1. African Violet

I wager you’re acquainted with this old fashioned houseplant. With its fuzzy leaves and dainty little flowers, African violet,  Saintpaulia, is unassuming and gently brightens up a house.

Purple is the same old flower shade for African violets (therefore the title), however together with this well-liked hue, their blooms additionally are available in white, and in lots of shades of blue and pink.

Possibly these flowers don’t appear unique sufficient for you? Maybe it’s time to rethink.

These African natives can be found with flowers which can be double-blossomed, fringed, or ruffled, and a few cultivars have variegated leaves.

Their low-growing varieties make them nice houseplants for small areas – simply keep in mind to water them commonly and supply them with shiny, oblique daylight.

I really like the ‘Alamo Flame’ cultivar, which to me seems like a standard African violet that acquired dressed up in a ruffled, pink promenade costume.

‘Alamo Flame’

2. Alocasia

Going by many alternative frequent names, crops within the Alocasia genus will definitely deliver an air of drama to your lounge.

Also referred to as kris plant, black defend, elephant ear, or African masks, this houseplant seems as gorgeous as a sculpture.

Alocasia’s shiny inexperienced leaves have massive white veins on the topside, whereas the underside is a deep purple hue. Alocasia can create a wonderful point of interest in a house with an eclectic adorning vibe.

 

Alocasia

3. Anthurium

Also referred to as flamingo flower, laceleaf, and tailflower, houseplants within the Anthurium genus supply a shiny splash of shade with their long-lasting crimson or pink flowers.

Not solely are anthurium flowers brightly coloured, they’re shiny and coronary heart formed, and will definitely add to a romantic or glamorous adorning type.

With its crimson and inexperienced coloring, this houseplant may make a satisfying addition to your vacation adorning scheme.

This plant will thrive in your house with medium to shiny oblique gentle, so long as you retain on prime of watering – it doesn’t prefer to dry out. With correct care, anthurium will develop to 1.5 toes tall and a foot vast.

‘Tickled Pink’

Dwell ‘Tickled Pink’ anthurium crops can be found from Burpee.

Learn extra about rising anthurium crops right here.

4. Arrowhead Vine

For individuals who favor a extra understated method in relation to shade, arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) provides a tender contact.

Additionally referred to as arrowhead plant, this houseplant’s leaves might be present in shades starting from gentle inexperienced to gentle pink, and may very well be mixed properly with the usually shorter-lived poinsettias discovered at the moment of the yr.

Arrowhead vine will admire a heat, humid spot in your own home, with shiny, oblique daylight. As a vining plant, as its title suggests, supply it a dangling basket to path from or a moss pole to develop on, as its vines can attain as much as 6 inches lengthy.

‘Mango Allusion’

The ‘Mango Allusion’ cultivar has leaves in a mild mix of inexperienced and pink, and is obtainable from Burpee.

5. Chook of Paradise

In case you’re on the lookout for a shiny, tropical burst of shade to enliven your inside when it’s chilly outdoors, fowl of paradise from the Strelitzia genus may be the houseplant for you.

A taller houseplant, its flashy, beak-shaped flowers in orange, yellow, and blue are held above its lush inexperienced foliage on lengthy inexperienced stems.

Positioned close to a sunny window with southern publicity, fowl of paradise may very well be used to create an indoor tropical really feel.

Chook of paradise must be given direct solar throughout the cooler months, and shiny, oblique solar throughout the hotter months. Solely enable the highest inch of the soil to dry out between waterings.

Chook of Paradise

6. Calathea

Calatheas could also be among the many ornamental indoor crops you’ve encountered earlier than that benefit renewed consideration. Among the many completely different species of the Calathea genus, generally referred to as “prayer crops,” there are lots of varieties boasting fantastically patterned foliage.

Calathea leaves are geometrically patterned with stripes, splotches, spots, or shading in colours that may embody darkish and lightweight inexperienced with touches of crimson, purple, or white.

Non-blooming evergreen crops like this are beautiful on their very own, or grouped with different houseplants in complementary colours.

Referred to as “prayer plant” as a result of their leaves fold up at night time, calatheas favor heat, humid environments. Keep away from direct daylight, which can bleach their stunning leaves. As an alternative, present them with oblique gentle, and keep in mind to maintain their soil moist however not soggy.

‘Magnificence Star’

7. Chinese language Evergreen

Chinese language evergreen, the frequent title for a number of species of the Aglaonema genus, is one other pretty frequent houseplant in its inexperienced and white kind. However varieties with crimson leaf veins and margins will shock you – and would possibly simply knock your socks off.

