The most popular houseplants for 2024

'The biggest houseplant trend for 2024 is going to be the continuation of the jungle look which started in 2023,' says Angela Slater of Hayes Garden World. 'Recreating a jungle by grouping a lot of large specimen plants together will form part of the home's décor by providing a focal point.

'Large-leaved plants such as maranta, calathea, alocasia, Swiss cheese plant, and tall palms are going to form the basis of the jungle look, with gaps infilled by smaller specimens.'

And, it's a trend that lends itself well to balconies, too. 'Apartments with balconies are going to particularly embrace this look, especially if they are south-facing, by creating a cool shady spot to chill out with a cocktail,' adds Angela.

Flowering plants can elevate an interior in an instant, providing a lovely burst of colour, even if only for a short period.

‘Anthuriums are making a significant comeback this year with their vivid flowers and lush foliage,' reveals Beth Chapman, founder of Leaf Envy, an online plant shop. 'They're becoming a symbol of sophistication in home decor, reflecting a broader trend of incorporating flowering plants to create vibrant, living spaces.’

Choosing unique plants with textured leaves will become a focus in 2024. 'The Alocasia family, with its diverse varieties like Frydek, Black Velvet, Silver Dragon, Zebrina, and Clarinervium, is capturing the imagination of plant lovers,' says Beth. 'Their graphical leaves, ranging from striking patterns to bold textures, are turning homes into natural art galleries.'

One trend we know isn’t going away is the desire for rare plants. ‘In 2024, the quest for rare and unusual houseplants continues to captivate plant collectors, always on the lookout for new and exotic species,' says Beth.

These rare and new species provide plant enthusiasts with 'not just plants, but unique and intriguing living art pieces that spark conversation and bring a sense of discovery' into our living spaces.

So, 'rare' might be in, but traditional houseplants aren't going anywhere. For those who are not as fascinated by unique species, the gorgeous, structural evergreens that we all know and love will continue to be staples in the home.

'The last few years people have been seeking out and splashing the cash for the philodendron pink princess’s and variegated cheese plants of the plant world. I think we will be stripping this back and almost joining the quiet luxury trend of the plant world and sticking to the classics – your faithful Monstera Delicosa, fiddle leaf figs and pothos,' says Emma Sibley, founder and director of London Terrariums.

There's always room for more plants, even in small spaces – you just need to get creative. Style plants on a floating wall shelf and don’t forget the ceiling either. 'Attaching a trellis to the ceiling rather than individual hooks will provide a much more versatile hanging surface,’ says Angela. Hoya, spider plants, and philodendron are good varieties to try here.

We'd also recommend using curtain rods that can be added to alcoves in your home. Opt for a tension rod so you don’t have to drill into the wall, which makes it a renter-friendly option too. Hang lots of pretty trailing plants and really take advantage of vertical space.

Instead of opting for plants that may require at least a little bit of a green thumb, succulents and cacti are easy to care for and will look great just about anywhere.

'Houseplant sales have boomed in recent years and this is going to continue with novice plant keepers benefitting from the inclusion of nature in their everyday lives. Succulents and cacti are the ultimate starter plants, almost impossible to kill,' says Angela.

Biophilic design consists of a set of principles that aim to improve our connection with nature. An easy way to bring biophilic design into your home is through houseplants, whether it's trailing plants hanging from the ceiling or a herb garden on the kitchen windowsill.

'Biophilic design is not just a trend; it's a lifestyle change we're embracing in 2024. Integrating nature into our living spaces, whether through wall-mounted plants or lush indoor gardens, is transforming the way we interact with our environment,' says Beth.

• Shop indoor plants and pots at Leaf Envy

Sustainability remains high on the agenda as we look to reduce our waste in 2024 and beyond, with a focus on purchasing British-grown plants and using peat-free soil.

‘2024 marks a pivotal year in embracing peat-free, British-grown houseplants,’ says Beth. ‘This eco-friendly shift not only supports local growers but also reflects a deeper environmental responsibility among plant enthusiasts.’

'Artificial houseplants are also on trend this year, appealing to those who fear killing the real thing,' says Angela. 'They are also fantastic for those awkward dark, cool areas that are so difficult to fill with real plants.'

The appearance of fake plants has become more realistic-looking in recent years, and there's certainly appetite for it, with Bloombox Club recently launching a new artificial plants collection.

Instead of getting plastic ones, choose ones where the foliage is made of silk. Just remember to dust them regularly so they continue to look like the real thing.

Pictured: Faux potted agave, Cox & Cox