16 Top Indoor Flowering Plants

Cape Primrose

Cape primroses (Streptocarpus) make stunning houseplants with their velvety, long green leaves and floral sprays that rise above the foliage. They are known for their long flowering periods and ability to bloom in low light. The trumpet-shaped flowers range from speckled raspberry to frilly burgundy and two-toned purple and white. In the wild, these South African plants grow on the forest floor where they tolerate lower light and occasional dryness. To grow indoors, place plants along a north- or east-facing window. To water, thoroughly saturate the soil, then let it dry out before watering again.

Lipstick Plant

An African violet relative, lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus spp.) produces striking, tubular flowers much like a tube of lipstick. They flower primarily in the spring and summer but may continue sporadically throughout the year. Several varieties feature interesting leaves including curly, dark and variegated. Its arching growth pattern makes the plant ideal for hanging baskets. Place near a bright window for maximum blooms, use a well-draining potting mix and water consistently when top inch of soil is dry.

Pro Tip: A monthly dose of fertilizer in spring and summer will also help further boost the number of blooms.

Zebra Plant

This tropical shrub (Aphelandra squarrosa) features bright yellow, flower-like bracts in late summer and early fall. The plant can reach several inches in length and last up to six weeks. Even when not in bloom, its dark green leaves and bold white striping make a dramatic statement. Grow zebra plants in a bright spot, and be mindful of watering. They are vulnerable to overwatering and underwatering. Though typically short-lived, zebra plants can be easily propagated by cutting side shoots, dipping them in a rooting hormone, and planting in potting soil.

African Violet

Known for their easy of care, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are a long-time favorite houseplant for the wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Colors include white, purple, lavender, wine, pink, or bicolored and speckled, while flower shapes range from single to double and bell-shaped. These plants prefer lower light than most blooming houseplants and can bloom year-round with minimal care. Position them along an east- or north-facing window. To water, use the bottom-watering technique by placing the pot in a shallow bowl of room-temperature water for 15 minutes to absorb water through the pot’s drainage holes, preventing crown rot.

Fun Fact: The hairs on African violets’ leaves help them absorb water from the air.

Shrimp Plant

This Mexican native (Justicia brandegeeana) has charmed for decades with its unusual, shrimp-like blooms, fast growth and arching branches. The plant can flower year-round if given bright, indirect light. If blooms stop, it is usually a sign that it needs more light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Potted plants can be moved outdoors for the summer but should return indoors well before frost. In late winter, prune plant tips to keep a rounded, fuller shape.

Pro Tip: Try growing in a hanging basket to allow the branches and blooms to drape.

Moth Orchid

Among the 25,000 orchid species, moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) are among the easiest to grow as houseplants. In their native Southeast Asia, they thrive in dappled sunlight on trees, similar to the light conditions found in our homes. They are widely available, even in grocery stores, in a range of colors and sizes. They prefer an east-facing window, close to but not touching the glass. West- and south-facing windows can also work, especially if the light is shielded with blinds or a sheer curtain. Water weekly at the sink. Place the potted plant in a bowl, pour in tepid water, and let it soak for about 10 minutes. After soaking, drain the water, and return the orchid to its window location. Both unsoftened tap water and rainwater are suitable options.

Crown of Thorns

Crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a resilient succulent with spiny stems and delicate, butterfly-like flowers in a range of colors. The popular ‘Serendipity’ variety features large, 1-2” flowers with deep pink inner petals and light, cream-colored petal edges. The plant creates a magnificent floral show during the spring and summer blooming season. The plant will thrive on a sunny windowsill or outside during the warm summer months. It prefers bright, direct light and infrequent watering. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Pro Tip: Crown of thorns can become leggy, so occasionally prune to keep a desirable shape. As a bonus, pot the cut stems to grow new plants.

Anthurium

Also known as the flamingo flower, Anthurium brings an exotic flair to indoor spaces with its red flower and large, glossy leaves. Its flowers are actually “spathes”— brightly colored leaves that attract insects to a central spadix made up of tiny blooms. Beyond red, spathe colors include pink, lavender and green. They are popular for floral arrangements since they last a long time after being cut. To encourage more spathes, give plants plenty of humidity and fertilize weekly with a ¼ dilution of liquid, high phosphorous fertilizer. Also try adjusting the amount of light if still stubborn to bloom.

