Decor Tips
The Biggest Houseplant Trends On TikTok – & How to Copy Them
The 2021 houseplants taking TikTok by storm.
TikTok is a force to be reckoned with, and whether you’re its biggest fan or have heard the name only in passing, there’s no denying the social media app’s influence on day-to-day life. Thanks to TikTok’s hashtags, shareability and extreme popularity, it’s now easier than ever for niche ideas, products and lifestyles to gain cult-like followings; spending just a few minutes browsing the app, you’ll find there’s something for every mood and personality. From dance moves to cooking hacks to décor trends, the types of TikTok crazes span just about anything that can be captured in a short video, and there’s no telling just which ones will rise up to take a nation – or the world – by storm.
What we can do is dig into the stats for past TikTok trends: here, we’re looking at the data for July 2021. As you might guess, we’re partial to décor, so for these results, we focused in on just décor trends, and specifically, houseplant décor trends. Keep reading to see the most recent species of greens that have risen to fame – and the mind-boggling numbers to back them up!
1. Cactus
TikTok Views: 1.1B
- July 2020 Google searches: 246,000
- July 2021 Google searches: 301,000
- +22% increase in popularity
1.1 billion views is no easy feat, but we're not surprised the cactus managed to do it. Easy to care for but still edgy, the cactus offers just enough shape, height and color to separate itself from the dozens of other succulent species – bringing unique flair to modern homes. Try it for yourself: whether you go big or small, make sure to keep the decor casual, in accordance with the desert theme.
2. Venus Fly Trap
TikTok Views: 327.2M
- July 2020 Google searches: 135,000
- July 2021 Google searches: 201,000
- +49% increase in popularity
The National Wildlife Foundation lists the Venus fly trap as a vulnerable species; perhaps it's because of its rarity that the "trap" combed in the second-to-largest amount of views on TikTok this year. Perhaps, though, its success can also be attributed to a fanbase that's at once fascinated and fearful – a fanbase that's unsure of where it stands on the carnivorous plant but more than happy to talk (and record, and share) about it.
3. Monstera
TikTok Views: 165M
- July 2020 Google searches: 49,500
- July 2021 Google searches: 135,000
- +173% increase in popularity
Accessibly tropical (with natural leaf-holes that give an airy aesthetic and earned it the nickname "Swiss cheese plant"), the monstera plant turns any corner into an instant island paradise.
4. Orchid
TikTok Views: 106.7M
- July 2020 Google searches: 246,000
- July 2021 Google searches: 301,000
- +22% increase in popularity
Infamously scentless, orchids carry high luxury – and often a high price tag – all the same. Exotic, romantic and tropical, we recommend placing one on a table as a formal centerpiece for summer.
5. Pothos
TikTok Views: 56.4M
- July 2020 Google searches: 40,500
- July 2021 Google searches: 90,500
- +123% increase in popularity
Also called Devil's ivy, the sprawling pothos vine plant can be hung, tucked, draped and/or contained, making it a versatile option for styling. Along with its aesthetic, it's also super easy to care for, making it a houseplant winner in our eyes (and, apparently, most of TikTok's)!
6. Snake Plant
TikTok Views: 55.9M
- July 2020 Google searches: 165,000
- July 2021 Google searches: 301,000
- +82% increase in popularity
Fun fact: snake plant is one of two common houseplant species that can grow without any sunlight. If you're lookig to decorate a bathroom with no window or even a basement, this is the plant for you. Try placing in a tall planter to stretch the tall lines even further!
7. Fern
TikTok Views: 52.4M
- July 2020 Google searches: 90,500
- July 2021 Google searches: 135,000
- +49% increase in popularity
Ferns are simple and lush. These leafy greens provide interesting texture and color and are associated with woodsy aesthetics (they are, after all, woodland species). Use these as the perfect complement to cottagecore – another woodsy TikTok trend.
8. Fiddleleaf Fig
TikTok Views: 48.3M
- July 2020 Google searches: 90,500
- July 2021 Google searches: 135,000
- +49% increase in popularity
Technically a tree, the fiddleleaf fig produces large, heavily-veined leaves that make a refreshing statement indoors. Take it from TikTok to your home: be sure to spritz with shine spray to bring out this plant's subtle patterns and bright color.
