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The ’80s were known for bold fashion and dramatic flair, and that extended to houseplants! Big, leafy greens and vibrant colors were all the rage. Now, these iconic plants are making a stylish return, bringing a touch of retro cool to modern homes.
Swiss Cheese Plant
This iconic plant, with its large, fenestrated leaves, was a must-have in the ’80s. Its dramatic presence adds a touch of the tropics to any space. Easy to care for and adaptable, the Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering. Its comeback is fueled by its sculptural beauty and air-purifying qualities.
Rubber Plant
With its glossy, oversized leaves, the Rubber Plant made a bold statement in the ’80s living rooms and offices. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant that enjoys bright, indirect light and occasional watering. Its resurgence is due to its architectural appeal and ability to add a touch of drama to modern interiors.
Butterfly Palm
This feathery palm brought a touch of the tropics indoors during the ’80s. Its arching fronds create a lush, vibrant atmosphere. The Areca Palm prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. It’s making a comeback thanks to its air-purifying qualities and ability to soften minimalist spaces.
Dracaena Marginata
Known for its slender, arching leaves, the Dracaena Marginata added a touch of architectural appeal to ’80s homes. It’s a low-maintenance plant that tolerates a range of light conditions. Its resurgence is driven by its air-purifying abilities and its ability to add height and texture to modern interiors.
Spider Plant
This easy-to-grow plant was a staple in ’80s homes, often displayed in macramé hangers. Its cascading foliage and air-purifying qualities make it a popular choice. Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require regular watering. Their comeback is fueled by their retro charm and pet-friendly nature.
Cacti and Succulents
These low-maintenance plants gained popularity in the ’80s for their sculptural shapes and minimal care requirements. Often displayed in colorful pots, they added a pop of desert chic to indoor spaces. Their resurgence is due to their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in bright, sunny locations.
Boston Fern
With its delicate, feathery fronds, the Boston Fern was a classic choice for hanging baskets in the ’80s. It prefers humid environments and bright, indirect light. Its comeback is attributed to its lush texture and ability to add a touch of vintage elegance to modern homes.
Yucca
This bold plant added a tropical touch to homes in the 80s. It requires a lot of light and water and is unforgiving of mistakes. Now yucca gigantea and Yucca Aloifolia are back with a vengeance to add a tropical touch to our living rooms and gardens.
Get Your Green On!
These ’80s plant trends are back and ready to add some retro flair to your home. Which of these groovy greens will you choose to bring the ’80s back to life in your space?