Plants have always been an integral part of our lives, whether we’ve acknowledged it or not.With the increase in urbanisation and the reduction of our natural world, people are starting to ‘merge’ the two worlds together – bringing the outdoors in.
That re-connection to nature is something many of us crave, theres a peacefulness to it, and caring for a plant gives a sense of accomplishment.
Since covid has taken over our lives, keeping us indoors ,and away from human contact, many have taken up plants as a hobby, and many are now verging on obsessed (me). According to GrowIt, houseplant uploads have increased by 30% in the last year, showing just how much plants are a part of peoples lives.
What are people looking for this year?
- Foliage & Colour
Reports from 2019 have shown that the main attraction when buying plants is colourful, attractive foliage. Chinese evergreens, crotons, stromanthe, begonias, and variegated plants are all on the top of the list, with Monstera deliciosa, adansonii, and Philodendron xanadu coming in strong for beautiful foliage.
2. Plant Community
Like with any hobby, plants are a great way to meet new people – through plant swaps, workshops, events, and through social media. Plant swaps are a great way to get out, meet new people and come home with new, exciting plants. Plant Swap Mauritius, a group on Facebook, organises swaps several times a year – if you’re looking to join this community. Workshops are gaining in popularity, with Jean-Marie Sauzier, the founder of Pepiniere Exotica, and NouZardin at the forefront. Plant Expos have popped up across the island these last couple of years, mainly at Ascensia malls and Les Domaines des Arbineaux. The last plant market was at So’flo on the 12th & 13th of September ’20.
3. Plants as living decor
This year we’ve seen a shift in the way plants are displayed in the home. Plants have become more of the focal point, with stylists aiming to merge the interior decor to emphasise, or blend, with the plants aesthetic. (More on this topic in upcoming blog posts.)
4. Rare Plants
According to Viveka Neveln, at BHG.com., “Houseplants have become collectibles, so the more uncommon and hard-to-come-by, the better.’ Mauritius, being a tropical island, has the advantage over most countries in terms of tropical plant varieties. Whilst most of the houseplants have been imported, propagation has allowed us access to a wide range of exciting species. The plants in hot demand this season are the Monstera deliciosa – although not hard to find, followed by Philodendron Pink Princess, Anthurium clarinervium, and Pilea Peperomioides (currently not in Mauritius) – please contact me if I’m wrong 🙂
This trend is surely not going to slow down, and I look forward to having you join this adventure with me.
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The Houseplant Diaries 