By Justin Hancock, Costa Farms Horticulturist
Photographs courtesy of Costa Farms
Houseplants are popular—and it seems like they’re getting more popular by the day. This rise in popularity, especially on social media platforms like Instagram, has given rise to trendy plants. One of the best things about “it plants” is that, unlike other home décor trends, they don’t look dated or out of style. That fiddle leaf fig, for example, looks just as good now in a bright dining room as it did a couple of years ago when it was a must-have variety.
If you’re curious as to what’s trending (and want to jump on the bandwagon), here are some of the hottest plants this year.
Sterling Silver Scindapsus
Botanically known as Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’, Sterling Silver Scindapsus is an easy-to-grow variety (meaning it tolerates a wide range of lighting conditions and moisture levels). It’s also stylish, showing off heart-shaped green leaves overlaid in silver. A climbing vine related to pothos and philodendron, Sterling Silver Scindapsus can be grown up a pole or trail from a hanging basket if you want to keep it up off the ground.
Begonia maculata
Begonia maculata is a stunning cane begonia that shows off wing-shaped bronze-green leaves artfully dotted with festive silver spots on top. The undersides of the leaves are a rich rusty red when grown in bright light. Ideal for adding a touch of whimsy to a bright spot, it’s easier to grow than more common Rex begonias and can, over time, grow several feet tall and be a remarkable specimen in your home.
Raven® ZZ Plant
A standout amongst other houseplants, Raven® ZZ Plant shows off rich, purple-black foliage. These leaves contrast with other green-leaf and variegated plants beautifully, making it easy to create displays you and your friends will adore. In addition to its interesting look, Raven® ZZ Plant is also one of the easiest houseplants to care for as it does high, medium, or low light with ease—and can go a month without water.
Birkin Philodendron
Birkin Philodendron is an elegant self-heading (non-climbing) philodendron that features large, lance-shaped dark green leaves delightfully pinstriped in creamy white. It’s a slow grower that may reach three feet tall and wide over time, becoming a dramatic addition to your home décor. It’s a newer variety that’s captured the heart of many houseplant parents.
Hoya compacta
Also called rope plant, Hoya compacta is a slow-growing houseplant whose oval-shaped leaves curl and twist around the stem, giving the plant a decidedly original look. While its main feature is its stunning dark green foliage, in bright light it can produce clusters of fragrant pink star-shaped flowers. It’s also quite drought tolerant, making it easy to grow and enjoy. What’s not to love?
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By Laura Root
Photos courtesy of Jackson & Perkins
Gardeners are always thinking ahead to the next season or the next year. And, fall is the ideal time to think about spring. Flowering shrubs, perennials and spring bulbs are great choices.
Click here for an interesting article about spring bulbs.
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