23 Colorful Houseplants to Warm Up Your Winter

Winter can at all times use some brightening up. Particularly if, like me, you spend a lot of the season indoors, enjoyable and catching up in your gardening studying.

A cheery houseplant (or three) is perhaps simply the companion you want on your winter rejuvenation. And plenty of species will final for years should you present them with the correct care.

We hyperlink to distributors that will help you discover related merchandise. In case you purchase from considered one of our hyperlinks, we could earn a fee.

Whether or not your fashion is neon-lights-bright or understated splashes of pastel, there are species out there in all styles and sizes to brighten up your winter.

I’ve whittled down an inventory of 23 of my favourite houseplants that add a splash of shade – and I wager you’ll discover simply the one to heat up your own home by way of the colder months.

A few of these could also be acquainted, whereas others could also be new to you.

I’ll briefly introduce every of them and provide shopping for ideas for a few of my favourite varieties, and supply some data on caring for every of those vibrant houseplants.

1. African Violet

I wager you’re aware of this old skool 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 identify), however together with this common hue, their blooms additionally are available white, and in lots of shades of blue and pink.

Perhaps 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 bear in mind to water them often and supply them with vivid, oblique daylight.

African Violet

You will discover purple African violet crops in four-inch pots out there by way of Walmart.

Discover recommendations on rising and caring for African violets right here.

2. Alocasia

Going by many alternative widespread names, species within the Alocasia genus will definitely convey an air of drama to your lounge.

Often known as kris plant, black protect, elephant ear, or African masks, this houseplant appears as gorgeous as a sculpture.

The shiny inexperienced leaves have giant white veins on the topside, whereas the underside is a deep purple hue. Alocasia can create a superb focus in a house with an eclectic adorning vibe.

Alocasia ‘Black Velvet,’ one of many varieties generally bought as a houseplant, reaches one to 2 ft tall and broad.

Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’

It requires vivid, oblique gentle and solely the highest inch of soil must be allowed to dry out between waterings.

These stunners can be found from Quick Rising Bushes.

Learn to develop and look after alocasia right here.

3. Anthurium

Often known as flamingo flower, laceleaf, and tailflower, houseplants within the Anthurium genus provide a vivid 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 fashion.

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

Anthuriums will thrive in your house with medium to vivid oblique gentle, so long as you retain on high of watering – it doesn’t prefer to dry out.

‘Purple Coronary heart’

With correct care, anthurium will develop to at least one and a half ft tall and a foot broad.

‘Purple Coronary heart’ anthuriums can be found from Quick Rising Bushes.

Learn extra about rising anthurium crops right here.

4. Arrowhead Vine

For individuals who choose a extra understated method relating to shade, arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) provides a gentle contact.

Additionally referred to as arrowhead plant, the leaves fluctuate in shades starting from gentle inexperienced to gentle pink, and may very well be mixed properly with the usually shorter-lived poinsettias discovered right now of the 12 months.

Arrowhead vine will recognize a heat, humid spot in your home, with vivid, oblique daylight.

Arrowhead Plant

A vining species, as its identify suggests, provide it a dangling basket to path from or a moss pole to develop on, as its vines can attain as much as six inches lengthy.

You will discover ‘White Butterfly’ arrowhead crops out there from Hirt’s Gardens by way of Walmart.

Learn extra about rising arrowhead crops right here.

5. Hen of Paradise

In case you’re on the lookout for a vivid, tropical burst of shade to enliven your inside when it’s chilly outdoors, chook of paradise from the Strelitzia genus is perhaps 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, chook of paradise may very well be used to create an indoor tropical really feel.

Hen of paradise must be given direct solar through the cooler months, and vivid, oblique solar through the hotter months. Solely permit the highest inch of the soil to dry out between waterings.

Orange Hen of Paradise

You’ll discover an orange chook of paradise plant in a three-gallon pot out there at Quick Rising Bushes.

Learn extra about caring for chook of paradise crops indoors right here.

6. Calathea

Calatheas could also be among the many ornamental indoor crops you’ve encountered earlier than that benefit renewed consideration.

Among the many totally different species of the Calathea genus, generally referred to as prayer crops, there are a lot of varieties boasting fantastically patterned foliage.

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

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

Known as “prayer plant” as a result of their leaves fold up at night time, calatheas choose heat, humid environments.

Keep away from direct daylight, which is able to bleach their lovely leaves. As an alternative, present them with oblique gentle, and bear in mind to maintain their soil moist however not soggy.

