Jungle fever shows no sign of slowing down. The trend for house plants gathers momentum

There's no doubt about it, jungle fever is spreading like a delightfully twining virus. The interior design trend for the urban jungle-look has taken a firm hold and it shows no sign of wilting.  The jungle theme, so it seems, is here to stay. In fact, as we move through the seasons from summer into winter, people tend to strengthen the desire for tropical-style rooms They are achieved with the use of exotic vegetation, living walls, horticulture-themed fabrics, splashes of colour and wallpapers. It appears that as we close doors on the cold outdoors when winter approaches, we try to recreate the sensation of warmth by creating a weird and wonderful tropical jungle indoors.

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Hanging plants and house plants with big leaves make for a great jungle atmosphere! ‍ Jungles are exotic, mysterious places that make you want to explore. Indoors, plants improve the atmosphere are clean the air.

Bring nature into the home. It's good for you, and 'on trend' too.

It is well known that plants clean the environment and actually help to keep us healthy. Particularly now that we are immersed in so many invisible radio, WiFi and microwave radiation fields.  Plants actually absorb these potentially damaging waves along with other toxins, so they really do provide a valuable function as well as beauty. The jungle-look can be easily achieved with the help of luscious foliage. Below you can see Alocasia 'Zebrina' and an indoor fern. Aim to create a green, lush cacophony of plants for maximum impact.

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House plants are no longer considered to be an afterthought. Indeed they are actively integrated into the décor and can actually dictate the style of the space around them. ‍This Alocasia 'Polly' has particularly amazing foliage, as you can see. 

Plants bring a house alive and there's something suitable for every home.

House plants can also be used to create elegance within a simple, monochrome setting; they can add a touch of modernity within industrial-themed environments, even emphasise the quirky nature of the surroundings. How versatile they are! Below you can see the impact that an indoor palm such as an Areca or Kenia palm creates.

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Quirky is good! It makes people smile. 

You don't need to wait until your summer holidays to inject some warmth into your home.

A new coat of paint and a completely fresh persona will change your space. It has the potential to add a vibrantly exciting atmosphere to an interior.  Even some geometric prints and colours that evoke the jungle setting can set the scene when adorned with fabrics… and plants of course. Have some fun!

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10 plants that provide a jungle theme

Looking for a jungle? Choose tropical beauties with large, evergreen leaves. Here are 10 suggestions:

Monstera: the Swiss Cheese Plant

• The easy-to-care-for cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). It is so happy to oblige, particularly when supported by a vertical post or moss pole. The leaves develop holes and splits as the plant matures. The foliage can measure a massive 55cm across in older plants.

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Rubber Plant, Ficus elastica

• Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are also invaluable. These tough plants can survive most indoor environments and they have the capability to reach up to the ceiling within a few years. They are filled with a rubbery sap which oozes out of the leaves and stem if cut. One of the best house plants to filter the air, Ficus come in many different shades. Avoid the variegated forms if the space is gloomy.

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Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum

• The peace lily, Spathiphyllum, is another jungle-lover. Its glossy, pointed leaves have a great architectural shape and beautiful white flowers emerge from the leaf stalk. Native to the rainforests of Central and Southern America, these plant like a moist compost. Once again they are really good at filtering toxins from the air.

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Philodendrons, many different varieties

• Philodendrons, in all their guises, are brilliant plants in a jungle. Xanadu is particularly eye-catching at it has gloriously dissected, lobed leaves which eventually measure up to 40cm long.

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Schefflera, the Umbrella Plant

• Schefflera, often known as umbrella plants because of the leaf shape, are great in a jungle! There are several different types and they can easily grow to a height of 2m indoors. A high tolerance of neglect is another attraction!

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Crassula, Money Tree

• Crassula ovata, a range of jade or money trees, make another lovely jungle-themed addition. When trained to have a clear stem these can look like trees in miniature.

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Anthurium

• Anthurium including the beautiful ‘Black Queen’ are wonderful jungle plants with large, waxy flowers which appear against a backdrop of glossy heart shaped leaves. This tropical plant hails from the rainforests of South America and is quite at home in a lounge.

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Indoor Palms

• Nothing says jungle like palm trees and there are several varieties which are highly suitable. They include the Kentia palm, Howea forsteriana and the Areca palm, Dypsis lutescens. Their spreading fronds are both stately and elegant too.

Alocasia, the Elephant Ear Plant

• Alocasia, or elephant ears are brilliant foliage plants with luscious, large leaves, some of which can grow to a huge size. Perfect in a jungle!

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Strelitzia, Bird of Paradise

• Some jungle plants produce showy flowers. The bird of paradise flowers, Strelitzia reginae, are a great example. The plant itself can easily grow to 2m high indoors and the flowers, when they appear in summer, are orange and blue. They look like the beaks of an exotic bird.

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