9 flowering houseplants to bring a touch of spring to your home
Explore our curated list of best flowering houseplants grown in our Brooklyn community home. Discover the care and maintenance tips, along with how to style them, prune them and maximize their blooms in your living space.
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Imagine entering a room alive with the gorgeous colors and delicate fragrances of flowering houseplants. Flowering houseplants not only enhance the aesthetics of a home but also boost well-being by producing more oxygen in the air and lifting your mood — According to a study by the University of Technology, Sydney, indoor plants can even remove toxins responsible for causing cancer! (read the study here). In our Brooklyn home we’ve cultivated a green thumb for nurturing a dozen or so of these floral beauties. From the sun-drenched windows of our south-facing living room to the more subdued light of our north-facing bedrooms we have learnt to keep our rooms blooming with these flowers even with our two cats roaming around, and we can’t wait to share what we have learnt with you.
Let’s dive in.
Summary:
- Light Requirements: Match plants with the light levels in your home. African violets and begonias need bright, indirect light, while peace lilies can thrive in lower light conditions.
- Pet Safety and Allergens: Choose non-toxic plants if you have pets — African violets and orchids are safe, but peace lilies are extremely toxic.
- Growth and Space Considerations: Understand the space requirements for each plant. Larger plants like bird of paradise require more space, whereas bromeliads are suited for smaller areas.
- Maintenance and Care: Be aware of each plant’s care needs. Orchids are relatively easy care, while birds of paradise require more meticulous care.
- Pruning and Bloom Maximization: Prune after blooming to avoid stress and promote health. Use high-phosphorus fertilizers during bloom periods, maintain high humidity, and ensure plants have rest periods to encourage robust and frequent flowering.
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1. Peace lily
2. African Violet
3. Bromeliad
4. Christmas cactus
5. Orchids
How to choose best flowering houseplant for your needs?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Assess Your Light Conditions:
Evaluate the amount of light your space receives. Flowering plants like African violets and begonias thrive in bright, indirect light, but peace lilies can manage in lower light. Place a plant where it can receive its ideal light conditions to ensure it flourishes. We have all that information below in the article to help you decide.
Select Plants Based on Pet Safety and Allergens:
If you have pets, it’s crucial to choose flowering houseplants that are non-toxic. Many popular options, like African violets and orchids, are safe for homes with animals but peace lilies are EXTREMELY toxic. Always check the ASPCA’s list of non-toxic and toxic plants before bringing a new plant into a home with pets, we also have all that information for the recommended plants below.
Check Growth and Space Requirements:
Research how large the plant will grow. Larger flowering plants like bird of paradise need more space to thrive, while smaller plants like bromeliads are suitable for compact areas. Make sure you have adequate space for the plant to grow.
Understand Maintenance Needs:
Flowering plants vary greatly in their care requirements. Some plants like orchids are relatively easy to care for, while others, like the birds of paradise, need more attention and precise care. Choose a plant whose maintenance level you can comfortably manage.
Know the Plant’s Lifespan and Bloom Cycle:
Some flowering houseplants such as Christmas cacti have long lifespans and periodic blooming cycles, offering seasonal color. Others might bloom continuously. Decide if you prefer year-round blooms or seasonal interest in your home décor. We recommend getting a mix of them so there is spring in your home all year long!!
Here are our Top flowering houseplants
1. Peace lily
Toxic
Low light
Grows upto 4 feet
East/North facing windows
Toxic
low light
grows to 4 feet
East/North facing windows
The Peace Lily (aka Spathiphyllum): a perfect indoor flowering house plant that hails from the Araceae family. It has glossy, deep green leaves and beautiful white spathes that bloom around the spadix. This is also one of the tropical houseplants, so it thrives in medium to low light, and it fit perfectly in our the west-facing room on the top floor. Peace Lilies are also easy to care for – moderate watering when the soil feels dry. They are HIGHLY toxic to pets, however, your pets could literally die when ingesting any part of this plant, so keep them out of reach of cats and dogs. Their highlight is the beautiful white flowers they produce, with a gentle, refreshing fragrance that lasts for weeks. These blooms typically appear in spring and can reappear throughout the year with proper care. We have styled ours in a black ceramic pot to complement its lush foliage and clean lines. They will grow up to 3 feet tall
Care tip: Water about once a week. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. It enjoys higher humidity, and will droop to signal it’s thirsty but perks up quickly after watering. Watch for yellow leaves – they indicate overwatering​​.
