Want to add a little color to a houseplant collection? Here’s a look at some popular flowering varieties:
African Violets
These are the number one flowering houseplant today. A native of the tropical areas of Africa, they are small and stemless, with hairy leaves usually growing from a single crown. There are hundreds of varieties with flowers every color of the rainbow and in sizes from large trailing varieties to tiny miniatures that fit in a teacup. They like bright but not direct sun, light, well draining soil, and moist but not wet soil. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, and water from below or make sure to use lukewarm water to avoid spotting the leaves. African Violets are vigorous bloomers year round.
Kalanchoe
These fleshly leaved plants flower year round. Keep on a sunny windowsill and water regularly, being sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. The flowers are long lasting, but once they are spent, prune them off and place the pot in a shady spot for a month, watering only sparingly. Then return it to the sun and resume normal watering and it will soon flower again.
Geranium
Yes, the same plants sold as bedding plants can be grown quite easily indoors. The variety best suited for indoor life is the Zonal Geranium. Bring indoors in the fall and place in a sunny window. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and don’t allow it to dry out completely before watering. (When the top inch or so of soil is dry is best) They’ll bloom happily all winter. In the spring cuttings can be taken and it can be returned outside if desired.
Begonia
The popular “Wax” variety of begonia sold as a bedding plant makes a very nice houseplant as well. They enjoy bright but not direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. The tuberous variety, while quite attractive, is not as ideal. They go dormant in autumn and remain so until late spring and are very prone to powdery mildew. They are best enjoyed as temporary additions.
Jasmine
These plants are both beautiful and exotic, with profuse white flowers that have an intoxicating fragrance. The best one for indoor growing is the Jasminum sambac or “Maid of New Orleans”. This Jasmine has a busy growth habit and is great for a sunny windowsill. Keep the soil moist but not wet and don’t let it dry out. In return it will produce gorgeous blooms and fragrance all year long.
Orchids
Yes, you can grow these gorgeous flowers as houseplants. The variety best suited for home growing is the Phalaenopsis or moth orchid. They are available in white, yellow, or pink varieties and bloom on long arching spikes. Once the blooms have been spent, new ones will appear on the same spikes in 8-12 weeks so don’t remove them! Orchids like bright but indirect light, high humidity (easily accomplished by using a humidifier or tray, good air circulation, and well draining soil. For more information on these plants, check out these articles.
Oxalis
These delightful little plants are closely associated with St. Patrick’s day as they include the variety which is commonly referred to as Shamrocks. They grow from tiny bulbs and are easy and fast growers. The stems have three leaflets each that close at night and they flower almost continuously in shades of yellow, white, and pink depending on the variety. Some have variegated leaves and other leaves that are a deep burgundy. Oxalis enjoys a sunny window and moist soil. When the leaves begin to brown don’t worry! Just pull them off and let the soil dry. This is its normal resting period which usually happens when temperatures get above 80 degrees. Depending on the conditions in your home your plants may not even go into dormancy. They are among the easiest plants to care for.
Bulbs
A wide variety of bulbs can be forced indoors, including Daffodils, Tulips, Paperwhites, Hyacinths, and Irises, For more information visit here.
Don’t be afraid to add a little color to a houseplant collection. With winter on the way there’s no better time!
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