The 2024 Forecast

Obviously, we are houseplant fanatics here at Plant Shop, following the latest trends we’ve put together our official 2024 Houseplant Forecast! Highlighting some houseplant trends we think will be on the rise this year, as well as reliable staples that are here to stay. Collecting houseplants rose in popularity during 2020 as we had more time at home whilst heavily craving the outdoors. Now we are seeing an increased interest in intentional interior design, interactive workshops, and how the shape and colour of houseplants add to a home. From sculptural statement plants to hand-made terrariums - houseplants are another way to add some green to your 2024!

STATEMENTS WITH STRUCTURE

Large statement plants are perfect for filling a spacious corner by adding colour and softness. However, not everyone has the space in their home for a giant Cheese Plant or fluffy Palm. This year, we think we’ll see an increased interest in plants with slightly more structure, through form, shape, or simply by how they’re grown. Some plants naturally have a more ‘upright’ appearance, growing primarily from the top of their stem, making them perfect for slim spots in smaller homes. Spotted in interior design magazines - we’re seeing an influx of Japanese-inspired houseplants that feature bent stems and branching shapes.

Great examples of this include braided plants such as the Pachira Aquatica and Schefflera. Plants with woody stems, such as Dracaena, tend to keep their shape and are easier to maintain as they mature.

GREEN IN THE BATHROOM

There are lots of houseplants that thrive in humid spaces, especially bathrooms! Not only are they great at adding some colour to this typically white-tiled room, but they also lend themselves to being great at reducing condensation. With an air-purifying technique, plants often absorb the moisture in their surroundings through their leaves - sucking some of the condensation out of this oh-so-wet room. Though they can’t resolve all moisture issues in the home, they can help regulate humidity in the right places.

Although many Jungle plants enjoy higher humidity, it is essential to some. These include Calathea, Maranta, Peace Lilies, Orchids and Ferns. When cared for in the bathroom, this humidity will lend to lush green foliage and growth. Just be careful - plants in the bathroom still need regular watering and sufficient light!

GETTING HANDS-ON

Similarly to structural plants, we’re predicting even more intentionality within the hobby of plants! Especially for those who have what many call ‘a jungle’ in their home, we’re seeing more interest in some branching out activities themed around plants - e.g. making terrariums, macramé hangers, and trying hydroponic gardening. Terrariums, for example, are a great way to keep plants that like high humidity like Ferns and Fittonia. In their self-sustaining enclosure, it’s just another option for a forgetful plant parent or as a thoughtful gift! In the world of interior design, we’re also expecting to see more Japanese-influenced designs like Bonsai Trees & Kokedama - the art of ornamentally wrapping a plant in a ball of moss-covered soil which are stunning when displayed in a ceramic dish or hung from a wire.

In our store, our team have been met with much curiosity around hydroponic plants: plants that can live in water. Displayed in glass vases and jars around your home, this can be a great alternative method to keeping houseplants, as well as our go-to method for propagation. Whether this new hobby is rooted in a workshop or YouTube tutorial - these are just a few more ways to personalise your houseplants and take them to the next level!

HUNTING FOR UNIQUE PLANTERS

Despite the organic nature of plants, some plants and planters can seem too manufactured in their plastic pots. Rare and variegated houseplants have also quickly become more accessible and less sought after by collectors. As we’ve recently welcomed Rare Finds, our sister shop selling second-hand wares, we’ve noticed many of our customers are opting for our more unique or alternative second-hand planters and plant accessories in the shop. We love to see this appeal for second-hand planters in interior design and plant trends this year - making your plants feel more personal with unique and interesting planters. We also predict that terracotta’s timeless style will stay, well, timeless! Planting in terracotta pots is a great way to lessen the plastic in your home and a super affordable way to achieve matching pots throughout your home.

Along with new planters, we have a select range of second-hand planters available from our Stockport shop. Styled with the new plants we get in every week - providing an organic and often colourful addition paired with your plants. The Plant Shop team have made it our little hobby to see if we can find our more unique pots in charity and/or thrift shops, as well as repurposing mugs, bowls, and baskets as alternative planters!

LOW CARE FOR BUSY LIVES

Not all of us have the time it takes to carefully care for and water houseplants every week - making cacti & succulents perfect for busy folk, those who like to travel, and first-time plant parents. These plants store water in their leaves and stems, meaning they are adapted to longer periods of drought than typical houseplants. They are also used to bright sunlight - so you can recreate their natural habitat by placing them on a windowsill, but outside of direct sun.

Cacti and succulents are a trend to stay, with favourites such as Sansevieria, Euphorbia, and Sedum ‘Burrito’ remaining our go-to recommendations for easy-going care. Mini cacti are a staple here at Plant Shop but we’ve also been noticing an interest in jumbo Euphorbia - they are a great investment piece that you can rely on because of their tough nature & fascinating shapes!

Wishing you a happy 2024!

Any other trends you predict will be on the rise this year? We’d love to hear your thoughts on our Instagram.

Words by Phoebe Ingram