If you enjoy adding a touch of vintage charm to your space, you might find yourself drawn to plants that were popular decades ago. Many houseplants from the 1960s have lasting appeal and can still brighten up modern interiors with ease.
This article will introduce you to 14 plants that made a splash in the ’60s and remain stylish choices for your home today. Whether you’re starting your collection or looking to reconnect with some classic greenery, these plants bring both history and beauty into your living space.
Calathea Medallion
You’ll appreciate the Calathea Medallion for its bold, round leaves with unique green patterns. It adds a lively touch to any room with its shiny, decorative foliage.
This plant prefers indirect light and higher humidity, so keep it away from direct sun and consider misting or a humidifier. It’s a great choice if you want a stylish, low-key boost for your indoor garden.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
You’ll find pothos is one of the easiest plants to care for, making it perfect if you’re new to gardening. It thrives in filtered light and enjoys warmer temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees.
Your pothos can grow long vines that look great climbing or trailing. Varieties like Golden Pothos and Marble Queen offer lovely leaf patterns to brighten any room.
Monstera deliciosa
You’ve probably seen Monstera deliciosa in many homes because it’s a classic. Its large, split leaves add a tropical vibe that fits both retro and modern styles.
It’s easy to care for and grows quickly, making it perfect if you want a bold plant without much fuss. Your space will feel fresh and lively with this timeless favorite.
Spider Plant
You’ll find spider plants easy to care for, making them a great choice if you’re new to houseplants. Their arching leaves often have white or yellow stripes, adding a fresh look to any room.
These plants produce small offshoots, or “spiderettes,” that you can propagate to grow new plants. They’ve remained popular since the ’60s because of their hardiness and unique style.
Peace Lily
You’ve likely seen a peace lily brightening rooms since the ’60s. Its glossy leaves and white blooms create a clean, calming vibe.
Caring for your peace lily is simple—you only need moderate light and regular watering. It’s a great plant for beginners or anyone wanting low-maintenance greenery.
Even older peace lilies can thrive for many years with proper care, proving their lasting appeal in your home.
Ferns
Ferns were a staple in 1960s decor, especially in popular fern bars. You can bring that vintage charm into your space with varieties like Boston ferns or maidenhair ferns.
They work well as potted plants indoors and add a soft, natural touch to any room. Caring for ferns is usually simple, making them a great choice if you want easy greenery.
Weeping Fig
You might recognize the Weeping Fig from its shiny, green leaves and graceful, drooping branches. It was a favorite in the ’60s and has made a strong comeback in homes today.
This plant is great for indoors, adding a fresh, natural look to your space. Just be mindful—moving it or sudden temperature changes can cause leaf drop.
Fan Palm
If you want a quick way to add height and texture, the Fan Palm is a great choice. It grows fast and gives your space a tropical feel.
Plant a few together, like in groups of three or five, to create natural shade. You can also put shade-loving plants underneath for a layered look. Fan Palms were popular in the ’60s and still fit well in modern homes.
Prayer Plant
You’ll love the Prayer Plant for its striking, patterned leaves that gently fold up at night. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or low bowls, adding a bit of greenery anywhere.
Caring for it requires some attention to humidity and indirect light, but the unique leaf movements make it worth the effort. It’s a classic that still brightens up modern spaces.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a timeless favorite you can easily add to your space. It’s known for its upright, sword-like leaves that come in many varieties and patterns.
You’ll appreciate how low maintenance it is, making it perfect for beginners. Plus, it’s great at improving indoor air quality, bringing a fresh vibe to your home.
Begonia
You might remember begonias as popular plants in the 1960s, known for their beautiful leaves. They are still a favorite today because they are easy to care for and look great indoors.
Whether you choose tuberous, rex, or rhizomatous types, begonias can brighten your space with their unique colors and textures. They’re perfect if you want a low-maintenance plant that adds charm to your home.
Golden Pothos Vine
You’ll love the Golden Pothos for its easy care and attractive heart-shaped leaves. Its green foliage splashed with creamy gold adds a warm touch to any room.
This plant grows long, trailing vines that look great in hanging baskets or on shelves. It also helps improve indoor air quality by filtering out common toxins.
African Violet
African violets are a great choice if you want a colorful, easy-to-care-for plant. They fit perfectly on your windowsill and bloom often, brightening your space with little effort.
Your violet can stay healthy for years with proper watering and light. Plus, many varieties from the ’60s are still loved today for their charming flowers.
Ficus lyrata
The Ficus lyrata, also known as the fiddle leaf fig, brings a bold touch to your space with its large, violin-shaped leaves. It thrives in bright light, so placing it near a window is ideal.
This plant fits your modern or vintage style easily because its sculptural leaves add strong visual interest. It’s a great way to bring a bit of jungle feeling indoors without overwhelming your room.