Houseplants: The timeless classics

Using plants as indoor décor goes back to Egyptian, Greek and Roman times but it was only in the Victorian era that indoor plants, as we know them today, became a part of home décor. Ferns, palms, delicious monsters, philodendrons and aspidistra were prized parlour plants.

These vintage plants are not out of place in today’s homes and for good reason; they are showy yet easy to care for and long lasting. If you plant to invest in indoor plants, you couldn’t do better than these.

What’s interesting is that plants only became ‘domesticated’ once Victorian homes became lighter, warmer and airier, the kind of conditions that suit indoor plants.

According to the influential magazine ‘Architectural Digest,’ the use of indoor plants is closely related to social issues and trends. They have tracked the popularity of indoor plants decade by decade for the past 80 years and it makes interesting reading.

For instance, in the 1940’s when women went to work while men went to war, plants like African violets, Philodendron scandens and Golden Pothos were used to brighten office desks and trail from windowsills.

Philodendron scandens

This variegated yellow and green trailing plant is still one of the best plants for hanging baskets. It’s also known as the sweetheart plant for its heart-shaped leaves. Plants are often sold growing up a support but can also trail downwards from a hanging basket. They grow in medium light and like moist soil that drains well. Trimming in summer triggers growth and keeps the plant fuller and leafier.

Exotic ‘50’s

In the 1950’s tropical bromeliads and philodendrons were trendy, inspired by the desire for exotic destinations as an escape from the post war depression and shortages. Even today, these sculptural plants are elegant enough to match most modern interiors.

Bromeliads 

The better known and cultivated bromeliads include Guzmania, Vriesea, Neoregelia, Aechmea, and Tillandsia.

Bromeliad varieties like as much medium to bright indirect light you can give them. Plants are adapted for drought and should not be over-watered. The growing medium should drain easily, and the soil should be allowed to dry out moderately in between watering. In winter fill the ‘cup’ with lukewarm water, or lightly water the soil leaving the cup dry. In summer, the cup should be flushed out regularly.

Suburban ‘ 60’s

This was the era of the baby boom, with a growing middle class that moved out of city centres into the suburbs. Suburban décor included a wider variety of houseplants, the most desirable being the Delicious monster, also named the Swiss cheese plant, as well as the Snake plant (Sansevieria) which we know as Mother-in-law’s tongue.

Monstera deliciosa

The bold, beautiful leaves of the Delicious monster is once again a must have plant, especially for large spaces or to fill bare corners. These plants can grow for years indoors with the minimum of care. They just need a light place but no direct sunlight. The soil can dry out moderately between watering, but don’t let the soil dry out completely. With some support plants can grow upwards and fill a large space.

Free flowing  ‘70’s

This was the era when houseplants really took off and every home had one, two or many. The Hippy culture of the late 60’s spilled over into a taste for natural, earthy products like macramé, that was used for suspending hanging baskets or covering pots filled with ‘soft, airy plants that added texture and naturalism’. Well, macrame is back and so are ferns, peperomia, pilea, and spider plant (chlorophytum), as well feature plants like Ficus benjamina, bamboo palms and tropical Monstera.

Indoor ferns

For light, airy foliage you can’t do better than ferns, and they bring such a lush tropical feel to a room. Ferns are easy growers, that like a warm, humid room with bright indirect light. They are also suitable for sheltered outdoor living areas.

Take your pick from the yellowish-green Bird’s Nest fern (Asplenium), the delicate, cascading Maidenhair fern, the blue-green Blue Star fern that tolerates low light, and the lush Rabbits Foot fern with hairy rhizomes that resemble rabbit paws.

Bigger, better ‘80’s

This decade saw a tapering off of house plants and their move into the big time: shopping mall atriums and food courts. For effect, plants needed to be dramatic and beautiful as well as being able to survive in areas with less sunlight, like the graceful Bamboo palm.

No room for plants… ‘90’s and Y2K

Indoor plants almost vanished, although they went from strength to strength in work and public spaces. Maybe they just needed to be missed for a while.

2010 and welcome back

Trendsters refer to this decade as the rise of the modern farmhouse when the buzz words were recycle and upcycle. That included containers for plants both indoors and outdoors. Traditional favourites were rediscovered, like the Peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Fiddle leaf fig and philodendrons.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is one of the best clean air plants you can grow, filtering unpleasant odours. It grows in low light, and its glossy green leaves always look good. It is a vigorous grower, producing flag-like white flowers once a year. Water once a week, and don’t over water. It is sensitive to cold.

2020 and they are everywhere!

Seems like there is no end to the appetite for house plants. They are essential indoor décor, go to gift plants, perfect for patios and still greening up corporate offices. What plant the sums up the durability and desirability of indoor plants over the decades? It can only be our own indigenous Sansevieria.

Sansevieria Golden Futura

Sansevieria is one of those indoor plants that is almost impossible to kill and needs minimal watering, especially if kept in a humid room. it doesn’t take up much space and adapts to low light conditions. It is also an air purifying plant that filters toxins from the air and absorbs moisture.

For more inspiration  visit LVG Plants

Article and images supplied by Alice Coetzee

For more on gardening, visit Get It Magazine.