In case you haven't noticed, houseplants are on the up.

First came the Instagram hashtags (#urbanjungle, #jungalow and #plantgang to name just a few), then came the trend pieces and discussions about why millennials in particular are longing to fill their homes with greenery.

Perhaps because they lead “hectic, frequently urban, lives”, or even, some have depressingly suggested, because they can't afford kids and are looking for something to nurture. Perhaps they – shock horror – think they just look nice.

Instagram has fallen in love with heart-shaped succulents