9. Philodendron
TikTok Views: 23.6M
- July 2020 Google searches: 90,5000
- July 2021 Google searches: 201,000
- +122% increase in popularity
Velvety texture, bright leaves and a tropical air, the philodendron is the best accent for beachy or beach-inspired homes!
10. Bird of Paradise
TikTok Views: 16M
- July 2020 Google searches: 110,000
- July 2021 Google searches: 165,000
- +50% increase in popularity
One of the few blooming plants on this list, bird of paradise offers a splash of high-energy orange color, which, contrasted against the banana-tree leaves, feels ever-fresh.
11. Calathea
TikTok Views: 15.2M
- July 2020 Google searches: 33,100
- July 2021 Google searches: 90,500
- +173% increase in popularity
A hot alternative to bold bird of paradise, calathea, also known as prayer plant, is soft and soothing. With a lush color and velvety-smooth foliage, we can't think of a better complement for indoor decor.
12. Air Plants
TikTok Views: 14.8M
- July 2020 Google searches: 90,500
- July 2021 Google searches: 110,000
- +22% increase in popularity
Like the Venus fly trap, air plants are fascinating by design. They naturally grow on other plants, clinging to trunks and stems, giving them a weightless look – and a whole vibe. Even if you don't have a green thumb, you're safe caring for low-maintenance air plants.
13. Peace Lily
TikTok Views: 12.5M
- July 2020 Google searches: 110,000
- July 2021 Google searches: 165,000
- +50% increase in popularity
If you want a home reset, we can't think of a better way than with the renewing white color of peace lilies. Place virtually anywhere for a quick refresh! These plants are easy to take care of, but if you're nervous about your skills as a plant parent, there is a fabulous range of faux peace lily varieties to choose from, as well.
14. ZZ Plants
TikTok Views: 10.6M
- July 2020 Google searches: 60,500
- July 2021 Google searches: 135,000
- +123% increase in popularity
Zanzibar plants, like snake plants, can grow without any sunlight at all, so if you're in the market for bathroom, basement or attic decor, try the "Z." While you own a zz plant, you'll notice the wide, shiny, oval leaves growing up instead of outward – if you want a bold plant that takes up more height and draws the eye up, this one's for you.
15. Money Plant
TikTok Views: 10.2M
- July 2020 Google searches: 33,100
- July 2021 Google searches: 49,500
- +50% increase in popularity
Known for its plump leaves, money plant resembles, with a little squinting, coins – and it's popularly placed in new homes or at the start of a new beginning for a touch of good luck. Because of the airy, drapey, yet bold foliage, money plants also make great hanging plants!
16. Aloe Vera
TikTok Views: 8.2M
- July 2020 Google searches: 60,500
- July 2021 Google searches: 90,000
- +50% increase in popularity
Not just a cooling gel, aloe vera makes a fresh home decorative statement, as popularized by its 8.2 million TikTok views!
17. Spider Plant
TikTok Views: 7.8M
- July 2020 Google searches: 110,000
- July 2021 Google searches: 210,000
- +50% increase in popularity
Spider plants pack a lot of green in a small space. If you're placing one indoors, whether on the floor or on a table, consider a glass or see-through container, which will make the plant feel even livelier and ensure every inch of the beautiful green is seen!
18. Peperomia
TikTok Views: 7.6M
- July 2020 Google searches: 33,100
- July 2021 Google searches: 74,000
- +124% increase in popularity
A Mexico native, peperomia offers an easy-to-care-for solution for a space that needs a refresh. To bring the TikTok trend home, we recommend downscaling: display a small peperomia in a dish with one or two similarly-sized objects, such as a candle or figurine.
19. String of Hearts
TikTok Views: 7.2M
- July 2020 Google searches: 14,800
- July 2021 Google searches: 49,500
- +234% increase in popularity
The string of hearts got its name because of its unique properties: heart-shaped leaves, in a rich shade of forest green, that grow in strings. The most romantic on this list, the string of hearts is the ultimate symbol of love – use it wherever good vibes are needed. We recommend styling it over a mantel, letting the long leaves fall downward for maximum charm!
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
