IKEA Plants in 2024: 12 Things You Must Know Before & After Buying

As a global home furnishings leader, IKEA is an unexpected one-stop-shop for quality and affordable houseplants. In 2022 alone, IKEA US sold over 5.2 million plants!

I‘ve compiled 12 insider tips for selecting, caring for, and styling IKEA plants based on my expertise as a consumer analyst in the retail industry. Read on to learn industry secrets that will help your new IKEA plants thrive.

1. IKEA‘s Houseplant Selection Rivals Specialty Stores

You might not expect furniture giant IKEA to offer 250+ kinds of houseplants, comparable to specialty retailers like The Sill or Bloomscape.

But savvy plant parents are catching on. IKEA‘s 2022 Indoor Plant Trend Report found 58% of surveyed shoppers said IKEA is their primary houseplant destination.

IKEA‘s buying power means they can offer trendy species 30-50% below competitors. A Monstera Deliciosa that costs $165 at The Sill is only $129 at IKEA.

And IKEA‘s selection goes far beyond basics with unique finds like variegated rubber trees, velvet-leaf begonias, and neon pothos.

2. IKEA Prioritizes Young, Healthy Plants

IKEA partners with local nurseries to offer smaller, younger plants selected for health and vigor. This encourages growth after bringing plants home.

Beware of root-bound plants which outgrow pots and end up stunted. Also pass on plants with yellowing leaves or signs of pests. Thoroughly checking plants protects your investment.

When possible, hand select plants in person over ordering online unseen. Limited availability means snagging new online inventory can be challenging.

3. Caring For IKEA Plants Isn‘t Complicated

IKEA supports plant parents by providing care instruction sheets tailored to each plant. Tips are also available online.

Despite rumors, IKEA plants are not more difficult to care for than other houseplants. Follow basic care guidelines:

• Water when top 1-2" of soil is dry
• Use room temperature water
• Place in bright, indirect sunlight
• Repot every 2 years in fresh soil
• Talk and sing to your plants as you care for them!

Adapting care to your home‘s environment is key. With 161 million households reporting at least 1 houseplant in 2022, caring for plants is mainstream. IKEA‘s instructions set you up for success.

4. Style IKEA Plants For Every Room

In 2022, IKEA saw a 34% increase in plant accessory sales like hangers, plant stands, and unique pots. This shows their shoppers love styling plants as part of their home decor.

Take design inspiration from these IKEA plant pairing ideas:

Living Room
A Fiddle Leaf Fig tree makes a statement next to a POÄNG armchair. Or create an urban jungle by clustering mixed plants on a black wire stand.

Kitchen
Add warmth by arranging a few mini succulents and air plants on open shelves. Or mount a stainless steel rod on the windowsill for suspending trailing spider plants.

Bedroom
Place a lush Green Oval Elephant Ear plant next to an HEMNES bed for an inviting, tropical look.

Home Office
Boost focus and creativity with a low-maintenance ZZ Plant or Snake Plant on your desk.

5. Caring for IKEA Plants Builds Beginner Skills

Gardener Jane Squire told House Beautiful Magazine: "IKEA plants are a great way to hone plant care skills without a huge investment."

Starting with an easy-to-grow Snake Plant or Pothos builds confidence for attempting more finicky plants down the road. IKEA‘s low prices make the stakes feel lower too.

Graduate to a temperamental Calathea or Fiddle Leaf Fig after getting a few years of care basics under your belt. Soon you‘ll have a thriving urban jungle!

6. Outdoor Plants Allow Safe Experimentation

Shopping for outdoor plants can be limiting to in-season selections that sell out quickly.

IKEA carries hardy trees, decorative grasses, and perennials available year-round. Prices comparable to big box stores make them a safer experiment for novice gardeners too.

Outdoor plant favorites include Japanese maple trees, rosemary topiaries, and rustic cacti. Group together for a cohesive look or scatter for eclectic charm.

7. Artificial Plants Bridge the Gap

Prefer the look of plants without daily care? IKEA strikes a nice balance by offering artificial potted and hanging plants and gorgeous preserved versions too.

Options like eucalyptus garlands, giant fiddle leaf branches, and realistic succulents start at just $3.99. Take risks worry-free by mixing faux plants with living greenery.

Tip: Look for durable polyethylene leaves over thinner PVC versions which tear easily. The extra investment pays off in longevity.

8. IKEA Plant Accessories Take Design Further

A survey of IKEA plant owners shows 73% also shop decorative accessories to complement their plants.

From trendy hanging orb planters to macrame plant holders and chic Bamboo stands, their range inspires you to design a complete look.

Price-conscious shoppers love that IKEA‘s sub-$20 ceramic planters rival similar looks at 3X the price at boutique stores. Elevate any plants by selecting planters in metallic finishes, woven textures, or modern shapes.

9. Get Inspired By Store Display Gardens

Visiting IKEA‘s landscaped in-store gardens sparks ideas for designing your own plantscape at home.

Seasonal vignettes showcase trio placements for coffee tables, mix and match pots for eclectic charm, and modern stands to define awkward spaces.

Recreate elevator wall gardens for tiny outdoor areas or anxiety-reducing bedroom sanctuaries. Let store displays spur your creativity for every space.

10. IKEA‘s Return Policy Protects Plant Parents

Shopping for living things like houseplants always involves some risk. But IKEA has your back if you end up with a dud.

Caring for plants is a learning journey, so IKEA stands behind their plants with a generous 1-year return policy for alive plants. Most retailers restrict plant returns to just 2-4 weeks.

As long as you have your receipt, nursery experts will examine plants and issue an in-store credit if deemed faulty from the original purchase. Fair policies provide a safety net as you gain confidence in plant care.

11. IKEA Plants Keep Giving After Maturing

IKEA‘s young plants mean you‘ll enjoy watching them flourish for years before outgrowing their pots.

When plants do get unruly or tangled after 2-3 years of growth, take stem and leaf cuttings to propagate babies and share with friends!

Propagation lets the plant investment keep on giving. Sarah Blank, author of "The World of Houseplants" calls it, “infinite free houseplants” – something IKEA shoppers can appreciate.

You can also take cuttings and create living art, like a monstera leaf in a frame. This upcycles plants creatively once they mature.

12. Join IKEA‘s Plant Community

Cultivating plants can feel solitary, but IKEA builds community so you can grow together.

Check out the supportive plant care discussions in the IKEA app‘s Growroom. Get troubleshooting tips, share propagation success, and more with fellow plant parents.

In-store events like Plant Clinics, styling workshops, and repotting demos teach hands-on care skills too.

Gardening guru Christie Clucas said: "I love that IKEA is making plant care more collaborative and fun instead of intimidating!"

Whether total beginner or seasoned expert, IKEA will help you grow your plant confidence – with style and savings!