While houseplants have been enjoying a renaissance for several years now, 2023 is witnessing an exciting collision of two seemingly disparate worlds: lush indoor gardening and the digital-retro aesthetic of vaporwave. This fusion creates a bold, memorable look that's taking over Instagram feeds and transforming British homes into neon-tinged botanical wonderlands.
At Neon Leaf, we've been championing this aesthetic since our founding, and we're thrilled to see it blooming into a mainstream trend. Let's dive into how this distinctive style works and how you can incorporate it into your home.
What is the Vaporwave-Botanical Aesthetic?
Before we get into specific trends, let's understand what makes this aesthetic so distinctive:
Vaporwave is a visual and musical aesthetic that emerged in the early 2010s, characterized by:
- A nostalgic fascination with 80s and 90s consumer culture
- Glitch art and early computer graphics
- Neon colors, particularly pinks, purples, and blues
- Greco-Roman statuary and other classical elements
- Retro-futuristic vibes that feel both vintage and timeless
When this digital-nostalgic aesthetic merges with houseplants—particularly tropical varieties like Monstera, Palms, and Philodendrons—the result is a captivating contrast between organic growth and digital dreamscapes. It's simultaneously retro and futuristic, natural and surreal.
Top Vaporwave-Botanical Trends of 2023
1. Neon and LED-Highlighted Plant Displays
One of the most striking elements of the vaporwave-botanical trend is the use of artificial lighting to transform plants into living art installations:
How to Achieve It:
- LED strip lights positioned behind plants to create dramatic silhouettes
- Color-changing bulbs in traditional lamps directed at plant collections
- Neon signs paired with plants for that perfect Instagram moment
- UV-reactive plants like the Prayer Plant that look otherworldly under black lights
Pro tip: Position lights to highlight the distinctive shapes of plants like Monstera deliciosa or Snake Plants, emphasizing their natural geometry.
2. Geometric and Metallic Planters
Container choice is crucial for achieving the vaporwave-botanical aesthetic:
Trending Planter Styles:
- Metallic finishes in chrome, copper, and iridescent metals
- Geometric shapes with sharp angles and unexpected forms
- Gradient colorways that shift from pink to blue or purple
- 80s-inspired patterns like Memphis design with bold colors and shapes
- Transparent containers that showcase root systems under colored water
Pro tip: Mix high-shine metallic pots with matte black planters for a sophisticated contrast that still reads as vaporwave.
3. Digital Meets Physical: QR Plaques and AR Experiences
The most cutting-edge plant enthusiasts are blending digital elements with their physical plant collections:
Digital Enhancements:
- Custom QR code plant labels linking to care instructions or plant origins
- Augmented reality apps that identify plants or show their growth potential
- Digital plant journals tracking growth milestones with photo timelines
- Live-streamed plant cams for prized specimens or time-lapse growth videos
Pro tip: Create custom QR codes in neon colors or geometric shapes that complement your aesthetic while providing practical information about your plants.
4. The Grid Background
Perhaps nothing says "vaporwave" more clearly than the infinite grid extending toward a digital horizon:
Grid Implementations:
- Grid-patterned wallpaper as a backdrop for plant shelves
- Backlit pegboards for mounting air plants and small pots
- Floor tiles in black and white checkerboard or neon grids
- Furniture with grid designs like wire grid plant stands
Pro tip: For a subtle approach, use a grid pattern on just one wall as an accent, keeping the rest of the space more minimal to let both the grid and the plants stand out.
5. Unusual Color Combinations in Plants and Accessories
The vaporwave palette is being reflected in both plant choices and styling accessories:
Color Trends:
- Pink and purple plants like Pink Princess Philodendron and Purple Tradescantia
- Blue and turquoise accents from colored glass decorative elements
- High-contrast combinations like black ZZ plants in neon pink containers
- Color-blocked arrangements grouping plants by complementary hues
Pro tip: Use a color wheel to create intentional combinations that pop—complementary colors (opposite on the wheel) create maximum visual impact.
Plant Varieties Leading the Vaporwave-Botanical Trend
Certain plants naturally complement the vaporwave aesthetic better than others. Here are the varieties that have become synonymous with the trend:
Monstera Deliciosa
The undisputed star of the vaporwave-botanical movement, the Monstera's distinctive split leaves create dramatic shadows when backlit and offer that perfect tropical silhouette.
Neon Pothos
With leaves in a natural chartreuse that almost appears to glow, this trailing vine looks like it was designed specifically for the vaporwave aesthetic.
