#plantmum, #plantdaddies, Boyswithplants, Crazyplantlady – Instagram is abundant with hashtagging millennials and their potted verdure. It started with succulents, then teetered by terrariums, before total submission to the trailers alluring dangling their tentacles from their hanging macramé homes. There is no denying that an indoor leafy houseplant fetish is now profusely verdant.
From fiddle-leaf figs to dragon trees, oxalis to prayer plant, they’re the pride and joy of their green-fingered parents. And tapping into the foliage flurry are indoor plant websites such as Patch, which gives simple advice to botanical babies’ care and even a Plant Hotel so plant mums and dads can rest assured their green kids are in safe hands when they go away. And for a more holistic experience, tune into plant waves via electrodes on their leaves to hear plants speak – in plant sonic pitches.
But what is driving this cacti craze? This fern fascination? PG Buzz checks in with some card publishers in the ‘terracotta army’ and took some ‘cuttings’ from their views on what is cultivating this trend.
Lianne Harrison, founder of Paperwhale Cards & Paper Goods:
“People are connecting with nature, being more mindful and wanting to bring the beauty of the outdoors in, creating leafy green environments in their own homes. Plants bring a harmony and positive energy through their natural beauty, which is therapeutic. There is an amazing diversity in their natural forms, and the unique shapes, textures, patterns of individual plants, from the delicate String of Pearls to the big leafy Swiss cheese plant.
I illustrate all of Paperwhale’s paper-cut collage designs, taking inspiration from my love of nature and wildlife. I love visiting botanical gardens and greenhouses, and I’m passionate about plants – I have a growing indoor plant collection filling my home and studio with greenery.
Paperwhale’s best-selling Botanics Collection of house plants greeting cards are inspired by a love of indoor greenery and urban jungles.
It’s really hard to name a favourite house plant, as I love so many, but I’m really drawn to Fishbone cacti – they have the most beautiful unique wavy leaves.”
Rachel Hare, md of Belly Button Designs:
“I love gardening, green is my favourite colour and I’ve a real passion to bringing the outside in. I’ve cacti in the studio I’ve grown for 25 years. House plants allow us to scale the outside experience down, easily slipping into our lives with little need of attention but giving us so much more; cleaning the air we breathe, improving productivity and mood, reducing stress levels, fatigue and blood pressure – why wouldn’t you surround yourself with this kind of goodness?!
I’m drawn to houseplants’ tranquil beauty, and love to recreate this form of expression in our greeting and giftware designs. Botanical illustration has always fed into fashion and interiors, areas that are a huge part of identifying us and heavily influencing the creative process.”
Liz Temperley, founder of Blank Inside:
“I have loved gardening and growing plants ever since I was little when I was given my own tiny space in my mum’s garden.
There’s definitely a sense of achievement and an antidote to city living to have vibrant verdant house plants in the home. There is something precious about growing and nurturing from seed and I think the trend for looking after house plants is evocative of the desire to create a wellness environment and a mindful way of living when the outside world is seemingly so hectic.
My ‘plants in pots’ range is printed onto annually renewable plant fibre paper and I think encapsulates the trend for eco-friendly stationery and of course house plants!”
Liz Ellis, studio manager of Abacus Cards/Clare Maddicott:
“House plants have grown hugely in popularity over recent years, largely down to space and time. Lots of people live in flats with no access to gardens or very little outdoor space.
There’s a big trend for living plant walls, I’ve seen some fantastic examples, including in retail outlets such as Anthropologie. Displays such as these have certainly helped to inspiration the imagination of the indoor gardener
This popularity has been reflected in our card ranges, both in Abacus and Clare Maddicott brands.”
Top: (left-right) A cute cacti design from Pigment; one of the 3D masterpieces in Hallmark’s Pop Plant range and the ‘So Excited’ design from Hope Designed.
