Fill Your Newlywed Home with Exotic Plants from Rare Plant Fairy

What began as a small apartment hobby has grown into a global plant phenomenon, as Jocelyn Ho cultivates rare species — and a thriving community of collectors

By Blake Miller | Photography by Michelle Matiyow

Jocelyn Ho’s path into rare plants began almost by accident. After relocating from Hong Kong to Detroit with her new husband, Ho, a speech pathologist at the time, found herself waiting for her green card — and filling the time with plants. A south-facing window overlooking the Detroit River offered ideal light, and her collection of greenery quickly outgrew its space. “My husband started to complain about how many I had,” she says with a laugh. 

One weekend, hoping to clear space, she listed a couple of plants on Facebook Marketplace and sold them for more than $1,000. In that moment, the idea took root. “I realized there might be a business in this,” she says.

She soon launched what would become Rare Plant Fairy — a name inspired by her natural gift for cultivating even the most elusive varieties. “I didn’t start with rare plants,” Ho says, explaining that her collection began with approachable, beginner species before evolving into more uncommon finds. Backed by experience in biology and botany, she has long been drawn to ecology, though it wasn’t until later that she recognized the transformative role plants can play indoors — not only aesthetically, but also in supporting overall well-being.

What began as a small operation in her Detroit apartment quickly grew into a thriving facility with more than 30 employees, all dedicated to cultivating and sharing the beauty of rare plants. Today, Rare Plant Fairy ships to collectors and enthusiasts around the world, with a steadily expanding following fueled by social media, where Ho and her team host weekly live sessions to showcase their latest offerings. 

Looking ahead, Ho is focused on expanding her tissue-culture program and cultivating the elusive Ghost Orchid — an endangered species with fewer than 100 specimans left in the wild. Still in the research phase, the effort reflects both ambition and purpose. “If we can help bring this orchid back from near extinction, it would be incredible,” she says.

Learn more at rareplantfairy.com

Green Thumbs for Newlyweds

Plant expert Jocelyn Ho of Rare Plant Fairy shares her go-to picks for couples starting out, from easy-care options for novices to statement plants for devoted enthusiasts, all ideal for beginning a life together.

DocBlock Anthurium “Michelle” 

Meet the ultimate statement plant for newlyweds: DocBlock Anthuriums, premium hybrids by Dr. Jeff Block, are prized for their velvety leaves, bold veining, and striking color shifts. Grown by only a select few — including Ho — each plant is a true collector’s piece. Compact and elegant, the plant thrives in bright, indirect light with a touch of humidity.

Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’ 

Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’ is a striking, variegated climber with deeply lobed, uniquely-patterned leaves splashed in creamy yellows. As it grows, its foliage becomes bolder and more sculptural, especially when trained upward. Easy to care for and endlessly eye-catching, it’s a perfect plant for newlyweds.

Alocasia ‘Venom’

Alocasia ‘Venom’ is a rare, sculptural beauty with silvery-green leaves and a distinctive curled tip that gives it a dramatic edge. Compact and striking, it brings a modern, artful touch to any space. For newlyweds, it’s a standout symbol of individuality and growth — thriving with a little care and attention, much like a new life together.