Plants that require neither soil nor water to grow will make their debut at this year's Chelsea Flower Show as organisers hope to encourage young novices into gardening.

Photos of air plants displayed neatly in glass terrariums are expected to be uploaded all over social media after the country's top horticulturists said their low maintenance made them a good match for millennials.

Houseplants in general are becoming more and more fashionable among young people, who are increasingly strapped for time and space in their homes.

They are already a firm Instagram trend, with green-fingered youths contributing over 2.2 million pictures of greenery to the #plantsofinstagram hashtag.

This year air plants are expected to lead the way because they require minimal attention, can fit in small spaces and brighten up house shares and flats. They only require occasional misting and sunlight.

A whole section at the Chelsea Flower Show will be dedicated to them. Guy Barter, the chief horticulturalist at the RHS, said: "Air plants are compact, exotic and stylish, making them a great addition to rooms of any size.

"As relatively low maintenance plants, they are a good match for young novices taking the first steps into the wonderful world of gardening.