New research has revealed the UK’s favourite houseplants for summer 2021 – with spider plants, philodendron and palm taking the top spots.
According to an analysis of 12.7 million Google searches by homes and interiors brand Sass & Belle, the number of people looking for the term “house plants” and related phrases has increased by 114% year on year – with spider plants the most popular at nearly 700,000 searches, and the philodendron seeing the greatest increase, up by 372% between 2020 and 2021.
Below are the country’s ten favourite houseplants based on volume of searches:
- Spider Plant
- Philodendron
- Palm
- Fern
- Bamboo
- Jasmine
- Yucca
- Banana
- Lavender
- Dragon Plant
The following is a list of the UK’s most up and coming plants, based on those with the biggest percentage increase in searches between 2019/20 and 2020/21:
- Philodendron – +372%
- Banana Plant – +150%
- Palm – +116%
- Eucalyptus – +98%
- Spider Plant – +92%
- Fern – +86%
- Bamboo – +79%
- Yucca – +68%
- Dragon Tree – +47%
- Lavender – +35%
When it comes to what we’re looking for in a house plant, the data shows growth in searches for characteristics including fake, pet friendly and air purifying:
- Dog friendly – +210%
- Artificial / Fake – +142%
- Climbing – +114%
- Cat friendly – +107%
- Hanging – +105%
- Air purifying – +61%
While these plants have gained notoriety in Instagram shots around the world, the risk of them becoming overgrown, out of control or simply failing to survive is ever-present – unless their owners know their needs.
Sass & Belle’s data has also revealed an 84% year on year increase in searches for houseplant care – leading to them collaborating with gardening expert Henry Scott to create a complete guide to caring for the country’s favourites.
“Houseplants bring such many benefits, including purification of the air we breathe and improved productivity and wellbeing as a result. But while we would love for those plants to thrive in our care, the reality is that our plants will only stay happy and beautiful if we care for them properly,” explains Sass & Belle’s design manager Chloe Mills.
“Through extensive research underpinning the design of our own range of plant pots, we’ve learned the importance of potting – alongside watering and positioning – as a key factor in plant wellness and longevity. We hope to raise awareness of good plant parenting so even more of us can enjoy the benefits to wellbeing and air quality.”
In addition to their purification benefits, plants also help to make any room look more appealing and alive, especially if you put them in a matching – or contrasting – pot for another pop of colour. And there’s no wrong or right way to style plants either; you could add a large plant to make a statement in a room – perfect for minimalistic interiors – or lots of little plants to create a beautiful display. If you’re just starting out on your green-fingered journey, you may wish to consider enhancing your decor with easy-to-care for plants such as spider plants, philodendron and lavender.
Henry Scott is a landscape and garden designer at Pehrsson Scott and contributed to the Plant Parenting guide. Henry said:
“Understanding how a particular plant species thrives in nature will allow you to recreate a similar environment in your home. The importance of proper plant care is essential as a healthy plant can ward off disease and pest attacks resulting in a stronger and happier plant that will not only look great but perform its biological functions much better.”
Tim Hollis, Head of Buying at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) added his support for the campaign, saying:
“As well as looking good, houseplants support human health in homes, offices, school and hospitals. Research suggests that the greatest benefits of indoor plants are through wellbeing and productivity improvement. There is discussion around their influence on indoor air quality. Choosing the right indoor plant for the right space is really important as light and amount of water given to certain varieties is key to their growth and survival.”
Sass & Belle’s Plant Parenting guide can be found at https://www.sassandbelletrade.co.uk/insights/guide-to-house-plant-care/ .
Their new range of houseplant pots, including the refresh of the 2020 sensation “Frida”, is now available for purchase at https://www.sassandbelletrade.co.uk/homeware/room-decor/planters-terrariums-vases/.