Propagation tip: They are best propagated through division rather than in water. Remove the plant from its pot, and separate the root clumps into sections with at least 3 leaves each. Plant these sections in well-draining potting soil in bright, indirect light. Maintain moist soil. Wait 4-6 weeks​ for the roots to flourish!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes purity, tranquility, and rebirth. Ideal for Libras, who are known for their love of harmony and balance
Pros and cons
($43)
($98)
($71)
$31
“Love the white blooms. It’s been doing great in my living room”
2. Bromeliad
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/West facing windows
pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/West facing windows
The Bromeliad (aka Bromeliaceae) is a striking flowerin houseplant that belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. This can be a perfect addition to your bedroom for its with soothing colors. This plant boasts rosettes of stiff, spiny-edged leaves that form a central cup that is often filled with water. The foliage can vary in color from deep green to vibrant red, pink, or purple, adding a bold touch to any room. One of its most captivating features is its flower that emerges from the center and can last several 7onths!! They are usually bright red, pink, or yellow. We have placed it in our east-facing reading room where it receives indirect light and have styled in a ceramic planter. The plant is low-maintenance and requires only occasional watering. Importantly, most Bromeliads are non-toxic to pets! When mature, Bromeliads can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide.
Care tip: Water your Bromeliad every 1-2 weeks. Central cup should be filled but not stagnant. Place it in indirect light – an east-facing room. Watch for signs of dryness, like browning leaf tips, and ensure good air circulation to prevent rot. Bromeliads thrive on high humidity, so mist occasionally​
Propagation tip: Wait until the “pups” (offsets) are at least one-third the size of the parent plant, then carefully cut them off with a sterilized knife. Place the pups in a well-draining mix of half orchid bark and half potting soil. It typically takes 2-3 months for the pups to establish roots. Propagation in water is not recommended for this one!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes resilience and uniqueness, making it a great match for the determined and resourceful Scorpio​
Pros and cons
($46)
($78)
($49)
$20
“These vibrant colors in the flowers are like having bouquets all year long!”
3. Orchid
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/West facing windows
pet safe
medium light
grows to 3 feet
East/West facing windows
The Orchid (aka Orchidaceae): This air purifying indoor plant is a perfect addition to your bedroom. Its is a member of one of the largest flowering plant families, and has blooms that range from vibrant pinks to mysterious deep purples emitting a curious but delicate fragrance that vary across species. We’ve placed our orchids in one of our east-facing room where they receive the bright, indirect sunlight. Here, they’re styled in sleek glass pots that not only complement the delicate beauty of the orchids but also allow us to monitor the moisture levels of the roots easily. Orchids are more manageable than many believe — they require watering every week or so. They are non-toxic (makes for a great cute pictures with cats :)) Their vertical growth can be quite elegant, often reaching up to two feet.
Care tip:Water them once a week. Keep an eye for limp leaves, a sign of too much water or insufficient light. Orchids enjoy humidity, so a bathroom with a window can be ideal spots.
Propagation tip: Remove a keiki (baby plant) with roots, ensuring roots are at least 2 inches long. Plant it in a well-draining orchid mix (ideally), and keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in a few weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Orchid symbolizes beauty, love, and strength, — apt for Virgos who appreciate detail and elegance in their surroundings.
Pros and cons
($66)
($88)
($49)
$24
“I love the elegant blooms of this orchid. It’s very easy to care for and adds a touch of elegance to my home”
4. Lipstick plant
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows upto 4 feet
East/West facing windows
pet safe
Medium light
grows to 4 feet
East/West facing windows
This charming hanging indoor plant belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. We love its dark green, waxy leaves, which elegantly cascade from hanging planters. The leaves themselves are oval and slightly pointed that add a touch of texture and depth to your decor. The most striking feature is its vibrant, tube-shaped flowers. These buds, resembling a tube of lipstick, pop open to reveal a burst of red or orange. Surely one of those plants that are not common in many households.
