If you are curious to discover this year’s houseplant trends you need to know that the keywords for 2023 are sustainability, color, and more houseplant education.
Indoor gardening is starting to gain more and more popularity among people as they begin to become aware of the physical and mental benefits plants may bring to them.
Another important aspect regarding houseplants is that they can enhance any corner of your home creating a small oasis of relaxation. The houseplant types that you will see everywhere this year are plants with colorful foliage and, since the color of the year is Viva Magenta, you will see lots of plants in this colour.
Another important trend for 2023 is growing big plants, creating their own terrariums or even growing plants in glass bottles. If you are wondering which plants will be popular this year or you are just searching for some inspiration keep reading this article.
What Are The Latest Indoor Houseplant Trends for 2023?
One of the main trends in 2023 when it comes to houseplants is sustainable practices. There are many ways you can add sustainable practices to your plant’s caring routine. You can do this by simply offering potted plants rather than cut flowers to be more environmentally friendly and making your own compost instead of using store-bought ones.
In 2023, gardening enthusiasts are more interested in how to better care for their plants, which are the needs of their plants and how to recreate the natural environment for every specific type of plant. So, in other words, people want to be more educated regarding their plants. They are also more curious about exotic plants as well.
Sustainability
Making sustainable choices when it comes to your plants and the products you choose to use for them helps both your plants and the planet. There are many ways through which you can introduce sustainable practices in your houseplant caring routine. There is a trend according to which people prefer coconut coir over peat as they are trying to go peat free. If you want to go peat free too, here are some tips.
But first, let’s talk a little about compost and peat. Potting composts are very helpful when growing plants in containers as they provide the plant with a healthy and nutritious environment. Peat is a common option thanks to its feature to retain water and nutrients. Over the last few years, people wanted to find more environment-friendly choices and started to use peat-free composts.
Why isn’t peat environmentally friendly? The main problem with peat is that peatlands contain high levels of carbon stores and when these lands are drained, the carbon is released into the atmosphere, a practice that can contribute to global warming. Another reason why peat is not a sustainable component is that peatlands store about 10% of global freshwater and peat takes a long time to form. It grows about 1 mm per year and the extractors typically remove 22 cm of peat per year, so you can see why peat cannot be considered a sustainable material.
Peat-free compost is a great option for plants that thrive in moist soil, as it has good water retention. If your plants prefer well-draining soil, you can amend the compost with grit and sharp sand. In general, peat-free compost will provide optimal growing conditions for your plants. Keep in mind that potting compost that is not labelled peat-free, will usually contain some peat. Another important observation is that peat-free compost tends to be more expensive as it is more carefully blended and requires more processing.
As mentioned above, gardeners and houseplant lovers are making more and more efforts to be informed and make the right decisions which also helps their purchasing decisions. Peat-free compost can be found at garden centres and including at grocery stores.
Composting
Making your own compost at home is another interesting trend for 2023. There are many composters that you can use, so the container should not be one of the problems. The main idea is that you will produce less waste if you manage to repurpose some of it and the environment will thank you. Homemade compost can be used to fertilize your outdoor and indoor garden and it will also save you some money. You can learn more by reading our complete guide to making your own compost.
Other Methods to Implement Sustainable Gardening
- Using natural light as much as possible and opting for high-efficiency lighting systems.
- Using natural pest control methods such as neem oil, tea tree oil, cloves, cayenne, or garlic.
- Propagate your plants and share them to reduce waste and save money.
- Buy second-hand plant containers, preferably made of sustainable materials, and be creative by growing plants in unconventional objects such as old tea kettles, mugs, etc.
- Buy sad plants from supermarkets and nurseries and bring them back to life.
- Avoid buying plants that are notorious for having short life spans such as Poinsettias and miniature roses, and plants that most gardeners consider very hard to care for such as Echeverias, Alocasias, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Boston Fern, and String of Pearls, to name a few.
Houseplant Education
Another trend is, in a way, related to the first two ones and it consists of the houseplant lovers’ interest in gaining knowledge when it comes to their beloved plants. In 2023, gardeners want to know more about plants and their environment, how to better take care of their green companions, and how to treat pests and diseases in natural ways. Also, the experts expect that more first-time plant parents will take up household gardening in 2023. There is a noticeable pattern when it comes to first-time houseplants parents, who tend to make growing plants a long-lasting hobby and even a lifestyle. So, if you already have a few plants, it’s time to invest more time into learning about your plants and even growing spices or veggies indoors.
“Forgiving” Plants
This trend is related to first-time plant parents, as they start their gardening journey. If you plan to buy a few houseplants this year, you should consider choosing “forgiving” plants. Among these plants are Aloes, Raven ZZ, Moonshine Sansevieria or Silver Bay Aglaonema. These plants do not need special care, thrive in low light and can survive up to one month without watering them. So, they may represent a good start for any beginner when beginning this new activity.
