9 Best Flowering Houseplants: A Guide to Indoor Flowers

If you’re new to growing indoor plants, consider these popular houseplants.

1. 1. African violet: The African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a low-maintenance plant with dark green leaves and deep violet blossoms. African violets do best in low-light, warm environments, making them great houseplants. Keep them in rooms with lots of indirect light and a temperature range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil should be moist but not soggy. African violet leaves will turn brown when overwatered, so be mindful when watering these plants.
2. 2. Lipstick plant: Lipstick plants (Aeschynanthus radicans), sometimes called lipstick vines, are vine-like plants that do well in hanging baskets and pots. Its name comes from the tubular red flowers that hang from the foliage. They do well in temperatures on the warmer side—60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit—and rooms with lots of bright, indirect sunlight. The potting soil should be evenly moist at all times.
3. 3. Peace lily: The peace lily plant (Spathiphyllum wallisii) has glossy foliage that blooms with elegant white flowers. Although peace lilies can bloom year-round with appropriate care, they’re particularly productive in the summer. They do well in rooms with low to bright sunlight and temperatures in the range of 60 to 85 degrees. Peace lilies are poisonous if eaten, so keep these plants away from children and pets.
4. 4. Anthurium: Anthuriums (Anthurium andraeanum), also known as laceleaf, have shiny, waxy leaves and heart-shaped blossoms that can be white, pink, red, or lilac. Keep them in rooms or on windowsills with bright, indirect light and temperatures in the range of 65 to 80 degrees. You can achieve a well-draining yet adequately moist soil for these plants by mixing orchid soil with regular potting soil. Similar to the peace lily, anthuriums are also poisonous if eaten.
5. 5. Cape primrose: Cape primroses (Streptocarpus) are related to African violets and come in a range of colors. To give them the indirect sunlight they need, keep them near eastern or northern-facing windows. Water and repot them regularly and they’ll bloom throughout most of the year.
6. 6. Angel-wing begonia: Angel-wing begonias (Begonia x coralline), also known as cane begonias, are some of the easiest begonias for indoor growers to maintain. They have large, angel-wing-shaped leaves and bright flowers in a range of colors. Keep the soil evenly moist and the room temperature between 65 and 75 degrees. Angel-wing begonias need indirect light to bright light in order to bloom and reveal their variety of colors.
7. 7. Geranium: Geraniums (Pelargonium) are popular, low-maintenance plants known for their bright clusters of red, white, or pink flowers. To grow potted geraniums, place them in a spot with full sun or bright, indirect light and allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
8. 8. False shamrock: False shamrock plants (Oxalis triangularis), are unique houseplants with deep purple leaves and dainty white blooms. These plants thrive in both direct and indirect sunlight and sandy, loamy potting soil. Allow the surface of the soil to dry between waterings.
9. 9. Crown of thorns: Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) have thick, thorny stems and round, brightly colored flowers. They’re related to poinsettia plants and need minimal water. They can withstand bright to intense sunlight, making them great plants for sunrooms. Wear gloves while handling these plants as the thorny stems and milky sap can irritate your skin.

Before buying a flowering indoor plant, familiarize yourself with a few common care tips.

• Choose a suitable pot. Before repotting your houseplant or transferring it from the plastic pot it came in, research how quickly the plant will grow and how much space it’ll need. If you have a succulent or plant that requires good drainage to stay alive like the Christmas cactus, choose a porous pot made of clay or terracotta.
• Pay attention to its sunlight needs. Even if the label on your new houseplant says it needs direct sunlight, there is such a thing as too much direct light for certain varieties of plants. Too much full sun can scorch some foliage and flowers, so keep an eye on your plant if they’re placed by a sunny window.
• Feed your plant regularly. Indoor plant food can encourage new growth and your plant’s ability to rebloom every year. Feeding your plant once a month should suffice, but read the label on the pot to determine if the plant requires more nutrients.

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