The houseplant movement is maturing three years after the Happy Houseplants Gold Medal-winning display at RHS Chelsea. What was once a simple lifestyle accessory has now become a central part of how we design and live in our homes. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2025 was a place where houseplants did more than soften corners; they set the mood.

This year’s show explored plants as living, evolving elements of interior architecture rather than as static ornaments. As a brand that has always promoted slow-grown indoor gardening with a purpose, we were thrilled to see the conversation grow.

Here are the top houseplant trends for 2025 and what they mean for our work.

Ferns Reimagined – Layered, lush, and full of movement

Ferns are often overlooked, but they have been a popular background plant for many years. This year at Chelsea, they became feature plants. Designers went beyond the usual Nephrolepis to embrace expressive species such as Phlebodium aureum (Blue Star Fern), Pteris cretica and subtropical Asplenium.

They were arranged in layers of dense textures to create the soft, shadowy atmosphere that is characteristic of cloud forests. It wasn’t about just greenery, but about creating mood, motion, and a sense of quiet place.

The TerrariROOM from Hugo & Green

Giant Kokedama – Botanical design that floats

Kokedama, the Japanese art of growing roots in moss, has evolved. At Chelsea 2025, we saw a large-scale kokedama installation with a dramatic impact. The living chandeliers were made of monstera, peace lilies and climbing philodendrons.

They weren’t just accessories. These were the main design elements — sculptures, slow-moving and serene. This is a good reminder that houseplants are more than just decoration. They can create a space.

The TerrariROOM By Hugo & Green

Cascading air plants: An effortless drama

Spanish moss, or air plants (Tillandsia), played a major role in the visual appeal of this year. This year, air plants (Tillandsia), especially Spanish moss (T. They can grow without soil, which gives them an advantage that few other plants enjoy. At Chelsea, designers used these plants to soften shelves, drape mirrors, and add texture to vertical spaces.

These low-maintenance products are high-impact and ideal for humid, bright areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Indoor Plants Used Outdoors for a Seasonal Crossover

The integration of indoor foliage in outdoor displays was a subtle but fascinating change at Chelsea this year. Coleus, Fittonia and even Hypoestes were seen in summer shaded planters, covered patios, and other outdoor displays.

These plants will not survive the UK winter outdoors, but they can provide vibrant seasonal interest if the weather permits. They blur the line between indoors and outside. This shows how versatile houseplants are.

The Roots of Wellbeing – Botanic York

Succulents in Sculpture

Succulents are no longer confined to minimalistic boxes. They have evolved into sculptures that incorporate design. Chelsea 2025 showcased jade trees, echeveria clusters, and stacked crassula.

They are plants that reward those who have patience. They do not shout to be noticed; they hold attention.

A Note about the Houseplant Studios

We enjoyed the show this year, but we noticed a small change. There were fewer dedicated Houseplant Studios than in previous editions, and several installations were by designers who had previously shown.

Many of the familiar faces returned and produced beautiful work. We’d like to see RHS Chelsea open its doors to fresh voices and new ideas within the houseplant industry. The community is full of creativity, and 2026 may be the ideal time to highlight some of the new talent making waves outside the showgrounds.

Indoor Plants: The Future of Wellness and Sustainability

The idea of biophilic design, which aims to improve our health by connecting with nature more closely, continues to influence how we use plants at home. This ethos was evident throughout Chelsea 2025: living walls for work-from-home spaces, bedrooms softened with trailing foliage and kitchens bursting with light and life.

Sustainable gardening was also at the forefront of this year’s theme. Biodegradable pots and compost were used, as well as pet-safe plants. Happy Houseplants has been a proponent of these things since the beginning, because we think that good plant care is also good for the environment.

The Victorian Arid House, by The Plant Rescuer, RHS

What Chelsea 2025 tells us about the future

Chelsea 2025 confirms what we have long believed: houseplants are no longer an afterthought. They are essential for shaping space, expressing identity, and connecting with nature inside. The show was full of beauty, insights, and the sense that we are changing our relationship with plants.

We are proud that our Gold Medal-winning display in 2022 helped to push this movement. We’re eager to share what’s coming next, not by following trends but by focusing on thoughtful, long-lasting plant care in real living spaces.

Explore More

Indoor Ferns

Kokedama & Hanging Plants

Succulents and Sculptural Forms

Pet-Safe Plants

Original Vegan Plant Food

Visit our houseplant blog for more expert advice or browse our entire collection of indoor plants.