About us
Vancouver Rare Plants is a collector-run online rare plant shop based in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We specialize in rare and variegated tropical houseplants, especially pink-variegated Alocasia, unusual Begonias, variegated Monstera, and collector Philodendron.
Our goal is simple: to help Canadian plant lovers discover extraordinary plants, choose their own unique specimens, and shop with confidence. We offer carefully selected plants, Canada-wide shipping, and local pickup in Richmond, BC.
From One Plant Collector to Another
Hi, I'm Lily, the plant collector behind Vancouver Rare Plants.
What draws me to rare plants is the individuality of every leaf. The unexpected splash of pink on an Alocasia, the intricate patterns of a variegated Begonia, or the excitement of seeing a new leaf unfurl β these are the little moments that make collecting plants so rewarding.
Vancouver Rare Plants is a small, independently operated business built around that same passion. I personally select and care for the plants in our collection, paying attention to their foliage, overall condition, and readiness for their next home.
I believe buying a rare plant should feel exciting, personal, and trustworthy, whether you're adding your first variegated Alocasia or searching for a special specimen to complete your collection.
Our Specialty: Rare and Variegated Plants
We focus on distinctive tropical houseplants that stand out for their colour, foliage, and unusual characteristics.
Our specialty is rare and variegated Alocasia, including pink, albo, aurea, mint, and marbled varieties. Collector favourites include Alocasia Azlanii Pink Variegated, Black Velvet Pink, Dragon Scale Albo, and other uncommon forms.
We also offer rare and variegated Begonias, including the striking Begonia 'Ginny Galaxy' and Snow Capped Pink, alongside unique Monstera and Philodendron varieties.
Our inventory changes as new specimens become available. Many plants are offered in limited quantities, and some are truly one of a kind.
Small Batches, Carefully Selected Plants
Quality matters more to us than quantity. We focus on small batches and carefully selected plants rather than mass-market inventory.
Our plants are cared for and acclimated to Canadian indoor growing conditions before sale. We inspect their foliage and overall health, including checking for visible signs of pests, before preparing them for their new homes.
For individually photographed, exact-plant listings, what you see is what you receive. The specimen shown in the product photographs is the plant you'll receive, allowing you to choose its size, leaf shape, and unique variegation pattern.
Why Buy Rare Plants from a Canadian Seller?
Buying rare tropical plants from a seller within Canada offers practical advantages for Canadian collectors.
Because we ship domestically, customers avoid the customs clearance, international import paperwork, and unexpected border-related charges associated with ordering live plants from overseas.
Our plants are already acclimated to Canadian indoor conditions before shipment, helping reduce the additional stress associated with purchasing freshly imported specimens.
Whether you're in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, or elsewhere in Canada, we want to make collecting rare plants more accessible.
Carefully Packed, Shipped Across Canada
We offer tracked shipping throughout Canada and local pickup in Richmond, British Columbia.
Every plant is carefully packed in its pot, secured to minimize movement, and protected with appropriate wrapping and padding.
During colder months, we monitor weather conditions along the shipping route and use insulation or heat packs when appropriate. If temperatures create a significant risk to your plant, we'll contact you and hold the shipment until conditions improve.
For local pickup in Richmond, please message us on Instagram or Facebook to arrange the purchase and pickup details.
You can find additional information on our Shipping Information page.
Our Commitment to Plant Collectors
We understand how much care, anticipation, and excitement goes into purchasing a rare plant.
Every order receives personal attention, from selecting and inspecting the plant to preparing it for shipment.
If your plant arrives damaged, please contact us with photographs within 24 hours of delivery. We'll work with you to resolve the issue through a replacement or refund.
If you have questions about acclimation, plant care, or a possible pest issue, we're happy to share practical advice based on our experience.
Our goal is to build lasting relationships with fellow collectors β not simply to sell a plant and disappear.
Join Our Rare Plant Community
Rare plant collecting is full of surprises, and we'd love to share them with you.
Follow @vancouverrareplants on Instagram for new arrivals, one-of-one plant drops, restock announcements, propagation updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our plant care and packing process.
Whether you're searching for your next pink-variegated Alocasia or simply enjoy discovering unusual tropical plants, you're always welcome here.
Thank you for supporting Vancouver Rare Plants and our small Canadian plant business.