House Plants for Winter Colour

House Plants for Winter Colour

Here’s your curated list of houseplants that offer offer you colour in the winter with foliage, flowers, or form. These plants are ideal for brightening up your space during our darker months.

Winter-Flowering Houseplants

These plants bloom indoors in the winter, helping to provide splashes of colour when most outdoor plants are dormant.

1. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

  • Bloom time: Late November to January
  • Colours: Pink, red, white, orange, purple
  • Care: Bright, indirect light; water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry

2. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

  • Year-round bloomer with proper light (bright, indirect light. East windows best)
  • Colours: Purple, pink, white, blue
  • Care: Moderate light, keep soil slightly moist, prefers humidity

3. Kalanchoe

  • Bloom time: Late fall to winter
  • Colours: Red, pink, yellow, orange, white
  • Care: Bright light, minimal watering; great for sunny windows

4. Cyclamen (indoor variety)

  • Bloom time: Fall to early spring
  • Colours: Pink, red, white, purple
  • Care: Cool temps, indirect light, water from below

5. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

  • Bloom time: November - January
  • Colours: Red, pink, white, and variegated combinations
  • Care: Bright, indirect light; keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; prefers high humidity; keep away from drafts and vents.
  • Although commonly treated as temporary décor, they can thrive year-round indoors and rebloom next season with the right care.

Foliage Plants with Colourful Leaves

These plants are popular for their foliage (leaves). They are great for adding colour, even when they don't flower.

5. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

  • Colours: Green with pink, white, or red speckles
  • Care: Bright, indirect light; pinch regularly to keep bushy

6. Coleus (grown indoors)

  • Colours: Wild combinations of purple, red, pink, lime, yellow
  • Care: Bright light, consistent moisture, trim to prevent legginess

7. Rex Begonia

  • Colours: Multicolour patterns in silver, red, pink, burgundy
  • Care: Indirect light, moderate humidity, keep soil evenly moist

8. Calathea varieties

  • Foliage: Striking patterns and purple undersides
  • Notable varieties: Calathea roseopicta, Calathea ornata
  • Care: Low to medium light, high humidity, filtered water

Upright or Sculptural Plants with Year-Round Appeal

These plants don't necessarily bloom, but their unique appearance makes them excellent winter features.

9. Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Goldcrest')

  • Foliage: Bright yellow-green; natural conical shape
  • Care: Bright light, cool temperatures, slightly moist soil

10. Norfolk Island Pine

  • Foliage: Soft evergreen "needles", Christmas-tree shape
  • Care: Bright, indirect light; moderate moisture and humidity

 Bonus: Plants with Colourful Stems or Contrast

11. Red Aglaonema

  • Foliage: Green with vibrant red or pink margins
  • Care: Low-light tolerant, very easy to grow

12. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

  • Foliage: Yellow, orange, red, green—sometimes all at once
  • Care: Needs bright light and high humidity to keep its colours vivid

 Tips to Keep Indoor Colour Vibrant in Winter

  • Light: Consider using a grow light during short winter days
  • Humidity: Use pebble trays or humidifiers to prevent leaf crisping
  • Avoid Drafts: Keep plants away from cold windows or heating vents
  • Rotate Regularly: Prevent lopsided growth by rotating plants weekly
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