As houseplants continue to rise in popularity, the container they are displayed in has become more important. Consumers are bringing more of the outside world into their homes, not just to add something interesting to their décor, but also for their own general happiness. Houseplants, for example, have been shown to support better health and wellbeing. Sustainability is also on the rise, and this includes our plants, too. A sustainable plant is long-lasting, easy to care for, and resistant to disease. This gives choosing the right plant for your home even more importance.
While we have been seeing peace lilies, succulents, and monstera plants for several years, new plants are being discovered and brought into the home every day. Palm plants give the home the feeling of a jungle and are adaptable to different indoor conditions. But what are consumers displaying them in?
For 2023, we’re seeing lots of earth tones for containers. While gray containers are considered neutral, they’re taking a backseat to other colors, such as deep blue, which has a similar cooling effect. We are also seeing other shades of blue as well as green and burnt orange; these give a more sophisticated feel to the room. There’s also been a resurgence of terracotta mixed with other neutral colors, which can add warmth to an otherwise cold space.
Containers are just as important as the plants themselves, as they can evoke all kinds of styles and moods depending on the shape, color, and tone, as well as other characteristics. Bold statement containers, for example, can liven up a dark or empty corner in a room. Containers with a vintage look can create the perfect retro vibe for your home.
When selecting containers, be sure to pick some that have multiple sizes or coordinate well with other containers. This will ensure the customer will come back to you for additional complementary containers. Displaying the containers with plants in a lifestyle area in your store will help the customer envision the containers in their own home, which will entice them to come back for the rest of the matching set.
Containers with artistic expressions or expressions of mental health are also trending. These containers typically have clean, simple designs and can be grouped together to make a statement piece. These containers look great with small, low-maintenance plants.
Wicker baskets are timeless, and cane and rattan will continue to grow in popularity. The boho trend has been growing in the wedding industry, and now it’s making its way into the home as well. These are some of the most versatile containers on the market. Whether they are dressed up or down, their earthy feel connects us with nature. The container pictured here is actually ceramic, though it looks like a basket. Its pattern and texture help make it a great alternative to a basket.
Both baskets and metal containers need a waterproof lining. Always look for the right size before delivering the plant to a customer. If the liner is too small, the customer could miss the liner and potentially damage the area in which it’s placed.
The green-on-green leaf pattern and texture of this container are on trend for this year. Even though it’s subtle, the pattern and texture add visual interest to the container.
Minimalism will always be a trend. Clean, simple lines with monochromatic color and a focus on texture define this look. The upscale look of this elevated white container is an excellent example. The legs on this container lend to a more outdoor planter look and feel that is perfect for bringing the outdoors inside, which continues to be a trend for 2023.
ANGELYN TIPTON AIFD, CFD, GMF, PFCI
Angelyn is a contributor for floriology. She is a freelance floral designer and the Education Coordinator at the Floriology Institute.
