Throwback Plants of 70’s, 80’s and Today!

I was born in the 1980’s, what kids these days are calling the late 1900’s. And I say sheesh to that. Back in the olden days sheesh was an expression of disbelief or exasperation, now it’s a statement of approval and excitement. While some things change over time; my age and what the cool kids say, some things don’t. And that my friends, is the love of plants.

Speaking of kids these days, I have two, and the three of us are great consumers of 80’s and 90’s sitcoms. Most episodes lead us to an important parenting discussion. Remember the time Stephanie Tanner choose not to drink at her school dance even though the cool kids were doing it? And the time Mike Seaver was skateboarding in the kitchen, after his mother told him not to, and his skateboard went through the window in the kitchen conservatory?

On the set of Growing Pains, the kitchen conservatory is overflowing with all the best plants, but no one ever tends to them. What do these plant symbolize? I’ll just leave that there. These are some of my favorites featured.

Chlorophytum comosum
Spider Plant
Easy and fun to grow, every home could use a spider plant. Plus, they’re non-toxic and pet friendly.

LIGHT: Spider plants like bright, indirect light, but they’ll grow in slightly shadier and slightly sunnier locations, too.

WATER: Regular watering is required through the active growing season. Water when top inch of soil is dry. Decrease watering in winter as the plant is taking up and using less water during inactive growth periods.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: Spider plants propagate themselves! Just pluck off the little “spiders” that grow from the mother plant, root in water or damp soil, and find them new homes, either at your place or give them away as gifts.

Senecio macroglossu
Wax Ivy
Wax ivy are actually a succulent and are in the jade family and they trail!

LIGHT: Succulents prefer bright light indoors and full sun outdoors. Too much sun will result in scorched or bleached spots. Too little light and the plants will begin to stretch.

WATER: Easy on the water! Water and drain thoroughly, then let soil dry completely between watering.

SOIL: Plant in sharply drained potting mix

FERTILIZER: During active growth fertilize every other week. Stop fertilizing during the winter or do so sparingly.

If you watch episodes of The Brady Bunch, there is and in ground garden bed along the base of the stairs. There, they feature Alocasia and Crotons. Just like the members of the brady family, there is a croton for everyone. Check out characters like Petra, Mammy, Red Banana, Gold Dust, Zanzibar, and Oakleaf to name a few. We carry all from time to time in the greenhouse.

Codiaeum variegatum
Croton
Crotons are loved for their fun and funky colored foliage. They make a great addition to combo container plantings, but they are also quite stunning all on their own.

LIGHT: Crotons need bright light to grow their colorful leaves, but not direct sun as this will cause sunburn.

WATER: Crotons prefer moderate moisture. Too much or too little water over an extended time will cause them to drop their leaves.

TEMPERATURE: Like most indoor plants, crotons like the same temperatures as humans. 60-70 degrees is ideal, any colder and they may start to drop leaves.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: Crotons like humidity, so grow them in a humid room in the house, place them near a humidifier, or mist occasionally. Their favorite kind of light is bright, dappled light, so move them outside in the summer under trees where light still get through.

Do you ever wonder what goes on Under the Umbrella Tree? I don’t because I grew up watching the show with said name The adventures of Gloria Gladys Grace Gabrielle Gardenia Glenda Gale Gopher (not kidding, that was her name), Ignatz “Iggy” Julio Iguana, Jacob Barnaby Blue Jay, and Holly Penelope Higgens, the only human character unfold under the umbrella tree as they learn life lessons such as the importance of keeping promises, being considerate of others, and taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Schefflera acinophylla
Umbrella Tree
Their canopy like growth and cute oval leaves make these plants easy to love. With good care they can live for years.

LIGHT: Schefflera need medium to bright, indirect light.

WATER: Water when the top inch of soil is dry and keep the soil evenly moist, but not saturated. Schefflera also like humidity, so grow in a bathroom or kitchen for extra moisture in the air, or place on a tray of pebbles filled partially with water.

FERTILIZING: Schefflera are heavy feeders. Fertilize once or even twice per week in Spring and Summer and once every two weeks in Fall and Winter.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: Schefflera do not like cool drafts or being blasted with hot air, so keep them away from exterior doors and heat vents.

Repot once a year for faster growth or keep it pot bound to keep size in check.

In one of our favorites (we watched all 8 seasons, and I’m sorry the season finale was not good), Full House, the Boston Ferns featured inside the house, and outside on the back porch make that full house even fuller. And who could miss their statement grape leaf ivy at the top of the stairs.

Nephrolepsis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are delicately textured and get giant creating a statement wherever they hang out.

LIGHT: Ferns prefer medium light or bright, indirect light. They can burn in direct sun.

WATER: Ferns need evenly moist soil and they like humidity. Grow in a naturally more humid space such as a bathroom or near the kitchen sink or place the container on a saucer filled with pebbles and water. Ferns may not recover if allowed to become too dry.

