How people use houseplants in interior design

The surging popularity of houseplants in the past few years shows no sign of slowing down.

 A recent study to find out how people use houseplants in their interior design revealed that on average people have 6.5 houseplants in their home. However, 1 in 20 (5%) of the population own over 20 houseplants.

Air purification (29%) and mood boosting (25%) are in the top five reasons for decorating with houseplants.

The survey, conducted by bedroom retailer Feather & Black via OnePoll, shows that more than half of the population (54%) add houseplants to their interior design to promote wellbeing and relaxation.

WELLBEING

Houseplant therapy is especially popular among Gen Z with 36% claiming to use houseplants for mindfulness. 47% of people simply feel the desire to include nature in their homes, while 38% of respondents said they incorporate houseplants into their decor for aesthetic purposes only.

The poll also indicated that one in ten (11%) men use plants to boost creativity, which explains why 7% of men keep their plants in their home office. With millennials and Gen Z are more likely to use houseplants for a brain boost.

When deciding how to decorate with houseplants, more than a quarter of people (27%) turn to friends and family for ideas. While the majority of respondents don’t feel the need to search for inspiration at all (35%). Those that do turn to Instagram (16%), print magazines (12%), Pinterest (12%), online magazines (11%) and TikTok (8%).

OTHER KEY FINDINGS

- The orchid has been voted the UK’s favourite plant, followed by cactus, peace lily, spider plant and aloe vera.

- The most popular place for displaying houseplants is the living room (50%). Other popular spots are the kitchen (23%), hallway (7%), bedroom (5%) and bathroom (4%) and home office (4%).

- 1 in 5 (18%) arrange care for their house plants while on holiday

- The majority of the population spend between £1-50 on their houseplants collection while 1% of Brits splash out over £500. Gen Z were the biggest spenders.

- 63% of people regularly forget to water their houseplants

- 1 in 10 (11%) people claimed they value their houseplants the same way they would a pet.

- Nearly 13% of adults polled admitted they talk to their houseplants.

- 7% of those polled name their houseplants. Popular names include favourite authors, celebrities, Hollywood stars, book and film characters.