The Year in HOUSEPLANTS

The houseplant trends of 2024 show a significant shift in the urban gardens of previous years

- MADISON MOULTON

Since the latest houseplant boom in the 2010s, trends have remained relatively consistent year after year. We all loved the classic Monstera deliciosa, focused on lush foliage over flowers, and cultivated indoor jungles where there was no such thing as too many plants. But this year, things are a little different. As trend cycles go, we're starting to see opposing trends come to the fore. Since houseplant lovers are more experienced now than they were 10 years ago, trends have become more complex, focusing on design rather than simply keeping a plant alive indoors. Overall, the theme is simplified but elevated, turning indoor gardening from a hobby into an art form. As is the case with any trend, there is no need to rush to change your entire collection or get rid of things you still enjoy. Rather, it's an indicator of what we're likely to see in nurseries and online in future, and what new developments you can try for yourself this year.

Houseplant Minimalism

Gone are the days of the indoor jungles, where every spare surface had to be covered in greenery and the distinction between the outdoors and our homes blurred. Houseplant lovers are now moving toward houseplant minimalism, keeping a limited number of only their favourite plants. While I was fully invested in the indoor jungle aesthetic at a point (with a concerning number of houseplants in my care), it does have its downsides. Care is the obvious one - when you have more than 50 houseplants to keep track of, it's tough to make sure they're all happy at the same time. But that many plants in one space also takes away from the beauty of each one.