At The Horti House, our goal is to revolutionise the way we think about sourcing houseplants. As a proud collective of UK growers, our mission is not just to sell plants; it's to cultivate a community dedicated to embracing British, peat-free horticulture.
Despite our commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices, we've encountered a unique challenge that has led to the creation of our "Rest of the World" plant collection.
The Challenge
In our journey to exclusively offer British-grown, peat-free houseplants, we've discovered that not all popular species are suited for local cultivation. The harsh reality is that certain plants, such as Anthuriums, Spathiphyllum and various Cacti and Succulents, demand conditions that are not naturally available in the UK. Attempting to recreate these conditions locally often results in unsustainable practices, including excessive energy consumption, resource and product wastage. For instance, the energy-intensive process of heating greenhouses for Cacti cultivation or the specialised requirements for Spathiphyllum growth (i.e. the gibberellic acid for optimal flowering, which risks unwanted early flowering in other crops), makes these species impractical for British growers at present.
Our Solution: The "Rest of the World" Collection
To address this challenge and still meet our customers' needs, we've introduced the "Rest of the World" collection. This curated selection features plant species that are not currently viable for British cultivation but are essential to our customers' collections. Sourced from environmentally conscious growers around the world, these plants ensure we maintain our competitive edge while adhering to our sustainability ethos.
This approach is not a step back but a strategic move forward. It allows us to support the global horticultural community, reduce transport miles compared to other international sources, and minimise waste — all while we work tirelessly to transition these species to British, peat-free cultivation in the future.
Collaborating for Change
Our commitment to British horticulture and peat-free practices is unwavering. We are in constant dialogue with British growers, exploring every possibility to bring the cultivation of these challenging species to the UK. A shining example of our efforts is the new Carnivorous plant collection. Initially sourced internationally due to CITES restrictions, we are now going to partner with a UK grower to offer these fascinating plants as British-grown and peat-free by Q2.
We are also experimenting with growing other popular species locally, such as the Sansevieria, in peat-free media. Early results are promising, and we are optimistic about expanding our range of locally grown, sustainable plants.
Looking Ahead
Our "Rest of the World" collection represents a thoughtful compromise in our mission towards sustainability and support for local horticulture. By offering these select imported plants, we provide our customers with the diverse range they desire, while laying the groundwork for a future where all our offerings are British-grown and peat-free.