Gardening: New 12 months, New houseplant

A group of house plants Credit: Alamy/PA

From cactus collections to monster monsteras, find out what’s likely to be trending in the new year.

We may be planning our outdoor space for next year, but what about our indoor plants?

Do we ditch traditional spider plants in favor of calatheas, make statements with monsteras, or opt for money-saving plants and clean air champions?

small plants

Garden spokeswoman and author Ellen Mary (ellenmarygardening.co.uk) reckons that small plants – which are currently hugely popular on Instagram – will be high on the styling agenda in 2023.

“Small plants are big on the plant scene right now, thanks to lots of macro photos, houseplant display gardens at RHS Chelsea 2022 and space-saving, creative terrarium rolls on Instagram.

“There’s something really fascinating about small plants, and with an ever-growing interest in houseplants, many are looking for low-maintenance, interesting plants for small spaces,” she says.

To see:

Peperomia ‘Watermelon’. Moisture-loving plants therefore need a watering schedule. Perfect in indirect bright light, but not in direct, hot sunlight. The foliage looks like a watermelon.

Hypoestes phyllostachya (spotted plant). With its colorful, patterned foliage, it suits almost any houseplant scheme and grows well in smaller pots. Moisture helps this one to thrive and feed regularly from spring through summer.

cacti and succulents. By grouping these plants together we can fill shelves and any free space with small plants in small pots that require little water and very little maintenance.

money-saving plants

“Everyone is talking about saving money for next year, but one way to cut costs and still expand a houseplant collection is to spread what you already have.

“Innovative ways of presenting propagated plants will therefore be great in the next few years,” she predicts.

To see:

Pothos and Tradescantia. Both are easily obtained from cuttings. Simply cut off under a knot and place them in a glass of water until the roots grow strong before potting.

The story goes on

They can stay in fresh water for months and the roots look spectacular so this will be a big part of the houseplant display. Compost and pots are not even needed.

Monstera can be rooted in a large vase of water the same way, and as the roots fill the vase, it will fill with swirls of attractive roots.

Rare plant

“As houseplant collections grow, enthusiasts will start to branch out and look for rarer houseplants to really make a difference,” says Ellen Mary.

To see:

Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo-Variegata’ and Philodendron gloriosum. These are both well known but rarer and come at a price. Both are low maintenance, overwatering is the main risk and keeping them away from pets.

“However, the big, beautiful foliage of both is just stunning and might be worth the investment for houseplant collectors,” she says.

Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’ has showy green and white foliage that deserves a spot for everyone in the home to admire.

Philodendron gloriosum has huge heart-shaped leaves, white veins, and velvety foliage that’s incredibly nice to touch. Both prefer bright, indirect light.

Master of Clean Air

“With well-being high on the agenda, houseplants that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also purify the air of toxins will be at the top of the list,” predicts Ellen Mary.

To see:

Sansevieria and spider plant. “These well-known plants will be in the spotlight—both with a retro vibe—as they work hard to keep the air clean, require little maintenance, and can even thrive in low light,” she says.

indoor trees

Bringing nature indoors to create a gentle style while reaping all the benefits of well-being will be a big trend, she believes.

“Those who want to go big and have space will consider how to grow indoor trees, or at least houseplants that are tall enough to look like a tree.”

To see:

Norfolk Island Pine. This is an indoor tree that we’ll be seeing a lot more of, she predicts.

“It’s not just a small Christmas tree in a pot, it can stay indoors all year round. It’s not actually a pine, but more related to the monkey puzzle tree. Prefers a sandy and slightly acidic soil that stays moist but not too wet and indirect light makes it a wonderful tree to have indoors all year round.”

Strelitzia (bird of paradise). This is rapidly growing in popularity as everyone wants to see the flower bloom.