The Rising Trend of Tropical Foliage Plants: A Green Revolution in Urban Horticulture
Kunming, China – May 19, 2025 – As urban dwellers increasingly seek solace in nature, tropical foliage plants (commonly known as “热植” or “热植” in Chinese) have increase in popularity, transforming from niche hobbies into a booming horticultural trend. This shift is particularly evident among millennials and Gen Z, who view these lush, vibrant plants as both interior design staples and emotional companions. At the IFEX Kunming International Flowers and Plants Expo, industry experts highlighted how this trend is reshaping consumer behavior, market dynamics, and cultivation practices across China.
Market Growth Driven by Youth and E-commerce
The tropical plants market has witnessed explosive growth, with sales of species like Monstera, Philodendron, and variegated Anthurium doubling in recent years. According to the 2024 Fresh Flowers and Plants Consumption Trend Report by Taobao Tmall, over 200 million users purchased tropical plants in the first half of 2024 alone, with young adults aged 25–35 accounting for 60% of buyers. Platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) have further fueled demand, with influencers showcasing “plant walls” of rare hybrids worth tens of thousands of RMB.
E-commerce has been pivotal in this boom. Entrepreneurs like Shi Xin and Wu Jiafan, former corporate professionals turned horticultural moguls, have capitalized on livestreaming sales and dedicated online communities. Their businesses, generating annual revenues exceeding CNY 60 million, exemplify how tech-savvy growers are bridging the gap between exotic plant cultivation and mass-market accessibility.
The Allure of Rare Varieties and Emotional Wellness
Tropical plants are prized for their striking foliage, such as the “variegated” varieties with unique white or yellow patterns caused by chlorophyll mutations. Once considered luxury items—like the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti, which sold for CNY 12,000 per leaf in 2021—prices have stabilized due to improved domestic propagation techniques and increased imports from Southeast Asia. However, rare hybrids like the “Orange Ghost” Philodendron still command premium prices, reflecting their status as collectibles.
Beyond the beauty, these plants resonate deeply with young urbanites seeking emotional fulfillment. As one enthusiast said , “In a fast-paced world, tending to tropical plants gives a sense of control and serenity. Even in a rented apartment with greenery planted in the corners, it feels like home”. This view coincides with the broader trend of “therapeutic consumption,” in which plants have become one of the popular ways to relieve stress in modern times, along with hobbies such as stuffed animals and gardening
Simplified Cultivation: Soil, Climate, and Innovation
In contrast to misconceptions about high maintenance costs, tropical plants can grow in low-maintenance environments. Experts emphasize that basic materials such as large pellets of peat moss (ideal for aeration and moisture retention) and affordable plastic pots are sufficient for healthy plant growth without the need for expensive “specialized” soils. For regional areas with varying climates, such as dry winters in northern China or heat waves in the south, hobbyists use humidifiers, grow lights, and sunshades to simulate tropical environments.
The industry has also innovated to meet challenges such as different weather. During heat waves, gardeners recommend morning or evening watering, use of shade netting and anti-desiccant sprays to prevent sunburn and root rot. Meanwhile, tissue culture (cloning plants from cells) has made rare species more affordable to obtain, although oversupply has led to fluctuating prices for once-exclusive species such as Variegated Monstera.
Sustainability and Future Prospects
As the market matures, sustainability and standardization become new priorities. While imported plants from Thailand and Indonesia once dominated the market, domestic seedbeds in Guangdong and Yunnan now produce 70% of China's tropical plants, reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.
Looking ahead, analysts predict steady growth as eco-consciousness and urban greening initiatives gain traction. “Tropical plants are more than a trend—they’re a lifestyle,” said Wu Jiafan, whose 30,000-square-meter greenhouse symbolizes the sector’s scalability. With advancements in smart gardening tech and hybrid breeding, the fusion of nature and urban living is poised to redefine horticulture’s future.
In this industry context, the IFEX China-Kunming International Flower and Plant Expo (shorted as “IFEX China”) is of great significance. This year, because of the development of coffee and small berries, a grand exhibition of four joint exhibitions will be carried out. Expo will bring together high-quality flower companies, cutting-edge floriculture technology, innovative flower products, well-known coffee producers and companies, the latest technology for small berries, and equipment. Here, industry insiders can meet face-to-face with global suppliers, establish broader cooperative relationships, learn about the latest industry trends and grasp the direction of market development. They can also enjoy a variety of rare flowers and gain creative inspiration. Whether you are interested in flowers, coffee, small berries, flower growers, distributors, industry researchers, or flower art enthusiasts, you will find lot to gain from IFEX China - Kunming International Flora & Plants Expo.
September 19-21, 2025, Kunming, China, we sincerely invite all flower industry insiders to actively participate in the IFEX China- Kunming International Flowers and Plants Expo!
For more information about visiting or exhibiting, please contact [email protected], +86-10-5933 9349.