Air Cleaning Plants
Apart from just looking nice in any room, houseplants help with people’s well-being as they clean the air of toxins. Some well-known plants that have air-cleaning properties also have some of the easiest caring routines. Among these plants are Sansevieria, Spider Plant, English Ivy, Snake plant, Areca Palm, Raphis palm and Aloe Vera.
What Are the Most Trending Houseplant Styles Of 2023?
Colorful Foliage and Blooming Plants Are Back
In the 2023 houseplants trend, we also find a modern and unusual mix of plants. It is popular to have weird plants in contrast with the previous years when the traditional-looking ones were preferred by many people. Some of the best options are bold colours or distinctive leaf shapes like tillandsia, staghorn fern, spider plant and Pilea.
As this year’s colour is Viva Magenta, expect to see vivid colourful plants including Caladium pink symphony, butterfly wing plant, bloodleaf plant, Persian shield, Cyclamen plant, Heuchera, Cymbidium, Calathea Triostar or string of hearts plant.
Golden Hues
Together with the colourful plants, in 2023, the golden hues plants will also be popular. This type of plant really pops out in contrast with the more traditional dark green hues we see in our offices and homes. Some of these types of plants are the Painted Lady Philodendron, Golden Goddess Philodendron, Chameleon ZZ and Lemon Meringue Pothos.
Large Plants
Plants with large foliage will be one of the biggest houseplant trends of 2023. Even though this trend is not new, as it started a few years ago with Ficus lyrata and Monstera deliciosa, it continues this year too, but this time with Strelitzia nicolai, Musa, Dracaena reflexa and Thaumatophyllum. These plants add extra drama to any room and also stand out on social media. If you have the space, you need to know that growing indoor trees and plants that are so large that they resemble a tree will be a popular practice this year.
Mounted Plants
In 2023 you can try epiphyte mounting, which is not something new but it is becoming a more popular practice among plant lovers. Instead of placing your plants on shelves, on mantle pieces or hanging from a curtain rod, you can try this type of planting.
Epiphytic plants are not parasites, but they grow on vertical surfaces such as another plant, a rock or any other structure that it can attach. When grown indoors, this type of plant can be mounted on bark, wood or cork. The process is creative and fun to learn and this variety will add a unique note to your home. Another great thing about epiphytic plants plant is that their care is easy. You can choose any plant that has minimal roots or aerial roots for this type of mounting. The most common are bromeliads, orchids, tillandsia or staghorn ferns.
Rare Plants
Indoor plant enthusiasts will be tempted to buy designer plants or rare varieties such as Philodendron brandtianum, Monstera albo, Senecio candicans, Begona maculata, and Alocasia cuprea. These plants can be quite pricy, ranging from $300 to $4,000 and will be more difficult to find, but who doesn’t love a challenge? You might see these plants on Instagram more often, especially if you follow many interior designers. Justina Blakeney, one of our favourite Jungalow designers, suggests that Schefflera Amate and the fishbone cactus will be very popular plants in 2023.
Bottle Gardens and Terrariums
Another interesting gardening project that you can try out in 2023 is creating a bottle garden or a terrarium. Terrariums are sealed or partially-sealed environments in which organisms such as plants and animals can thrive harmoniously in a small ecosystem. Because they are easy to create and look interesting, terrariums and bottle gardens are enjoying a revival.
A terrarium consists of several components that blend and cohabitate inside a container that is usually made of glass or other transparent materials. Some terrariums are sealed, while others have a small opening to allow airflow. The ecosystem created in a terrarium should be self-sufficient, so it is debatable whether an open glass container housing different plants would be a terrarium and not just a planter.
The easiest way to create a terrarium or a bottled garden is to mix small plants that grow in similar conditions, generally either damp shade or drought. You can choose any container made of glass, but the best ones for moisture lovers are the closed ones, while the open ones are more appropriate for plants that thrive in a dry environment. One great thing about this type of plant growth is that because the evaporation condenses on the inside of the glass you won’t have to water it constantly. Terrariums and bottle gardens will also need a place with enough light.
Décor Containers
As this year plants with vivid colour or big foliage are a must, you can choose either a white container which will offer a clean look that lets the plant pop and is a choice that you can never go wrong with or you can choose a container that has earthy tones such as ochre, sage and umber.
Houseplants can also be treated as interior design items that create a focal point or brighten up a boring lifeless corner. In 2023, lots of gardeners will prefer to purchase plants that come with an interesting pot cover. As mentioned above, large plants are an important trend in 2023, as they really pop when their container has an interesting earthy colour or an eye-catching pattern. Just imagine how a big Monstera will pop in a white container.
Herb Gardens
Indoor herb gardens are more and more popular among people who want to eat clean and healthily. Growing a herb garden indoor is easy, it will provide fresh herbs that you can use in the kitchen at all times, and it will fill your home with greenery and fragrance.
