Today’s post is the second part of a two-part series that highlights some of the key trends that sit on the cusp between houseplants, interior styling and design for 2018. The previous post was concerned with interior plant styling, whereas this post focuses on a forecast of emerging plant trends.
If you missed the introduction to this post in part one, head over to this first as it offers some context for this post.
PLANT TREND FORECAST
In this part of the post, I will focus on plants or types/groups of plants that I think are on trend for Spring/Summer 2018; or those that are on the up in terms of plant popularity.
I think it’s safe to say that hanging or trailing plants are having a bit of a moment. I would cite their increase in popularity as being directly related to the ‘urban jungle’ style homes that are all over the internet at present. This style of interior takes keeping plants in your home to another level, by using spaces usually reserved for art or hanging frames, to display plants. This trend ties into the previous ‘retro modern vibe’ because if you are planning to create a home in this style, macramé hangers will become your new friend. Also, securing ceiling hooks will be a new challenge, and instead of buying art for your walls, you’ll be bulk ordering a variety of pothos, with some strings of pearls thrown in for good measure.
Alongside this, I’ve noticed a dramatic increase in the demand for ‘living walls’, created by fixing containers such as this one (above left) to the interior wall to create a true ‘jungle aesthetic’. In addition, pieces normally reserved for the outdoor garden are being brought inside and repurposed for houseplant display, such as this shelving system (above right).
I specifically noticed an increase in the availability of terrariums in the latter part of 2017, with most garden centres tapping into this over the gift giving period. Come 2018, their popularity shows no signs of waning and these open glass and metal structures are now being sold in a variety of stores. I think the appeal of terrariums is the ability to create (or buy) a capsule garden that can sit on your sideboard, or fireplace with little mess or fuss. The glass encasing offers protection and helps to create a cosy environment for plants to enjoy. Popular ones to use are fittonia, haworthia, rhipsalis, some compact sansevieria and smaller ferns, surrounded by a decent display of moss and gravel. These are the ultimate low maintenance display (but make sure they get enough light!)
Alongside the perennially popular appeal of balcony gardens and herb kitchens as we move into Spring, I have noticed that retailers are branching out a little. This year, mainstream stores are embracing this ‘grow your own’ cultural trend in its own way, with cactus and succulent seeds popping up in the most unusual of places – from left to right (above); a book shop, a clothing store and a discount outlet. I got given some herb seeds the other day – basil and chives, which I can report are doing well on my kitchen table.
The problem of not having enough space for houseplants is no longer an issue either; even if you live in the smallest-of-small studio apartment, there are things you can do to make your space greener if you wish. Over the last year or two, there has been an increasing availability of miniature cacti and succulents, and specifically in 2018 I’ve noticed miniature plants are becoming popular too (see that miniature stromanthe sanguinea triostar in the next category below). One shelf with a row of mini cacti/succulents can create a really impactful display if you are short on space.
Finally, I wanted to draw attention to a family of plants I think deserves a mention – the matantacae or maranta group, that seems to have exploded in popularity over the last few months. The plants in this group are closely related; containing maranta, calathea, ctenanthe and stromanthe. You will often find that these plants are usually labelled in stores as ‘calathea mix’, with calathea arguably being the most well known of the bunch. 2018 has seen these plants appear in swathes up and down the country in supermarkets such as Morrisons, and DIY giants Homebase and B&Q for £6-8. With their amazingly decorative foliage, it’s easy to see why people want to have these in their homes… and retailers have clearly seen this need emerging, with supermarkets expanding their ‘foliage plant’ sections.
I really enjoyed putting this two part post together, and hope you enjoyed reading. I’ll post an update on anymore trends I notice as the season progresses.
The next post leads on nicely from the section above: ‘Some things I’d like to say to supermarkets selling plants…’
Thanks for reading!
Laura
HOUSEPLANTHOUSE 