This article was first published on mrplantgeek.com. It is Mr Plant Geek aka Michael Perry’s account of the latest plant trends discovered at IPM Essen at the end of January. These are the plants and arrangements of plants that caught his eye at the exhibition. We wonder how many of them will catch on with you and your clients?
‘I’ve just spent the day at the International Plant Market in Essen, Germany - affectionately known as IPM. 12 halls full to the brim with horticultural prowess from all corners of the globe!
‘Here’s my pick of the up and coming trends!’
1. houseplant lamp!
This remarkable invention combines houseplants with a table lamp. It’s simply a terrarium with lighting and lamp shade. So simple yet so amazing. And, I bet you all want one, don’t you??
2. funky mirrors
How about a ready-made planter in front of your mirror? These cacti look great, but you might not be able to help feeling a bit prickly in the mornings?
3. bulbs in knits
Amaryllis bulbs continue to innovate. Rather than having a wax coating they are now wearing little knitted jackets. Alternatively, you have a self-supporting steel frame – that’s a godsend too.
4. painted leaves
And rather than dye, paint is being applied directly to the surface of the flower as well. Check out these orchids and monstera leaf!
5. begonias are king!
The popularity of begonias shows no sign of slowing. The foliage varieties have gone from social outcasts to the most popular kids in school. There are yet more colours available to quench your thirst too!
6. cheating sweet peas
Where plant breeders fail, a simple colour dye in the water succeeds! Check out these amazing sunset Sweet Peas.
7. no more rules!
Florists in particular are breaking down boundaries when it comes to the plants and flowers they use in their arrangements. Here we see a mixture of flowers, houseplant foliage, and dried pieces.
8. floating containers
You can now grow any plants you want in your pond, they just need one of these amazing floating patio containers!
9. upcycling with style
The results of upcycling can be somewhat unpredictable. Here’s a slightly more premium version, using old plastic wine bottles
10. desert rose graffiti
Of course, it seems so obvious now, the wide trunks of Adenium are just ripe for some creative flair!
11. kids ruling the plant shelf
There are some excellent ways kids are getting involved with gardening, and not just outdoors. These Playmobil heads are excellent for a child’s bedroom, and they’re also suitable for big kids too!
About Mr Plant Geek
Michael has been involved with gardening and plants since he was just five years old. He is a self-professed Plant Geek, and was listed in the Sunday Times top 20 most influential people in the gardening world, thanks to his plant hunter role at Thompson & Morgan.
Michael was responsible for new plant introductions such as the Egg and Chips plant and the FuchsiaBerry and keeps busy travelling the world in search of new plants as well as lecturing worldwide, including stints in Japan. He is very active on social media – so why not give him a follow at @mr_plantgeek or Facebook or on Instagram @mr_plantgeek?