‘Medallion’

‘Medallion’ is a range with leaves that look as if they’ve been created by a painter, and is obtainable in six-inch pots from Quick Rising Bushes.

Take a look at our information to rising prayer crops to be taught extra.

7. Chinese language Evergreen

Chinese language evergreen, the widespread identify for a number of species of the Aglaonema genus, is one other pretty widespread houseplant in its inexperienced and white type.

However varieties with crimson leaf veins and margins will shock you – and may simply knock your socks off.

That is one other inexperienced and crimson houseplant that will 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 one and a half ft tall and broad, Chinese language evergreen will thrive in low to vivid oblique gentle.

It shouldn’t be allowed to dry out between waterings, however is general a low upkeep houseplant.

Purple Chinese language Evergreen

You will discover colourful crimson Chinese language evergreen crops with inexperienced, yellow, and crimson mottled leaves out there at Quick Rising Bushes.

Learn extra about rising Chinese language evergreens.

8. Christmas Cactus

Talking of the vacations, don’t overlook in regards to the vivid blooms of Christmas cactuses, members of the Schlumbergera genus.

These blooms can are available 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 houseplants that may brighten your spirits within the winter months.

Christmas cactus requires vivid, oblique gentle throughout its rising season and must be watered when the highest inch of soil is dry.

To encourage blooming 12 months after 12 months, a particular routine of cool temperatures and lengthy nights is required.

You possibly can be taught extra about this flower-coaxing routine right here.

Pink Christmas Cactus

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

You will discover pink Christmas cactus crops out there by way of Walmart.

Discover basic care ideas for this succulent in our Christmas cactus rising information.

9. Coleus

It’s possible you’ll be extra aware of coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as an annual bedding plant, quite than a houseplant.

However this vibrant tropical evergreen works properly indoors, the place it could possibly 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 vivid.

Coleus shouldn’t be allowed to dry out utterly, however be sure to don’t overwater it both. Its soil must be moist however not waterlogged.

The beautiful, vivid fiery-red foliage on this selection, enticingly referred to as ‘Inferno,’ will convey your own home a splash of shade.

‘Inferno’

You will discover four-plant bundles out there from Burpee.

Be taught extra about caring for coleus as an houseplant.

10. Croton

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

Additionally referred to as backyard croton, these houseplants provide brightly mottled foliage out there 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 embrace pink and purple within the combine.

And the leaves are available many alternative shapes, so that you’re virtually assured to discover a leaf form and shade combo that may strike your fancy.

Not like many of the different houseplants on this record, croton does properly with some direct daylight, which is able to make for higher leaf shade.

Maintain the soil moist however not soggy through the rising season.

With correct care, this magnificence can develop as much as six ft tall with a five-foot unfold – so be sure to are prepared to supply it with some room!

‘Petra’

The ‘Petra’ cultivar has broad leaves and the tropical hues that croton is thought for.

You’ll discover crops in six-inch or three-gallon pots out there from Quick Rising Bushes.

And browse our rising information to find out about how one can look after croton crops.

11. Cyclamen

A member of the primrose household, cyclamen (Cyclamen species) is one other compact selection that’s ultimate for smaller areas.

Cyclamen is beloved for the great thing about each its foliage and its flowers.

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

This charming houseplant is one other sensible choice for a smaller house – it should solely develop to about 9 inches tall and broad, and can thrive in vivid, oblique daylight.

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

Latinia® Purple

Choose up four-inch Latinia® crimson cyclamen crops in packages of two or 4 from Residence Depot.

Learn extra about rising and caring for cyclamen houseplants right here.

12. Gerbera Daisy

When a younger youngster 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 can even grace your own home as a dwell houseplant as a substitute of a lower flower.

The flowers of gerbera daisies will convey a summery cheer to your indoor house.

They’re out there in virtually each shade of the rainbow and can develop to about 18 inches excessive, making for a superb tabletop specimen.

Gerbera daisies want just a few hours of direct daylight on daily basis however choose cooler temperatures.

When stored indoors, a vivid japanese window would be the greatest location for them. Water when the highest inch of soil is dry.

‘Garvinea Candy Recollections’

‘Garvinea Candy Recollections’ is a range with pink flowers, out there as a dwell plant from Burpee.

Discover extra recommendations on rising gerbera daisies right here.

13. Kalanchoe

It’s possible you’ll be aware of the green-leaved number of kalanchoe, a succulent that includes small white, crimson, pink, orange, yellow, or purple blooms.

Nevertheless, some types of kalanchoe look extraordinarily uncommon, with patterned foliage and colourful plantlets rising on their leaf margins.