Pink Princess Philodendron
The splashes of pink variegation on dark green leaves make this rare beauty a perfect match for the vaporwave color palette.
Calathea Orbifolia
The silver and green striped leaves of this plant create an almost digitally-rendered appearance that complements futuristic interiors.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The geometric, upright growth pattern of snake plants provides the structural elements that work well with vaporwave's emphasis on sharp lines and forms.
Creating a Vaporwave Botanical Space: A Room-by-Room Guide
Living Room
As the centerpiece of most homes, the living room offers the perfect canvas for your vaporwave-botanical artistry:
- Feature wall: Create a plant wall with LED backlighting in pink or purple tones
- Statement plant: Position a large Monstera or Palm in a metallic planter as a focal point
- Accessories: Add neon signs with plant or nature sayings like "Grow" or "Wild"
- Furniture: Choose glass or acrylic tables to display miniature terrariums or water plants
Bathroom
The naturally humid environment of bathrooms is perfect for tropical plants, and the typically white backdrop creates an excellent canvas for vaporwave colors:
- Shower plants: Hang humidity-loving ferns and air plants from the shower ceiling
- Lighting: Replace standard bulbs with color-changing LED options
- Accessories: Add iridescent or holographic shower curtains and bath mats
- Display: Create a bathroom "shelfie" with small plants in gradient-colored containers
Home Office
The vaporwave aesthetic was born digital, making it a natural fit for home workspaces:
- Desktop plants: Place low-maintenance plants like ZZ plants or Snake plants near monitors
- Lighting: Use LED strips behind desks or monitors for that classic vaporwave glow
- Wall art: Hang botanical illustrations with digital glitch effects
- Technology integration: Set up a webcam to monitor and share your plants' growth
Styling Tips from Interior Design Experts
We spoke with several interior designers about how to incorporate this trend tastefully. Here's their expert advice:
"Create Depth with Layering"
"The key to a successful vaporwave-botanical space is creating depth. Layer plants at different heights, with varying leaf shapes and sizes. Then add lighting at different levels to create a three-dimensional effect that draws the eye through the space." — Emma Thompson, Interior Stylist
"Balance Digital and Natural"
"The charm of this trend is in the contrast between natural elements and digital aesthetics. If you go too far in either direction, you lose the tension that makes it interesting. For every neon element or technological feature, balance it with something organic and tactile." — James Chen, Botanical Designer
"Consider the Full Sensory Experience"
"Vaporwave isn't just visual—it has its own musical component too. Consider playing ambient or synthwave music in your plant space to complete the atmosphere. Scent is important too; choose clean, slightly synthetic fragrances rather than overly floral or earthy scents to maintain the futuristic feel." — Sarah Williams, Sensory Design Consultant
DIY Vaporwave Plant Projects
Want to embrace this trend without breaking the bank? Here are some DIY projects to get you started:
Retrowave Propagation Station
Create a propagation display by filling colored glass bottles with water and cuttings, then position them on a mirror base with LED strip lighting underneath for that infinite reflection effect.
Grid Plant Wall
Mount a wire grid panel to your wall, paint it in a neon color, and use clips or small pots to display a collection of small plants in a structured pattern.
Upcycled Retro-Tech Planters
Repurpose old technology like computer monitors, cassette players, or game consoles as unexpected planters. Just be sure to add proper drainage and waterproofing.
The Future of the Vaporwave-Botanical Trend
As with any trend, vaporwave-botanical aesthetics continue to evolve. Here's where we see it heading next:
- Interactive plant installations that respond to touch or sound
- AI-integrated plant care systems with retro-futuristic interfaces
- Virtual reality botanical gardens that blend digital design with plant appreciation
- Climate-positive messaging incorporated into the aesthetic as environmental concerns grow
Conclusion
The vaporwave-botanical trend represents more than just a flashy Instagram aesthetic—it's a creative reconciliation between our increasingly digital lives and our innate connection to nature. By bringing these seemingly disparate elements together, we create spaces that feel both futuristic and grounded, synthetic and organic.
At Neon Leaf, we're proud to have been early adopters of this aesthetic movement, and we continue to explore the exciting intersections between retro-digital culture and plant life. Our curated collections offer everything you need to bring this vibrant trend into your own home, whether you're going for a subtle nod to the aesthetic or a full-on vaporwave jungle.
Ready to embrace the vaporwave-botanical trend?
Visit our shop to explore our specially curated collection of plants and accessories designed to help you create your own neon-tinged plant paradise.
Shop the Vaporwave Collection