Flowering Houseplants to Brighten Winter

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe are rugged succulents that will grow well on a south-facing windowsill.

They come in a wide range of crayon-bright colors. If you want something a little different look for Kalanchoe pumila, which has pink blossoms and gray trailing foliage. It looks stunning in a hanging basket. All kalanchoe like cool temperatures and are drought tolerant, in case you forget to water.

→ Read more about caring for kalanchoe.

Christmas Cacti

Christmas cacti are easy to find in  florist shops, grocery stores, and garden centers this time of year.

They come in many neon shades of red, purple, pink, and white. Not a true cactus, these plants are actually epiphytes, like many orchids.

A cool, bright room is the best place to display them, especially if the night temperatures drop to 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prolong the life of the flowers. Don’t put them in direct sun or near a heat source. Try to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. After blossoming let the plant rest, continue to water it only when dry.

→ Read more about caring for Christmas cacti or learn the difference between Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving cacti!

Orchids

Phalaenopsis is one of the easiest orchids to grow and the flowers, which resemble moths or butterflies in flight, will last for 3 to 4 months.

They come in a wide range of solid colors, stripes, and bi-colors. Water once or twice a week and fertilize once a month. Most orchids die from too much attention rather than from neglect. They like the same temperatures we do, 60 to 75 degrees during the day with a drop to 55 to 60 at night. Bright, indirect light from an east or west window is best.

→ See our Orchid Growing Guide for more advice and recommended species.

Cyclamens

Cyclamens grow from a corm that sits near the surface of the soil. This long-lasting houseplant will bloom from now thru April. It has marbled, heart-shaped foliage and elegant flowers borne singly on bare stalks.

They come in pink, purple, red, and white with some bi-colors, and the blossoms can have plain or ruffled edges. The plants like bright indirect light and cool temperatures. To prevent moisture from rotting the crown, water from the bottom by sitting the plant in a saucer of water for a few minutes. After it has drawn up enough water to reach the surface soil, let it drain. Let the plant dry out slightly between waterings.

→ Read more about growing cyclamens. 

If you plan on gifting these winter plants to a friend, make sure to protect them from the elements during transportation and don’t leave them in a cold vehicle.

Resolve to make any gift a plant this year—and brighten someone’s day!