That is one other inexperienced and crimson houseplant that may be well-placed amongst your vacation decor. Maintain it round after the festivities are over, to take the sting off the post-holiday blues.

Reaching about 1.5 toes tall and 1.5 toes vast, Chinese language evergreen will thrive in low to shiny oblique gentle. It shouldn’t be allowed to dry out between waterings, however is total a low upkeep houseplant.

‘Firecracker’

8. Christmas Cactus

Talking of the vacations, don’t overlook in regards to the shiny blooms of Christmas cactuses, members of the Schlumbergera genus. These blooms can are available in a wide range of colours – white, pinks, reds, purples, and even yellows.

A mid-sized ornamental houseplant, Christmas cactus will present a splash of shade and texture on a desk or tabletop, or in a dangling basket. Christmas cacti are undemanding crops that can brighten your spirits within the winter months.

Christmas cactus requires shiny, oblique gentle throughout its rising season and must be watered when the highest inch of soil is dry. To encourage blooming yr after yr, a particular routine of cool temperatures and lengthy nights is required.

You may be taught extra about this flower-coaxing routine in addition to basic care ideas for this succulent in our Christmas cactus rising information.

Christmas cacti are among the many longest residing houseplants, so whenever you select yours, be sure you decide a flower shade you like.

Yellow Christmas Cactus

9. Coleus

You might be extra acquainted with coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as an annual bedding plant, reasonably than a houseplant.

However this vibrant tropical evergreen works effectively indoors, the place it could dwell for a number of years, and is available in a dizzying number of shade combos and patterns.

It’s a low upkeep houseplant, and might deal with a spread of oblique gentle conditions, from low to shiny. Coleus shouldn’t be allowed to dry out fully, however be sure you don’t overwater it both. Its soil must be moist however not waterlogged.

How about beginning your coleus crops from seed?

The attractive foliage on this selection, enticingly referred to as ‘Chocolate Coated Cherry,’ will deliver your house a splash of shade – and also you’ll have the pleasure of understanding you grew your plant from seed.

‘Chocolate Coated Cherry’

Seed for this selection, bought in packs of 10 pellets, is obtainable from Burpee.

10. Croton

In case you’re on the lookout for a houseplant that’s as colourful as a tropical celebration, croton (Codiaeum variegatum) can be simply what you’re on the lookout for.

Additionally referred to as backyard croton, these houseplants supply brightly mottled foliage obtainable in a mixture of inexperienced, yellow, orange, and/or crimson.

If that’s not sufficient shade for you, there are some rarer varieties that additionally embody pink and purple within the  combine. And the leaves are available in many alternative shapes, so that you’re virtually assured to discover a leaf form and shade combo that can strike your fancy.

In contrast to a lot of the different crops on this record, croton does effectively with some direct daylight, which can make for higher leaf shade.

Maintain croton’s soil moist however not soggy throughout the rising season. With correct care, this magnificence can develop as much as 6 toes tall with a 5 foot unfold – so be sure you are prepared to supply it with some room!

‘Hearth’

The ‘Hearth’ cultivar has lengthy, skinny leaves and the tropical hues that croton is thought for. You’ll discover a dwell plant of this selection in a 4-inch pot obtainable for buy at Burpee.

11. Cyclamen

A member of the primrose household, cyclamen (Cyclamen species) is one other compact alternative that’s superb for smaller areas. Cyclamen is cherished for the fantastic thing about each its foliage and its flowers.

Cyclamens have upswept flowers held on dainty stems above heart-shaped leaves. These flowers might be white, pink, crimson, or purple, and the heart-shaped leaves are sometimes graced with silvery patterns.

This charming houseplant is one other good selection for a smaller house – it would solely develop to about 9 inches tall and vast, and can thrive in shiny, oblique daylight.

Maintain your cyclamen’s soil moist – besides throughout its dormant season in the summertime, when it must be watered much less often.

12. Gerbera Daisy

When a younger baby attracts a flower, likelihood is the flower will look one thing just like the gerbera daisy (Gerbera species). Gerberas are generally present in bouquets, however may also grace your house as a dwell houseplant as a substitute of a reduce flower.

The flowers of gerbera daisies will deliver a summery cheer to your indoor house. They’re obtainable in nearly each shade of the rainbow and can develop to about 18 inches excessive, making for tabletop plant.

Gerbera daisies want a couple of hours of direct daylight day by day however favor cooler temperatures. When stored indoors, a shiny jap window would be the finest location for them. Water when the highest inch of soil is dry.

