Not only is fashion from the seventies popping up all over retail stores, but plants from this era are making a comeback, too! It's no surprise considering most of these plants are resilient and require little maintenance.
This example from Elle Decor shows off the power of a well placed big, beautiful plant in the right setting - read on for plenty of 70's style bold and hearty greenery suggestions:
• The fiddle leaf ficus and the philodendron offer larger leaves, love sunny spaces and are able dry out between waterings.
• The rubber plant, on the other hand, has bigger leaves but can adapt to low-light situations.
• For plants with a more blade-like leaf, try a snake plant or for a hanging style, look for a spider plant.
• The jade, part of the succulent family, requires little watering and has a nice sculptural feel. Spiders, jades, and pothos are all easy to propagate so you can divide and disperse your flora around your own home or as gifts for friends.
Image: Elle Decor
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but always be mindful of what plants may be harmful to your pets, if eaten!
Good call April. Actually, every plant list here is toxic to cats.
As luck would have it, I was searching for a plant that would do well in low light and isn't toxic to my cat. I came across this great list on the ASPCA website that lists out plants that are toxic and non-toxic for our pets: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/.
Thanks for including links to photos. Very helpful. Side note: my mom has definitely had the same spider plant since the 70s. Unkillable.
I never would have thought that plants would be considered in style or out of style.
Thanks for sharing, Lindsay!
Sometimes things should remain in the past, like spider plants....
I've been looking for a fiddle leaf ficus but can only find fake ones. Anyone know where I can find one in NYC?
Actually spider plants are non toxic to cats.
I get nostalgic for Norfolk Island pines. We had several of them in the house I grew up in during the 70's and 80's.
http://www.evergrowing.com/tips/araucaria.htm
There is nothing sadder than a dusty over grown plant in a household... and yes, unless you kill them they ALL end up that way! Led to my number seven rule.... unless you have a conservatory, plants belong outside.
I know they say those plants are toxic but... my dog has eaten leaves of my rubber plant and demolished my mom's still alive from 1979 jade plant. That particular plant has been eaten one many occasions by various dogs over the years - none of them had adverse effects. The toxicity dosage is important, and besides it's always a good plan to keep your plants away from your animals for the plant's sake too.
In my dog's case the plants were eaten during the summer when said plants lived on the patio. >_> I hope there isn't a repeat this year - my plant probably won't be able to recover.
Plant toxicity is largely over-rated. Poinsettias are allegedly poisonous, only if an animal consumes bushels -- highly unlikely.
Haha if these guys were ever out of style, my spaces have been out of style my entire life- and they always will be!
We purposely buy house plants that have large or plump leaves because the cats stay away from them. Any plant that has leaves that are somewhat long, thin, or grass-like and they eat them up!
I'm a plants outside person. Whether the plants are officially toxic or not, my cats eat them and hen throw them up. Better to enjoy from afar.
Don't forget the terrarium for a truly 70's home accessory. Like a miniature garden they're interesting to cultivate, not high maintenance like a bonzai, and a lidded glass container makes it pet-safe.
This "TED" talk might encourage some to reconsider adding plants into their living spaces.
http://www.ted.com/talks/kamal_meattle_on_how_to_grow_your_own_fresh_air.html
I'm with you, Lilah! I've always loved having LOTS of plants in my house, always will. Don't care if they're in style or not. Also agree with krunkinator.
Yup, I have all of these plants in my house. I guess I'm retro.
People don't have plants in their houses?
Because I don't have a garden or outdoor space right now, I have a corner of my house that is like a little jungle. I love it, my cats love hiding and playing in it.
I love indoor plants. Great for indoor air quality too.
Norahl, or you could just dust your plants. I use a spray bottle and mist them, they like it.
A plantless house feels very hard and lifeless to me. They soften the edges and add interest and ambiance. I have 2 cats who get back to their wild roots by hiding amongst the leaves. The only time they take a bite is when their food bowl is empty for too long, which is very rare.
I've been frequenting YouGrowGirl.com for years. They have a great Flickr group too. Great forums and very friendly people.
Houseplants never go out of style.