Houseplants have seen a major resurgence in popularity in recent years. With more people wanting to bring nature indoors and reap the benefits of plants, houseplant trends are constantly evolving. From unique varieties to innovative planters, there are many exciting houseplant trends to look forward to in the coming years.
Unique and Rare Varieties
One of the biggest houseplant trends is finding unique, rare, and hard-to-find varieties. As houseplant lovers become more experienced, they start seeking out rare finds to add to their collections. Here are some up-and-coming rare houseplants to look for:
Variegated Monstera
The Monstera deliciosa is a very popular houseplant, loved for its split leaves with holes called fenestrations. The variegated Monstera is a rare form with white markings on the leaves due to lack of chlorophyll. It is difficult to find and quite expensive compared to the regular Monstera deliciosa.
Pink Princess Philodendron
The Pink Princess philodendron has intriguing variegated leaves in shades of green, pink, and cream. It is a slow grower and cuttings are in very high demand. The unusual foliage makes this a coveted collector’s plant.
Albo Monstera
The Albo Monstera is another variegated form of the Monstera deliciosa. It has white stripes and speckles on the leaves instead of the usual green coloration. It commands high prices and is difficult to find for sale.
Variegated String of Hearts
This unique variety of String of Hearts has white variegation on the heart-shaped leaves. It grows well in hanging baskets. The variegated form is much more rare than the regular green variety.
As houseplant collectors become more advanced in their pursuits, demand for rare finds like these will continue to grow.
Unique Shapes and Textures
Houseplant enthusiasts are also seeking out plants with unique shapes, textures, and growth habits – not just the typical green, leafy varieties.
Trailing/Hanging Plants
Plants with long trailing or hanging stems are popular for their ability to beautifully spill over containers. Some great options are String of Pearls, Fishes, Rosary Vines, and Wandering Dudes.
Cacti/Succulents
The sculptural shapes and textures of cacti and succulents make them popular as statement pieces. There are so many fascinating shapes to explore beyond the common options.
Carnivorous Plants
Insect-eating plants like Venus Flytraps and Pitcher Plants have uniquely shaped traps and are sure to start fascinating conversations. Their unusual form is intriguing to houseplant collectors.
As interest grows, nurseries will continue introducing new plants with novel shapes, textures, and growth habits to satisfy the demand.
Custom Planters
Another growing trend is using unique, custom planters to not only complement houseplants but really make them into statement pieces.
Handmade Ceramic or Wood
One-of-a-kind handmade planters crafted from natural materials like ceramic or wood are popular. The organic imperfections add to the charm.
Upcycled Containers
Finding a new purpose for an old item by transforming it into a planter is also a fun trend. Some ideas are repurposed mugs, teapots, or baskets.
Modern Geometric Shapes
For a more sleek, contemporary look, modern planters in geometric shapes and bright colors are a great option. Materials like cement, plastic, or metal are common.
As interest in houseplant styling grows, so will the market for innovative and custom planter designs to house them in.
Automated Self-Watering Systems
To simplify plant care and take the guesswork out of watering, self-watering planters are gaining popularity.
Passive Self-Watering with Reservoirs
Passive self-watering planters have a water reservoir in the bottom portion. The roots draw moisture as needed through the soil wick. Lechuza and Self Watering Planter Pots are popular options.
Automated Self-Watering Systems
More advanced automated systems use electronics to monitor soil moisture and water on schedule. Drip systems and the Parrot Pot are examples of products in this category.
As technology advances, automated watering will get more precise and widely adopted. This will reduce plant stress and take the burden off plant parents.
Increased Hybridization
New hybrid houseplants are being bred all the time to introduce more color, texture, growth shape, and other desirable traits.
Coloration
Hybridization is being used to develop more plants with variegation like the Marble Queen Pothos, as well as more shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, and purple foliage.
Leaf Pattern and Texture
Hybrids can result in striking new leaf patterns and textures. Examples are the Ruffle Fern and Crinkle Leaf Calathea.
Plant Shape and Size
Hybridization allows developing more compact, full plant shapes as well as miniature or giant varieties to suit different space needs.
Plant breeders will continue using hybridization to introduce exciting new varieties into the houseplant world.
High Tech Solutions
Innovative technologies are being developed to help simplify and optimize houseplant care.
LED Grow Lights
LED grow light technology is improving to better mimic natural sunlight. This helps plants thrive indoors and enables growing tropicals outside their native environments.
Smart Sensors
Smart sensors monitor soil moisture, light, fertility and send alerts to your phone so you know when to water, move plants, etc. Parrot Flower Power and Click & Grow use this technology.
Automated Indoor Gardens
Some emerging automated indoor gardens like Growulus can water, provide light, and even move plants as needed to optimize growth.
As technology develops, it will become an integral tool for houseplant care. Advanced solutions will allow virtually anyone to be successful in growing houseplants.
