National Houseplant Week 12th - 18th January 2026
- Su Whale
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
National Houseplant Week falls conveniently into the lull that comes after the Christmas decs have been packed away and before the prep begins in earnest for Valentine’s Day. A time when people need a little pick me up and, after recovering from a busy festive season, perhaps nothing too challenging either, so here are my personal top five houseplants that are guaranteed to chase away January blues and brighten up an otherwise grey month.
My top 5 Customer Friendly Plants
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Selling points: Lush and glossy green with elegant white ‘flowers’ (botanically known as spathes), Peace Lilies are attractive and easy to look after.
Basic Customer Care
Skill Level: Easy.
Position: Bright, warm room.
Watering: Keep moist, not over wet.
Mist: Yes, to keep up humidity.
Feed: Spring to Autumn.
Need to know: Remove flowers when they fade, reduce watering in winter.
Sansevieria (Dracaena trifasciata)
Selling points: Sansevieria has marbled foliage and bold, structural leaves, and are practically indestructible. The perfect plant for the non-green fingered.
Basic Customer Care
Skill Level: Easy.
Position: Semi-shade, warm room.
Watering: Don’t overwater, let compost dry out slightly in between.
Mist: Occasionally.
Feed: Monthly, spring to autumn.
Need to know: The off shoots they produce can be potted up to make new plants.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Selling points: Spider plants are easy to grow and make a great starter houseplant for children.
Basic Customer Care
Skill Level: Easy.
Position: Bright windowsill or hanging basket. Watering: Liberally in spring and summer, reduce over Winter.
Mist: Yes, or place in a bathroom or similar.
Feed: Spring to Autumn.
Need to know: Due to its proven air purifying properties, these are excellent plants to have in the bedroom.
Cyclamen
Selling points: Pretty and compact with silvery detail on dark green foliage and brightly coloured flowers with swept back petals.
Basic Customer Care:
Skill Level: Average.
Position: Cool, away from heat sources and draughts.
Watering: From below, avoid wetting the centre of the plant.
Mist: Only around, not directly onto, the plant.
Feed: Weekly whilst in flower.
Need to know: After it finishes flowering, allow it to rest for a while, stop feeding and water infrequently.
Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Selling points: If you’re looking for a statement plant, this is the one. A plant with a big personality, Monstera are capable of growing up to 2m.
Basic Customer Care:
Skill Level: Easy.
Position: Warm room, with space to grow. Watering: Water frequently in spring and summer, reduce in autumn and winter.
Mist: Yes, in warm months.
Feed: Monthly, spring to autumn.
Need to know: Provide support with a moss pole and don’t forget that the leaves will need dusting, a banana skin is perfect for this!
Images FCH Envato Elements
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