You don’t need a lot of space to grow a herb garden – all you need is a sunny windowsill, a shelf near a window, or a balcony. The first step is choosing a few low-maintenance herbs like thyme, parsley, rosemary, basil, mint, or chives.
You can start your plants from seeds or cuttings, but you can also find mature plants in nurseries. Next, select a few nice-looking pots that match your interior decor and make sure they have drainage holes. Water your herb garden regularly and harvest little by little while ensuring that your plants get to regenerate.
Dried Flowers
Although this is not necessarily a gardening trend, as it is more of an interior design trend, it still involves plants, so it deserves a place in our article. Dried flowers continue to be a very popular home decor trend and you will still see them in 2023 on social media, in magazines, and in fancy locations.
There is something magical about dried flowers. Maybe it is their rustic vibe that can transform a dull place into a cosy one. The everlasting effect and versatility of dried flowers make them a staple element of interior design. While fresh flowers wilt away and only last for a few days, dried flowers allow us to create long-lasting wreaths and decorations.
If you feel that dried flowers are a bit pricey, you can consider making your own. There are many different methods to dry flowers and plants and you can even turn this activity into a hobby. The most traditional straightforward method is, of course, air drying. To air-dry plants, all you have to do is bind small bouquets and hang them upside down. Air drying can take a lot of time as most plants will dry out in about four weeks. If you have a lot of time on your hands, this is a great method.
If happen to be in a hurry, you can try microwaving or baking the plants. To obtain dried flowers through microwaving, you will require a bowl of a desiccant such as cat litter or silica gel. This will ensure that your plants will dry out without shrivelling. The microwave method is much faster but it only works on smaller batches and shows better results on flower heads and smaller plants rather than large bouquets.
You can also bake the flowers to dry them. This method is also quite quick but it can affect the colour of your plants and cause them to lose petals. However, if you are in a hurry and want to create a nice wreath for a celebration, put the flowers in the oven at a low temperature and bake them for a few hours.
Vertical Gardens
Vertical planting has been a popular practice over the past few years and it will continue to gain popularity in 2023. If you are a gardening enthusiast, you are probably familiar with some of the most common practices in vertical gardening such as hanging baskets and moss walls. So what will this year bring in terms of vertical gardening trends? The key objective this year is to produce crops and use space as efficiently as possible. New technologies focus on efficient water systems and all sorts of smart systems that optimize the environment. Living walls are an important trend in 2023 and they are not just meant to have aesthetic value, but to also provide a source of food. You can learn more by reading our complete guide to vertical gardens.
Three Plant Care Resolutions for 2023
Don’t be too hard on yourself for killing a plant
From time to time plants may die. It happens to everyone, even to the best of us. There are many aspects that can impact your plant in a negative way and it may not even be your fault. Some plants cannot live in indoor conditions, despite being sold as houseplants. Additionally, your home may be too cold or too dry for a tropical plant, and changing these aspects can be quite difficult. As much as we love plants it may not be worth changing your home or your entire lifestyle for a plant that has another type of need.
Pick plants for your space and lifestyle, not because of trends
If you want to avoid the death of a plant as much as possible, you need to make a little research on the plant you want to grow for the space you have, just to be sure that you can ensure its needs. Since you are here, it is clear that you too love plants and sometimes we fall in love with different species, but this does not mean that we have to buy them if we cannot provide the environment it needs.
When you go hunting for plants, be sure to know very well how much light you have in a specific room, the level of humidity and what kind of soil the plant needs. Last but not least, a very important aspect when you chose to buy a plant is to research its caring routine. You want that your new plant’s care to be in accordance with your lifestyle. If you love travelling, a plant that needs to be watered every three days is not the plant you are looking for. But don’t panic as there are low-maintenance plants that can survive and even thrive without the need to frequently water them. One of that plants is the ZZ plant which even in the summertime does not need to be watered a lot as it stores water in its rhizomes.
Schedule One Day a Week to Check on Your Plants
If you have a collection of different species of plants you already know that there are different caring routines for each and every one of them. But pick one day a week to check on your plants. You can inspect the soil moisture, remove dead foliage, maybe add extra soil if needed, mist your leaves, rotate the pots or check for any pests and diseases. By doing this every week you will get to know your plants and if you really ensure that they have all they need. Keeping an eye on your plants is very important in maintaining their health.
In Conclusion
As you already know, trends come and go, but houseplants will always be important members of every home. So whatever plants you decide to grow or how you display them, you have to know that a houseplant never really goes out of fashion. But be sure to choose plants that suit your lifestyle. Be curious and read more about different species and families of plants.
A bit of research goes a long way and it will help you save money by purchasing the right plants and keeping them alive more. If you already have a collection of houseplants, don’t forget to try your hand at propagating them and sharing them with your friends and family. Get creative when choosing containers for your plants and remember that as long as you use the right soil, you can grow plants in any type of container. The local thrift shop is your friend when it comes to finding unusual and high-quality containers for your plants.
What types of plants will you grow in 2023? Let us know in the comments!
