Costco is mostly known for groceries, electronics, and bulk household items, but many plant lovers have discovered that it also sells beautiful houseplants at great prices. While most people expect to see common indoor plants like snake plants or pothos, Reddit users have recently shared some amazing and unique plants they’ve found at Costco. These “under-the-radar” finds are surprising, exciting, and often sold at prices far lower than plant shops or garden centers.

In this article, we’ll take a look at six unique plants that Reddit users have spotted at Costco, along with care tips and shopping advice.

1. Water Culture Plants

One of the most surprising finds at Costco has been water culture plants. These are plants grown in water instead of soil. Reddit users have reported seeing varieties like anthurium, bird of paradise (Strelitzia), and variegated Ctenanthe growing in clear glass containers with water and sometimes decorative stones.

These plants are not just pretty—they are also easy to care for. Since they don’t grow in soil, they need only filtered water that is topped up every few days. Water culture makes it easy to see when the plant needs more water, and it also prevents soil pests. These plants are perfect for people who want something low-maintenance and modern.

2. Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Another cool plant spotted by Reddit users is the Ginseng Ficus Bonsai (Ficus microcarpa). These little trees are often seen in bonsai displays and have a thick, rounded trunk with shiny green leaves on top. They look like tiny trees and bring a calming, natural feel to indoor spaces.

They are a good choice for people new to bonsai because they are easy to grow. Ginseng ficus prefers bright, indirect light and doesn’t need to be watered too often. Just make sure the soil is dry before watering again. It’s also a slow grower, which makes it great for small spaces.

3. Prayer Plant

Prayer plants are well-loved for their beautiful patterned leaves that move up at night, like hands in prayer. The most common types found are Maranta and Calathea. Some Reddit users were surprised to find bright, healthy prayer plants at their local Costco.

These plants have bold green leaves with red or white veins, and they add a lot of personality to a room. Prayer plants prefer medium light and like their soil to stay slightly moist. They also enjoy high humidity, so misting them regularly or using a humidifier can help keep them happy.

4. Chameleon ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is already a favorite for its easy care and bold, glossy leaves. But Redditors have reported finding a special variety at Costco—the Chameleon ZZ. This version has leaves that change color as they grow, starting out light green and becoming darker over time. This gradient effect gives the plant a dramatic and interesting look.

Like the standard ZZ plant, the chameleon variety is very low-maintenance. It doesn’t need much water and can live in low-light areas. It’s a great plant for beginners or people who forget to water often.

5. Ring of Fire Philodendron

This is one of the most exciting finds, according to Reddit users. The Ring of Fire Philodendron is a rare and much-loved plant known for its bold variegated leaves that have streaks of white, green, orange, and sometimes pink. Many plant collectors consider this a prize find.

What made this find special was the price—some Reddit users said they found it at Costco for around $35, a price far lower than what specialty plant stores charge. This plant needs bright, indirect light and regular watering. It prefers to dry out a bit between waterings. It’s not the easiest plant to care for, but with a little attention, it becomes a real showpiece.

6. Ti Plant (Good Luck Plant)

The Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa), also known as the Good Luck Plant, has colorful leaves in shades of pink, green, and red. Many Reddit users were surprised to see such bold tropical plants at Costco. These plants are common in Hawaii and Southeast Asia, where they are believed to bring good luck and protection.

Ti plants like bright light, warm temperatures, and some humidity. If grown indoors, they do well near a window that gets indirect sunlight. Outdoors, they can be used as tropical landscaping plants in warmer climates. With proper care, their colorful leaves can last a long time and brighten up any room or garden.

What Reddit Users Are Saying

Reddit users have shared their excitement over these plant finds, often posting photos of their Costco hauls. Many are surprised at the selection and price. One user wrote, “These aren’t rare. They’re just harder to find in big stores, so I was shocked Costco had them.” Another said, “If it was really rare, it wouldn’t be at Costco—but it’s still a great deal!”

While not every plant is rare in the world of collectors, they’re still unusual to find at a store like Costco. That’s part of what makes the finds fun and special.

Tips for Buying Plants at Costco

If you’re thinking about buying plants at Costco, here are a few helpful tips:

Inspect for pests – Look closely at the leaves and stems for bugs like spider mites, gnats, or scale. These pests can sometimes be hiding on new plants.

Quarantine new plants – Keep new plants away from your other plants for a week or two to make sure they are pest-free.

Avoid overwatering – Most Costco plants are tropical and don’t like sitting in wet soil. Let the top of the soil dry out before watering again.

Provide the right light – Even though Costco stores are bright, your home might not have the same lighting. Try to match each plant’s light needs once you get it home.

Shop seasonally – Costco usually sells plants in spring and summer. That’s when you’re most likely to find a wide variety, including rare or unique plants.

Final Thoughts

Costco might not be the first place people think of when plant shopping, but as Reddit users have shown, it’s full of surprises. From colorful Ti plants to rare philodendrons and even bonsai, Costco has offered a range of exciting plants at great prices. While these finds may not be rare in the botanical world, they are definitely unexpected and exciting for everyday shoppers.

If you enjoy adding new plants to your collection, it might be worth taking a stroll through your local Costco’s garden or seasonal section. You never know what plant treasures you’ll discover—and you just might find your next favorite plant at a fraction of the usual cost.