by The Pro Landscaper Team | 12 Mar 26 | Long Reads, Sustainability
Flowering house plants are an ideal Mother’s Day gift, offering long-lasting beauty and colour that survives far longer than a traditional cut flower bouquet. Popular, low-maintenance options include orchids, anthuriums, and peace lilies.
Houseplant stylist, plants@work ambassador and pioneer of its recent Pride Network launch Ian Drummond shares his top flowering house plant recommendations:
Phalaenopsis orchid (Moth orchid)
- Description: An elegant and sophisticated plant with delicate blooms in pink, white, or purple that can last for several months. They symbolize beauty and strength.
- Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Water once a week by soaking the roots for a few minutes and ensuring all extra water drains away. They appreciate higher humidity, so misting the leaves every 2–3 days is beneficial.
Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)
- Description: Features glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, waxy, long-lasting flowers that bloom year-round. They add a tropical feel to any room.
- Care: Prefers moderate to bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Description: A classic, easy-to-care-for plant with large, glossy green leaves and white, flag-like blooms. Known for being an air-purifying, forgiving plant.
- Care: Thrives in low-to-medium light conditions. Keep soil moist, but it will droop to let you know when it is thirsty.
Florist kalanchoe
- Description: A succulent with thick leaves and clusters of tiny, vibrant flowers (red, pink, yellow, orange) that last a long time. Perfect for a sunny spot.
- Care: Requires bright, indirect light and minimal watering. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Indoor rose plant
- Description: A, lasting, and often fragrant alternative to a cut bouquet, symbolizing gratitude and appreciation.
- Care: Needs a sunny, well-ventilated spot. Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent the flowers from wilting.
Lavender plant
- Description: Offers a soothing fragrance and beautiful purple flowers, making it perfect for relaxation.
- Care: Needs full, direct sun and well-draining soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
General care tips for flowering house plants
- Light: Most flowering plants prefer bright, indirect light to encourage blooming.
- Watering: Avoid overwatering. Check moisture by feeling the top 2-3 cm of compost; if dry, water it.
- Drainage: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to avoid root rot.
- Longevity: Remove dead or dying flowers (deadheading) to encourage more blooms.
- Placement: Keep away from direct drafts, radiators, or air conditioners.
by Bethany Vann | 28 Oct 25 | News
Interior landscape consultant Ian Drummond has published a new edition of his guide to house plants, co-authored with interiors journalist Kara O’Reilly, At Home with Plants.
First published in 2017 and then updated in 2022, the book offers accessible inspiration for how to transform interiors with plants and how to give them a starring role in designs.
Offering an in-depth guide to which plants work best in different rooms and environments—and how to care for them properly.
Now printed in eight languages, published by Octopus Books, the new edition will also come with an updated directory, as well as sharing the health benefits of having plants in the home.
Author and plants@work ambassador, Ian Drummond comments on the launch:
“I am so happy that the book has sold so well globally and hope that this new edition will bring in a new audience and they too will fall in love with house plants just as I did as a child. I think that plants are such an incredible way to bring nature and joy into the home.”
For further information on the book contact Jean@jeanegbunike.com.
by Bethany Vann | 07 Jul 25 | News
National Plants@Work Week returns with a nostalgic ‘wish you were here’ holiday postcard, inviting you to explore the benefits of houseplants and interior landscaping.
Championed by the plants@work association, the annual week-long campaign aims to highlight the role houseplants and interior landscaping play in supporting our health and wellbeing.
The focal image for this year’s campaign is a riverbank adorned with lush greenery, which envelopes a singular desk.
Plants@work says this year’s image blends “the idea of an inviting work environment with an idyllic, unexpected setting.”
Ambassador, Ian Drummond, who was behind the workspace design, comments:
“The ‘Wish You Were Here …’ campaign is inspired by the classic holiday postcard. Inviting us to celebrate the role of plants in interior spaces by showcasing environments people genuinely want to be in.”
The scene was brought to life by Drummond and fellow committee members, Stephen Dieppe, managing director of phs Greenleaf, Craig Edser, regional manager of Nurture Landscapes and Shirley Smith, director of Botanica Nurseries.
“At its heart, [the campaign] is about the emotional and practical impact of greenery in the workplace”, adds Stephen.
“Being surrounded by plants is more than just beautiful – it supports wellbeing and productivity.”
National Plants@Work Week takes place from 7 – 11 July. For the 2025 campaign use #PlantsAtWorkWeek #WishYouWereHere to join in the conversation or create your own ‘wish you were here‘ moment.
by Bethany Vann | 12 Jan 24 | Long Reads, Nature & Biodiversity, News
In celebration of Houseplant Appreciation Week, interior landscaper Ian Drummond shares his top five houseplants for the year.
Spoiler, it’s all about going big for your home!
Drummond reveals big houseplants are the latest trend to take root. The At Home With Plants author accredits this trend to the larger houseplants’ ability to “make a statement” in any space, as well as the ability to “boost your mood and wellbeing.”
Ficus Elastica Burgundy
“Enjoys bright light, but not direct sunlight. Keep soil moist, check weekly and mist the leaves often.”
© Vladimir Gladkov
Kentia palm
“Loves bright indirect light; prolonged exposure to bright direct sunlight may burn and scorch their leaves. Check for water weekly and allow it to dry out between waterings.”
© Sude Akpınar
Strelitzia
“Place in a bright sunny spot. Likes to be moist so check soil weekly, but can dry out between waterings. Sensitive to low temperature and shouldn’t fall below 15oC. Loves humidity, so mist often.”
© Luca Deasti
Monstera deliciosa
“Thrives in medium indirect light. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between watering. Enjoys humidity so mist leaves frequently.”
© Damir
Dracaena marginata
“Moderate indirect light, water well and then allow it to dry out. Check every 1-2 weeks – soil should be well drained. Mist leaves every few days.”
© Anca
by Bethany Vann | 04 Sep 23 | News, Supplier News
plants@work is introducing a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy for all its members and teams, in a bid to eliminate unlawful discrimination and support fair representation to all sectors.
The policy includes commitments to provide equality and respect to all members of the team, protect against unlawful discrimination as referred to in the Equality Act 2010, and encourage fair and professional practice.
plants@work ambassador Ian Drummond, says: “I am so pleased to see this important policy launched at plants@work, supporting equality for everyone no matter what their gender, beliefs leanings or skin colour.”
The full policy can be found here.
