In a UK market estimated to be worth £2.2 billion, sales of indoor plants have boomed as the next generation of green-fingered designers set the trend for bringing a twist of greenery to their interiors. Internet searches for ‘house plants’ have doubled over the last five years, while certain Instagram-friendly varieties including succulents and terrariums have seen an even greater boost. The Royal Horticultural Society reported a houseplant sales growth of 50% in 2018, driven predominantly by foliage plant sales which increased twofold.
As city dwellers, we live, commute and work with limited access to green spaces. Many find this small way of reconnecting with the natural world a relief from the built-up environments we’re surrounded by. Urbanisation and a runaway housing market has meant UK households, especially millennials, are living in increasingly tight spaces, with garden space at a premium.
This growing trend has inspired many social media trendsetters to become increasingly creative with bringing the outside in. The vast array of plant kits on the market has given budding gardeners the opportunity to embrace their love of landscape design, whether they have outdoor space or not. As home style trends shift away from stark minimalism, the rise in popularity of mid-century design has led to calming furnishings such as woven rattans and spherical lighting being incorporated with inventive plant styling.
It’s not only interior design trends that have led to a rise in the popularity of interior plants among millennials. There’s a theory that the demographic dubbed ‘generation rent’ simply want something of their own to care for. Housing contracts forbidding household pets, coupled with the growing trend of 18-35s having kids later in life, means interior plants are proving a popular substitute for millennials with a lot of love to give. The success of London’s recently opened Patch Plant Hotel is testament to this nature nurturing impulse. Much like a kennel for your houseplants, dedicated plant-sitters provide your beloved foliage with organic fertilizer, sunlight and custom hydration spa treatments to alleviate your guilty conscience while you go away on holiday.
From a decor perspective, interior plants can be an affordable way to fill your living space. For many Instagram obsessives, the aesthetic allure background foliage brings to a selfie cannot be overstated. Interior designer, Anna Ward who established her plant-centric design business, Furnished by Anna off the back of this recent trend, suggests: “A clever use of plants can work to enhance or detract from furniture. Spider plants draping down can soften harder edges of bookcases and windowsills, creating a more eclectic feel for the space. Clusters of succulents can be lined up on fireplaces and coffee tables to give a more formal look to the room. Adding sanseviera and tiger grass to conservatories or windowsills is also a great way to add a layer of privacy from the outside world.”
For larger spaces, Anna adds that: “Larger plants are fantastic for filling spaces and adding a burst of texture and colour to the room. Plants can cement the scheme for the rooms too. An oversized palm can be amazing in a more traditional scheme; a banana leaf tree is really suited to a fun room; and rubber plants look really sleek in contemporary schemes or either side of large bifold doors.”
In an anxiety-inducing era, the physical and mental health benefits of indoor plants have also been widely celebrated. According to Matt Carey from Anglian Home Improvements, by providing a source of fresh oxygen they can even help to ease depression and anxiety: “Having plants in your home has a wide range of benefits, including purifying the air, improving health and of course, adding a touch of colour.
House plants are perfect for utilising the space on a windowsill and making the most of light, bright rooms in your home. Even a small collection of plants will make city dwellers feel like they have a little bit of the outside in their home.”
Geo Macrame Plant Hanger DIY Kit
Dramatic interiors are making a comeback – but it’s not just about covering walls in dark paint or pattern murals. Make a bold statement with Wool Couture’s Geo DIY kit, which includes everything to make a striking macrame plant hanger. Once crafted, complete the look with luscious hanging greenery or favourite succulents to add that contemporary touch to any living space.
£28
Botanium
Using automated, soil-free growing, Botanium removes the guesswork from gardening, enabling you to have your own fuss-free indoor plant paradise. It works especially well with thirsty plants that would normally require meticulous upkeep – the built-in tank watering your plants automatically throughout the day, meaning you can leave it alone for weeks.
£59
Aztec Gem Terrarium
This handcrafted terrarium centrepiece is an elegant, stress-free way to bring a touch of nature into your home. The selection of three easy to care for seasonal succulents come on a tow-layered bed monochrome gravel, accented by blue slate. Add optional LED fairy lights or a personalised wood round for a special touch.
£69.95