Want To Be A Plant Collector? 2026 May Be The Year To Start

Fads for a new year can be tough to keep track of right after holiday overload. So, how refreshing is it that inviting a family of houseplants perfect for growing indoors is gaining traction this year? The socials are rife with tours of new additions to home plantscapes, as well as people unboxing recent potted purchases. Some influencers are showing off the sheer volume of gorgeous plants in their home, like TikToker queenerz, while others — like Drea Williams from the YouTube channel Aloha Plant Life – suggest plant "curating", a process that involves downsizing and styling a group of easygoing plants. But the lovely thing about plant collecting is that you put your own spin on it; there's aspects to it that mesh with every taste and lifestyle.

With wintery weather currently gripping much of the world, it's no surprise that houseplant collections are getting more special mentions on social media than garden varieties. Once the growing season is in full swing for the northern hemisphere, we'll likely see more examples of outdoor plant collecting. For now, though, these posts are focusing mainly on indoor gardening.

If you're just starting your botanical journey, take a beat to assess your life situation. Does your home or apartment have ample south-facing windows, or will low natural light limit your options? (You can use grow lights to mimic better growing conditions, too.) Also, if your calendar is packed to the brim, opt for houseplants that you barely need to water, like succulents, snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata), or pothos (Epipremnum aureum).

If "more is more" sums up your view on building a plant collection, it might be time to venture into unfamiliar territory with new plant varieties. Countless TikTokers have made plant wish lists for 2026, and one glance at some of these species may have you rushing to your local mom-and-pop plant shop. Some influencers are craving Alocasias, hoyas, and plants with quirky looks like monkey's tail cactus (Cleistocactus colademononis) and leafless orchids (Praecoxanthus aphyllus). Plants with variegated leaves are popping up in many wishlist posts. Plenty of these lists also have pink-leafed plants, like Begonia maculata and pink nobilis (Alocasia sanderiana nobilis pink variegated).

Building or adding to a plant collection can be costly, especially if you're staying away from big box stores. If local indie shops' prices are too high, sellers on Etsy have many affordable offerings. You may also find community members selling or giving away plants on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. The most fun option of all is sharing cuttings from your own plants in exchange for ones from friends.