Trends come and go, but our collective love of plants is forever. There’s just something about filling our homes and apartments with an abundance of greenery that makes us well… feel better! And the health benefits are scientifically proven. Bringing the outdoors in colors our spaces with inspiration and vibrancy, and even the presence of plants alone is enough to keep you energized throughout the work-from-home day. Of course, while our soft spot for plants isn’t going anywhere, there are trends that define our plant décor from year to year. To get a taste of what’s coming up in the world of plants this year, I tapped Bloomscape’s resident gardening expert, Lindsay Pangborn, to share all the deets on the top indoor plant trends we’ll be seeing soon (if not already) in 2022.
With the past two years of spending more and more (and more!) time indoors, it seems like we’ve reached peak plant love. Sure, my millennial crew and I count ourselves among the proud pandemic plant parents out there. But it’s true that all of us, boomers, Gen Zers, and the like, are looking to refresh our homes by designing our own indoor jungles. More than that though—in an era of increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness—it’s important to seek out the practices that support our mental and emotional health. I’m all about empowering movement, colorful food, and pouring into my hobbies and passions. But with that, I’ve also found a sense of purpose by caring for plants. And the science backs it up: houseplants promote mindfulness, boost our mood, and even help us find calm in this oftentimes stressful world.
So if you’re looking to buy your first houseplant or make plants a bigger part of your life, keep reading. Our expert is sharing all that’s to come in the world of plants in 2022. And if you’re looking for more plant-powered inspo, check our guides to caring for low-light plants, the best plants for beginners, and the must-have houseplants of 2021.
feature image of ashley merrill’s malibu beach house by teal thomsen
Ficuses Are Making a Comeback, and These Two Types Are Leading the Charge
Ficuses have the unfortunate association of being known as the go-to plant for many a dreary 90s office space. Thankfully, the Ficus has won back its place in our design-obsessed hearts. In recent years, the sculptural and dramatic fiddle leaf fig has led the charge. But in 2022, expect to see the Ficus Umbellata and Ficus Benjamina stealing the spotlight.
Lindsay attributes the increased interest in these plants to their leaves’ unique features. “Ficus Umbellata is gaining in popularity due to its huge, heart-shaped leaves. As a tree, it grows straight up so it won’t take up a lot of space, but can add height over time as it grows.” And for all of us who have lost a beloved fiddle leaf because of their notorious hard-to-care-for nature, here’s some good news. “This species isn’t as finicky as the fiddle leaf fig and enjoys an area with bright light like any other ficus,” says Lindsay.
As for the Ficus Benjamina (common name: Ficus Danielle), Lindsay notes that its shiny, bright green leaves, slightly weeping branches, and distinctive rounded canopy add an instant and dynamic interest to any room. “This plant is low-maintenance and typically sold as a tall tree, giving instant height to a bright corner in your home.”
Ferns Make Mastering Grandmillennial Style Simple
Haven’t heard of “grandmillennial” style yet? Get ready to check in on those family heirlooms. A stark contrast to the more minimalist and modern aesthetics that have inspired our homes for the past decade, the grandmillennial trend is deeply rooted in nostalgia and tradition. Instead of being stuffy, the style is authentic and carefully crafted, drawing upon high art and fashion for inspiration. Want to align your plants with your dive into grandmillennial mania? Ferns are the easiest way to make it happen.
Ferns capture this trend perfectly. “Textural plants like ferns are making their way back into our hearts and into our homes,” says Lindsay. “Ferns are some of the most resilient and versatile houseplants out there. You can display them in a basket, on a plant stand, in bright or low light, indoor, or outdoors (in the summer).”
When it comes to ferns too, the options are truly endless. Lindsay’s top favorites? The rabbit foot fern, the kangaroo fern, the blue star fern, and the foxtail fern. And while the last one isn’t technically a fern, if you’re going for appearance alone, it’ll do the trick.
Remote Work Will Make Us Even More Plant-Obsessed
With return-to-office dates getting pushed back further and further (and some companies letting go of their offices completely), many of us are coming to terms with remote work being a fact of life. Of course, that means more investment in the spaces we inhabit all day, every day: our homes.
So if plants are already a part of your lifestyle, get ready for them to be an even bigger deal. From Lindsay: “It’s becoming very common to incorporate houseplants into every room throughout the home, in large part for the health and wellness benefits they offer, but also for the beauty they bring.” While this is certainly something we’ve seen take shape throughout the past two years, this is your confirmation that plants aren’t going anywhere.
We’ll Be Asking for More From Our Plants
When plants became a fixture in every indoor space a few years ago, aesthetics were the primary concern. But with style covered, everyone will be looking for plants that can offer something extra. Lindsay elaborates: “Think of veggies, herbs, fruit, and another category growing in interest: carnivorous plants.”
Yes, really! They’re great for the family and can even keep your house clear of less-than-desirable house guests. “Carnivorous plants are a fun idea for households with kids. Selections like pitcher plants or Venus flytraps are pretty and novel. ” Lindsay shares. “Plus, they’re super easy to care for and they give back by capturing insects that might be buzzing around your home.”
Plants Will Become Another Form of Artwork (and May Even Replace It!)
I’m certainly all for finding the perfect piece to ground a space, but when I have the option to infuse a room with my nature-loving vibes, I’ll take it. “From a design standpoint, plants are coming into their own as a form of artwork,” Lindsay notes. “In place of a traditional piece of art, more and more designers are using large statement plants or curated groupings of smaller plants to create focal points within a room. We see people looking specifically for large, mature plants that make an instant impact.”
It’ll Be Time to Take on New Challenges
Looking to grow as a plant parent? You’re not alone. “A lot of people have just recently started their houseplant journey and will be looking to take on new challenges. Whether that’s expanding their houseplant collection or trying their hand at outdoor gardening,” Lindsay predicts.
Bloomscape has introduced a few new initiatives to make plant knowledge and skills more widely accessible. “We’re offering a wider range of sizes which will make it easier to grow your collection of cute, tabletop-sized plants or invest in some really magnificent, large statement plants. We’ll also have a curated collection of outdoor flowering annuals that will translate to easy, instant, expert-created color combinations designed to brighten up your outdoor spaces and keep blooming all summer long.”
Looking to dive even deeper into your plant studies? Skillshare is a favorite for courses that focus on a range of plant and gardening topics. You can even connect with your local plant shop to see if they offer in-person or virtual flower arranging, plant care, and gardening classes. Or, if you want to learn at your own pace, let a book inspire your ever-growing love of plants.
Time to Take It Outside
I know, I know: This article’s all about the top seven indoor plant trends of 2022, but stay with me. If there’s a theme to all of these trends, it’s this: More and more, our houses and apartments will be filled to the brim with plant life. But a lack of space indoors isn’t about to slow down our need for more plant babies to take care of. Lindsay lays it out: “As folks fill their homes with houseplants, the next place to go is outdoors. A big focus for outdoor plants in 2022 is going to be the front entryway of a home. Plants can add a ton of warmth, instantly making a space feel inviting and cozy.” There’ll be everything from lush hanging ferns to ornate planters gathered around the front door. “Plus,” adds Lindsay, “people will turn to tabletop plants to weave bright flowers and foliage all the way through the space.”
What plant trends will you be bringing into your space this year?
