Flowering Plants to Grow Indoors

Growing Flowering Plants Indoors.
By Wolfdave

More and more people are discovering that growing indoor plants is a very satisfying and rewarding hobby. And because the homes in which we now live are lighter, warmer and more or less draught free, than they used to be, there is less chance of your plants suffering from dramatic changes in temperature throughout the course of the day, or night. So a whole new range of plants from across the world can now be successfully grown indoors. The plants I have selected here are all easy to grow and require just basic care.

Five Flowering House Plants.

Achimenes

The funnel-shaped flowers of this pretty plant are in brilliant shades of red, white, blue or lavender. These plants can be grown from tubers. In April, plant one inch deep and two inches apart. Place them in a warm position and water sparingly. As growth increases, water more freely. To encourage bushiness, pinch out the shoot tips. Short sticks can be used to support them in the pot. They prefer a well-lit position, but avoid strong sunshine. Feed occasionally with liquid fertilizer. When flowering has finished, gradually reduce the amount of water. Allow the plant to dry off before winter and store in a frost free place.

Beloperone

Shrimp Plant, is the common name for this flowering shrub. This is due to the shape and colour of the attractive bracts surrounding the small flowers. They need regular feeding with liquid fertilizer. They need a position with a minimum temperature of 10 degrees, with some direct sunlight. Place in a cool, sunny position in winter. Water well in spring and summer. But keep almost dry, in winter. Encourage branching by removing growing tips. Prune to keep it tidy. Cuttings should be taken in the spring.

Billbergia Nutans

This plant is a Bromeliad from Brazil and is in the same family as the Pineapple. Sometimes known as queen’s-tears, it has rosettes of long narrow leaves; flowers are greenish-yellow and appear in the spring. These flowers are born on long stems and arch down from pink bracts. They are easy to grow and will tolerate low temperatures. Normal room temperature is recommended positioned in good natural light, but avoid direct sunlight. Water well in summer, moderately for the rest of the year. Fresh rain water is preferred. Feed occasionally. The plant can be propagated in the spring by means of offsets.

Bougainvillea

This is a climbing plant with little flowers. The pink, red or orange bracts which surround them are quite striking. They need to be grown in large pots supported by canes or wires. They prefer a sunny, open position. Such as a conservatory or large room. They will not survive a frost. Water generously in spring and summer. Keep almost dry in winter. Feed regularly in summer. Prune side shoots in March and remove overcrowded stems. Cuttings taken in early summer should be rooted in a propagator.

Campanula isophylla

This is a trailing perennial with star-shaped blue and white flowers. This plant is ideal for hanging baskets or raised pots. The plant can be trained to grow upwards if supported. Sometimes known as, Star-of-Bethlehem. Cut of flowers as they die to prolong the flowering period. Site in a well lit position with some direct sunshine. Feed regularly during the growing period. Water well, never allow the pot to dry out during the growing season. Over winter, keep the compost just moist. And keep in a cool place. Cuttings can be taken in early spring.

Coleus

Whilst these are an easy to grow plant, they can be difficult to keep overwinter. As such, some growers take cuttings and grow a fresh plant each year. A colourful foliage plant, in shades of Pink, red, yellow and green. Sometimes a combination of two or more colours. Grow in a well lit position with some hours of sunlight. They need plenty of water in summer and a regular feed. Pinch out growth to encourage bushiness. Cuttings root easy in compost or water.

Ok, so that was six! But the last one, Coleus, is well worth a mention. If you can get it to survive winter, repot in fresh compost and a bigger plant pot.
Check out more easy to grow house plants at the links to the right.

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