Houseplants are tricky beasts. I’m pretty good in the garden, but when it comes to looking after plants indoors, I have something of a black thumb. When I saw RHS Wisley were putting on a their Giant Houseplant Takeover display in the glasshouse I was really keen to check it out and maybe get some tips.

When you head inside the glasshouse, the main part of the exhibition is laid out straight in front of you. It’s set up as a series of rooms inside an old Victorian house, as if it had been abandoned and taken over by the plants. I love the look of these kind of abandoned places, it’s amazing to see how things can get reclaimed and it was really well done.

First up was the Living Room. Key features of the living room plants were being comfortable in low light, but often making good use of space to grow. Palms, monstera, and cacti feature here, and I loved the cacti chessboard.

The Kitchen was filled with carnivorous plants, taking over the sink and climbing up to the hanging racks above.

Through to the dining room and the table is all laid out for dinner. But all the seats are taken already!

Ben, my 2 year old, loved the bathroom, with its roll top bath filled with plants and waterfall pounding behind. I love the string of pearls (I think!) that was growing down from the shower head!

You get the chance to vote for your favourite ‘room’ by choosing a token and putting it in the slot for your choice. A lovely way to engage the children, and Ben loved choosing (he was very clear, he loved the bathroom!)

Although the main display finishes after these rooms, the theme is continued through the rest of the glasshouse. I loved these picture frames filled with succulents.

Through to the rainforest and we had to stop to say hello to the hippo as always.

The path is lined with hanging terrariums, as well as huge colourful displays.

The Giant Houseplant Takeover runs from 25th January to 1st March 2020 at RHS Wisley. It’s advisable to book a slot during half term and weekends. More information available here.

If you liked this post, you might also like Butterflies in the Glasshouse and Harvest Time at RHS Wisley.