Indoor Plants to Add Colour to Your Home
Introducing plants into your home not only beautifies the space but can also lift your spirits and promote a healthier atmosphere. Indoor plants can act as colourful accents, bringing life and texture to different areas of your home. In this article, we will explore a variety of indoor plants that can brighten your living space, along with essential care tips for each type.
Here are the plants listed in alphabetical order:
1. African Violets
Description: These delightful plants produce clusters of beautiful purple, pink, or white flowers.
Care: They prefer bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water from the bottom to prevent leaf spots, keeping the soil slightly moist.
Soil: A special potting mix for African violets is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every two to four weeks with a specific African violet fertiliser.
2. Aglaonema
Description: Renowned for its striking foliage, Aglaonema comes in various colours and patterns.
Care: Thrives in low to medium light conditions.
Watering: Allow the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every four to six weeks during the growing season.
3. Alocasia (Black Velvet, Amazonica, etc.)
Description: Alocasia plants are famous for their dramatic foliage and unique leaf shapes.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Watering: Keep the soil moist but avoid sogginess.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
4. Amaryllis
Description: With its large, showy flowers, Amaryllis makes a stunning addition to any home.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is recommended.
Feeding: Fertilise every couple of weeks during the growing season.
5. Anthurium
Description: With glossy, heart-shaped leaves and bright spathes resembling flowers, anthuriums are visually striking.
Care: Prefers indirect sunlight and a humid environment.
Watering: Water every one to two weeks, allowing the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is best.
Feeding: Fertilise every six to eight weeks during the growing season.
6. Begonia Elatior
Description: This begonia variety features striking, vivid blooms in shades of pink, yellow, red, and white.
Care: It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and enjoys a warm atmosphere.
Watering: Maintain consistently moist soil, avoiding sogginess.
Soil: Opt for a well-draining potting mix.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season.
7. Caladiums
Description: Caladiums are recognised for their large, colourful leaves, perfect for adding a tropical flair.
Care: They prefer bright, indirect light and humidity.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
8. Calathea
Description: Renowned for its stunning leaf patterns and colours, Calathea brings a touch of the tropics to your home.
Care: Prefers low to medium light with high humidity; another great choice for bathrooms.
Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist, avoiding waterlogging.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is recommended.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
9. Calibrachoa
Description: Often referred to as "million bells," Calibrachoa features small, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in a wide array of colours, including pink, purple, yellow, and white. These plants are perfect for adding a cheerful touch to your indoor garden.
Care: They prefer bright light and can thrive in direct sunlight.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil feels dry.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
Feeding: Fertilise every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser.
10. Chrysanthemum
Description: Renowned for their bright, small daisy-like flowers, these pot mums offer a cheerful splash of colour.
Care: They flourish in bright light.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil feels dry.
Soil: A rich, well-draining potting mix is recommended.
Feeding: Apply diluted liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks.
11. Clivia
Description: Clivia features lush green leaves and produces trumpet-shaped flowers in orange or yellow.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil is dry.
Soil: Well-draining potting soil works best.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
12. Coleus
Description: Celebrated for their vibrant, multicoloured foliage, Coleus plants are a delightful addition.
Care: They thrive in bright, indirect light.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is recommended.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
13. Croton
Description: Crotons are celebrated for their vividly coloured leaves showcasing hues of green, yellow, red, and orange.
Care: They require bright, direct light to maintain their vibrant colours.
Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, being cautious not to overwater.
Soil: A well-draining potting soil is ideal.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced fertiliser monthly during the growing season.
14. Cyclamen
Description: With its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and upward-facing flowers, Cyclamen adds an elegant touch.
Care: Prefers indirect light.
Watering: Water from the bottom and keep the soil slightly moist.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is best.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
15. Echeveria
Description: Echeveria
is a popular succulent known for its rosette shape and colourful leaves, which can range from green to purple, pink, and blue.
Care: Prefers bright light and can tolerate some direct sunlight.
Watering: Water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil: Use a cactus mix or well-draining potting soil.
Feeding: Fertilise sparingly during the growing season.
16. Fittonia
Description: Commonly known as the nerve plant, Fittonia has striking foliage with intricate veins, available in green, pink, and white.
Care: It flourishes in low to moderate light and high humidity, making it a great choice for bathrooms.
Watering: Maintain consistently moist soil.
Soil: Best suited for a well-draining potting mix.
Feeding: Fertilise sparingly during the growing season.
17. Ficus Elastica
Description: Commonly known as the rubber plant, Ficus Elastica features glossy, dark green, yellow, pink, burgundy, and reddish leaves that can add a touch of elegance to your indoor space.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil is dry.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every month during the growing season.
