COLUMNIST: jordan TRAINER
For this big 5th Birthday celebration, I’ve picked my top five most popular and trend setting plants of 2025 so far, including why I think their popularity has grown over the last few years and will continue to stay relevant for many years to come!
There are many reasons why the snake plant has risen in popularity over the last five years. Not only do they add an architectural look to your home with their long pointed leaves that come in all shades of green and yellow but they also have great air-purifying properties and are one of the best plants for filtering toxic chemicals that can build up in our homes. Alongside this, they are also very drought tolerant and can be left in the same pot for many years without damaging the plant, making it an ideal choice for someone with a busy work life.
To keep a Sansevieria healthy, position it somewhere that receives plenty of bright, filtered light. It can also be kept in direct sun or partial shade so don’t worry too much about placement. I recommend watering this plant every couple of weeks when the soil appears dry to the touch. A good rule of thumb is to remember snake plants thrive on neglect and too much kindness can be fatal.
Overall, it’s a relatively easy care plant with minimal upkeep which will thrive in most homes, making it still one of the most popular plants on the market right now!
Another trend-setting plant that has been growing in popularity in recent years is the String of Hearts, which gets it name from its small, heart-shaped leaves that dangle down, growing well over a metre long in most cases.
Although it has a fast trailing habit, it’s a compact plant which does not take up much space in a home. It will thrive on a bright shelf or narrow ledge and only needs watered every couple of weeks. As Ceropegia is a type of succulent plant originating from southern Africa, where the climate is warm and dry, it doesn’t need watered often. In fact, it’s better to let the soil completely dry out rather than over-watering, which can cause root problems.
There are several different types of Ceropegia on the market now, including the variegated form which has white and pink markings on the leaves, and my personal favourite, the ‘Silver Glory’, which has larger silver leaves with a dark green speckling.
This plant has grown in popularity over the last five years and is now one of the most requested plants throughout the year, especially for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day as it makes a great gift. String of Hearts is also non-toxic, making it an excellent plant for pet owners.
Orchids are probably one of the most recognisable and popular flowering indoor plants on the market, mostly due to their exotic beauty, diverse range of colours and patterns, long-lasting blooms, and symbolic meanings.
You can’t walk into a supermarket or garden centre without seeing their colourful and attractive blooms. The big UK retailers have reported significant year-on-year increases in orchid sales, with one supermarket reporting a 30% increase in demand. Orchids are here to stay and with so many new cultivars and varieties on the market, they do not lack in variety.
To keep a Phalaenopsis healthy, it’s best to position it in bright, filtered light. The leaves can easily get sun-damaged if they are too close to a sunny window so a few metres back in a well-lit room is the perfect space. Watering can be tricky but a good rule of thumb is to wait until the roots in the pot appear silver in colour, this is the best time to water and you will notice them turn a dark green when it’s hydrated. I usually water my orchids every couple of weeks which isn’t as often as you might think.
One of my favourite Orchid varieties right now is called ‘Desert Breeze’, known for its stunning white and yellow flowers.
The Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, has soared in popularity in recent years due to its striking, fenestrated leaves, relatively easy maintenance, and ability to add a tropical touch to any space. They are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves with natural splits and holes, which create a visually appealing and unique look. Beyond its great looks, Monstera is also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it a healthy addition to any home or office space.
There are many different kinds, from the standard green Monstera deliciosa, to the miniature trailing Monstera adansonii that is much smaller in size but just as vigorous, to the rare and more expensive Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ with splashes of white variegation on the leaves making it much more desirable and in demand. Especially in recent years, demand has soared for this particular variety.
To keep these plants happy and healthy, make sure to position in bright, indirect/medium sunlight. Over time, if acclimatised, it will tolerate direct sun and can even survive in shade. Watering is also very important and making sure the soil is partially or nearly fully dry is the best way to know when this plant needs a drink. Over-watering can quickly lead to root rot, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and brown, so try to avoid this by checking the soil every few weeks.
Tradescantia is another classic houseplant that has stood the test of time. They have remained popular over the years due to their vibrant, variegated foliage, low maintenance, easy propagation, and versatility in various growing environments. The colourful foliage, which can be green, purple, silver, and white, adds visual interest to any indoor space. It is relatively easy to care for and can adapt to different light conditions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
There are many different varieties of Tradescantia but the ‘Purple Passion’ which has dark purple compact foliage and ‘Pink Paradise’ with stunning bright purple and silver striping are my personal favourites. There is also a new variety called ‘Brightness’ with white and lime green foliage which really stands out amongst the others.
Keep Tradescantia happy in bright filtered light, avoiding direct sun unless slowly acclimatised, and make sure to allow the soil to partially dry in between waterings for best results. If you haven’t tried growing this plant, there is more choice now than ever before and I predict many more versions of it will appear in the future!
Jordan Trainer is a Glasgow-based, indoor gardener specialising in specimen houseplants, commercial maintenance, installation, and mobile re-potting services. You can also find a great selection of houseplants at his Glasgow west end store Plantique which is open Friday-Sunday 11am-6pm. Keep up with Jordan on his Instagram page @jordantheplantguy and website www.theplantguy.co.uk, and checkout his live plant sales on TikTok.