IKEA’s provocative move amidst the heated discussion of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl 2026 show instantly became a source of lively debate and excitement in Spanish-speaking social media. The Swedish furniture and home goods giant didn’t just jump on the popularity wave—it cleverly turned the ‘human tree’ scene into its own advertising triumph. Center stage was taken by the artificial FEJKA palm, which the brand humorously presented as ‘the true halftime star.’
An Instagram post featuring the famous blue IKEA bag with an artificial palm sticking out of it was accompanied by a cheeky message to Bad Bunny: ‘Benito, you left something on the bench.’ The post sparked a flurry of comments, with users demanding an award for the brand’s SMM-manager. Jokes about VIP concert tickets for the entire IKEA team quickly followed.
A viral sensation
The scene with hundreds of ‘living bushes’ rushing onto the Levi’s Arena field was one of the most talked-about moments of the Super Bowl. This visual reference to Bad Bunny’s hometown quickly spread through memes and discussions. Noticing the resemblance between its artificial plants and the show’s props, IKEA seized the moment to remind millions of viewers of its brand.
In the post, the company pitched its FEJKA as a ‘halftime plant’ for €39.99, adding that it’s perfectly suited for both home and stadium. This marketing move not only boosted brand recognition but also showed how humor and perfect timing can turn an ordinary product into the center of attention.
Audience reaction
Instagram users and fans on other social networks didn’t hold back on likes and comments. Many noted that such posts make the brand feel more relatable, and IKEA’s sense of humor is exactly what’s needed in today’s information overload. Some even suggested awarding a creativity prize to the company’s social media team.
Particular attention was drawn to the real plant that inspired Bad Bunny’s scene. It turned out that the striking bushes were actually Areca palms, also known as the ‘butterfly palm.’ IKEA offers both artificial and real versions of this plant, further sparking interest in the brand’s range.
Tropical trend
The Areca palm, or Dypsis Lutescens, has long been considered one of the most popular decorative plants for homes and offices. Its bright green, fan-shaped leaves create a tropical atmosphere even in the most ordinary interiors. In Spain, these plants are appreciated for their low maintenance and air-purifying abilities, which is especially relevant for city apartments.
Caring for an Areca is not particularly demanding: maintain high humidity, avoid direct sunlight, and mist the leaves regularly. This plant can grow up to three meters tall, and its presence at home is often associated with comfort and freshness.
Marketing for a new era
The story with the IKEA joke is a clear example of how modern brands leverage trending topics to promote themselves. Spotting a trend in time, adding a bit of self-irony, and creating a clever visual — and suddenly, an ordinary artificial palm tree becomes a meme and a hot topic of discussion alongside the main musical event of the year.
This approach not only boosts sales but also helps the audience feel that the brand is “in the know” and speaks their language. In a fiercely competitive market, this becomes a real advantage.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is one of the most influential artists of our time. His performances on the world’s biggest stages are always marked by striking visuals and powerful social messages. The 2026 Super Bowl became another chance for him to make a statement not only as a musician, but as a symbol of cultural change. His show in Santa Clara was remembered for both its music and a powerful visual metaphor that was picked up by brands worldwide, including IKEA.
