Houseplants have seen a major resurgence in popularity over the past few years. More and more people are embracing the indoor jungle look and filling their homes with lush, green foliage.
2024 is set to see some exciting new trends when it comes to the most sought-after houseplants. From rare beauties to statement architectural plants, here are the species tipped to be the most popular houseplants this year.
Indoor Jungle
The indoor jungle trend is set to get even bigger in 2024, with people really leaning into creating a lush, tropical look in their homes. Large-leaved statement plants like Monstera deliciosa, Philodendrons, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and Alocasias help to create a real sense of jungle.
These plants make a big impact with their huge, showstopping leaves. Grouping several of these beauties together creates a wildly exotic look. Variegated varieties, like Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo’ or the pink-hued Philodendron Pink Princess add extra visual interest.
The indoor jungle look also lends itself well to layering different heights and sizes of plants. Mixing in smaller specimens like ferns, nerve plants, and peperomias adds nice contrast and texture.
Hanging plants can also help bridge the gap between taller and shorter plants. Going all in with themed planters and plant stands in natural rattan or bamboo materials completes the jungle aesthetic.
More Flowers Please
While tropical foliage plants tend to dominate indoor plant trends, 2024 is set to see more people adding flowering houseplants to their collections. Vivid blooms provide pops of color and add seasonal interest to indoor displays. Some great flowering houseplants include bromeliads, orchids, African violets, peace lilies, and Anthuriums.
Anthuriums produce exotic-looking, glossy red, pink or orange flowers that last for months. They come in compact and climbing varieties, working well in any space. Their lush, tropical foliage also looks great even when not in bloom. For cheery spring color, look for flowering houseplants like Cyclamens and Kalanchoes.
Anthurium Rainbow
One particular type of Anthurium that looks set to be huge in 2024 is the Anthurium clarinervium, also referred to as Anthurium Rainbow. This spectacular plant has dramatically veined, velvety green leaves in gorgeous heart shapes. The leaves have a slightly puckered texture, with bright pink/purple undersides.
Anthurium Rainbow offers year-round interest, looking striking even when not in bloom. Its exotic foliage makes a real statement in any indoor space. These tropical beauties thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Their showstopping leaves will add a vibrant, tropical vibe. Anthurium Rainbow plants command high prices, making them the ultimate luxury status plant for plant parents.
Textures and Patterns
The quest for plants with interesting textures and patterns will continue into 2024. Houseplant lovers are moving beyond plain green foliage to eye-catching species with quirky leaf shapes, markings, and colors.
This includes plants like the Ceropegia woodii or String of Hearts with its trailing, heart-shaped leaves. The silver-green patterns on the leaves resemble little waterdrops.
Other on-trend textured plants include the Ripple Peperomia with its rippled leaves like mini mountain ranges. Calathea Ornata, nicknamed the Pinstripe plant, has gorgeous green leaves striped in pink.
Jungles of these plants create hypnotizing displays, playing with light and shadow. The trend for patterned foliage also opens up lots of opportunities for pairing contrasting plants with complementary or clashing markings.
Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’
One particular plant that looks set to surge in popularity in 2024 is the Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale.’ This stunning variety has dramatically textured leaves that look as if they have been painted in an art nouveau style.
The deep green leaves have amazing ribbed and raised bright white veining. This makes each leaf look like a beautiful work of art.
Alocasias are already hugely popular for their oversized, arrowhead-shaped leaves. But the uniquely patterned foliage of the ‘Dragon Scale’ variety takes these architectural plants to a new level.
Their sculptural quality along with the eye-catching leaves make them ideal statement plants. Their drama pairs perfectly with more minimalist, modern interior styles.
Rare and Unusual
As indoor jungles get more established, houseplant lovers are looking for exciting new specimens to add to their collections. This fuels a growing trend for rare and unusual species entering the houseplant market. Social media fuels the quest to find these unique specimens. Plant influencers and YouTubers love profiling the latest new and novel species.
Some particularly sought-after rare finds include the Philodendron Verrucosum with its furry foliage and the Monstera Obliqua with its eye-like holes. These exotic plants often command high prices and appear on wish lists.
But more attainable rare finds are also gaining interest. Plants like the Hoya Serpens with its trailing succulent-like leaves offer something different.
Rare houseplants allow people to show off their houseplant prowess. But they also satisfy the collector instinct. There’s always one more unusual specimen to add to the collection.
African Milk Tree
The African Milk Tree, or Euphorbia Trigona, looks set to rise in popularity in 2024. This architectural succulent has swollen, spikey stems and branches resembling a cactus. The Latin name Euphorbia refers to the milky sap the stems produce when cut.
This low maintenance plant makes a dramatic statement with its unique, otherworldly look. The swollen stems look almost like they are sculpted out of clay. African Milk Trees also branch easily, allowing you to create unusual shapes like a candelabra.
Their sculptural quality works fantastically in minimalist, contemporary interior schemes. Move over cacti, this is the new star succulent plant taking center stage in 2024.
The Quiet Luxury Effect
While the indoor jungle trend leans into exotic, maximalist styling, a spin-off trend is emerging. The quiet luxury plant look sees people styling a smaller selection of plants, grouped elegantly. This look is about showcasing just a few special specimens in a refined way.
The quiet luxury look favors plants with stunning foliage that makes a real visual impact, without going over the top. Star players include plants like the Monstera Deliciosa, with its iconic, holey leaves. The Fiddle Leaf Fig’s huge, glossy leaves bring drama. Calatheas, known as Prayer Plants, have exquisite patterns and colors.