‘Garvinea Candy Glow’

‘Garvinea Candy Glow’ is a spread with orange-red flowers, obtainable as a dwell plant from Burpee.

13. Kalanchoe

You might be acquainted with the green-leaved number of kalanchoe, a succulent plant that includes small white, crimson, pink, orange, yellow, or purple blooms.

Nevertheless, some forms of kalanchoe look extraordinarily uncommon, with patterned foliage and colourful plantlets rising on their leaf margins. There are numerous colourful forms of this houseplant to tempt the botanically adventurous.

And in the event you occur to be a kind of adventurous souls, kalanchoe may additionally curiosity you as a enjoyable horticulture undertaking.

The plantlets that develop on the leaves of kalanchoes might be propagated simply. You may be taught extra about propagating kalanchoe in our article, propagating succulents in 5 simple steps. However remember the fact that these plantlets are very tiny! Light dealing with with tweezers might be useful.

‘Pink Butterflies’

14. Nerve Plant

Appreciated for its putting foliage, nerve plant is often known as mosaic plant or just by its genus title, Fittonia.

Whereas the webbed patterns that encourage fittonia’s frequent title are usually not nerves however reasonably extremely contrasting leaf veins, this characteristic is definitely what makes nerve plant enticing.

The leaves of fittonia are mesmerizing – foliage might be gentle or darkish inexperienced with white, crimson, or pink veins.

Fittonia will do effectively in a terrarium because it thrives in a moist setting.

A grouping of those brightly-colored, low-growing crops nestled round a taller houseplant with putting flowers like anthurium would create a powerful visible impression for a vacation show.

Fittonia prefers low to shiny, oblique gentle, must be stored moist, and thrives with a further supply of humidity, reminiscent of a humidifier or misting.

Or set the plant on a saucer filled with pebbles with water in it, to supply the moist situations these crops thrive on. Fittonia wilts simply however can normally be readily revived by growing humidity or watering.

Pink-Veined Nerve Plant

15. Orchid

Orchids, members of the Orchidaceae household, have an undeserved status for being tough houseplants – most likely as a result of doting house owners present them with just a little an excessive amount of care.

With their attractive blossoms, orchids could be a gorgeous a part of your residing decor.

Orchid flowers are available in a wide selection of sizes and a stunning spectrum of colours. Yow will discover orchid blossoms in primarily any shade you’re on the lookout for, together with delicate whites, brooding blacks, or showy pinks.

There are numerous several types of orchids, and their care will fluctuate. You’ll want to search for your particular species in an effort to provide it with acceptable gentle and water.

As an added bonus, many types of orchid have blossoms that aren’t solely stunning, but in addition delightfully aromatic.

Dendrobium kingianum

Learn extra about rising orchids right here.

16. Poinsettia

Usually handled as disposable vacation decorations, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) might be stored on as houseplants that can present a yearly show of shiny shade if given the correct care.

Past the usual crimson, poinsettias may also be present in hues reminiscent of white, pink, purple, orange, yellow, or salmon. Variegated poinsettias supply much more alternative.

The poinsettia’s shade comes not from its flowers however from bracts – colourful, modified leaves. To get your plant to provide these colourful leaves annually, you’ll must let it undergo a multi-week interval of relaxation with lengthy nights and cooler temperatures, adopted by a pre-bloom season of shiny daylight.

These crops originate in dry forests in Mexico and Guatamala, so that they don’t want as a lot water as most of the tropical houseplants that you could be be acquainted with. Bear in mind to let your poinsettias dry out a bit between waterings.

In case your poinsettia comes with its pot wrapped in foil or plastic, take away this or poke holes within the backside so it doesn’t stand in water.

Place your poinsettia close to a shiny window so it will get loads of oblique daylight. And ensure to maintain it away from drafts – poinsettias favor regular, heat temperatures between 65-75°F.

Poinsettias could also be a bit fussy to maintain as long-term houseplants, however their showy bracts are well worth the hassle.

‘Pink Glitter’

Learn extra about rising and caring for poinsettia crops right here.

17. Polka Dot Plant

Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is one other one you’ll love for its foliage. It has comparable colours and patterns to fittonia, however grows taller and has bigger leaves.

The brightly coloured leaves of the polka dot plant are mottled white or pink with inexperienced veins. This houseplant would brighten up a nook or add texture when organized in a grouping with some flowering specimens.

It grows to 1 or 2 toes tall with a 1-foot unfold and prefers excessive humidity. Don’t let it dry out fully between waterings, however be certain it doesn’t stand in water both.

