Houseplants Victorian Style
Nostalgic fads of the Victorian era have a classic stylishness even today. Some of the more interesting home decor practices involved the use of plants inside. Plants were inexpensive, brought the outdoors in and could change a room in a heartbeat from a fussy parlor to a tropical haven. Most of us have heard of the use of palms as parlor plants. In fact, there is a variety that is called the parlor palm. But other than these easy to grow, graceful plants, what other greenery did Victorian era homes use to brighten the interior? Houseplants were incorporated in many rooms of the home. For instance:
The summer fireplace was turned into a miniature garden to hide the smoke stained gaping hole that wouldn’t be used for months. Window gardens were also popular and a host of hanging supports were available to suspend plants right in front of the best lighting in the home. Victorian indoor plants were also often contained in Wardian cases. These were similar to a terrarium and often featured a handsome case and elaborate stand.
Parlor plants made inviting hosts to guests as they arrived for a visit. Houseplants Victorian style were also usually in containers that ranged from elegant to opulent. Display was as important as the plant.
Types of Victorian Indoor Plants
Victorian era houseplants might simply be plants dug up from the local woods or those that were imported and exotic varieties. Among some other favorites included:
Palms Ferns Jasmine Heliotropes Potted citrus trees
Sword ferns and later Boston ferns were graceful additions to any room and still carry an air of chic about them today. Cast iron plant is an indestructible specimen that even an amateur gardener can manage to keep alive. Depending upon the exposure available in the home, flowering specimens would often be incorporated into the décor as well.
Abutilons, or parlor maples, are native to Brazil and were popular Victorian houseplants. These have papery, dangling hibiscus type flowers and leaves shaped like lacy maples. Jerusalem cherry, native to Peru, brought a festive touch at the holidays with white flowers that become reddish-orange berries.
With the advent of easier travel, more and more interesting and unique houseplants began to arrive and soon the possibilities were nearly endless. Satisfying the Victorian green thumb became much easier and we can enjoy the same selection of plants today.