There are various colourful types of this houseplant to tempt the botanically adventurous.

And should you occur to be a type of adventurous souls, kalanchoe may curiosity you as a enjoyable horticulture mission.

The plantlets that develop on the leaves of kalanchoes may be propagated simply. You possibly can 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! Mild dealing with with tweezers may be useful.

Flaming Katy

Flaming Katy, Ok. blossfeldiana, is obtainable in a three-pack assortment of colours, together with white, pink, yellow, and orange from Residence Depot.

Discover extra recommendations on caring for crops within the Kalanchoe genus right here.

14. Nerve Plant

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

Whereas the webbed patterns that encourage fittonia’s widespread identify are usually not nerves however quite extremely contrasting leaf veins, this function is actually what makes nerve plant engaging.

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

Fittonia will do properly in a terrarium because it thrives in a moist surroundings.

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

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

Purple-Veined Nerve Plant

Fittonia wilts simply however can normally be readily revived by growing humidity or watering.

In case you’re able to attempt considered one of your individual, you should buy a red-veined nerve plant from Hirt’s Gardens by way of Walmart.

15. Orchid

Orchids, members of the Orchidaceae household, have an undeserved fame for being troublesome houseplants – most likely as a result of doting homeowners present them with a bit of an excessive amount of care.

With their beautiful blossoms, orchids generally is a gorgeous a part of your residing decor.

Orchid flowers are available a wide selection of sizes and a stunning spectrum of colours.

You 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 various various kinds of orchids, and their care wants will fluctuate. Remember to lookup your particular species so as to provide it with applicable gentle and water.

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

Purple Moth Orchid

In case you’re available in the market for an orchid so as to add to your own home decor you will discover a purple Phalaenopsis in an ornamental clay pot out there from Inexperienced Circle Growers by way of Walmart.

Learn extra about rising orchids right here.

16. Poinsettia

Typically handled as disposable vacation decorations, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) may be stored on as houseplants that may present a yearly show of vivid shade if given the precise care.

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

The poinsettia’s shade comes not from its flowers however from bracts – colourful, modified leaves.

To encourage your plant to supply 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 vivid daylight.

You possibly can be taught extra about this course of right here.

Poinsettias 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 aware of.

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

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

Purple Poinsettia

You will discover a crimson poinsettia in a one-and-a-half-gallon pot wrapped in ornamental inexperienced foil out there from Residence Depot.

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 related 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 at least one to 2 ft tall with a one-foot unfold and prefers excessive humidity. Don’t let it dry out totally between waterings, however make certain it doesn’t stand in water both.

Common misting will assist it with its humidity wants. Be sure that to supply it with medium to vivid oblique gentle.

Pink Polka Dot Plant

If pink is the shade that brightens your days, you will discover crops in two-and-a-half-inch pots out there from Hirt’s Gardens by way of Walmart.

18. Rex Begonia

Like alocasia, rex begonias (Begonia rex cultorum) are all about dramatic foliage. Often known 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 ft, however require a moist surroundings, so misting with a sprig bottle will probably be an vital a part of your care routine.

Be sure that to present your rex begonias vivid however oblique daylight.

Rex Begonia

In case you’re able to create some drama along with your indoor foliage, you will discover crimson rex begonias in two-and-a-half-inch pots out there from Hirt’s Gardens by way of Walmart.

Discover recommendations on caring for rex begonia crops right here.

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 stable inexperienced, stable darkish purple, striped white and inexperienced, striped inexperienced and purple – or, my favourite, striped inexperienced and lilac.

Spiderwort is steadily present in hanging baskets, however you can even function 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 circumstances, from medium to vivid oblique daylight.

Inexperienced and Lilac Spiderwort

You may get your individual inexperienced and lilac spiderwort in two-and-a-half-inch pots from Kauai Backyard by way of Amazon.

Be taught extra about rising and caring for spiderwort crops right here.

20. Succulents

Whereas the time period succulent doesn’t consult with a selected species, genus, or household, these crops are sometimes bought beneath this time period with out a lot additional identification.

However that doesn’t imply we should always move them up!

Succulents are available a captivating number of colours, shapes, and sizes. Some even have lovely patterns on their leaves.

They’re out there in in beautiful pastels, muted reds, lovely blues, vivid lime greens, and plenty of different hues.

A number of the genera which can be generally bought beneath the extra generic time period “succulents” embrace Sempervivum, Echeveria, and Lithops.

You possibly can be taught extra about these fascinating crops in our article about 11 simple to look after unique succulents.