Plant lovers and collectors will surely never run out of plants to know about or nurture. It’s estimated that there are 390,900 species of plants existing on the planet today according to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In Australia, there are approximately 240,000 native plant species that include trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and other vegetation types according to the government.
Houseplant trends
There is always a chance that one can fall in love with taking care of plants, especially indoor plants. Houseplant collection boomed during the pandemic’s lockdown period and continues to be a strong and growing trend even as restrictions eased. Before we find out the most popular indoor plants in Australia, let’s find out the growing indoor plant trends happening today:
- Native plants
As Australia has a unique and diverse range of native plant species, many Australians are incorporating these plants into their homes. Some popular native plants for indoor use include the kangaroo paw, the bird’s nest fern, and the banksia. - Hanging plants
Hanging plants like the string of pearls, string of hearts, and ivy are popular for their cascading vines and ability to add a touch of green to smaller spaces. - Air-purifying plants
As people become more conscious of their indoor air quality, plants like the snake plant, spider plant, and peace lily are becoming more popular for their air-cleaning properties. - Low maintenance plants
Plants that are easy to care for and require minimal attention continue to be popular choices for busy people. Examples include snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants. - Large plants
Oversized plants like fiddle leaf figs, bird of paradise, and monsteras continue to be popular choices for making a bold statement in a room. - Variegated plants
These are plants with leaves that have more than one colour, often in the form of stripes or spots. Examples include variegated Monstera deliciosa, variegated rubber plant, and variegated pothos.
Indoor plant trends
Here are the 5 most popular indoor plants in Australia:
- Bird’s Nest Fern: In its natural habitat, This plant grows on tree trunks or in the crevices of rocks, but it can also be grown as a houseplant. It has lush, curly leaves that resemble a bird’s nest. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. The Bird’s Nest Fern is not only a beautiful addition to any indoor space, but it also has air-purifying properties. It can remove harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air, making it a great choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
- ZZ plantThe ZZ plant is also known by its other names: Zanzibar Gem, Zamioculcas and Aroid Palm. This plant has dark green, waxy leaves that can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. It is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it can be toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting in dogs and cats. You’ve been warned!
- Peace Lily: The peace lily is a popular indoor plant choice for its elegant appearance, low-maintenance nature, and air-purifying benefits. This plant has lush, dark green leaves and produces beautiful white flowers. It can thrive in low to bright light and prefers to be kept consistently moist. Moreover, it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but should be protected from cold drafts. You can read more about how to take care of Peace Lily in our blog.
- Monstera Deliciosa: The Monstera Deliciosa has large, heart-shaped leaves that are typically about 2 feet long and 2 feet wide. The leaves have distinctive splits and holes that give the plant its Swiss cheese nickname. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions, but it typically stays smaller in indoor environments. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
- String of Pearls: The String of Pearls is a popular choice for hanging baskets due to its delicate, trailing vines of small, pearl-like leaves. Its name was derived from its small, round leaves that grow on thin, trailing stems. The leaves resemble tiny green pearls and can also have white markings. The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet long in ideal conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.
Spring Colours is a plant nursery located in Sydney’s Dural neighbourhood. With over 30 years of experience in garden landscaping and delivering high-quality plants to plant lovers at great prices, we are committed to making the world a greener place and adding new life to your home and garden.
Contact us to find out about our wholesale service delivery or visit our store in Dural to browse our collection of plants!