours of daily light.
- The soil should be fertile, well-drained, with some organic matter such as compost. Water every 5-7 days, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can rot the roots.
- This plant prefers temperatures between 15 and 25 °C, although it can tolerate light frosts. In cold climates, protect it with mulch or bring it indoors for the winter.
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer to encourage abundant flowering.
10. Bicolor tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis bicolor)
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Hibiscus is already showy by nature, but bicolor varieties take it to another level. Its flowers open showing combinations of tones such as red and yellow, pink and white or orange and purple. It’s like seeing a solar explosion turned into a flower.
Care:
- The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis bicolor It is a tropical plant that loves full sun, needing 6-8 hours of direct light per day. Place it in fertile, well-drained soil with compost or peat.
- Water every 4-5 days, making sure the soil is moist but never waterlogged, as excess water damages the roots. Moderate humidity is ideal, but in dry spaces, mist the leaves with distilled water.
- Prefers warm temperatures between 18 and 30 °C and it does not tolerate frost, so protect it in winter by bringing it indoors or covering it.
- Fertilize every two weeks in spring and summer with a fertilizer rich in potassium.
- all these flowers Not only are they strange, they are magnetic. They remind us that nature also knows about surrealism and science fiction.
- And although many require very specific conditions to grow, Even observing them in photos is a visual trip to another planet.
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