18. Fuchsia
Description: Fuchsia plants are renowned for their beautiful, drooping flowers in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and red.
Care: Prefers partial shade.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every few weeks during the growing season.
19. Geranium
Description: Geraniums are known for their vibrant flowers in various colours and their ease of care.
Care: Require bright light and well-ventilated spaces.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil is dry.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix works best.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
20. Gerbera
Description: Gerbera daisies are known for their vibrant blooms and long-lasting flowers.
Care: They require bright light and good air circulation.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil is dry.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is best.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
21. Gymnocalycium
Description: A type of grafted cactus, Gymnocalycium is known for its striking bright tops and unique ribbed structures, adding a pop of colour.
Care: Requires bright light and minimal humidity.
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil: A cactus potting mix ensures optimal drainage.
Feeding: Fertilise every few months during the growing season.
22. Guzmania / Aechmea
Description: These bromeliads display colourful bracts and unique flower spikes.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and humidity.
Watering: Water the central cup of the plant while keeping the soil moist.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is best.
Feeding: Fertilise every few months with a bromeliad fertiliser.
23. Hoya / Lipstick Plant
Description: Known for its waxy leaves and star-shaped flowers, Hoya is a charming indoor plant.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil is dry.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix will suffice.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
24. Hypoestes
Description: Known as the polka dot plant, Hypoestes features vibrant leaves adorned with pink or white spots.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, avoiding sogginess.
Soil: A general-purpose potting mix works well.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
25. Kalanchoe / Calandiva
Description: These succulents are adorned with clusters of small, vibrant flowers and thick, waxy leaves.
Care: They thrive in bright light but can tolerate some shade.
Watering: Water every two to three weeks, ensuring the soil dries out completely between waterings.
Soil: A cactus mix or well-draining potting soil will suffice.
Feeding: Feed with a diluted fertiliser monthly during the growing season.
26. Peace Lily
Description: Known for its elegant white flowers and glossy leaves, the peace lily is a popular choice for indoor gardening.
Care: Thrives in low to medium light.
Watering: Water when the leaves begin to droop slightly.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every six to eight weeks during the growing season.
27. Philodendron White Knight
Description: This unique philodendron is prized for its striking white and green variegated leaves, making it a standout choice for plant collectors.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil is dry.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix works best.
Feeding: Fertilise every four to six weeks during the growing season.
28. Pink Princess Philodendron
Description: The Pink Princess is famed for its striking pink and green variegated leaves, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.
Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil feels dry.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
Feeding: Fertilise every month during the growing season.
29. Peperomia
Description: Peperomia plants come in various colours and textures, often featuring thick, succulent leaves in shades of green, red, and variegated patterns.
Care: They thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Watering: Allow the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every couple of months during the growing season.
30. Rex Begonias
Description: Rex Begonias are admired for their spectacular foliage, which boasts intricate patterns and vibrant colours, including silver, burgundy, and green.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every month during the growing season.
31. Strelitzia
Description: Commonly known as the bird of paradise, Strelitzia features striking leaves and unique, bird-like flowers.
Care: Prefers bright light and warmth.
Watering: Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil is dry.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise every few weeks during the growing season.
32. Syngonium
Description: Known for its arrow-shaped leaves, Syngonium is a versatile and attractive indoor plant ranging from neon pink to shades of cream and green.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light.
Watering: Allow the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
33. Triostar Stromanthe
Description: This plant is known for its stunning variegated leaves, featuring shades of green, cream, and pink. The unique pattern adds a vibrant touch to any indoor space.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and humidity.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix works best.
Feeding: Fertilise every few weeks during the growing season.
34. Zantedeschia
Description: Also known as calla lilies, Zantedeschia produces elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Care: They thrive in bright, indirect light and warmth.
Watering: Keep the soil moist, particularly during the growing season.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix enriched with organic matter is ideal.
Feeding: Fertilise monthly during the growing season.
35. Phalaenopsis
Description: Commonly referred to as the moth orchid, Phalaenopsis boasts long-lasting flowers available in an array of colours.
Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and a humid environment.
Watering: Water every one to two weeks, allowing the potting medium to dry out slightly between waterings.
Soil: A special orchid mix ensures good drainage.
Feeding: Fertilise every two to four weeks with a diluted orchid fertiliser.
Bringing these indoor plants into your home not only introduces vibrant colours and beauty but also enhances your overall well-being. With the right care and attention, your indoor garden can flourish and become a stunning focal point in your living space. Enjoy your planting adventure!