SOIL: Plant in well-drained potting soil.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: If you are not ready to go all out, bird nest and staghorn ferns are easier to grow than other varieties, so they make a good starter plant for a new fern plant parent.

Cissus alata
Grape Leaf Ivy
Ivies such as English and Algerian can stand along or make excellent companions in mixed containers. Grape and Oak leaf Ivy are perfect candidates for a hanging basket.

LIGHT: Ivies require bright, indirect light or medium light. They can sometimes acclimate to lower light, but their growth will decrease, and they may become more susceptible to pests.

WATER: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and don’t water if soil feels wet or damp when pushing your finger to a depth of ½” below the soil surface.

FERTILIZING: Ivies are not heavy feeders and can be fertilized just a couple times during the active growing season. For faster growth fertilize more often. Be sure to fertilize if the plant becomes chlorotic (uncharacteristically yellow or light green over time).

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: For an interesting twist, train ivies to grow around a wire form or obelisk. Or to honor their heritage showcase them in and antique plant stand.

Featured often in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, the Parlor Palm is the backdrop for almost every Carlton Dance moment. Also of note some serious family discussions happen around the family’s statement Norfolk Island Pine.

Chamaedorea elegans
Parlor Palm
Palms are majestic and add a tropical touch. Many varieties can grow to be quite tall and wide, and you may need to decide between the plant and an armchair, but with enough space they’re a great choice.

LIGHT: Palms like bright, indirect light. An East or filtered South facing window is ideal.

WATER: Keep palms evenly moist. Do not let them dry out or allow their soil to stay saturated.

FERTILIZING: Palms should be fertilized only when they’re actively growing. Use a slow release or water-soluble fertilizer at half strength to avoid leaf burn.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: Palms like humidity, so grow in a more humid space or near other plants or a humidifier.

Pop them outside in the summer for a tropical feel and for their health, they’ll enjoy the warmth and humidity and reward you for it.

Araucaria heterophylla
Norfolk Island Pine

These delicate looking, evergreen-like plants can be grown indoors all year and are often used as miniature Christmas trees.

LIGHT: Indoors, Norfolk like bright light, the more sunlight the better. Outside in summer, place Norfolk Island Pine in a partially or completely shaded area for faster growth.

WATER: Water when the top one inch of soil is dry. In the summer and during periods of active growth keep soil evenly moist. Norfolk Island Pine prefer high humidity. Keep plants in the bathroom or kitchen or place them on pebbles in a shallow dish filled with water, but don’t let plants sit in standing water.

SOIL: Grow in regular, well-drained potting mix.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: To maintain the beautiful, natural symmetry, turn the plant every week or two to keep it growing evenly.

We can’t forget the Golden Girls and one of our most golden and beloved plants, the Monstera. Two, I repeat two of these beauties frame the pink couch, a signature of 80’s and 90’s sitcom sets.

Monstera deliciosa
Split Leaf Philodendron

Philodendrons come from a large and varied family, but they are all easy care. This is one of those tough-as-nails plants – it’s hard to kill even if you try. There are vining and upright varieties of philodendrons, pick one or a few that appeal to you and you’re all set.

LIGHT: Philodendron grow more vigorously in bright or medium light, but they tolerate low light well, making them one of the better choices for low-light situations.

WATER: Philodendrons do not like to be too wet. Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry and empty the saucer after a few minutes to prevent rot.

SOIL: Plant in well-drained potting soil.

FERTILIZING: They don’t need much, but two to four times a year is appreciated.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: Pop them outside in the warm summer months to lend a tropical feel to your patio or deck. Outside they prefer partial shade and will burn in hot, direct sun.

Steve Urkel bends his knees and sticks out his pelvis (he’s telling you baby it’s better than Elvis) quite frequently on the set of Family Matters right in front of the family’s prized Janet Craig Dracaena.

Dracaena fragrans
Dracaena Janet Craig
Also known as corn plant, Dracaena are easy to grow and make ideal houseplants. Their upright growth habit means they don’t take up much real estate, making them an excellent addition for any size room. Plus, they are one of the best plants for cleaning and purifying the air.

LIGHT: In low to medium light the plant will grow more slowly and require less water but will do fine. In bright, indirect light, be sure to keep the plant well-watered to avoid wilting.

WATER: Allow dracaenas to dry slightly between watering - they do not like to be constantly wet, and overwatering can cause root rot.

TEMPERATURE: Dracaena like regular, indoor temperatures. Keep away from drafty windows and doors which can cause the plant to drop leaves.

FERTILIZING: They don’t need much. Fertilize with a half-strength fertilizer once a month during active growth.

FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS: Low humidity can cause browning leaf tips, as can overwatering. Use a humidifier in very dry, indoor winter air conditions and be sure not to overwater.

Sheeeesh, that’s a lot of throwback plants, enough to fill your whole house. What will your sitcom set look like, and which plants will you choose? These plants withstood the test of time and are unmatched in their ability to transcend trend and will triumph for generations to come.