These plants get displayed like works of art, with plenty of breathing room around them. High-end but minimalist cache pots and planters help create a refined, sophisticated feel. This allows the stunning foliage to take centrestage.
The Monstera Deliciosa | Swiss Cheese Plant
No list of popular houseplants would be complete without the Monstera Deliciosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant. This plant’s fame has grown exponentially over the last few years thanks to its iconic, holey leaves. Monsteras look right at home in bohemian, eclectic spaces but also work great in contemporary, Scandi-style rooms.
In 2024, we’ll see lots of Monstera variety to keep this plant at the top. That includes the Monstera Adansonii with its lacy leaves and trailing growth habit. The Monstera Albo Variegata features white-flecked, showstopping leaves. No indoor jungle is complete without a Monstera.
Their ability to grow to heights of 10 feet or more also makes them ideal statement pieces. A stunning single monstera specimen trained up a moss pole makes a living piece of art. Their statuesque presence suits modern loft spaces with high ceilings.
Go Vertical
Speaking of going vertical, the vertical gardening trend will continue to grow throughout 2024. This sees people using walls, trellises, hanging planters and tall plant stands to style plants. Vertical gardens allow you to maximize every bit of available space for plants.
They also add exciting new dimensions to indoor planting schemes. You can create artful, living walls with shelves and integrated planters. Strategically placed trellises or obelisks allow climbing plants like Pothos and Philodendrons to reach new heights. Hanging planters help achieve the lush, suspended jungle effect and work well in awkward corners.
Creating staggered heights with plants of different sizes adds drama and interest. Going vertical with houseplants adds architecture and new perspectives to indoor spaces.
The Hanging Spider Plant & Eco Pot
A vintage houseplant poised to make a big comeback in 2024 is the Spider Plant. This undemanding green favorite thrives in hanging baskets, sending out trailing spiderettes or baby plants. The curling leaves add fun and fluid shapes to displays.
Grouped together in hanging planters, spider plants create bushy textured explosions. They work perfectly to soften hard edges and add natural charm. As a bonus, Spider Plants are excellent at improving indoor air quality.
To ramp up the eco-friendly factor, pair hanging spider plants with sustainable moss pole hangers. These give the look of macrame plant holders, without using any plastic. Spider plants are set to regain popularity as a nostalgic yet stylish indoor plant.
Starter Plants Reign Supreme
Easy care, beginner-friendly houseplants look set to continue dominating sales in 2024. With new generations discovering the joys of plant parenthood, demand grows for unfussy specimens. Plants like the Snake Plant, Pothos, Peace Lily and ZZ Plant thrive on neglect. This makes them ideal for novice indoor gardeners.
These starter plants allow people to hone their skills without becoming disheartened. But they also have enduring appeal for more experienced plant collectors. Their ability to handle low light levels and irregular watering makes them useful plants for difficult spots. Undemanding plants like the Pothos still look great trailing from hanging baskets or trained up moss poles too.
The rise of these plants reflects the wider wellbeing movement. Caring for an easy houseplant gives a sense of purpose and achievement for little effort.
Succulent Mix
While once seen as novelty plants, succulents are now a houseplant staple. Their ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes them perfect for beginners and busy people. Succulents come in endless shapes, sizes, colors and textures to mix and match. Hens and chicks (Echeveria), burro’s tail, aloes, and agave are all popular.
In 2024, the succulent trend evolves to include more cacti and desert-themed displays. Miniature cacti make cute desk companions. Creating paired planters showcasing both succulents and cacti together adds textural interest. Driftwood, sand and pebbles help conjure desert vibes indoors.
The availability of stunning new Echeveria hybrids also fuels the continued succulent craze. Vibrant new colors and ruffled leaves make succulents more sculptural and decorative than ever.
Biophilic Design
The biophilia trend shows no signs of abating in 2024. This sees people bringing plants into their homes to reconnect with nature and benefit wellbeing. Houseplant enthusiasts style intentional indoor oases to promote relaxation.
Features of biophilic design include using natural materials like wood, rattan and linen. Incorporating sand, rocks, shells and driftwood helps echo outdoor settings. Hidden plant lights allow specimens to thrive in low light spots. Consider sound with water features and wind chimes. Use scented plants to engage the senses.
Creating zones in open-plan spaces allows you to delineate restful plant areas. Strategic use of full height partitions like lattices or trellises with climbing plants boosts the immersive effect. Your own indoor sanctuary awaits.
British-grown
Sustainability will continue to guide plant purchases in 2024. More consumers want to know where their houseplants come from and how they are cultivated. This means sourcing plants grown in your own country gains appeal.
Buying British-grown houseplants reduces plant miles and carbon footprint. It also means you can buy species well-suited to local conditions. Supporting UK growers boosts local businesses and the economy too.
Look out for the EU Plant Passport on plant labels as an indicator of British origin. Local garden centers and nurseries should also stock home-grown options. Choosing peat-free, plastic-free and organic makes your plant picks even greener.
No Green Thumb? Fake It
Advances in artificial plant technology mean faux houseplants are making a comeback in 2024. Today’s ultra-realistic silk and fabric plants are light years ahead of shiny plastic foliage of old. Quality artificial plants like potted agaves, monsteras, and trailing ivy offer a low maintenance alternative for plant phobes.
Fake plants suit landlords banning real plants or people who travel a lot. But faux specimens also work nicely paired alongside real plants. Using life-like artificial plants in hard-to-reach spots while keeping treasured houseplants within easy care reach is an option.
Artificial plants also allow you to grow your indoor jungle at a faster pace. And you can incorporate rare or poisonous plants safely. With modern artificial plants, you can fake it beautifully.
