16 Indoor Flowering Plants to Add Color to Your Home

Orchids

• Water Twice weekly (when planting mix is dry) during the warmer months, once weekly during the winter
• Soil Needs orchid-specific soil mixes
• Light Bright indirect light

Orchids are probably what come to mind when you think of indoor flowering plants, and they have a finicky reputation. But they're actually not too difficult to grow with the right orchid care tips. The main tricks? Use the right soil, and make sure to water the plant just as its soil runs dry.

Kalanchoe

• Water Allow soil to dry out before watering
• Soil Succulent potting mix
• Light Bright, indirect light

The brightly colored blooms make kalanchoe an indoor plant standout. "It does well in bright sun, so placing it on a windowsill facing southwest should not be a problem," Mast says. "This is a succulent-like plant, so it does not need much water."

Hydrangeas

• Water Water when soil is almost dry to the touch three inches below the surface
• Soil Well-draining, slightly acidic soil
• Light Direct sun

Hydrangea varieties are a summer garden staple, but these shrubs can also brighten up a corner of your house if they're potted. They thrive best in direct sun, with moist soil.

"If you see the bloom sagging a bit, place the pot in a sink or bucket with approximately two to three inches of water so the soil can soak up the moisture through the drainage hole for about 45 minutes," Mast says. "Allow the water to drain and set back on the saucer in the sunlight."

Bromeliads

• Water Once every week or two weeks during the warm months, every two to three weeks during cooler months
• Soil Potting mix specifically for bromeliads
• Light Bright indirect or direct light

"Bromeliads come in a variety of vibrant colors and are easy to care for," says Mast. "They don't require much water-most likely every two weeks or so, and the blooms can last up to two to three months." She recommends two in particular-the Aechmea Fasciata Pink and the Bromeliad Tillandsia Summer.

Chrysanthemums

• Water Thorough watering to keep soil moist
• Soil Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix
• Light Bright, indirect light

Chrysanthemums might be right up your alley if you're looking for an easy indoor flowering plant. "They require very little extra care other than keeping the soil moist and making sure the pot has good drainage," says Mast.

Cyclamen

• Water Keep the soil moist, but allow water to drain
• Soil Loamy potting mix
• Light Bright, indirect light

If you're looking for a plant to brighten up your fall and winter, cyclamen might be the perfect fit. "The gorgeous, bright heart-shaped blooms will likely last around eight weeks given the right growing conditions," Mast says. "Keep the soil moist and make sure there is no standing water in the pot."

Amaryllis

• Water Keep soil moist, without overwatering
• Soil Sandy, loamy potting mix
• Light Direct morning sun, and bright, indirect light

These forced bulbs are popular in winter—especially around the holidays. To encourage the bloom, place them in a sunny, southern-facing window.

Anthurium

• Water Let the soil dry out halfway before watering
• Soil Use orchid potting mix, or a coarse, well-draining potting mix
• Light Bright, indirect light is best, but can tolerate low light

"The anthurium symbolizes hospitality with its open heart-shaped flower and inspires happiness and abundance," Mast says. They come in shades of red, pink, white, and purple, and need a warm, bright, and humid spot in your home.

Zygo Cactus

• Water Let soil dry completely before watering
• Soil Loamy potting mix or cactus mix
• Light Indirect, diffused light

Sometimes known as the Christmas cactus, this indoor blooming plant features brightly-colored blooms and a succulent vibe. "The Zygos are unique cacti that feature long segmented vines that will spill over the pot, making this a great option to place in a plant hanger or on a shelf," Mast says. "They can take the full sunlight and do not require much water."

Gloxinias

• Water Keep soil moist
• Soil A peaty potting mix
• Light Bright sunlight

These easy-to-care-for indoor flowering plants are relatives of the African violet, Mast says. The blooms last about two months, and the plants prefer bright, filtered sunlight and moderately moist soil.

Poinsettia

• Water Water when soil is dry to the touch
• Soil Peaty potting mix
• Light Bright, indirect light

Fun fact: The actual flowers on the poinsettia are the tiny yellow blooms in the middle. The red "petals" are actually called bracts. Poinsettias are a holiday-season staple, but can add color to your home long after the New Year.

Paperwhites

• Water Keep soil slightly moist, or provide access to water
• Soil Potting soil or pebbles with water
• Light Bright sunlight

Another forced bulb favorite for the winter, paperwhites feature delicate white blooms with a beautiful fragrance. You can grow paperwhites in potting mix, or plant the bulbs in with pebbles, so the roots can access water beneath.

Crown of Thorns

• Water Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Soil Cactus potting mix
• Light Bright, direct sunlight preferred

This pretty plant comes from the same flower genus, Euphorbia, as poinsettia. It's a succulent that can bloom throughout the year, as long as its growing conditions are met.

Peace Lily

• Water Water when soil is slightly dry
• Soil Rich, well-draining soil
• Light Indirect light

The peace lily is a popular houseplant pick, and features long-lasting white blooms that'll thrive for weeks. Just keep in mind that this plant can be particularly toxic to pets, so keep your peace lily out of reach of your dogs and cats.

African Violets

• Water Soil should stay moist, while avoiding overwatering
• Soil Light, well draining potting mix—like an African violet mix
• Light Bright, indirect light

If you're looking for flowers you can grow indoors and enjoy year-round blooms, the old-fashioned (and lovely) African violet may be just your cup of tea. One little quirk of African violets—they should be watered from the bottom, by placing the pot with a drainage hole in a saucer of water for up to a half hour to let the soil absorb water. Watering the plant from above could lead to crown rot.

Gardenia

• Water Soil should stay moist, while avoiding overwatering
• Soil An acidic, peaty potting mix
• Light Bright, indirect light

This dramatic plant features big, rose-like blooms set against vivid green foliage for a pretty addition to your indoor plant collection. Despite its reputation as a high-maintenance plant, you can help your gardenia thrive by following the care instructions fully.