The best flowering houseplants recommended by plant experts

Best flowering houseplants to brighten up your home

Houseplants can be helpful in many ways, from plants that reduce condensation to species that improve the air quality in homes. Of course, they can also be an aesthetic addition and opting for flowering species can make your house smell good too.

“As we start to approach spring, it’s only natural that we want our homes to bloom as much as the flowers outside,” says David Denyer, flower expert at Eflorist. “Whether that’s opening the patio doors to the garden, going for walks in the sun, or caring for our plants and flowers, we can connect ourselves with nature in many ways.”

He adds, “So, to make the most of the spring and summer, it’s fun to choose some vibrant, blooming flowers to display in our homes.

“One of my favourite indoor flowering houseplants is the Oxalis Triangularis, which will actually be happy both indoors and outside. Indoors, you want to place it in a bright spot as the Oxalis is a sun worshipper,” explains Emma Sibley, Founder of London Terrariums.

She says that the most common variety of the plant has deep purple leaves with tiny delicate white flowers. “It is also known as a butterfly plant as its leaves open and close with the light. Oxalis should be watered once every 7–10 days and does not need misting,” adds Emma.

Emma says, “Orchids are also fantastic flowering houseplants and come in so many different varieties. Caring for orchids is relatively straightforward – they need watering about once a week, but make sure they are in a free-draining substrate like bark or coir.”

She adds, “They also love to be misted and should be kept in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Once the plant has flowered, you should prune it right back to encourage the next season of flowering.”

3. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are one of the best houseplants for bedrooms and caring for a peace lily is so simple, making them a great choice for both professional and novice plant parents.

“One of my recommendations would be the peace lily—a beautiful plant with deep green leaves and simple white flowers that look like little sails,” says David. “These plants start to bloom in the spring and summer time, with another chance in autumn and can stay in full bloom for up to 2 months, meaning you won’t be without their flowers for long.

“Peace lilies are also very low maintenance plants, and don’t require a lot of attention, so these are great for beginners, or flower enthusiasts who may not have a lot of time to dedicate to their care,” continues David.

4. African Violet

As one of the best indoor plants, African violets can provide you with the boldest purples and pinks all whilst needing very little care and maintenance.

“The plant can be fed once a month through spring and summer with a weakened high-potash plant feed to encourage flowering, and any dead flowers or leaves should be removed as soon as you see them,” explains Graham Smith MCIHort, horticulture expert at LBS Horticulture.

“Although the plant needs humidity, you should not mist the leaves of African violet, as wet leaves can cause problems,” he adds.

“Bromeliads will grow best in a warm room where they will receive a lot of bright light, and they need the temperature to be at least 20°C to flower. However, once the plant has flowered, a slightly lower temperature can keep it blooming for longer,” explains Graham.

Bromeliads are watered differently from other houseplants, according to Graham you need to water the plant via the central tank in the centre of the rosette leaves.

“Rainwater is better for watering, or you can also use tap water that has been boiled, left to cool and stand for a day. Every few weeks, you will need to empty the water from the rosette by holding the plant upside down and then refilling it with fresh water, as this will reduce the buildup of bacteria,” he advises.

6. Begonia

Begonias can be grown outdoors, they’re one of the tender plants you’ll have to bring indoors around autumn but they can happily survive during the warmer months. However, we’d recommend enjoying them in your home the whole year.

“Begonias are another excellent choice, as these flowers truly capture the essence of the spring and summertime with their vibrant colours,” explains David.

“Begonia flowers are small to medium-sized, with soft petals in colours like red, pink, orange, or white. With the proper care, these flowers can bloom for up to 5-6 months, and typically start to flower in late spring—making it a long-lasting flowering plant,” he finishes.

FAQs

What is the best low-maintenance flowering plant?

Should you be in the market for easy-going houseplants that give more than they take, then going for the Peace Lily is a great choice.

“The best low-maintenance flowering plant to keep indoors is a peace lily. This is because peace lilies are usually still able to thrive with a minimal amount of care, and it will show when it needs to be watered by drooping. The plant is fairly drought tolerant and often only needs watering once a week,” explains Graham.

Whilst they are rather easygoing, they can react pretty dramatically when their needs aren’t being met so we’d recommend learning the common reasons your peace lily might seem like it’s dying.

What is the longest-blooming indoor plant?

When it comes to getting more bang for your buck, or in this case more flowers from your plant, the experts suggest going for an Anthurium.

“The Anthurium is one of the easiest flowering houseplants to look after and has one of the longest blooming periods. Its bright pink and red flowers can last as long as eight weeks before wilting,” says Emma.

She explains that when it’s in bloom the plant looks almost fake thanks to its waxy leaves and bright flowers but luckily it’s very easy to care for.

“Place them in bright but indirect sunlight and keep their compost quite damp. However, they are prone to root rot, so make sure there is adequate drainage. Once the flower has died back, you can cut it at the base of the stem to promote new growth,” Emma adds.

No matter what houseplant you choose make sure you know how often you should water it and of course how to properly clean its leaves. Along with these steps, there’s a lot that goes into caring for plants so it’s always ideal to learn before you buy.