For those who don't have a green thumb or want something maintenance-free, there are plenty of amazingly realistic fake plants. However, if you're into gardening, there are many relatively easy-to-care indoor flowering plants that can add a little color to every corner of your home.
You don't have to be a gardening expert to keep these flowering plants happy, says horticulturist Joyce Mast, Bloomscape's “plant mom.” “Caring for these plants is usually the same as any other houseplant,” she says. “Most indoor flowering plants can survive in a variety of lighting environments in your home, even in direct sunlight.”
First, maintain the plant by removing spent flowers and yellowing leaves. This allows energy to be directed towards producing new flowers. Mast also recommends keeping the soil somewhat moist while avoiding water pooling at the bottom of the pot, which can cause problems with the plant's root system.
If you're ready to become a budding gardener, here are some flowering plants that can easily be grown indoors and displayed proudly on a plant stand.
Orchid
Watering Twice a week in warm seasons (when the planting mixture is dry), once a week in winter Soil Requires a soil mix specifically for orchids Light Bright indirect light
When you think of indoor flowering plants, you probably think of orchids, but orchids have a reputation for being finicky. But actually, with the right orchid care tips, growing orchids isn't all that difficult. What are the main tricks? Use suitable soil and be sure to water when the soil is dry.
kalanchoe
Bob Heimstra Water Soil until soil is dry before watering Succulent potting mix Light Bright indirect light
Kalanchoe, with its brightly colored flowers, attracts attention as an ornamental plant. “It grows well in bright sunlight, so you can place it near a southwest-facing window,” Mast says. Since it is a succulent-like plant, it does not need much water.
hydrangea
Getty Images Water Water when the soil is almost dry to the touch 3 inches below the surface Soil Well-drained, slightly acidic soil Light Direct Sunlight
Hydrangea varieties are a staple of summer gardens, but these shrubs can also be grown in pots to brighten up any corner of your home. It grows best in direct sunlight and moist soil.
“If the flowers are a little droopy, place the pot in a sink or bucket with about 2 to 3 inches of water and allow the soil to absorb water through the drainage holes for about 45 minutes,” says Mast. . “Drain and return to the saucer in the sun.”
Bromeliad
bloomscape.com Water Once every week or two in warm weather, once every 2-3 weeks in cool weather Soil Potting mix specifically for bromeliads Light Bright indirect or direct light
“Bromelias come in a variety of bright colors and are easy to care for,” says Mast. “The flowers don't need much water, probably every two weeks or so, and flowering lasts two to three months.” She recommends two.
chrysanthemum
Pamela Webb/EyeEm/Getty Images Water Thorough watering to keep the soil moist Soil A well-drained, slightly acidic potting mix Light Bright indirect light
If you're looking for a plant that easily blooms indoors, chrysanthemums may be the answer. “Other than keeping the soil moist and the pot well-drained, they don't require much special care,” says Mast.
cyclamen
Serge Vuillermoz/Getty Images Water Keeps soil moist but allows water to drain Soil Loamy potting mix Light Bright indirect light
If you're looking for a plant to brighten up the fall and winter months, cyclamen may be just the thing for you. “With the right growing conditions, the gorgeous, bright, heart-shaped flowers will probably last about eight weeks,” Mast says. “Keep the soil moist and don't let water collect in the pot.”
amaryllis
swetta/Getty Images Water Do not overwater and keep the soil moist Soil Sandy or loamy potting mix Light Direct sunlight, bright indirect light
These forced bulbs are popular in the winter, especially around the holidays. To encourage flowering, place it in a sunny, south-facing window.
anthurium
Manuela Schewe-Behnisch/Getty Images Water Let the soil be semi-dry before watering Soil Use potting mix for orchids or a coarse, well-drained potting mix Light Bright indirect light is best, but low light It can also withstand
“Anthuriums are open-heart-shaped flowers that symbolize hospitality and evoke happiness and abundance,” says Mast. They come in shades of red, pink, white, and purple and require warm, bright, and humid areas in your home.
Zygo Cactus
White Flower Farm Water Allow soil to dry completely before watering Soil Loamy potting mix or cactus mix Light Indirect diffused light
Also known as the Christmas cactus, this indoor blooming plant features brightly colored flowers and a succulent feel. “Zygos is a unique cactus with long, segmented vines that spill out of the pot, making them perfect for plant hangers and shelves,” says Mast. “They get plenty of sunlight and don't need much water.”
gloxinias
ABGlavin/Getty Images Water Keep soil moist Soil Peaty potting mix Light Bright sunlight
Mast says these easy-care indoor flowering plants are related to African violets. Flowers last about two months, and the plant prefers bright, filtered sunlight and moderately moist soil.
poinsettia
JC Visual Studio/Getty Images
Water Water when the soil is dry to the touch Soil Peaty potting mix Light Bright indirect light
Fun fact: The actual flower of a poinsettia is a small yellow flower in the center. The red “petals” are actually called bracts. Poinsettias are a staple of the holiday season, but they also add color to your home long after the New Year is over.
paper white
Lee Kim Go/Getty Images
Water Keep the soil slightly moist or have access to water Soil Water the potting soil or pebbles Light Bright sunlight
Another popular winter forced bulb, paperwhite features delicate white flowers with a beautiful fragrance. You can grow paperwhites in potting mix or plant the bulbs with pebbles so the roots can access the water below.
crown of thorns
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milli).
Krupichai/Getty Images
Water: Water when the soil surface is dry.Soil: Potting mix for cacti.Light: Bright, direct sunlight is preferable.
This beautiful plant comes from the same flower genus Euphorbia as poinsettia. It is a succulent plant that blooms all year round if the growing conditions are right.
peace lily
Getty Images/Galina Tolochko
Water Water when the soil is a little dry Soil Fertile, well-drained soil Light Indirect light
Peace lilies are popular as ornamental plants and are characterized by their white flowers that bloom for several weeks. This plant can be especially toxic to pets, so keep peace lilies out of reach of dogs and cats.
african violets
Gradus Fannie/Getty Images
Water Soil should be kept moist while avoiding overwatering Soil Light, well-drained potting mix, such as African Violet Mix Light Bright indirect light
If you're looking for a flower that you can grow indoors and enjoy year-round blooms, the classic (and beautiful) African violets may be just the ticket. One of the tricks of African violets is to water them from the bottom by placing a pot with drainage holes in a saucer of water for about 30 minutes to allow the soil to absorb the water. Watering from above can cause crown rot.
gardenia
Getty Images/Inna Pankratyeva
Water The soil should be kept moist while avoiding excessive watering.Soil Acidic peat-like potting mix Light Bright indirect light
This dramatic plant features large rose-like blooms set against a backdrop of bright green foliage, making it a lovely addition to your indoor plant collection. Gardenias are known to be high-maintenance plants, but if you follow the precautions perfectly, you can help your gardenia grow.