THE UK’S FAVOURITE HOUSEPLANTS REVEALED WITH EXPERT NURTURE TIPS

THE UK’S FAVOURITE HOUSEPLANTS REVEALED

With there being more remote workers than ever before, hydroponic specialists, National Greenhouse, wanted to find out what the nation’s favourite houseplant was. From freshly sourced search data, the indoor gardening experts discovered the UK’s top 10 houseplants, and are here to give some handy tips on caring for the top three. For those working hybrid, fully remote, or simply looking to add a touch of nature into their homes, there’s a suitable plant out there for just about anyone.

1MONSTERA In at number one is the Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. With an average monthly search volume of 98,000, it’s easy to see why from the pages of images showing big deliciously green leaves broken up by unique slits - hence its colloquial name. TIPS: Being a tropical plant, make sure to keep it in bright conditions but not in direct sunlight. You want to replicate a tropical environment as much as possible, where higher trees would cover these more ground-level plants in warm climates. They love moisture in their soil, so as soon as you see the top of the soil in the pot dry up, get ready to serve it some water. You can also get moisture meters to help with monitoring. Tropical plants also love humid environments, naturally. This means you can give it a daily mist treatment.

2BONSAI Runner-up in the UK’s most popular houseplants list is the Bonsai, with around 95,700 searches a month. Famed for its imitation of an adorable tree, Bonsai translates to “planted in container” from Japanese. TIPS: For indoor types, they need a staple temperature all year round as they are generally a subtropical species. Make sure they get plenty of sun, so place them on window sills but keep them away from direct heat and any drafts. They thrive in humid environments, so ensure the soil in the container is constantly moist. Again, you can use moist meters or use your finger to check.

WITH EXPERT NURTURE TIPS

3CHINESE MONEY PLANT Taking third place is the Chinese Money Plant, aka the Pilea Peperomioides, with an average monthly search volume of 72,800. With quite the niche name, this plant’s label derives from Southwest China, with beliefs of a link to good fortune due to the leaves being shaped like coins. TIPS: To help keep it in tip-top shape, and to ensure plenty of good fortune, let it soak up plenty of sunlight. However, be mindful of the summer season, as this plant can burn if left in very hot, direct sunlight for too long. Typically, these need watering once a week. Always check the soil before doing so to check if it is dry. With plantcare, plants do tend to tell you. Look out for signs of yellowing in the leaves; this can mean it’s been overwatered. If any leaves that are nearest to the soil have turned yellow, just carefully pull these off to help the plant concentrate on its main healthy structure.

THE UK’S TOP 10 FAVOURITE HOUSEPLANTS

HOUSEPLANT: MONTHLY SEARCH VOLUME: Monstera / Swiss Cheese Plant........................................98,000 Bonsai ...........................................................................................95,700 Pilea peperomioides / Chinese Money Plant............72,800 Orchid...........................................................................................58,500 Peace Lily....................................................................................49,400 Snake Plant / Dracaena Trifasciata................................45,100 Spider Plant ...............................................................................42,250 Dragon Plant .............................................................................41,700 Yucca.............................................................................................41,700 Venus Fly Trap..........................................................................39,900