A purple silk aquarium plant from Petco
Why is it that I’ve always associated aquariums and sea life with the 1980s? Could it be movies like Jaws 3, with its wonderful ’80s Sea World setting? Or maybe it’s the plethora of dolphin figurines and other sea life-themed decor from that time period. Or the fact that my family had an aquarium as a kid, so I spent many an ’80s weekend picking out fish and accessories for the tank. Whatever it is, I am clearly preoccupied with aquarium plants. Yes, the fake kind. After viewing today’s selections from Petco, perhaps you’ll agree that faux foliage of the undersea nature can truly make an ’80s statement!
Above we see the Petco Purple Burst Silk Aquarium Plant. Pointed leaves in a fan arrangement combine with one white blossom for an Asian-style burst of color. Below is the Petco Red Water Hair Grass Plastic Aquarium Plant, which is the perfect combination of fullness and height.
A red and green aquarium plant from Petco
So let’s talk a bit about how you would display these plants… You know, if you’re like me and you don’t have a fish tank, but you still want to revel in the glory of bright plastic flowers. And let’s just say, that’s exactly why these inexpensive finds are so perfect! Once out of the water, they are clearly faux. Why not revel in their synthetic look? Can you imagine a whole shelf of these babies, perfectly perched on their built-in gravely pedestals?
Or take it a step further, and place one or more of these plants in an ’80s vase, especially one of the low and sleek variety. The Vintage Haeger Round Low Vase from Etsy shop Behind the Orange Door would be the perfect complement to a tall aquarium plant, don’t you think? In addition to Etsy, these round vases can be found at thrift stores. They come in all colors, and they are affordable. What’s not to love?!
A low round Haeger vase from Etsy shop Behind the Orange Door
We’re about to turn up the color… Next we spotlight the Petco Multi-Color Fiesta Hawaiian Tropical Plastic Aquarium Plant. Love the purple and orange combo. Three different plant styles in one!
Tropical aquarium plants from Petco
Don’t forget that it’s OK to go totally tropical! The Petco Aqua Bloom Silk Aquarium Plant, shown below, may as well have materialized from a pair of Jams. My favorite phrase from the product description: “Silk plants also provide a great place for your pet fish to hide for a little quiet time or stress relief.” Hey, fish tanks can be stressful places, people! Maybe I need a wall of these plants to hide behind for those tough days when I need to get away from it all…
An aqua aquarium plant from Petco
Purple, green and vivid red-orange come to life in the Petco Red & Green Fiesta Beauty Plastic Aquarium Plant. Here’s another selection that would be perfect for a low, round ’80s vase. Especially one in peach!
Spiky aquarium plants from Petco
We couldn’t have an aquarium-related post without showcasing a wood/rock/floral vignette. Some can be pretty hideous. But Petco consistently knocks it out of the park with some awesome combinations of color and style. Like their Petco Rock Garden Aquarium Ornaments, which consist of plastic plants on a poly-resin driftwood base.
Rock garden ornaments from Petco
One helpful hint: If you have a Petco near you, it may be helpful to go in person and check out these finds before purchasing them. Some faux aquarium plants can have a really strong plastic scent, as I discovered last Christmas while using fish tank foliage to craft a gift for my brother. But many selections, such as silk plants, seem to be a breath of fresh air! Have a colorful Wednesday!
I have a pair of the purple burst silk plants in my betta fish’s bowl. I paired them with solid white and transparent purple glass marbles. Vaguely Haeger/glass block.
Just to advise though, if one actually is going to use Petco plants in an aquarium or fishbowl, do not get the kind with posable wiring. I tried one of those first and the wires started to rust and turn the water a gross color/
The silk plants have worked out great, though, and are more gentle on the fish’s scales than the plastic ones.