They typically bloom in summer and last a few weeks. Our Lipstick Plant is placed it in the east-facing reading room where it can enjoy the morning sun. Maintenance is manageable – just a weekly watering is enough, and it’s safe for pets too! It’s a medium-sized plant, growing up to 2 feet long!
Care tip: Thrives in bright – indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, about once a week, but avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot. Look for leaves curling or browning which is a sign it needs more humidity – so a misting every few days will help
Propagation tip: cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a jar of water; roots will sprout in 2-3 weeks, then transfer to well-draining potting mix once roots are 1-2 inches long
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes joy and vibrant energy, making it perfect for enthusiastic and nurturing Leos who thrive on bringing life and color into their spaces
Pros and cons
($58)
($58)
($79)
$22
“The flowers of the lipstick plant are the best! like tiny lipstick buds!”
5. Christmas Cactus
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows upto 2 feet
East/West facing windows
pet safe
Medium light
grows to 2 feet
East/West facing windows
Meet the Christmas Cactus (aka Schlumbergera), a member of the Cactaceae family that is cherished not just for its resilience but also for its spectacular winter blooms. This flowering houseplant has flat, segmented leaves that burst into vibrant pink or red flowers during the cooler months. We’ve placed our Christmas Cactus in a ceramic hanging planter in the west-facing living room, where it receives bright, indirect light. The Christmas Cactus is non-toxic and its care regimen is manageable: it thrives with occasional watering when the top inch of soil feels dry, and it prefers high humidity. As it matures, the Christmas Cactus can extend over the edges of its pot, which makes its cascading form particularly attractive in hanging displays. Its blooms last for months as well!
Care tip: Water typically every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the humidity in your home. To encourage blooming, place it in a cooler spot (about 50-65°F) during the fall. Watch for drooping leaves, which usually indicate under-watering. This plant prefers a slight drop in temperature at night and during its blooming period in the winter, so adjusting your room temperature accordingly can enhance its vibrant displays.
Propagation tip: snip a segment of 2-3 joined segments from a healthy stem, and allow the cut to dry for a few hours to form a callus. Place the segment about an inch deep in a moistened mix of half potting soil and half sand. Keep it in indirect light and maintain slight soil moisture. Roots typically develop in 4-6 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes purity and rebirth, making it particularly fitting for Scorpios, who are known for their resilience and capacity for transformation.
Pros and cons
($9)
($38)
($43)
$9
“it adds a festive touch to my space every year without fail! like signalling winter..”
6. Anthurium
Toxic
Bright light
Grows upto 18 inches
East/south facing windows
toxic
bright light
grows to 3 feet
East/West facing windows
Meet the striking Anthurium (aka Anthurium andraeanum), part of the Araceae family. This flowering houseplant is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, waxy spathes ranging from deep red to pink and white. These spathes surround the true flowers which are tiny and line the central spadix. They bloom throughout the year. We have placed our Anthurium in a ceramic cachepot in the west-facing living room. Anthuriums thrive on high humidity and consistent moisture without being waterlogged. While its bright spathes add a pop of color, the plant is toxic when ingested, so it’s best kept away from pets and children. When mature it grows up to 2 feet!
Care tip: Water them once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every week or so, depending on your home’s humidity. Keep the humidity high around the plant; misting or a humidity tray can help. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often indicate overwatering, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. These ones thrive best in east/west facing windows.
Propagation tip: select a healthy stem with about 2-3 inches containing aerial roots. Place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring that the roots are submerged. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Once new roots grow to about an inch long, which typically takes about 3-4 weeks, plant the stem in a pot with well-draining potting soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes hospitality and happiness, making it an ideal plant for Libras, who are known for their harmonious and welcoming nature
Pros and cons
($43)
($78)
($37)
$27
“Caring for this flowering plant has been straightforward, with weekly watering and some occasional misting to keep it happy.”
