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Houseplant Trends to Watch (and How to Care for the Hit Picks)

Houseplants continue to dominate interior design, wellness, and lifestyle spaces—and new varieties and cultivars keep capturing people’s imaginations. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the hottest trending houseplants (many already available via Urbane Eight), why they’re beloved, and how to care for them so your jungle thrives.

Why Houseplants Remain Trending

  • Biophilic design is stronger than ever. People want to bring nature into their homes to improve mood, air quality, and connection with living things.

  • Unique foliage takes center stage. Bold textures, variegation, metallic sheens, and sculptural shapes are in demand.

  • Low-maintenance yet striking plants are ideal for urban living. Many of the trending species are tropical but forgiving, or epiphytic forms that require less soil.

  • Collector culture & rare cultivars are growing. Enthusiasts chase new forms, variegated mutations, and limited releases, fueling buzz on social media.

In the next sections, we spotlight a few trending plants from Urbane Eight and show how to care for them.


Trending Plants You Can Buy from Urbane Eight & How to Care for Them

Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’

One of the showstoppers in Urbane Eight’s collection, Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ (Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’)features thick, jade-green leaves with deep veining that resemble dragon hide. 

Why people love it:

  • Incredible texture and bold foliage

  • A statement piece that stands out even in small spaces

  • Feels exotic and luxurious

Care tips:

  • Bright, indirect light—but avoid direct hot sun that can scorch the leaves

  • Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; allow the top 1–2 cm to dry slightly before watering

  • Use a well-draining tropical mix (peat or coco coir + bark + perlite)

  • Maintain moderate to high humidity (50%+), especially in drier homes

  • Watch for root rot; avoid letting the pot sit in water

You can link to the product page for Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ to encourage readers to shop it directly.


Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena family)

Another evergreen favorite on the Urbane Eight site is the Snake Plant (Green), known for its upright, sword-like leaves and durable nature. 

Why people love it:

  • Extremely low effort and tolerant of neglect

  • Air-purifying reputation (although real-world effects are modest)

  • Perfect for offices, bedrooms, or dark corners

Care tips:

  • Low to bright indirect light; tolerates shade better than many other plants

  • Allow soil to dry almost completely between waterings

  • Use a fast-draining soil mix (a succulent/cactus blend works)

  • Avoid overwatering, which is the most common cause of death


Calathea (e.g. Calathea Lancifolia / Rattlesnake Plant)

Urbane Eight offers Calathea Lancifolia (Rattlesnake Plant), known for its wavy, elongated leaves and striking patterns.

Why people love it:

  • Dramatic, decorative foliage with bold patterns

  • The “prayer plant” family draws interest because leaves move in response to light

  • Adds softness and elegance to interior green displays

Care tips:

  • Bright, indirect light (avoid harsh direct sun)

  • Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy

  • High humidity is essential—consider pebble trays, humidifiers, or grouping plants

  • Use a light, airy, well-draining mix (peat + perlite + bark)

  • Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust


Chinese Evergreen ‘Emerald Bay’ (Aglaonema)

Another low-light favorite listed on Urbane Eight is Chinese Evergreen ‘Emerald Bay’ (Aglaonema ‘Emerald Bay’), prized for its elegant foliage and forgiving nature. 

Why people love it:

  • Tolerant of lower light conditions

  • Attractive leaf coloration with a mix of silvery and green tones

  • Excellent “starter” designer plant

Care tips:

  • Low to moderate indirect light works well

  • Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering

  • Use well-draining potting mix

  • Prefers moderate humidity; safe to live in homes with average indoor humidity

  • Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations


Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Urbane Eight also offers Air Plants (Tillandsia), which thrive without soil. 

Why people love them:

  • No soil means endless creative display options—mounted on driftwood, in glass globes, or hanging

  • Sculptural and unique, catching visual interest

  • Low footprint and easy to combine with terrariums or mixed containers

Care tips:

  • Provide bright, indirect light

  • Soak them for 20–30 minutes once a week; in dryer homes mist lightly between soakings

  • After soaking, shake off excess water and allow them to dry out fully (avoid trapping water at base)

  • Fertilize monthly with bromeliad/air-plant fertilizer at low strength


Care Themes & Tips That Cross All Trends

  • Soil & drainage matter: Whether for Alocasias or Aglaonemas, a potting mix that drains well and keeps roots aerated is essential.

  • Humidity boosts vitality: Many trending tropical plants benefit from humidity—use misting, pebble trays, or grouping.

  • Light is key—but indirect: These plants favor bright indirect light; harsh direct sun often damages leaves.

  • Consistent routine: Many issues (browning leaf edges, droop, discoloration) come from inconsistent watering or humidity shock.

  • Quirks are part of the charm: For example, Calathea leaf movements or variation in leaf patterns are not defects but personality.


Why These Plants Resonate with People

  • Visual impact with minimal effort. Plants like Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ offer maximum wow factor for relatively modest care needs (if conditions are met).

  • Balance of form and function. People want plants that look elegant, not just “green filler.”

  • Therapeutic benefits. Nurturing exotic foliage gives people a sense of connection, ownership, and calm.

  • Social media & trend culture. Unique foliage or variegation helps plants become conversation pieces and photo-worthy subjects.


Shop Links

Interested in adding some of these trending beauties to your home jungle? You can shop these exact plants at Urbane Eight:Explore the full houseplants collection on Urbane Eight’s site for more trending varieties. Each plant page can offer variants, care notes, and matching pots and accessories.

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