Potted History: The Origins of the UK’s Most-Loved Houseplants

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the practice of indoor gardening with potted plants can be traced back to the early Greeks and Romans. Thousands of years later, many of us still lovingly decorate our homes with various plants of all kinds.

 

According to research by WeThrift, over a third (36%) of the UK’s favourite houseplants originate from Africa. That includes the Instagrammable Snake Plant, which was discovered in West Africa – which is why the houseplant thrives in warm weather and struggles in colder conditions.

South Africa is where the popular Spider Plant originated from, along with the String-of-Pearls, Bird of Paradise and Jade Plant.

 

Taking a seed list of the UK’s most-searched houseplants (Google search data), the researchers at WeThrift have plotted the origins on a world map – see if you can spot your favourite on the list:

Source: WeThrift

 

1. Bamboo Plant – China

Source: Instagram

 

Named as one of the UK’s most popular houseplants by analysing google searches, the bamboo plant originates from China. With its small delicate leaves and distinctive stems, bamboo is a great addition as an accent to any room in the house. These plants are famous for growing quickly, so they need to be potted up frequently.

 

2. Aloe Vera Plant – Arabia

Source: Instagram

 

Next is the piquant smelling aloe vera plant which originates from Arabia. This pretty houseplant with its speckled spiky leaves is perfect for novice plant owners. It can go about two weeks without being watered, making it the perfect low maintenance houseplant.

 

3. Devil’s Ivy – Indonesia 

Source: Instagram

 

Originating from Indonesia, the Devil’s Ivy is the third most popular UK houseplant. It makes a gorgeous hanging plant when positioned in a macrame hanging planter or on a high up shelf for a striking look. It is incredibly easy to look after and will thrive in a room with lots of humidity such as a bathroom or kitchen.

 

4. String-Of-Pearls – South Africa 

Source: Instagram

 

Next are the elegant and droopy string-of-pearls originating from South Africa. String of pearls plants are unique vining succulents that are easily recognizable by their tiny pea-shaped leaves. The leaves grow on trailing stems that gracefully spill over the sides of planters and hanging baskets.

 

5. Snake Plant – West Africa

Source: Instagram

 

Another hugely popular plant in the UK is the Snake Plant originating from West Africa. Snake plants can tolerate almost any bad condition, except prolonged over-watering which will invariably lead to root rot. There are many varieties of snake plant, among the most beloved is the whale fin snake plant, which has enjoyed a recent boost in popularity thanks to its large photo-worthy leaves.

 

For the latest industry news visit landscapingmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Landscaping Matters.