As a country, we’ve been busy cultivating a collective passion for houseplants, and 2024 is showing no signs of a slowdown.

“It’s all about having more plants,” says Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, aka The Houseplant Guru. “People are especially being drawn to hanging plants as a way to add interest to a room and make way for more plants below.”

The new year also brings a blend of new and old. On the new side, “plant enthusiasts are pushing the boundaries of creativity with artistic plant styling,” says Puneet Sabharwal, CEO and co-founder of plant subscription service Horti. “From vertical gardens to meticulously crafted terrariums, the fusion of horticulture and design has never been more exciting.”

On the old side, Steinkopf says, “houseplant trends we saw in the ’70s are back. Tried and true plants, like pothos, are being made into new hybrids, like Lemon Meringue and Harlequin. And the trend for macrame plant holders doesn’t seem to be waning.”

Containers are also going more earthy. “We’re seeing industrial chic on the decline in favor of more natural materials,” says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms. “So less influence from brick and metal, and more wood, stone and terra cotta with a more organic, hand-made look rather than mass-produced and highly manufactured.”

Here are more houseplant trends to watch for in 2024, from Hancock, Steinkopf and Sabharwal.

Color Me Cyber Lime

Garden Media Group named Cyber Lime foliage the Plant Color of the Year for 2024, because plants with variegated neon-green leaves are popping up all over.

“New plants show brighter, golden-yellow leaves, and they’re the perfect way brighten your home or office,” says Hancock. “But note that while the color is fun in dim corners, most varieties show the most vibrant color when placed in bright light.”

For tried-and-true varieties, Hancock recommends Neon Pothos and Limelight Dracaena. For a plant on the other end of the color spectrum, try Golden Crocodile Philodendron or Chameleon ZZ.

Take a Variegated Voyage

Overall, all variegated plants are chic in 2024. “Blame it on the Pink Princess philodendron,” says Hancock. “From variegated leaves to pink hues, people love indoor color.”

Steinkopf agrees. “I don’t see the trend of variegated plants going anywhere,” she says. “The brighter the variegation, the better. And of course, if it has pink variegation, the price goes up.”

For a perennial favorite, try a dark-colored plant like Raven ZZ.

Create a Houseplant Curtain

Cascading, living plant curtains made from trailing and climbing varieties are really catching on, says Hancock.

“They’re beautiful, but there’s also a sense of utility to this trend,” he says. “Hanging your plants saves floor space, or gives you room for more plants in your personal jungle. It also keeps them out of reach of kids and pets, so there’s less fear of mess or accidents.”

To make a plant curtain, Hancock recommends trying pothos, philodendron and monstera varieties. These often develop larger and more eye-catching leaves when grown up a pole, totem, trellis or wall.

Think Small

From tiny ferns with intricate fronds to bonsai trees with centuries of history in their branches, look for miniature plants making a big impact in homes and offices, says Sabharwal.

“These charming little greens offer a sense of wonder and delicacy that’s hard to resist,” he says. “They’re an invitation to create miniature ecosystems, experiment with unique arrangements and engage in the art of container gardening.”

Terrariums are definitely part of this tiny trend, according to Steinkopf. “It’s an easy way to grow plants that need a bit more humidity,” she says. “And after the terrarium is self-sufficient, it makes for an easy-care enclosed plant world.”

Learn Online, Buy Offline

Connecting with fellow plant enthusiasts through social media forums and apps is becoming a significant part of the houseplant experience, Sabharwal says.

“Virtual plant care communities offer a space for plant lovers to share their journeys, seek advice and bask in the joy of watching their green babies grow,” he says. “In a world where we’re increasingly connected through screens, our leafy friends are helping us stay grounded and interconnected.”

However, Sabharwal says there’s also a notable resurgence in in-store plant purchasing, workshops and community gatherings.

“After a period of relying heavily on online shopping for plants,” he says, “people are craving the tactile and sensory experience of selecting their leafy companions in person; feeling the texture of leaves, inhaling the earthy scent of fresh soil and discussing plant care tips with staff.”

Try Tech Trends

New technologies are making plant care easier, like self-watering systems from Wick & Grow. Artificial lighting is also revolutionizing the game, Sabharwal says. With full-spectrum LED lights, anyone can create a friendly growing environment, tailored to a plant’s needs.

“Those living in apartments with limited windows or in areas with long, gloomy winters can now cultivate lush indoor gardens with confidence,” he says. “It’s an accessible and inclusive way to bring the joy of plant parenthood to a broader audience.”

Nurture Nature Responsibly

Sustainable gardening is also taking root in the world of houseplants, says Sabharwal. People are trending toward eco-friendly practices and materials, like biodegradable pots and organic and locally sourced soil, plus composting kitchen scraps to make homemade plant food.

“This movement reflects a growing awareness of our environmental impact and a desire to make greener choices in our daily lives,” he says. Many plant cultivators and sellers, including Horti, are also increasingly taking steps to be more eco-conscious.

What’s Out With Houseplants in 2024?

“Paying astronomical prices for rare plants that will be affordable in the near future is out,” says Steinkopf.

So are artificial plants. “Were they ever really in?” she says. “They gained some popularity as they became more realistic looking, so for a while people thought they gave the same benefits as real plants. Not so. They’ve figured it out.”

Hancock agrees. “As far as artificial,” he says, “we encourage people to try just one real plant and see what they think.”

About the Experts

• Justin Hancock is a horticulturalist with Costa Farms. A lover of houseplants, tropicals, annuals and perennials, he has decades of experience gardening from Northern Minnesota to Miami.
• Lisa Eldred Steinkopf founded The Houseplant Guru, a website devoted to teaching people how to care for their plants. She’s also a writer, lecturer and author of Houseplants: The Complete Guide, Grow in The Dark, Creative Houseplant Projects and Bloom.
• Puneet Sabhawal is the CEO and co-founder of Horti, a New York City-based houseplant subscription company and storefront that builds confidence in plant care. He cares for 70-plus plants in his apartment, which he uses to create aesthetically pleasing textures. Sabhawal strongly believes in the positive energy these plants bring to his life.