Our Guide to Houseplants

Historically, the popularity of houseplants has come and gone with fashion. Victorian parlours were incomplete without kentai palms and aspidistras, in fact, houseplants held such enigma, that it was not uncommon for people to pose with them for photographs.

The 70s were rife with cheese plants, ferns and macramé pots. Today, Instagram and Pinterest show that houseplants are back, and we want them to stay.

As if we needed any more reason to invest in them, studies find that houseplants benefit both our physical and mental wellbeing. During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen as well as eliminate other indoor toxins, making it cleaner and easier for us to breathe. Aside from their oxygenating qualities, plants have been found to boost productivity by up to 15%! Other studies have concluded that they enhance mood, reduce stress and improve concentration. Caring for plants is a great way to unwind and can help stave off feelings of loneliness through the sense of purpose they provide. Plants make a wonderful household addition - promising a healthier, happier and better looking home, something that we have really come to appreciate over lockdown. The difficulty is how to make a choice out of so many amazing options. Here are some of our favourites:

 

With large arching leaves that can reach up to 6 feet tall, this tropical plant makes a dramatic statement. It loves the sun so make sure you keep it in a bright, airy space.

Dracaenas are one of the easiest tropical plants to care for and come in 40 different varieties which all share a slender stalk and spiky leaves.

A little extra care and attention for this plant and you will reap the rewards of its huge fiddle-shaped leaves. At top of the Instagram charts, we’re certainly not the only ones that think they look incredible.

Ficus trees are known for their air purifying features. They are extremely sensitive to changes in light and temperature, so best to find a spot and keep it there!

These plants with their trailing, lacey leaves are super easy to care for, making them perfect for the uninitiated plant grower.

 

Striking and low maintenance, what more could you want! Their narrow, sword-like leaves mean they’re wonderful for a compact space.

 

The beautiful, colourful bloom this plant produces at Christmas makes the TLC it requires all the more rewarding.

Very easy to propagate so you can share its good looks which are conveniently low maintenance. All it needs is some light watering when the soil dries up. 

 

A true eye-catcher with its contrasting swirling patterned leaves. It is one of the most decorative foliage you can find.

We love pearls in our jewellery, so it makes sense that we love these too. Hang one up or let it trail from a shelf to add instant elegance to your space.

Check out Smartplant or Patch for information on how to care for your plant.

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