Houseplant sales have rocketed over the last few years following a boom in plant parents during the pandemic. Bringing the outdoors in, all while adding interest and texture to our interiors, shows no signs of waning, but it’s not only about the aesthetics. The benefits of indoor plants are well-known, from improving air quality and circulation, to supporting better wellbeing and mental health.
So what’s on the horizon for 2024? This year’s houseplant trends will have us buying more locally grown plants while still being on the lookout for something special and rare. We’ll see some fan favourites continuing to steal the show (anthuriums, alocasias and fiddle leaf figs are among the most popular houseplants for 2024), but we’ll also find some less common plants appearing in everyone's windows this year.
Whether you're a new plant parent or a horticultural enthusiast, here are the biggest houseplant trends for 2024.
1
Indoor Jungle
'The biggest houseplant trend for 2024 is going to be the continuation of the jungle look which started in 2023,' says Angela Slater of Hayes Garden World. 'Recreating a jungle by grouping a lot of large specimen plants together will form part of the home's décor by providing a focal point.
'Large-leaved plants such as maranta, calathea, alocasia, Swiss cheese plant, and tall palms are going to form the basis of the jungle look, with gaps infilled by smaller specimens.'
And, it's a trend that lends itself well to balconies, too. 'Apartments with balconies are going to particularly embrace this look, especially if they are south-facing, by creating a cool shady spot to chill out with a co*cktail,' adds Angela.
2
More Flowers Please
Flowering plants can elevate an interior in an instant, providing a lovely burst of colour, even if only for a short period.
‘Anthuriums are making a significant comeback this year with their vivid flowers and lush foliage,' reveals Beth Chapman, founder of Leaf Envy, an online plant shop. 'They're becoming a symbol of sophistication in home decor, reflecting a broader trend of incorporating flowering plants to create vibrant, living spaces.’
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
3
Textures and Patterns
Choosing unique plants with textured leaves will become a focus in 2024. 'The Alocasia family, with its diverse varieties like Frydek, Black Velvet, Silver Dragon, Zebrina, and Clarinervium, is capturing the imagination of plant lovers,' says Beth. 'Their graphical leaves, ranging from striking patterns to bold textures, are turning homes into natural art galleries.'
4
Rare and Unusual
One trend we know isn’t going away is the desire for rare plants. ‘In 2024, the quest for rare and unusual houseplants continues to captivate plant collectors, always on the lookout for new and exotic species,' says Beth.
These rare and new species provide plant enthusiasts with 'not just plants, but unique and intriguing living art pieces that spark conversation and bring a sense of discovery' into our living spaces.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
5
The Quiet Luxury Effect
So, 'rare' might be in, but traditional houseplants aren't going anywhere. For those who are not as fascinated by unique species, the gorgeous, structural evergreens that we all know and love will continue to be staples in the home.
'The last few years people have been seeking out and splashing the cash for the philodendron pink princess’s and variegated cheese plants of the plant world. I think we will be stripping this back and almost joining the quiet luxury trend of the plant world and sticking to the classics – your faithful Monstera Delicosa, fiddle leaf figs and pothos,' says Emma Sibley, founder and director of London Terrariums.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
6
Go Vertical
There's always room for more plants, even in small spaces – you just need to get creative. Style plants on a floating wall shelf and don’t forget the ceiling either. 'Attaching a trellis to the ceiling rather than individual hooks will provide a much more versatile hanging surface,’ says Angela. Hoya, spider plants, and philodendron are good varieties to try here.
We'd also recommend using curtain rods that can be added to alcoves in your home. Opt for a tension rod so you don’t have to drill into the wall, which makes it a renter-friendly option too. Hang lots of pretty trailing plants and really take advantage of vertical space.
7
Starter Plants Reign Supreme
Instead of opting for plants that may require at least a little bit of a green thumb, succulents and cacti are easy to care for and will look great just about anywhere.
'Houseplant sales have boomed in recent years and this is going to continue with novice plant keepers benefitting from the inclusion of nature in their everyday lives. Succulents and cacti are the ultimate starter plants, almost impossible to kill,' says Angela.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
8
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design consists of a set of principles that aim to improve our connection with nature. An easy way to bring biophilic design into your home is through houseplants, whether it's trailing plants hanging from the ceiling or a herb garden on the kitchen windowsill.
'Biophilic design is not just a trend; it's a lifestyle change we're embracing in 2024. Integrating nature into our living spaces, whether through wall-mounted plants or lush indoor gardens, is transforming the way we interact with our environment,' says Beth.
• Shop indoor plants and pots at Leaf Envy
9
British-grown
Sustainability remains high on the agenda as we look to reduce our waste in 2024 and beyond, with a focus on purchasing British-grown plants and using peat-free soil.
