We caught up with Jacob from GrowTropicals, one of the UK’s leading houseplant retailers and a name you’ll know if you’re into rare plants. Fresh from a Gold Medal win at both RHS Chelsea and RHS Malvern, the team’s been busy, but still very much in touch with what people are buying, asking about, and caring for in 2025.
Here’s what Jacob’s seeing right now in the world of plants.
Dark, moody houseplants
“There’s a clear interest in darker foliage plants like Begonia, Anthurium, Geogenanthus, ZZ Raven. The moodier, the better.”
These plants have an intensity to them that works well in modern interiors. They're striking without trying too hard and are increasingly popular with collectors who want something a bit less obvious than variegation.
A love for strappy Anthuriums
Strappy Anthuriums are still in high demand. If you’re into shape and texture, you’ll get the appeal.
“Strappy Anthuriums like Padiflorum, Wendlingeri, and Vittarifolium have held their ground. They’ve stuck around because they’re genuinely interesting to grow.”
Not the easiest to care for, but certainly not the hardest either. They’re long-term plants for people who enjoy the process!
Hybrid anthurium are less risky
“The newer hybrid Anthuriums are becoming more popular as they tend to be more stable, less temperamental.”
GrowTropicals recently launched the DocBlock Anthurium Michelle hybrid in the UK along with TerraBotanical.
Variegated Alocasia
“We listed our first batch Alocasia Black Pink Variegated last month and it sold out in half an hour. People are still really keen, especially now that care knowledge has caught up with the demand.”
Dragon Scale Variegated and Variegated Frydek are two other names to watch. They’re dramatic but not difficult (a combination that’s always going to do well when it comes to Alocasia!)
Hoyas Are Still Having Their Moment
“Hoyas are still a huge collection for us! People love them because they’re small, manageable, and really fun to grow. There are loads of new varieties being introduced all the time.”
They’re also easy to propagate and collect, which adds to the appeal. Hoya fans aren’t going anywhere if anything, our category is expanding on a weekly basis.
From Hoarding to Honing: A Slower Plant Life
“People aren’t hoarding plants like they used to, but they’re focusing on growing out the ones they’ve already got.”
There’s more care being put into light placement, potting mediums, and long-term maintenance. Instead of chasing the next plant, more growers are getting into what they already have and letting things mature properly.
“Classic rare plants like the Monstera Thai Constellation and Monstera Albo Monstera are still in demand, but now it’s about keeping them healthy and impressive long-term.”
It’s changing how people shop too. There’s more interest in high-quality soil, grow lights and fertilisers.
Gifting plants, not flowers
“Speaking of the ways shopping behaviour has changed, we’ve seen a huge uptake gift notes during seasonal occasions.”
Plants are becoming more of a sustainable alternative to florals. This was notable in shows this year, with Emma from Good Growing’s display that highlighted the use of houseplants over flowers at weddings.
Feels like a better investment than flowers, therefore we were always trying to stock more plants that feel special, are low-maintenance and colourful to help support gifting choices.
Finally, the houseplant community!
“We couldn’t chat about plant trends without mentioning the amazing houseplant community”
Even in 2025, the houseplant community is as vibrant as ever, both online and in real life.
From festivals and pop-ups to Facebook groups and comment threads, there’s no shortage of plant lovers sharing tips, wishlists, and the occasional humidity crisis.
“It’s not just individual collectors either. We’re seeing creators, small businesses, and growers all connecting and learning from each other. It’s genuinely one of the best parts of being in this industry.”
It’s a space built on shared curiosity, a love for the rare and unusual, and a good dose of geekery. And for us, it’s led to some of the most meaningful, long-lasting connections we’ve made.
A huge thank you to GrowTropicals for sharing these insights with us.
If you want to learn more about the wonderful work they do, make sure to visit their website or follow them on social media.
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