Flowering Maples

Flowering maples (Abutilon spp.), also called Chinese bellflowers, were popular during the Victorian era and have enjoyed a renaissance for their new forms. In the Midwest, these tropical shrubs are grown as houseplants and moved outdoors for the summer months. Indoors, they grow best in a bright, sunny location and prefer relatively cool temperatures (60 degrees F). Keep them evenly moist during the growing season and reduce watering indoors in the winter. Still, avoid letting the plant completely dry out. Also, fertilize regularly, starting in late winter when growth resumes, and stopping in the fall. With sufficient light, many will continue to bloom through the winter.

Chenille Plant

Named after the French word for caterpillar, chenille plants (Acalypha hispida) offer whimsical, tassel-like blooms that reach 12 to 18 inches long. The plants prefer warm temperatures and high humidity and grow best in bright to intense light (e.g., a south-facing window). Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch and fertilize during the growing season (spring to early autumn) with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage growth and blooms. While the fuzzy flowers are tempting to touch, they can irritate skin and be mildly toxic if ingested.

Hibiscus

This Hawaiian native (Hibiscus) is beloved for its large blooms reaching up to 8 inches wide. The plant blooms intermittently from late spring to late fall, and even sometimes in winter. For best results indoors, keep the plant near the brightest and warmest window, most likely south or west facing. Water hibiscus regularly during the growing season (spring to early autumn) and feed weekly with a high potash liquid fertilizer. Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Move this tropical beauty outdoors in late spring or early summer to encourage more robust growth and flowers. In early September, move plants back indoors. In early spring, prune for shape, cutting back long shoots and thinning non-flowering shoots.

Holiday Cactus

Holiday cactus (Schlumbergera), also known as Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus, is famous for its bright, tubular flowers that bloom during the winter holiday season. A wonderful gift plant, it is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil and features flowers in colorful shades of pink, red, scarlet, orange, gold, cream, or white. This easy-to-grow succulent thrives in indirect sunlight and well-draining soil with moderate water, typically when the top inch of soil is dry. The plant is long-lived and often passed down through generations of families.

Hoya

Known as wax plants, hoyas are slow-growing vines known for their waxy leaves and star-shaped flowers. With over 300 species, they are highly collectible for their diverse leaves including heart-shaped, curly, variegated and speckled. In the wild, these tropical succulents grow in Southeast Asia and parts of Australia and New Zealand where they climb rocks and tree trunks in lower rainforest and higher cloud forests. As houseplants, they prefer bright indirect light, humidity and a light touch on the watering. To achieve blooms, provide consistent care and be patient. Hoyas can take years to flower, but once they do, the blooms will delight with their charm and fragrance.

Pro Tip: Do not cut off spent flowers; the plant will rebloom in this same spot in coming years.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) are prized for their large, showy winter flowers, in shades of white, pink and red. The flowers may be frilly or scented, and are set off by marbled, heart-shaped leaves. When selecting a cyclamen at a floral shop or garden center, look for one with plenty of buds for a longer floral show. The plants thrive indoors in cool, bright spots and should not be placed in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Cyclamen should be allowed to go dormant during the summer, reducing watering to encourage blooming the following autumn.

Clivia

These stately tropical plants (Clivia miniata) surprise with their exotic, orange flowers. Even when it is not in bloom, the plant’s arching, strap-like leaves make a striking sculptural houseplant. For best results, grow clivia in bright diffused light such as a north- or east-facing window. They can be moved outside for the summer but must be brought in before freezing weather. During the growing season, water regularly and allow the soil to dry to the touch between waterings. Fertilize monthly with half-strength fertilizer solutions. The best blooms come on older, pot-bound plants.

Pro Tip: To force plants into bloom in February, mimic the plant’s natural dormancy for at least 5 weeks (typically October 1 to mid-January). Move to a cool but not freezing place (ideally with 50 degrees F night-time temperatures), and stop watering. Without the cold treatment, they will flower later in summer.

Jewel Orchid

Jewel orchids (Ludisia discolor) are adored for their dark, pink-striped leaves and delicate, long-lasting blooms. Unlike moth orchids that grow on trees, these terrestrial orchids grow natively in soil on the forest floor. As a houseplant, they are easy to grow and tolerate low light. Place them along an east- or north-facing window, and water only when the soil is just barely dry to the touch.

Pro Tip: To propagate jewel orchids, cut stem pieces, place them in water then pot when roots appear.