7. African violet
Pet safe
medium light
Grows upto 2 feet
East/south facing windows
Pet safe
Medium light
grows to 2 feet
East/south facing windows
Meet the charming African Violet (aka Saintpaulia), a member of the Gesneriaceae family that adds a touch of vibrant color to any room! The African Violet is a stunning flowering houseplant and has round, fuzzy leaves and blooms that range in color from deep violet to pale blue and vibrant pink. These are ideal desk or bedroom plants! We have placed our African Violet in a ceramic pot, situated in the east-facing reading room — it only needs medium light. The African Violet is non-toxic to cats, and when it comes to maintenance, it’s manageable: consistent watering and avoiding water on the leaves are key is what we are learning. Its blossoms are not only a visual delight but also last long — they bloom several times a year! When fully grown, the African Violet remains petite, about six inches in height or diameter. Get this plant and keep it around your desk!
Care tip: water them when the topsoil feels dry, but be careful to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause spots. Place them in a spot with bright, indirect light – an east-facing window is ideal. Watch for wilting or drooping, which usually means it’s time to water. Ensure they’re in a warm spot as they prefer temperatures between 65-75°F. Keep an eye out for crown rot which can occur if the plant sits in waterlogged soil.
Propagation tip: select a healthy leaf with about 1.5 inches of stem, and place it in a small container of water, ensuring the stem is submerged but the leaf stays dry. Change the water weekly and roots should form in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once roots are an inch long, plant in small pot.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes loyalty and devotion, making it a fitting plant for Taurus, a zodiac sign known for its steadfastness and nurturing nature.
Pros and cons
($43)
($19)
$39
“The blooms keep coming in waves and stays for months!”
8. Birds of paradise
Pet safe
medium light
Grows upto 10 feet
East/south facing windows
Pet safe
Medium/bright light
grows to 10 feet
East/South facing windows
The Bird of Paradise (aka Strelitzia reginae) belongs to the Strelitziaceae family. This flowering houseplant is a true tropical showstopper. Its large, paddle-shaped leaves resemble a bird’s plumes, and the vibrant orange and blue flowers resembles a bird in flight. We have placed ours in the south-facing living room where it enjoys the high light necessary for it to flourish and bloom. he Bird of Paradise is relatively manageable. Be cautious with its large leaves: they can be prone to tearing if brushed frequently. We have styled it in a large terracotta planter, it anchors the space beautifully. Best part: It’s non-toxic, making it a worry-free choice for homes with pets or children. This plant not only elevates your home decor but also purifies the air! Get this one, don’t even think twice! (Refer to our list of large leaf houseplants for more information)
Care tip: thrives in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight—most ideal for a south-facing room Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It loves humidity, so consider misting occasionally or using a humidifier. Watch for leaf curling or splitting, which may indicate too much direct light or insufficient moisture.
Propagation tip: Divide the root ball during repotting in spring. Choose a section with at least one stem and several roots, plant in well-draining soil, and keep it in bright, indirect light. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. This method is most effective as Bird of Paradise doesn’t root well from stem or leaf cuttings. Expect new growth within a few months as the plant establishes – we know, it is a wait but worth it!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes freedom and magnificence; it is particularly well-suited for Leo, a sign known for its boldness and appreciation for the dramatic and beautiful.
Pros and cons
($58)
($98)
($36)
$40
“I love how dramatic this plant looks. It requires regular watering and misting but is worth it for the bold foliage”
9.lavender
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/South facing windows
pet safe
Bright light
grows to 3 feet
East/South facing windows
Meet the delightful Lavender (aka Lavandula), a cherished member of the Lamiaceae family, renowned not only for its soothing fragrance but also because it is a purple colored houseplant with a soothing scent!!. This perennial herb has slender, silver-green leaves and crowned with delicate purple flowers that emit a calming aroma! We have placed our Lavender in a terracotta pot in one of the south-facing living room on the first floor. Lavender requires well-draining soil and moderate watering, its flowers, bloom primarily in late spring and summer. Lavender is non-toxic. When fully mature, it can reach up to 24 inches in height, creating an elegant and fragrant display in any room!
