The Royal Horticultural Society reports a 15% increase in houseplant sales over the last year, outperforming bedding plants and herbs. 

Searches for houseplant advice on the RHS website have also risen by 76% year on year. Leading the trend are Swiss cheese plants (Monstera) and dragon trees (Dracaena), prized for their bold, jungle-style foliage over more traditional architectural plants.  In addition, the RHS predicts Calathea, Ferns and Bonsai will continue to top the trends for 2026.

With houseplants continuing to grow in popularity following the huge surge in interest during the pandemic, the RHS Advisory Team, who received ten times more houseplant enquiries last year than in 2024, is encouraging growers to look out for common signs of plant stress, which are most prevalent during the winter months. Wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, leaf drop and poor flowering are among the most frequent issues, particularly during winter when overwatering, low light and dry air are more common.

Clare Preston-Pollitt, Horticultural Advisor at RHS Garden Bridgewater, said: “Houseplants are tender, tropical plants that don’t naturally live indoors. Our homes can be challenging environments, especially during the winter months, but most problems are easy to fix when you know what to look out for.”

The RHS advises gardeners to check a plant’s growing conditions carefully. Weak, leggy growth and pale leaves usually indicate insufficient light, while scorched or bleached patches suggest too much direct sun. Both under- and overwatering can cause wilting, so checking compost moisture is key. Temperature extremes, low humidity from central heating, nutrient shortages, pests and diseases can also affect plant health.

Once the cause is identified, simple changes, such as adjusting watering, moving the plant to a better position, increasing humidity, repotting or feeding, can help plants recover quickly. Damaged leaves can be removed, but those that are still mostly green should be left until fresh growth appears.

To help gardeners build confidence with indoor plants, RHS Gardens Wisley, Bridgewater, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall and Rosemoor will host a series of hands-on houseplant events this month offering practical growing tips and expert advice as well as opportunities to purchase a variety of indoor plants.

More information can be found here: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/articles/houseplant-events