1. cuttings of Palmetto (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
The beauty of palette leaf is that it’s easy to care for and can also produce bright colors – from neon green to pinkish purple. An example of an unusual variety is the coral-like plants from the Under the Sea range. Here, ‘Red Coral’ is a sought-after variety with its small, hooked leaves. If you are looking for a large, shrub-like plant, you can go for the ‘China Rose’ variety – it is often the one you see growing to a height of several meters among enthusiasts and professionals. If you have a more monochrome home, you might be interested in a darker variety? Then the pitch black ‘Black Prince’ or ‘Palisandra’ are nice.
Mattias on palette leaves:
– One theory as to why palette leaves are becoming so popular is because they grow as fast as beautiful, showy weeds during the spring and summer, although unfortunately they die during the winter. I think there will always be a market for sequin leaves because there are so many collectors.
2. alokasia (alocasia)
This green plant can easily look a bit intimidating with its large leaves that sometimes remind you of an ancient animal. In the right place it can thrive and be stunning, although it can often be a bit of a handful – but once you get it right, it can really become a feature to be proud of. The unusual varieties ‘Pink Dragon’, ‘Zebrina’ and ‘Black Velvet’ are popular and often top our searches on Tradera.
Mattias on alokasia:
– It’s a fun plant to grow because it gets little tubers/bulbs in the soil that you can separate and push up like little plant babies. I have failed a few times, but was overjoyed when I finally succeeded and the first leaf stuck up.
3. the monster finger crane (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)
This plant resembles a monstera in its leaves and is sometimes called a mini monstera or confused with the plant philodendron. Because the monstera vine has a sinuous and compact growth habit, it is perfect for smaller spaces where it can hang down from a pot or urn. It is an easy-care green plant and grows quickly – perfect for both beginners and plant professionals in other words.
Mattias on the monster finger ranch:
– It is an aroid plant that has become very popular. They are relatively easy to take cuttings from and do not grow as large as, for example, monstera, which can sometimes take over entire rooms.
– There is a clear line between interior design trends and which plants are becoming popular. Without knowing the trends, I see that we are looking more and more towards the 70s and 80s style, with earthy and pastel colors – beige, dark green and orange. The plants that emphasize that palette will probably be extra popular, says cuttings professional Mattias Mattisson.
As a collector and inspirer on social media, he shares both cuttings and pictures of his plants – the interior design goal is to create a green oasis using the plants he shares and grows.
Through various forums for plant enthusiasts, it is possible to quickly see which cuttings are popular and sought after. Here on Tradera, too, there is a great deal of interest in both buying and selling the more unusual houseplants – for example, different varieties of geraniums and succulents. Getting a greener home with the help of cuttings does not have to cost a fortune either. It’s often cheaper than buying a fully grown plant.
Why are some cuttings more popular than others?
– One theory is that there is a culture around certain plants that have been popular in the past. I think it goes in waves, just like fashion or interior design. Seasoned Tradera buyers will remember the demand for the green plant elephant ear a few years ago. It was popular in the 70s and 80s, but then all of a sudden it was back on the scene.
Can you predict which popular cuttings will become trendy?
– It’s hard to say what will be trendy, but I think last year’s broccoli leaf craze will last a while longer. Then I really want to strike a blow for begonias in all their forms. Trout begonias with their spotted leaves have been sought after for a long time – and I also think we will see more of the beautiful ‘Oldemor‘ begonias in the future.
How do you store your cuttings in a neat way?
– I actually keep them quite structured in rooting cubes on an irrigation tray, under plant lights. But when spring comes and offers more light, they come up on my self-made irrigation trays in the window. The plants that need more moisture are under nice glass domes, I think that’s nice.
Text: Amanda Blennborn, freelance journalist
