It’s no surprise that the houseplant market is flourishing. The RHS reported a 50% rise in houseplant sales in the last year, meaning that the trend for decorating our homes with greenery isn’t going away anytime soon.
by Michael Perry, Mr Plant Geek
The world of houseplants hasn’t been without its trends: at first it was cacti and succulents, then the entire world seemed to pretend to be tropical for a little bit, and now… well, it’s either variegated or pink. Take your pick.
But what’s going to happen in 2020? I ask a handful of plant friends and fellow experts what they think will be big next year, and pitch in with my own suggestion, the Kalanchoe ‘Dolly’.
Kalanchoe ‘Dolly’
Mr Plant Geek says, ‘Kalanchoe has often been a popular plant in the home because they’re very long-lasting and very forgiving. Here is an entirely new generation, spotted during this year’s exclusive flower trials in Holland.’
Piper ornatum
Tommy Tonsberg says, ‘Piper ornatum is a beautiful climbing or trailing plant with stunning mottled leaves in silvery pink and dark green. Unfortunately, it’s not known to be one the easiest plant to succeed with, as it doesn’t like low humidity or lower temperatures. It’s still well worth a try as a houseplant though, if you can accommodate those needs!
I grow this one as a house plant in an east facing window in the bathroom, where it gets the higher temperatures and moisture that it needs. Success!
This plant is a relative of our culinary black pepper (Piper nigrum). There are almost 600 Piper species in the world and surely more that can have potential as houseplants.’
Amydrium medium
Travelling plant collector Mick Mittermeier says, ‘This unknown is a beautiful species that is hardly in cultivation. I recently saw one on an auction page that sold for around $400! The plants get beautiful perforations and attractive midrib pinnae. Amydrium is a fairly reliable grower and much more cold tolerant than any other species in the genus, so would suit colder rooms.’
Sarracenia - in new colours!
Renowned UK carnivorous plants expert, and breeder, Matt Soper, has created something quite special! Matt, who runs Hampshire Carnivorous Plants in the UK, says, ‘it’s stunning and really stands out in any collection’. Sarracenia are straight forward houseplants, loving a sunny windowsill and a nice wet bottom, keep the saucer full of water at all times.’ Keep an eye out for more news on this variety though, it’s not even named yet!
Optimara African Violets
Could we see a return for the houseplant our Grandparents loved on every windowsill?! The humble African Violet has some strong new breeding. Darren Wicks from the African Violet Nerds Group on Facebook says, ‘the Optimara varieties are consistent performers and are bred to perform well on a windowsill, and the colours and combos are amazing’.
Peperomia and Pilea
Joe from Bo-tanical Norwich is tipping the Peperomia and Pilea family for big things in 2020, ‘I’m all about the Peperomia and Pilea right now. It’s a massive family, with an amazing variety of foliage shapes, sizes and colours. Best part is they are insanely easy to propagate from!’
The Scention Aroma Orchids
Maarten Huisman of Sion says, ‘Fragrance in orchids is a whole other dimension. If you thought you’d seen all the colours nature can bring, then you’ll adore the air freshening fragrance of the Scention range. Coming very soon – and set to elevate the orchid to premium status as a houseplant once again!’
For more information:
Mr Plant Geek
mrplantgeek.com