Houseplant Trends 2026 – from Gothic Foliage to Cascading Vines

We all love a new plant trend to fixate on and this year we’re seeing rare plants become more readily available, in turn making a more exotic plant collection increasingly accessible to all plant lovers. These plants are typically identified as rare due to limitations in cultivation, producing a slower growth rate and impacting availability, but recent improvements in cultivation processes means these beautiful species can have a turn in the spotlight. 

We’re noticing creative ways to layer and build the same plant species to create a canvas, and a move towards highly specific aesthetic choices like neon foliage, gothic drama and abundant trailing vines. This is your year to fill your home with striking and unusual houseplants. 

The shift from rare to accessible – three houseplants you need to buy in 2026

Anthurium 

One current star is the Anthurium – in particular, Anthurium warocqueanum, Anthurium veitchii and Anthurium pallidiflorum – once rare and expensive, is now much more affordable but no less beautiful. Native to Central and South America, this striking plant with around 1000 species is loved for its dramatic foliage and bright coloured flowers. We love the look of Velvet Anthurium and this species often sells out in our shops. The appetite for rarer, more unusual plants is increasing and we expect there will be more once rare plants coming to the accessible market. 

Variegated monstera 

Monstera variations – we all love the monstera, it’s a classic addition to every plant lover’s collection. What is shifting recently is the availability of interesting variations, like the Monstera deliciosa Variegata, Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’ and Monstera obliqua, each displaying painterly strokes of different colours across the foliage. 

Alocasia 

The Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ and other variants like ‘Alocasia Frydek' or 'Frydek variegata’ are also fast becoming plant collectors’ favourites, nailing the other trend of 2026 – silver foliage. 

These once rare varieties are typically regarded as unusual due to their unique leaf variegation, making them the perfect houseplants to add to your collection for 2026. Speaking more generally, the ‘albo’ white and green colour combination is still a firm favourite, with additional attention cast to plants featuring pastel coloured variegation like the Ficus Elastica ‘Belize’. 

Broader plant design trends 

Add some drama with Black, dark, gothic houseplants 

We’re loving the deep purples, vibrant reds and the darkest of green plants that allow you to dream up new dramatic staging; adding structure, depth and a new found love for all things goth. Needless to say, the gothic aesthetic is in for 2026. 

Plant lovers are increasingly choosing plants with velvety, variegated leaves, adding visual contrast and a refreshing contrast to the lighter, brighter designs that have dominated houseplant design over recent years. Against pale or coloured walls, these plants can elevate the room with their striking foliage. Deep burgundy hues come alive at night-time, especially under the glow of warm lighting. 

Calathea ornata 'Sanderiana'

Alocasia cupria 'Red Secret'

Trailing houseplants and creating a statement look

Plant designers are leaning towards bigger groups of trailing houseplants, ones that cascade through a space adding softness and complimenting more structured, upright houseplants. This look emulates the natural move and growth pattern of plants in the wild, developing the dream jungle aesthetic. 

Epipremnum neon

Caropegia woodii

Large ‘hero’ houseplants 

The intention here is a move away from lots of clustered houseplants, shifting the focus to large standalone plants that create a strong focal point in a room. 

Draecena Fragrans 

Areca Palm

Embracing these new houseplant trends is really about transforming the atmosphere in your home. Dark, gothic foliage adds depth, variegated plants add striking visual balance, whilst trailing plants introduce movement and softness, creating a space that feels layered and looks interesting. When staged together they, can transform your plant collection moving away from simply greenery to a more considered sophisticated look. We’re often evolving plant stock at the shops so check in regularly online or pop in to see the latest houseplant stock.