Houseplant Craze Grows In The UK As Tesco Reports 130% Spike in Demand

By Thea Felicity

Feb 25, 2024 08:11 AM EST

(Photo : Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
A photograph taken on January 18, 2023 shows withered house plants on display outside a discount shop in Grays, Essex. - In the referendum in 2016, 72.3% of voters voted for Brexit in the local constituency of Thurrock, of which Grays is the largest town with around 75,000 inhabitants. This made it the fourth largest in the country, out of a total of 382, to vote overwhelmingly for leaving the EU. But three years after the UK's effective withdrawal from the European Union, and with the country in deep social crisis, some are expressing regret.

Demand for houseplants in the United Kingdom has continued to increase since the onset of lockdown measures. As reported by Standard UK, Tesco revealed that the demand for houseplants has been over 130% since 2019.

This surge in demand has prompted Tesco to make strategic adjustments, particularly in its supply chain.

One of Tesco's suppliers, which primarily dealt with cut flowers such as lilies, peonies, and agapanthus, has transitioned its indoor production facilities to focus solely on producing houseplants.

Bury Lane, a peat-free grower based near Royston in Hertfordshire, has emerged as a key player in meeting the escalating demand for houseplants.

The grower, now dedicated to producing more than 500,000 houseplants per year, reflects the broader industry's shift towards satisfying the burgeoning market for indoor greenery.

The rise in houseplant popularity is particularly evident among younger demographics, who view indoor gardening as a means of creating tranquil and inviting living spaces.

With the prospect of homeownership remaining elusive for many young individuals, cultivating indoor gardens provides a sense of fulfillment and creativity.

Why Houseplants Are Still Trending

Tesco attributes the surge in houseplant demand to the pandemic, including the lockdown restrictions that confined people to their homes.

With limited access to parks and outdoor spaces, individuals sought to bring nature indoors, transforming their living spaces into urban oases.

Social media has also significantly amplified the trend, with individuals eager to showcase their plant-filled homes on various platforms.

Vicki I'Anson, Tesco's plant buyer, highlighted the rapid adoption of houseplants as a means of interior decoration and self-expression. She noted that the trend has gained momentum since the early months of lockdown and has become even more pronounced in recent times.

Moreover, the emphasis on sustainability and support for local growers has become increasingly important, as evidenced by Tesco's commitment to peat-free bedding plants and compost.

Tesco also aims to align its operations with the evolving expectations of environmentally conscious consumers by embracing peat-free alternatives and supporting local growers.

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