‘2024 marks a pivotal year in embracing peat-free, British-grown houseplants,’ says Beth. ‘This eco-friendly shift not only supports local growers but also reflects a deeper environmental responsibility among plant enthusiasts.’
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
No Green Thumb? Fake It
'Artificial houseplants are also on trend this year, appealing to those who fear killing the real thing,' says Angela. 'They are also fantastic for those awkward dark, cool areas that are so difficult to fill with real plants.'
The appearance of fake plants has become more realistic-looking in recent years, and there's certainly appetite for it, with Bloombox Club recently launching a new artificial plants collection.
Instead of getting plastic ones, choose ones where the foliage is made of silk. Just remember to dust them regularly so they continue to look like the real thing.
Pictured: Faux potted agave, Cox & Cox
Taylor Fuller
Taylor Fuller has nearly 100 plants in her London flat and loves to share her tips and experiences with other plant lovers. In addition to writing about plants, Taylor has also had her first book, The Rainbow Atlas, published.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information on various topics, including houseplant trends. I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. Here are the key trends for houseplants in 2024:
1. Indoor Jungle
The biggest houseplant trend for 2024 is the continuation of the jungle look, which started in 2023. This trend involves recreating a jungle-like atmosphere by grouping large specimen plants together to form a focal point in the home's décor. Plants with large leaves, such as maranta, calathea, alocasia, Swiss cheese plant, and tall palms, will be popular choices for creating the indoor jungle look. This trend is not limited to indoor spaces and can also be embraced on balconies, especially south-facing ones, to create a cool and shady spot to relax.
2. More Flowers Please
Flowering plants will continue to be popular in 2024, as they can instantly elevate the interior with bursts of color. Anthuriums, with their vivid flowers and lush foliage, are making a significant comeback and are becoming a symbol of sophistication in home decor. Incorporating flowering plants into living spaces is a broader trend aimed at creating vibrant and lively environments.
3. Textures and Patterns
Choosing unique plants with textured leaves will be a focus in 2024. The Alocasia family, with its diverse varieties like Frydek, Black Velvet, Silver Dragon, Zebrina, and Clarinervium, is capturing the imagination of plant lovers. These plants have graphical leaves with striking patterns and bold textures, turning homes into natural art galleries.
4. Rare and Unusual
The desire for rare and unusual houseplants will continue to captivate plant collectors in 2024. Plant enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new and exotic species that provide unique and intriguing living art pieces, sparking conversations and bringing a sense of discovery into living spaces.
5. The Quiet Luxury Effect
While rare plants are in demand, traditional houseplants will continue to be staples in homes. The trend in 2024 will be to strip back the fascination with unique species and focus on classic houseplants like Monstera Delicosa, fiddle leaf figs, and pothos. These gorgeous, structural evergreens have been sought after in recent years and will continue to be popular choices.
6. Go Vertical
Even in small spaces, there is always room for more plants. Going vertical is a trend that involves creatively styling plants on floating wall shelves and utilizing ceiling space. Attaching a trellis to the ceiling provides a versatile hanging surface for plants like Hoya, spider plants, and philodendron. Curtain rods can also be used in alcoves to hang trailing plants and take advantage of vertical space.
7. Starter Plants Reign Supreme
Succulents and cacti will continue to be popular choices for novice plant keepers in 2024. These plants are easy to care for and are almost impossible to kill, making them ideal starter plants. The inclusion of nature in everyday lives through these low-maintenance plants has contributed to the booming houseplant sales in recent years.
8. Biophilic Design
Biophilic design, which aims to improve our connection with nature, will be embraced in 2024. Houseplants play a significant role in bringing biophilic design into homes. Whether it's trailing plants hanging from the ceiling or a herb garden on the kitchen windowsill, integrating nature into living spaces transforms the way we interact with our environment.
9. British-grown
Sustainability remains a priority in 2024, with a focus on purchasing British-grown plants and using peat-free soil. Embracing peat-free, British-grown houseplants supports local growers and reflects a deeper environmental responsibility among plant enthusiasts.
10. No Green Thumb? Fake It
Artificial houseplants are also on trend in 2024, appealing to those who fear killing real plants or for filling dark and cool areas that are difficult to fill with real plants. The appearance of fake plants has become more realistic-looking in recent years, and there is a growing market for them. Opt for artificial plants with foliage made of silk for a more realistic look, and remember to dust them regularly to maintain their appearance.
These trends reflect the evolving preferences of plant enthusiasts and the growing popularity of houseplants in interior design. Whether you're a new plant parent or a horticultural enthusiast, these trends offer a variety of options to incorporate greenery into your living spaces in 2024.
I hope you find this information helpful! Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with.