Trend-setting plants for hipster homemakers

Fiddle-leaf figs and succulents are the cool kids on the block when it comes to houseplants, but there’s a few under-the-radar species that are equally good looking - but much less common – that will elevate your home and garden.

Set the trend for 2018 with these unusual suspects.

Hops

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You may have heard of hops when chatting to a beer enthusiast. Most commonly used as a flavouring and stabilising agent in beer making, hops flowers also make for an eye-catching addition to your garden.

Tips for growing Hops

Hops will require some sort of growing frame, trellis or string to grow upwards.
Hops require plenty of space to grow and like rich, well-drained soil.
Plant in a full sun position
Hops like lots of water, but be careful not to over-water.
Plant in spring and mulch slightly.

Boston Fern

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The Boston fern was a classic 1970s houseplant and is perfect for planting in hanging baskets. This foliage isn’t quite as popular today, but it’s lush leaves will add the pop of greenery your home needs.

Tips for growing Boston Ferns

Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light.
When you care for Boston fern plants indoors, it’s a good idea to provide additional humidity for them, especially in the winter. Try setting your fern’s pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. You can also try lightly misting your fern once or twice a week to help it get the humidity it needs.
Boston fern leaves will turn yellow if the humidity is not high enough.

Swiss Cheese plant

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Monstera Deliciosa is an alternative to those struggling to fulfil the needs of their Fiddle-Leaf Figs. Relatively easy to look after, this species is often grown indoors due to its attractive foliage, and can mature into a large plant given the right circumstances.

Tips for growing Swiss Cheese plants

Place in a medium to bright location, but out of direct sun. Bright, filtered light is best. Plants in lower light tend to produce smaller leaves without splits or holes.
When it’s content, deliciosais a big drinker. Water with lukewarm water as soon as the soil approaches dryness.
Although it is a jungle plant, split-leaf philodendron does tolerate dry air better than many plants. If your home’s humidity level is especially low, however, place the plant over a humidity tray, or give them a good misting.

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