More Houseplant Apps and Communities
The houseplant community is thriving online. Growing numbers of apps and online platforms are popping up to connect plant enthusiasts.
Plant Identification Apps
Apps like PictureThis and Planta identify plants and offer customized care instructions and reminders.
Social Media Groups
Facebook groups like House Plant Hobbyist connect millions of members to discuss and learn about houseplants. Subreddits like r/houseplants and r/IndoorGarden are also popular.
Review Sites
Review sites like HousePlant411 where users can look up care guides and leave reviews on different houseplants are a helpful resource.
As houseplants become more mainstream, robust online communities enable people to become better plant parents.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability is a priority for many houseplant lovers, leading to development of more eco-friendly houseplant products and practices.
Sustainable Planters
Planters made from sustainable materials like recycled plastic, biodegradable pulp, and compostable coconut coir are increasingly popular alternatives to plastic nursery pots.
Responsible Sourcing
Consumers support responsible sourcing from greenhouses that nurture plants sustainably and are transparent about origins. Responsible vendors like The Sill, [Bloomscape](
https://bloomscape.com/about-bloomscape), and Hirts Gardens are gaining popularity.
Plant Swaps
Plant swaps bring people together to trade plants and cuttings instead of buying new. These community events reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Eco-conscious consumers and brands will continue pushing for sustainable innovation in the houseplant industry.
FAQs About Houseplant Trends
Some commonly asked questions about the latest and upcoming houseplant trends include:
What are some of the rarest houseplants?
Some especially rare finds are variegated Monstera, Albo Monstera, Pink Princess Philodendron, Variegated String of Hearts, and Black Velvet Alocasia. Availability is limited and prices are high for these coveted beauties.
Where can I find unique houseplants for my collection?
Check reputable online retailers like Etsy, eBay, and specialty nurseries for rare finds. Local plant shops and nurseries also get interesting new inventory seasonally so check back often. Also watch for local houseplant swaps.
How much care do unique houseplants need?
Many rare houseplants actually require more specific growing conditions and are less tolerant of beginner mistakes. Take time to research care requirements before purchasing more unusual varieties.
Why are some houseplants so expensive?
Supply and demand drives rare plant prices. Those that are slow growing or difficult to propagate often have very limited quantities available, driving prices up. Variegated and color variations tend to be more in demand and expensive.
What are some easy houseplants that are pet safe?
Some pet safe and low maintenance options are spider plants, ponytail palm, Christmas cactus, pothos, aloe vera, peace lily, Boston fern, dracaena, and philodendrons. Always check a plant is pet safe before bringing into your home.
How do I find a houseplant community online?
Check Facebook for houseplant enthusiast groups, subreddits like r/houseplants, forums like Houzz and apps like Planta. Connecting with other plant parents online provides a great resource for advice and inspiration.
Conclusion
The houseplant world is booming with innovative new varieties, planters, technologies, communities and sustainable products coming to market. As Millenials embrace houseplants for mental health benefits and creating inviting living spaces, their thirst for the unique and inspiring drives demand for emerging trends. Online communities enable enthusiasts to get support and ideas from fellow houseplant lovers around the world. While classic green varieties will always have their place, there are so many exciting new directions houseplant trends are heading. For both new and seasoned plant parents, embracing these trends is a fun way to stay at the forefront of the thriving houseplant renaissance.
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Get ahead of the latest houseplant trends including unique varieties, high tech planters, plant identification apps, and more as houseplants increase in popularity.
6 Houseplant Trends to Look Forward to
Houseplants are more popular than ever, and new trends are emerging all the time in this booming category. Here are six exciting houseplant trends to look forward to:
1. Unique and Rare Varieties
As houseplant enthusiasts become more experienced, demand is growing for unusual rare varieties like variegated Monstera, Albo Monstera, and Pink Princess Philodendron. Limited supply and high demand makes these rare beauties expensive and coveted.
2. Unique Shapes and Textures
Beyond just green and leafy, unique shapes and textures are popular like trailing plants, succulents, and carnivorous plants. Their sculptural forms make exciting statement pieces.
3. Custom Planters
Another hot trend is custom, artisanal planters like handmade ceramics and upcycled containers. The planter complements the plant to really make it a showpiece.
4. Automated Self-Watering
Innovations like self-watering pots and smart sensors automate watering, reducing the burden of proper plant care. This technology will only get more advanced and widely adopted.
5. Increased Hybridization
New hybrids allow endless creativity in creating houseplants with variegated foliage, new colors, leaf textures, plant shapes, and sizes to suit any design needs.
6. Online Communities
Robust online communities like apps, social media, and review sites make it easier than ever for plant enthusiasts to learn about and discuss their shared passion.
Houseplants are having a major moment. These trends make growing an ever-evolving and exciting hobby.