Care tip: place it in a spot where it can get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, like a south-facing window. Water it sparingly—only when the top inch of soil is dry, as it prefers drier conditions. Be mindful of poor drainage, as lavender is susceptible to root rot in soggy soil. Regular pruning after flowering helps promote bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
Propagation tip: take a cutting of about 3-4 inches from a healthy, non-flowering stem. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant it in a mix of perlite and coarse sand for good drainage. Keep the soil lightly moist and place the pot in a bright, indirect light area. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes purity, calmness, and tranquility, making it an ideal plant for Virgos, who are known for their meticulous nature and often seek peace and order in their surroundings.
Pros and cons
Where to buy
($43)
($19)
($31)
$22
“We have this one in our bedroom, and my husband loves taking a whiff off them before he falls asleep!”
How to prune flowering houseplants for optimal growth
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Select the Right Time:
The best time to prune most flowering houseplants is immediately after they finish blooming. This prevents the removal of buds forming for the next bloom cycle which cause the stress on plants.
Choose Proper Tools:
Use sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors. Bonus: Disinfect your tools before use with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease.
Identify What to Prune:
Look for dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves as well as any spindly growth that detracts from the plant’s vigor. Also, identify any branches that are crossing over others and could cause damage by rubbing together.
Make the Cuts:
Cut at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above a leaf node or bud. This angle helps prevent water accumulation on the cut surface, which can lead to rot or disease. Ensure cuts are quick and clean!
Shape the Plant:
Besides removing unwanted parts, you can prune to shape your plant. Moving it around the sunlight is one way, but also aim for a balanced, aesthetically pleasing form that allows light to reach all parts of the plant.
How to maximize blooms for flowering houseplants
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Provide Adequate Light:
Position your plants near a window that receives ample light but is shielded from harsh direct rays, especially during the hot afternoon hours. Most of these plants are best by the window, except peace lily which can survive lower lights.
Feed Correctly:
During the blooming period use a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage more and better blooms. Mist them regularly.
Maintain Proper Humidity:
Many flowering plants, like orchids and African violets, thrive in higher humidity. You can increase humidity around your plants by placing a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles underneath the plants, using a room humidifier is another option.
Prune and Deadhead Regularly:
Remove faded or dead flowers promptly to encourage plants to produce new blooms rather than spending energy on seeding. Pruning back leggy growth after a bloom cycle can also promote bushier growth and more flower sites.
Ensure Rest Periods:
Some flowering houseplants, such as Christmas cactus, require specific light and temperature conditions to initiate blooming. Research your specific plant’s needs for dormancy and provide cooler temperatures or reduced lighting as needed to stimulate the blooming.
FAQ
What are the best flowering houseplants for low-light conditions?
- Peace lilies and certain types of begonias are excellent for low-light environments. Peace lilies thrive in shaded areas and only need moderate watering.
How often should I water my flowering houseplants?
- As a general rule, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. For example, orchids typically need watering once a week, while African violets prefer consistent moisture. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before watering. Ensure excess water can drain to prevent root rot.
Which flowering houseplants are safe for homes with pets?
- African violets and orchids are safe options for households with pets. In contrast, peace lilies are toxic to both cats and dogs and should be avoided in pet-friendly homes.
What type of fertilizer should I use for flowering houseplants, and how often should I apply it?
- Flowering houseplants generally benefit from a fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage blooms. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio like 10-20-10 every four to six weeks during the growing and blooming seasons. During the dormant periods, typically in the winter months, reduce feeding to once every two months to avoid over-fertilizing.
How can I encourage my flowering houseplants to bloom more prolifically?
- Maintain optimal humidity and temperature conditions, and prune regularly to promote healthy growth. Deadheading spent blooms can also encourage certain plants to produce more flowers. Ensure that the plants are not stressed by extreme temperatures or draughts.
Conclusion
Flowering houseplants can turn your home into a lush, colorful haven with very some care. Flowers are quite literally the rewards for your patience and hard work, and we hope that the information above has equipped you to bring home a flowering houseplant and enjoy their blooms all-year-long! Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. If you have any tips for others with your own experience watching the blooms in your space, please put it in the comments as well and help the community out. Happy planting!
