Winter Flower Garden Indoors: Blooming Plants To Grow In The House During Cold Weather Months
Winter’s gloom can be alleviated by bringing a splash of color indoors. Many gardeners find themselves pining for the vibrant blooms, lush foliage, and warm sunshine that their outdoor flowers typically provide during this time. But, what if you could recreate a mini-spring in your own home? By cultivating certain flowering plants that thrive in indoor conditions, you can satisfy your winter flower cravings without having to brave the cold.
While many beloved garden flowers struggle to survive in low-light environments, there are some select houseplants and flowering varieties that can tolerate these conditions and still bloom beautifully.
Forced Bulbs Bloom Indoors
#1. Amaryllis
The amaryllis is a popular Christmas season bloomer, renowned for its showy, vibrant flowers. Not only do they thrive during the holiday season, but with proper care, these bulbs can be coaxed into bloom as late as January and February. A staple of winter gardens and arrangements, the amaryllis is a true seasonal delight.
#2. Paperwhites
Paperwhites are often touted as one of the simplest flowers to cultivate, requiring zero chilling period. In fact, they can thrive just as well when planted directly into a gravel-filled container filled with water. This remarkable hardiness makes them an excellent choice for novice gardeners or those seeking a low-maintenance floral addition to their home.
#3. Spring flowering bulbs
Spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, crocus, and snowdrops are truly stunning. However, they do come with a caveat: they require a lengthy chilling period, typically spanning several months. This means you’ll either need to purchase pre-chilled bulbs or start the process by October at the latest. While it may seem like an added hassle, the end result is well worth the extra effort.
Orchids for Winter Flowering
Winter brings a time of exquisite beauty to orchids, whose delicate blooms thrive in the cooler months. While they were once considered a luxury item due to their higher price point, the cost has decreased significantly in recent years. As a result, many orchid enthusiasts are now opting for Phalenopsis varieties, which offer long-term keeping and a low maintenance requirement.
Winter Houseplant Seasonal Bloomers
#1. Clivia
When cultivating Clivia, you’ll be delighted by its vibrant orange or yellow blooms. However, this plant’s true secret to success lies in its unique need for a cool and dry period during the fall season. This subtle cue triggers the plant to prime itself for an explosive bloom display, making it a truly rewarding grower.
#2. Christmas cactus
The Christmas cactus is renowned for its remarkable longevity, bursting forth with vibrant hues that include crisp whites, fiery fuchsia shades, and rich cherry pinks. To coax it into blooming, you may need to simulate shorter days by controlling the duration of natural light exposure.
#3. Kalanchoe
While Kalanchoe is commonly marketed as a cut flower arrangement addition, its unique characteristics also make it possible to coax multiple blooms from the same plant each year. By implementing proper care and conditions, you can successfully rebloom Kalanchoe annually, making it a valuable asset for any floral enthusiast.
Traditional Flowering House Plants
#1. Begonia
The angel wing begonia, a beloved choice among garden enthusiasts, boasts not only its delicate pink flowers but also unique, patterned leaves that add visual interest even during the winter months when other plants may appear dull. The soft pink blooms of this variety are particularly effective at brightening up the darkest of winter days.
#2. African Violets
African Violets have long been a beloved flowering houseplant, cherished by many for their vibrant blooms. With numerous varieties to explore, it’s easy to build a substantial collection over time. While they thrive in windowsills, providing ample light is crucial for peak performance and optimal health; some enthusiasts opt for supplemental lighting to coax the best out of these lovely plants.
Held Over Outdoor Container Plants Bloom in Winter, too
While geraniums may not be as prolific in their blooming during the winter months compared to their summer performances outdoors, where they bask in the warmth of the sun, they still manage to surprise with a few showy blooms. It’s worth noting that including scented varieties among your collection can add an extra layer of delight. These less flashy bloomers offer lovely foliage forms and intoxicating fragrances that are sure to brighten your day and lift your spirits.
#1. Impatiens
The unique charm of double-flowered and rosebud varieties lies in their resemblance to compact, miniature roses. These blooms boast an added layer of visual appeal, making them particularly captivating.
#2. Miniature Roses
While roses are often associated with warm weather, some species can thrive in cooler temperatures. However, they still require adequate light to bloom beautifully. A south-facing window sill or supplemental lighting can provide the necessary illumination for these flowers to flourish. There’s something special about admiring a perfectly formed rose in the midst of winter – it’s a lovely respite from the cold.
If you’re interested in learning more about roses, be sure to explore our articles on types of roses and how to identify them.
#3. Violas and pansies
Maintaining a moderate temperature on the windowsill is crucial for optimal growth, as it encourages these plants to remain compact and bushy.
Flowering Florist Plants for Winter Display
Consider investing in a selection of flowering flora that are already in full bloom, such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and cyclamen. Although their blooms may be ephemeral and the plants themselves often discarded following the event, these showstoppers pack a significant floral punch.
Poinsettia Bracts: Perennial Winter Favorite
As you bask in the festive spirit, don’t forget to appreciate the vibrant splendor of those iconic holiday poinsettias. The showy bracts that adorn their stems are a true marvel, and they deserve to be savored as much as the season itself.
Fight Cabin Fever: Grow Flowers Indoors this Winter
Why not take your gardening skills indoors and cultivate some winter blooms? Whether you have a sunny windowsill, a cozy greenhouse, or a dedicated space with grow lights, you can still enjoy the beauty and benefits of fresh flowers during the cold winter months. Why settle for just a few dreary days when you can bring in a splash of color and cheer with these easy-to-grow and rewarding winter flowers?