Could you be more specific? What "rare" houseplants are you looking for?

Good point--I guess what's rare to me might not be rare to people in Florida, and probably also might not be houseplants. I'm looking mostly for tender tropicals that I would have to order online if I wanted them. Brunfelsia, double-flowered hibiscus, thai varieties of Chinese evergreen, hoyas, mussaenda, dombeya, passionflower, etc.

Oh and if I could find some named varieties of brugmansia I'd be really happy about that too.

You could prob find some of these in the local box stores. In Broward County we usually recommend Jesse Durko's or Flamingo Nursery. There's a local Hoya lady who does shows. Actually there are a lot of nurseries on Krome Ave to visit.It could be a little overwhelming. Welcome to Florida!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hoya

Thank you so very much coffeemom, for the info and the warm welcome! I am printing out your response to take with me. I will probably rent a car. Are there particular Lowe's and Hone Depots you could recommend as having especially good garden centers? I know around DC they really vary.

Thanks again!

Go see R.F. Orchids in Homestead. To make a day of it, go to fairchild Gardens in Coral Gables first. The most beautiful botanical gardens in North America. If you go, get "The World is my Garden" by David Fairchild available in the gift shop. A good time of the year to go also!

Good luck.

If you have plants to trade, we can probably trade for some of the plants on your 'want' list. I grow a couple of them, myself.

Thanks shavedmonkey! I appreciate the recommendation. I've never been to Fairchild Gardens and it sounds right up my street.

Kay, sure, I'd be willing to trade. What types of plants are you looking for? I need to pull together an updated trade list.