Houseplants have certainly been having a moment! Touted as a way for many people to get through the pandemic, plants were everywhere. For many people, staying in their house all day meant filling it with comforting little (or big!) green babies that needed cared for and nurtured. Watching over our houseplants kept us sane and brought the outdoors in.
“I thought years ago when I was starting Jewelweed that if the economy were to receive a major catastrophic shift, floral services may be the first thing that would be deleted from peoples’ budgets,” says Sarah Anne Dixon, owner of Jewelweed.
“But my belief that flowers and plants are societal and cultural rituals that carry us through celebrations, and comfort us in difficult times, has been a constant that we have turned to more than ever to ground us through the trials and tribulations we have experienced [through the pandemic].”
All of those plant purchases meant anyone in the business of houseplants grew too. Groovy Plants Ranch added concrete walkways and a new greenhouse. Oakland Nurseries launched a curated online shopping experience to make buying interior plants easy.
Why do indoor plants make us feel good?
“Incorporating plants into your living and working spaces improves your mood, lowers your stress levels, and makes you more productive and creative,” says Genevieve Mills, Director of Oakland Green Interiors.
Stems & Stone launched a subscription business in the summer and later in the year opened a kiosk at Polaris. Jewelweed reopened in the River & Rich building in Franklinton. Yelo Aple moved to Olde Towne East.
STUMP grew to four shops when they opened their plant boutique on May 30, 2020 in Savannah, Georgia. They also opened an online shop for local deliveries.
We also saw lots of sales happening over Instagram which allowed Olivia Rhodes to grow her potted-up plant business, Roots Ohio.
Need some help or want to show off that new plant baby? Join a Facebook Group like Rooted in Columbus to chat with others who are totally in love with plants!
We tallied up the top selling plants from Central Ohio plant sellers, and found that the top selling houseplants are low maintenance and are easy to care for.
The Ten Top Houseplants of 2020
10. Majesty Palms
If you want to give your home a tropical vibe, Majesty Palms are the way to go. With long arching fronds and a slow growing nature, they are an easy and beautiful indoor plant.
9. Succulents
Succulents are super easy to care for, being drought tolerant, and come in lots of fun shapes and sizes.
8. Polka Dot Begonia
It’s no wonder people loved this one, with its large, wing-shape leaves, bold silver spots, and dark green foliage.
7. String of Pearls
It is a member of the succulent category, but people specifically sought out String of Pearls. With plump pea-shaped leaves and trailing vines, this plant creates a dramatic and quirky focal point.
6. Snake Plants
Hailed as one of the easiest plants to take care of, Snake Plants also work hard, cleaning the air in your home. Its spiky swords give your home a chic modern look.
5. Philodendrons
Several top selling plants were philodendron varieties: Prince of Orange, Brasil, Birkin, Micans, and Moonlight. With glossy leaves and a tendency to climb, philodendrons can quickly grow into a large plant.
4. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Although it has been an ‘it’ plant for awhile, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is still a fun one to have in your house, especially if you have high ceilings and can let that baby grow!
3. Calatheas
Another fun group of plants, Calatheas have beautiful, patterned leaves and raise their leaves at night and open them again in the morning. Another plant that will work to purify the air in your home.
2. ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, known as ZZ Plant is also loved because it is super easy to care for. It has glossy bright leaves that are many shades of green.
1. Monstera Deliciosa
And the top houseplant of 2020 is….Monstera Deliciosa! Also known as Swiss cheese plant, this was the plant that lots of people wanted to bring into their homes. With its huge glossy leaves and statement-making size, it’s a plant that adds a touch of drama to any room.
You can use this handy Jungle Care Tracker journal from Six One Flora to keep track of all of your plant care duties! It will also help you record all of your plants and when you added them to your home.
How many of the top houseplants are in your collection?