Bringing a touch of nature into your home can do more than just add beauty—it can also enhance your well-being.
According to a recent study, indoor plants help reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and create a calming atmosphere.1 The soothing green leaves and vibrant flowers not only make your space look appealing but also offer a natural, relaxing environment.
If you’re looking to brighten up your home and enjoy these mental health benefits, consider adding some stunning flowering houseplants.
1. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
African Violets are known for their vibrant, velvety leaves and charming flowers. They come in various colors, including shades of purple, pink, and white. The flowers often feature a delicate, ruffled appearance, making them a standout choice for indoor gardening.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: African Violets thrive in the controlled environment of a home, preferring indirect light and moderate temperatures. Their compact size makes them ideal for windowsills and small spaces.
They are also relatively low-maintenance, only requiring consistent moisture and occasional fertilizing. Their continual blooming adds a splash of color to indoor spaces year-round.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Peace Lilies are appreciated for their elegant white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. The blooms are actually spathes—a type of bract—surrounding a central flower spike. They can also produce a subtle, pleasant fragrance.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Peace Lilies are highly adaptable and can thrive in low light conditions, making them perfect for interiors with limited sunlight. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, which help to improve indoor air quality.
Their graceful appearance and ease of care make them a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
3. Orchids (Orchidaceae family)
Orchids are renowned for their exotic and intricate flowers, which come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
The flowers can be large and showy or small and delicate, depending on the species. Popular varieties include Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, and Dendrobium.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Orchids are relatively easy to care for if their basic needs are met. They prefer bright, indirect light and need well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
With their unique and stunning blooms, orchids can be a focal point in any room. Their long-lasting flowers can stay in bloom for several months, providing ongoing beauty.
4. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
Christmas Cacti are known for their vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom around the holiday season. The flowers come in various colors, including red, pink, and white, and contrast beautifully with the plant’s green, segmented stems.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Christmas Cacti are well-suited for indoor environments and can tolerate lower light levels. They prefer cooler temperatures and higher humidity, making them a good fit for homes with consistent indoor climates.
Their festive blooms add seasonal cheer to any home, and their relatively easy care requirements make them accessible for plant beginners.
5. Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Begonias offer a diverse range of flower types and colors, from large, showy blooms to small, delicate ones. Their foliage is often equally striking, with various shapes and patterns that complement their flowers.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Begonias are versatile and can adapt to different indoor conditions. They prefer indirect light and well-draining soil, and they appreciate regular watering and humidity.
Their colorful flowers and decorative leaves make them an attractive choice for brightening up indoor spaces. With proper care, Begonias can provide blooms and lush foliage for extended periods.
6. Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)
Description: Anthuriums, often referred to as “flamingo flowers,” are renowned for their glossy, heart-shaped leaves and striking, long-lasting flowers. The flowers come in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, and orange, and are actually modified leaves called spathes that surround a central spadix.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Anthuriums are well-suited to indoor environments due to their preference for indirect light and warm temperatures. They are relatively low-maintenance and thrive in high humidity, which can be easily achieved indoors.
Their bold, colorful blooms provide a tropical flair and last for several months, making them a fantastic choice for adding a touch of exotic beauty to your home.
7. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Jasmine plants are celebrated for their fragrant, star-shaped flowers that bloom in white, pink, or yellow. The most popular varieties for indoor growth include Jasminum sambac (Arabian Jasmine) and Jasminum polyanthum (Pink Jasmine). Their sweet, heady fragrance can fill a room with a pleasant scent.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Jasmine plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring regular watering and occasional pruning to maintain their shape.
Their aromatic flowers can enhance the atmosphere of your home, making them a delightful choice for indoor gardens. Additionally, jasmine plants can be grown as vines or shrubs, providing versatile decorative options.
8. Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)
Hibiscus plants are known for their large, showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors including red, pink, orange, and yellow. The flowers are often trumpet-shaped and can be quite dramatic in appearance.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Hibiscus plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. They are well-suited for indoor environments where they can receive adequate light.
Their bold, colorful blooms add a vibrant touch to any room, and with proper care, they can flower repeatedly throughout the year. Hibiscus plants also have lush, attractive foliage that enhances their overall appeal.
9. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums are popular for their clusters of small, bright flowers that come in shades of red, pink, white, and purple. The plant’s rounded, sometimes crinkled leaves add to its visual interest.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Geraniums are adaptable and thrive in bright, indirect light. They are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of indoor conditions.
Regular watering and well-draining soil are essential for their health. Their cheerful, colorful blooms provide a burst of color and can brighten up any indoor space. Geraniums also have a pleasant fragrance, which can add to their appeal.
10. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.)
Kalanchoes are known for their compact size and clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. They come in a variety of hues, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. The flowers appear on top of thick, fleshy leaves.
Why They Make Great Houseplants: Kalanchoes are succulent plants that prefer bright, indirect light and require minimal water compared to other houseplants. They are perfect for indoor environments where they can benefit from a sunny spot.
Their long-lasting, vibrant blooms add a splash of color to any room, and their drought-tolerant nature makes them a low-maintenance option. Kalanchoes are also great for those who may not have a lot of time to dedicate to plant care.
Each of these plants brings its own unique beauty to indoor spaces, offering vibrant colors and elegant forms while being relatively easy to care for.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.