2020-2025

In recent years, plant purchasing trends have evolved in response to shifting environmental conditions, urbanization, and changing lifestyles. Climate change has influenced consumer choices, with more people seeking drought-resistant and climate-resilient plants to adapt to rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. The increasing popularity of biophilic design has also contributed to a surge in demand for greenery in both indoor and outdoor spaces, as individuals recognize the benefits of plants for air quality, mental well-being, and sustainable living. Additionally, events like the COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped consumer habits, driving a rise in houseplant purchases as people spent more time at home. These trends reflect a broader societal movement toward sustainability, environmental awareness, and a deeper connection to nature in everyday life.

Some key findings include:

Horticulture found that British people buy 2 new plants a month. ⅓ of study participants also said they couldn’t imagine living without plants. Colourful leaves have risen in popularity in recent years. Examples of these are calathea maranta, colorasia hypoestes and philodendrons. As the hybrid lifestyle is becoming more common, small plants are rising in popularity. Small plants that will fit onto desks, windowsills and bookshelves. They brighten up a space without being overwhelming. Examples of these are succulents, dwarf ferns and terrariums. Maximalist influence embraces a more bold striking aesthetic that commands attention. Low maintenance classics that are easy to care for are also trending, examples are spider plants, cacti and succulents. Plants clean the air and reduce stress such as snake plants. Trailing plants such as the devils ivy and they bring texture and depth to the space. Child friendly and pet friendly plants.

A new generation of gardeners have begun to emerge since the pandemic. RHS gardening advice service recorded “growth in your own” enquires. Most popular are tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, chillies and runner beans. Purple vegetables have also been found to have greater health benefits. Purple varieties that are easier to grow are being introduced.

Climate change fruits. Local seed provenances, survivalist gardens and localism plays a strong role. Gardeners are starting to promote the benefits of seed strains that are adapted and grown to be suitable for changing climates.

Going wild. Less common flowers are becoming more popular, for example cow parsley is becoming more popular and dandelions are creeping out of weed status and are being recognised for the benefits they bring to the ecosystems they inhabit.

Houseplants reaching the next level. Hanging house plants. Planteers will want to fill every corner of their spaces. It is predicted that tropical plants and hanging plants will become more popular. Orchids will become more popular too. Favourites are epipreminum, sedum, morgarianum, string of hearts and spider plants.

Succulents and cacti provide easy options for indoor use creating a Mediterranean look by growing citrus plants, enquiries to the RHS increased by 22%. An increase in sales of house plants and drought resistant bedding indicates an interest in succulents is growing. Aeonium, cotyledon, crassula.

Plant friendly gardening. Wildlife gardening increased by over 28% in 2023. In 2024 people want to be more sustainable, one thing people can do to help is start home composting

In 2022 extreme heat red apples that were grown were reported to be sweeter and richer in colour. 2023 predictions move towards plant friendly gardening, it is expected that gardeners will find new ways to encourage more wildlife into their gardens. Warmer climates cause less need for central heating and as a result houseplants will flourish. Heat and dry air aren’t ideal conditions for most plants to thrive in. Cymbidium, dendrobium orchids, scented leaf pelorgoniums, are better suited to a cooler home.

Peat free gardening: compost to be banned in 2024? Gardeners are predicted to seek out environmentally friendly wood based compost. Alternatives. Seaweed may also be an option.

Gardening goes tech: apps and social media are becoming more important as gardeners share what’s happening in their gardens and also participate in courses and digital workshops. These help people to plan, and ensure that their gardens are planted with the most seasonally appropriate plants year round. RHS expansions.

Growing herbs is also becoming more popular. They are a cheap and easy way to help add extra flavour to meals. There was a 600% increase in searches for herbs compared to figures from 2021.

Innovative climate resilient gardens following the heat and drought of the summer means people will be looking to future proof their spaces in the face of more extreme climate changes.

2020 taught people the importance of cultivating spaces that we inhabit such as the home, and the office. In 2020 plant buying increased by a lot. Pet friendly plant options were the most popular over all.

Long and strong trailing plants: philodendron, and green pothos.

Patterned plants: ficus tineke variegated, rubber tree.

Mini plants: for bookshelves, desks, window sills and nightstands.