🪴HOW TO & TIPS
Every year I see articles saying that the majority of people in the UK want to be more eco-friendly as part of their New Year’s resolutions.
I first noticed it a few years ago after reading one of these “new year, new habits” pieces:
And sure enough, every January they pop up again. Less plastic. Fewer car journeys. More recycling. All good stuff.
But it got me thinking…
Beyond the obvious stuff, how can we actually do better as houseplant owners?
Because if you’ve got a few plants at home, you’re already engaging with nature in a small but meaningful way. The question is how to make that relationship a little more thoughtful this year.
Here are three simple ways to do exactly that.
1. Buy fewer plants, but keep them longer
This one sounds obvious, but it’s the most impactful.
The most environmentally friendly plant is the one you already own.
Impulse buying plants that aren’t suited to your home often leads to disappointment, decline, and eventually… the compost bin. That cycle costs energy, resources, packaging, and transport every single time.
This year, try flipping the mindset.
Instead of asking “Do I want this plant?” ask “Can I give this plant what it needs for the next five years?”
Fewer purchases. Better care. Longer lifespans.
Your plants will thrive, and your windowsills won’t feel like a revolving door.
2. Propagate before you purchase
Before you head out to buy something new, have a look at what you already own.
Many of the most popular houseplants are incredibly easy to propagate. Pothos, philodendrons, tradescantia, monsteras, begonias… the list goes on.
Growing a new plant from a cutting costs nothing, creates zero packaging waste, and avoids transport entirely. It also slows you down in the best possible way.
You’re forced to observe, wait, and care rather than consume.
(Bonus points if you gift those propagations to friends instead of buying new plants for birthdays or housewarmings.)
That’s one less plastic pot, one less van journey, and one more plant with a story behind it.
3. Treat soil and pots as long-term tools, not disposables
Soil and pots often get treated as one-use items, especially during repotting season.
Old soil gets tossed. Plastic nursery pots pile up. Decorative pots get replaced because tastes change.
This year, think in terms of reuse.
Refresh soil instead of replacing it entirely by mixing in coir, bark, or fresh amendments. Wash and reuse nursery pots for propagations or storage. Choose pots you genuinely like and will use for years rather than trends that fade by next winter.
A little care here goes a long way, both environmentally and financially.
None of this needs to be perfect, mind you.
Being more eco-friendly as a plant parent isn’t about doing everything at once or never buying a new plant again. Instead, just focus on slowing the cycle down, paying attention, and making small decisions that add up over time.
If you’re already caring for plants, you’re halfway there.
This year, let’s just do it a little more intentionally.