Flowering Houseplants: 10 Species That Bring Color and Fragrance to Your Home
Author: florist Míša, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: October 2026
Green plants are a classic, but nothing revives an interior quite like a flowering houseplant. Blooms bring energy, joy, and in some cases a gorgeous natural fragrance into your home.
Many people are afraid of flowering plants because they think they're demanding. It doesn't have to be that way. We've picked 10 favorites for you — from indestructible workhorses to elegant beauties that need a bit of care but reward you a hundredfold.
Tip from florist Míša: The orchid (Phalaenopsis), the most popular flowering houseplant, loves light but cannot stand direct midday sun, which would scorch its leaves. Once a week, soak the pot for 20 minutes in standing water, let it drain and put it back into its cover. It must never stand in water.
Overview of the Most Beautiful Flowering Houseplants
1. Orchid (Phalaenopsis) – A Symbol of Elegance
The queen of modern interiors. The orchid's bloom stays beautiful for whole months. We describe orchid care in detail in the article How to grow an orchid or phalaenopsis; a more exceptional choice is Cymbidium (Boat Orchid): Care, Watering & Reblooming.
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Care: It loves light but can't stand direct midday sun (it would scorch its leaves).
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Watering: Once a week, submerge the pot in stale (room-temperature) water for 20 minutes, let it drain, then return it to its sleeve. It must never sit in standing water!
2. Amaryllis – A Winter Wonder
A striking plant with enormous blooms on a sturdy stem, a hit for Christmas and winter. How to grow an amaryllis and get it to bloom again is covered in the article How to Grow Amaryllis.
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Care: It needs light and regular watering. After flowering, it needs a dormant period so it can bloom again.
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3. Kalanchoe – Indestructible Joy
Ideal for beginners. It has fleshy leaves and a flood of tiny blooms in vibrant colors (red, yellow, orange).
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Care: It's a succulent, so watch out for overwatering! Let the substrate dry out between waterings.
4. Anthurium – An Exotic Flame
A very attractive plant with glossy leaves and waxy blooms (most often red or white). How to grow an anthurium and why it won't bloom is in the article Anthurium (Flamingo Flower): Care, Watering & Why It Won't Bloom.
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Care: It flowers almost year-round. It loves warmth, air humidity, and diffused light.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
An elegant plant with white, spathe-shaped blooms that also purifies the air brilliantly. How to grow and water a peace lily, and why it won't bloom, is covered in the article Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Care, Watering & Why It Won't Bloom.
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Care: It also does fine in partial shade. It's a "talkative" plant — when it's thirsty, its leaves droop. Within an hour of watering, it perks right back up.
6. Cyclamen – King of the Cold
It has gorgeous, butterfly-shaped blooms and decorative leaves with silvery patterns. You will find more about cyclamens in the article Cyclamen: The Magic of Christmas.
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Watch out: It hates overheated flats! Put it above a radiator and it will wilt fast. It does best in a cooler bedroom or hallway (around 15–18 °C).
7. Gerbera – A Cheerful Little Sun
Its large blooms resemble daisies and come in every color.
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Care: It loves plenty of light and fresh air. Indoors it lasts a shorter time than other plants, but it's gorgeous as seasonal decoration.
8. Begonia (Begonia elatior)
A plant that impresses with not just its blooms, but also its beautiful leaves.
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Care: It appreciates a bright spot (not scorching sun) and moderate watering. Note that begonias don't like being misted on the leaves (they can develop mold).
9. Jasmine (Jasminum) – A Natural Perfume
If you're after fragrance, jasmine is the obvious choice. Its tiny white blooms will scent an entire room.
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Care: It loves a sunny spot (a windowsill is ideal) and needs regular watering. The substrate should never fully dry out.
10. African Violet (Saintpaulia) – A Retro Classic
A small, compact plant with fuzzy leaves that fits on any windowsill.
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Tip: Always water it from a saucer underneath. Water on the leaves causes unsightly spots and rot.
Quick pick: which flowering houseplant to choose
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Undemanding flowering plants: Kalanchoe is ideal for beginners, and the peace lily is undemanding too. More tips are in the article Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Beginners.
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Longest-flowering: An orchid bloom lasts beautifully for months, and an Anthurium blooms almost all year round.
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Flowering in shade: The peace lily also suits partial shade. You will find an overview in the article Undemanding Houseplants for Shady Spots.
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With a scent: True jasmine fills the whole room with the fragrance of its tiny white flowers.
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For a cooler room: Cyclamen does not tolerate overheated flats; it does best in a cooler bedroom or hallway (about 15–18 °C).
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For winter: Amaryllis is a hit of Christmas and winter.
4 Golden Rules for Caring for Flowering Plants
To keep your plants thriving as long as possible, stick to these principles:
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Light is fuel: For a plant to flower, it needs energy. Most flowering species need plenty of diffused light (an east- or west-facing window). In a dark corner, they'll barely bloom at all.
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Feeding: During the flowering (and growing) season, add fertilizer for flowering houseplants to the water once every 14 days.
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Watering with a light touch: Most plants are killed by overwatering rather than dryness. Always stick a finger into the soil before watering — if it's damp, wait a bit longer.
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Spent blooms: Regularly remove wilted flowers. The plant won't waste energy producing seeds and will put out new buds instead.
Whether you choose a stately orchid or a cheerful kalanchoe, a flowering plant is the simplest way to turn a house into a home.
Frequently asked questions about flowering houseplants
Which flowering houseplants are undemanding?
Kalanchoe is ideal for beginners; the peace lily and Anthurium are undemanding too. A selection of undemanding houseplants is in the article Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Beginners.
Which flowering houseplants bloom the longest?
An orchid bloom lasts beautifully for months, and an Anthurium blooms almost all year round.
Which flowering houseplant tolerates shade?
The peace lily also suits partial shade and even blooms in shade. Why it sometimes does not bloom is explained in the article Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Care, Watering & Why It Won't Bloom.
Why is my houseplant not blooming?
Most often it lacks light: most flowering varieties need plenty of diffused light (an east or west window), and in a dark corner they will hardly bloom. During flowering add fertiliser for flowering houseplants every 14 days and remove faded flowers regularly.
How should I water flowering houseplants?
Most plants are killed by overwatering rather than drought. Before watering, push a finger into the soil: if it is damp, wait a little longer. An orchid is soaked in standing water for 20 minutes once a week, and an African violet is watered into the saucer.
Do you deliver flowering plants in winter too?
Yes. In Prague we deliver within 120 minutes in our own heated Airway vehicles, so the plant does not suffer temperature shock. Delivery is free for orders over CZK 1,299. You will find the range in the category Flowering Indoor Plants.
Related: Undemanding houseplants, Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Beginners, Plants.
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