Potted plants have been a part of households for thousands of years.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all kept houseplants in theirsprawling estates.
Exotic varieties such as nasturtiums and sunflowerswere shippedfrom the New World to Europe and gifted to monarchs.
Flowers and most houseplants wilted.
Only two particularlyhardy plantsmanaged to survive the dismal environment of a Victorian homethe Kentia palm and the aspidistra.
A bride and her guests surrounded by potted aspidistra and Kentai palms.
Aspidistra is an interesting plant.
Another plant that became popular among Victorian households is the Kentai palm (Howea forsteriana).
Queen Victoria absolutely loved them.
Many Edwardian hotels like The Ritz Hotel in London or the Plaza Hotel in New York featured Kentia palms.
They continue to be used in many modern hotel lobbies, casinos, and shopping malls.
A family poses around their aspidistra in front of their house in Hellidon, Northamptonshire.
