Retro Houseplants Get a Modern Makeover: New Varieties from the Tropical Plant Show

Remember the ubiquitous Boston fern, Wandering Jew baskets, and Swedish ivy trailing from macramé-hung pots? Thanks to breeder innovations, those oldies have evolved into exciting, modern houseplants with technicolor flowers and foliage.

Check out variegated leaf patterns from the January 2012 Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition in Fort Lauderdale. You'll be inspired by these exciting new indoor plants and creative display ideas.

Miniature African violets in 2-inch pots look sweet displayed in a tiered cupcake tree — perfect for brunch or birthday centerpieces.

Horrors or mesmerizing? Plainview Growers imported Dutch technology for a 'Blue Diamond' orchid. The "color-fused" system turns ordinary white phalaenopsis into something never seen before.

This blue tropical flower occurs naturally. Aechmea 'Blue Tango' is a hybrid bromeliad with stunning fuchsia and purplish-blue blooms.

A rainbow of hot new bromeliad varieties spreads over a wall display by Bullis Bromeliads. Neoregelia comes in speckled, splashed, streaked, and striped hues.

From Stewart's Greenhouse, this Calathea lancifolia was named Best New Introduction of the 2012 show. Striking dark green marks against lighter green make a dazzling houseplant.

Kalanchoe 'Fantastic' (paddle plant) — green forms abound, but this rare tricolor variety is superb for containers. Move to patio in summer.

Gorgeous living wall art: tillandsias (air plants) displayed in a cast-stone frame by artist John Lamos of Viducci's Garden USA.

Stroke this little "pet" air plant (Tillandsia xerographica) — stunning gray-green foliage, curved blades feel soft, not spiky.

Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus 'Victoria') with roots in a patent-pending cocofiber Root Orb — clever display without dirt. Next photo shows it in a glass bowl.

My bird's nest fern rests on pebbles in a footed glass compote. The Root Orb removes the fern from traditional pot settings into a decorative houseplant.

More:
Bring on the Green: Decorating With Indoor Plants
5 Reasons to Design With Houseplants
Cultivating a Porch Garden
The Succulence of Succulents in the Home