Common misting will assist it with its humidity wants. Ensure to supply it with medium to shiny oblique gentle.

‘Splash Choose Rose’

If pink is the shade that brightens your days, you could find the ‘Splash Choose Rose’ selection at Nature Hills.

18. Rex Begonia

Like alocasia, rex begonias (Begonia rex cultorum) are all about dramatic foliage. Also referred to as painted-leaf, fancy-leaf, or king begonias, these crops are consideration grabbers.

Associated to the extra mild-mannered wax begonia, rex begonias have strikingly patterned foliage, starting from splotches to spirals, in mixes of silver, greens, reds, pinks, purples, and black.

These houseplants are pretty demanding. They don’t like moist toes, however require a moist setting, so misting with a twig bottle can be an essential a part of your care routine. Ensure to provide your rex begonias shiny however oblique daylight.

Rex Begonia

19. Spiderwort

Spiderwort, a member of the Tradescantia genus, is considered one of my favourite houseplants, interval. It’s a no muss, no fuss choice that’s elegant and really easy to propagate from cuttings. It’s often known as inch plant.

Its trailing foliage is available in varied shade combos, together with strong inexperienced, strong darkish purple, striped white and inexperienced, striped inexperienced and purple – or, my favourite, striped inexperienced and lilac.

Spiderwort is often present in hanging baskets, however it’s also possible to characteristic this fast-growing plant in smaller, ornamental tabletop containers.

Let the highest inch of the soil dry between waterings. Spiderwort will thrive in a wide range of indoor gentle situations, from medium to shiny oblique daylight.

Inexperienced and Lilac Spiderwort

20. Succulents

Whereas the time period succulent doesn’t check with a particular species, genus, or household, these crops are sometimes bought underneath this time period with out a lot additional identification. However that doesn’t imply we must always go them up!

Succulents are available in an enchanting number of colours, shapes, and sizes. Some even have stunning patterns on their leaves.

They’re obtainable in in attractive pastels, muted reds, shiny lime greens, and plenty of different hues.

A few of the genera which can be generally bought underneath the extra generic time period “succulents” embody Sempervivum, Echeveria, and Lithops. You may be taught extra about these fascinating crops in our article about 11 simple to take care of unique succulents.

Most succulents require full solar, and can do effectively in shiny, southern-facing home windows. They’ve decrease water wants than the common houseplant, so are typically decrease upkeep.

However that doesn’t imply you may overlook about them altogether.

To be taught extra about learn how to meet the actual wants of those xerophytes, see our rising information.

Succulents work notably effectively for small areas – you may fill a planter with a number of completely different species, making a miniature botanical backyard in your lounge.

And in the event you’re curious about a planter filled with succulents that’s able to beautify your residing house, Succulent Gardens has some pleasant choices.

Succulent Hexagonal Planter

This succulent hexagon planter, measuring 4 inches throughout and manufactured from reclaimed wooden, is full of an assortment of succulents – and is on the market to buy from Succulent Gardens.

21. Ti Plant

By taking a look at it, you’d by no means guess which veggie this tropical broadleaf evergreen shrub is expounded to.

Surprisingly, Cordyline fruticosa, mostly referred to as “Ti plant” or simply “Ti,” is in the identical household as… asparagus!

Native to Southeast Asia, Ti has broadly naturalized in Polynesia, and is present in Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island, and different tropical and sub-tropical places.

Ti crops rising in Hawaii

Within the wild, Ti grows right into a small tree or shrub, reaching about 10 toes in top, however when grown indoors normally grows not more than 3-6 toes tall.

Ti additionally goes by the names of “cabbage palm,” “good luck plant,” and “palm lily.”

There are numerous completely different Ti cultivars, so leaf shapes fluctuate – some are vast, whereas others are slender and sword-like.

Ti leaves are often variegated, and cultivars can be found in a spread of shade combos together with pink, crimson, burgundy, orange, and darkish inexperienced to nearly black hues.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Exotica’

Ti prefers well-drained soil that’s excessive in natural matter and barely acidic. To maintain foliage colourful, be certain to supply loads of shiny, oblique daylight.

It must be stored persistently moist via the nice and cozy seasons. Throughout winter, give your plant a resting interval with diminished watering.

Ti is from the tropics, so thrives in excessive humidity – spritz often with a twig bottle or set the plant on a saucer full of pebbles and water.

‘Pink Sister’ is a surprising cultivar with shiny pink and darkish inexperienced variegated leaves.

Cordyline fruticosa ‘Pink Sister’