Green the Gaps! UK Houseplant Week

It’s UK Houseplant Week (12th - 18th January), and there’s no better time to give your home a green makeover. Now the Christmas decorations are down, are your rooms feeling a bit bare? Bring them back to life this month with a few carefully chosen houseplants from Millbrook.

Indoor plants don’t just look good, they’re great for your wellbeing too. Research (including this recent article from the RHS) proves that houseplants can help reduce stress, improve air quality and boost your mood. A greener home really is a healthier one!

Visit Millbrook Garden Centre in Gravesend or Staplehurst to explore our wide range of quality houseplants. From low-maintenance favourites to big-hitting jungle plants, we’ve got the perfect plant for every room and personality.

Millbrook Garden Centre team members holding houseplants

Bathrooms & kitchens 

Originally from tropical climates, these plants love warmth and humidity, making them ideal for steamy shower rooms and busy kitchens. Many also help absorb excess moisture, reducing the risk of mould and mildew in busy bathrooms. 

Steam loving plants: 

  • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) 

  • Ferns - Bird’s Nest, Boston or Maidenhair 

  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 

  • Snake plant (Sansevieria) 

  • Prayer plant (Calathea) 

  • Elephant’s ear (Alocasia) – a real statement plant that loves bright, indirect light 

Millbrook Garden Centre Houseplants for living rooms and kitchens

Lounge and living spaces 

Brighten up north-facing rooms and darker corners this winter with plants that don’t need direct sunlight. Add interest to shelves and ceilings with trailing varieties like Devil's Ivy, or fill empty corners with larger, statement plants. 

Try these: 

  • Pothos varities - perfect for shelves and hanging planters 

  • ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) - super low maintenance 

  • Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) 

  • Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) 

  • Boston Fern (Nephrolepis) 

  • Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) – fun to propagate 

Bedrooms 

Create a calm, relaxing bedroom with a few carefully chosen houseplants. Air‑purifying plants like snake plants release oxygen at night, helping to support better sleep while orchids add a pop of cheerful colour.

Best bedroom plants: 

  • Orchids - love a warm, bright spot 

  • Snake plant (Sansevieria)  – great air purifier 

  • Lavender - bring it inside for soothing fragrance 

  • Boston fern (Nephrolepis) 

  • Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) – colourful and easy-care 

  • Palms - add a gentle, tropical feel 

Millbrook Garden Centre houseplant displays with ideas for bedrooms and desks

Work desk or home office 

Boost productivity and focus with oxygen-producing plants in your workspace. Even a small plant on your desk can make a big difference and reduce pollution from your devices. Alternatively use a few of these smaller, air purifying plants to green up their gaming corner.

Desk-friendly options: 

  • Succulents & cacti - minimal watering needed 

  • Aloe vera 

  • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) – great for improving air quality 

  • Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 

  • Pothos 

  • Terrariums - perfect for compact spaces 

Millbrook Garden Centre jungle houseplant displays

Outdoor/indoor plants

According to the RHS predictions for 2026, due to our warmer climate houseplants like Spider Plants and Tradescantia will become popular features outside in the Summer months, either in pots or hanging baskets. During the Winter months reverse this trend and bring a touch of the garden indoors to your windowsills and table. 

Outdoor plants to try:

  • Cyclamen and hellebores - arrange in pots on your windowsills for winter colour 

  • Lavender indoors for fragrance 

  • Fresh herbs

Illustrations of some houseplants available at Millbrook Garden Centre

Choosing the right plant 

The main thing to consider when choosing a new houseplant is where it’s going to live. Light levels, temperature and humidity can all affect how well a plant thrives. For example if you live in a busy household, opt for tough plants that don’t need lots of attention or watering. 

For specialist advice, speak to one of our friendly team in-store - we’re here to help you find your perfect plant match! And don't forget to share photos of your happy houseplants with us on facebook or instagram.

Happy houseplant shopping! 

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