A touch of greenery has the potential to instantly elevate the aesthetics and appeal of a space. Perfectly structured and well-maintained indoor flowering plants or shrubs are not just easy on the eye, but they also have several health benefits. They are known to reduce stress levels for the inhabitants and usher in positivity. So know about these indoor flower plants for your home that could spruce up the surroundings.
Geranium, jasmine and anthurium: Best indoor flower plants to add to your home
Peace Lily
This lush, slender-looking plant is a popular choice for living or office space because it purifies the air like most indoor plants, is low on maintenance and aids peaceful sleep.
These plants are perfect for indoors as they require indirect sunlight and loose soil. It is recommended to water peace lilies regularly without making the soil too wet. The well-drained soil made with houseplant compost should just be moist. They will require a slightly humid atmosphere for the plants to thrive.
Geranium
Slightly high maintenance to grow indoors but equally beautiful flowering plants, the zonal and ivy varieties of geranium are popular. They come in a variety of colours like white, pink, red, salmon and lavender. There is a rare third variety, which has rose, cinnamon and lemon-scented flowers.
These require direct sunlight and, hence, are supposed to be kept near sunny windows. Geraniums prefer a well-drained, soiless pot mix. One must be careful not to overwater these plants.
African violet
A cluster of violet blooms of the African violet plant lends a dash of colour to a bare space. The best part about these plants is they are perfect for tropical regions, flower all year around and are easy to probate and care for. Hence, they are the best indoor flower plants for the home.
They require bright indirect sunlight, well-drained soil and a high level of humidity in the atmosphere to grow well.
Oxalis
The salient feature of this bright and colourful plant is its vibrant leaves that appear to open and close with changing light during the day and night. Tiny white flowers adorning its foliage add to its beauty.
This plant cannot tolerate hot temperatures but prefers humid air and dry soil. Pet owners should beware of this plant which could be toxic to dogs and cats.
Anthurium
This common indoor plant is used in office spaces as it is known to purify the air elements of toxic elements like formaldehyde and benzene. Mostly red, their blooms are also found in white and pink varieties.
Also known as ‘flamingo plant,’ anthurium requires less or indirect sunlight, well-drained and moist soil, and humid air.
Flowering maple
The flowering maple is named after the tree because of the similarity in their leaves. Ideally grown in temperate climates, it comes in pink, red, white and violet colours. It requires moderately low temperatures and can be grown indoors as well as outdoors.
The local variety of this plant is called ‘Indian Mallow,’ and it thrives in loads of sunlight. It is known to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac and astringent properties.
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Christmas cactus
If you have mastered the art of growing succulents and cacti, this is a perfect indoor plant. Originating from the Brazilian rainforests, ‘Christmas Cactii’ is known for its dropping of vibrant blooms. This typical indoor plant needs shaded light and a cool but humid environment. This is also an air-purifying houseplant.
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Jasmine
Jasmines are known for reducing stress and neutralising the air. The indoor varieties of this plant are uncommon but available. To grow a jasmine plant indoors, you have to ensure that it gets at least four hours of direct sunlight, less watering in the resting period and organic soil.
Clivia
These are not tropical plants. Hence, they do not require too much light or water. They are low on maintenance, great to look at and have a long lifespan. One can easily plant these indoors as they thrive in a range of environments.
Crown of thorns
These striking thick foliage plants are easy to care for and improve the look and air quality of your home or office with minimum effort. These thorny bushes grow up to two feet in indoor settings and could be classified as a ‘semi-succulent’ variety. This plant is extremely popular in the Southeast Asian regions like Thailand.
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Brazilian fireworks
Its distinct two colour flowers and thick foliage inspire this name. This is a great choice for a home indoor garden because it needs a hot and humid climate and looks good even when not flowering. While watering the plant, one should take care not to wet its leaves.
Gloxinia
A fairly rare houseplant, this is known as a perennial which blooms into big and beautiful flowers once, then dies on its own and becomes dormant for a while. It then grows back, but it is most likely that it blooms only once in its lifetime.
Lipstick plant
A native of Asia, this tropical plant is known for its stunning crimson tube blooms which resemble a lipstick container. It requires lots of indirect sunlight and moisture. They are not difficult to care for.
Guppy plant
Also known as the ‘kissing lips plant,’ this boasts bright green leaves and orange bulbs for flowers. A native of Brazil, the Guppy plant is also known as the ‘goldfish plant’ It requires a moderate climate and suffers in low and very high temperatures.
Orchid
Around 25 varieties of orchids can be grown as houseplants. They come in more than 12 shades and one would be spoilt for choice while selecting a perfect orchid for their home. They need natural sunlight and absolutely can’t tolerate cold winds coming from AC shafts or naturally.
Bromeliad
This plant resembles the top foliage of a pineapple and belongs to the same family. It is a great plant to control air pollution and takes around three years to bloom. They are non-toxic plants and are easy to maintain.
Kalanchoe
One of the best indoor flowering plants for home, this is a perennial succulent that loves indirect natural light. This plant has a long bloom period, which stretches up to five years. They bloom around late winter to late spring months.
Azalea
Multicoloured flowers of an Azalea are a sight for envy of people. But it is tricky to grow them indoors because they need bright light, soggy soil and moisture. They bloom during spring for three to six weeks.
(Hero and featured image credit:Han Chenxu/Unsplash and @ohflorastore/Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-Which is the best indoor flower plant for the living room?
Kalanchoe, African violet, jasmine and orchids are the best indoor flower plants for home.
-Which is the best indoor flower plant for the kitchen?
Herbs like parsley, mint and lemongrass can be grown in one’s kitchen.
