Want to bring vibrant blooms into your home without the hassle of finding sunny spots? Indoor flowering plants can brighten up any space and lift your mood. The good news is that many stunning flowering houseplants thrive in lower light conditions.
You don't need a south-facing window to enjoy beautiful blooms year-round. These 18 flowering houseplants prove that spectacular flowers can flourish even in homes with limited natural light. Some might even perform better away from harsh direct sunlight.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are the champions of low-light flowering houseplants. Their elegant white blooms rise above glossy green foliage, creating a sophisticated display that fits any decor style. These resilient plants actually prefer indirect light and will let you know when they need water by dramatically drooping their leaves.
The white "flower" is technically a modified leaf called a spathe, which surrounds a spike of tiny true flowers. Peace lilies bloom most heavily in spring but can produce flowers sporadically throughout the year when happy. They also excel at purifying indoor air, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African violets have been beloved indoor bloomers for generations, and for good reason. These compact plants produce velvety flowers in purple, pink, blue, and white hues that can bloom continuously with proper care. They thrive in the same conditions most homes naturally provide; moderate indirect light and typical room temperatures.
The fuzzy leaves form a perfect rosette pattern that looks attractive even when not in bloom. African violets prefer consistent moisture but hate wet feet, making them ideal for self-watering pots. Place them on a north or east-facing windowsill for the perfect light balance that encourages abundant flowering.
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)
The flamingo flower brings tropical flair indoors with its waxy, heart-shaped blooms in vibrant red, pink, or white. These exotic-looking flowers aren't petals at all but modified leaves called spathes. The actual flowers are tiny structures on the protruding spadix. Each bloom can last for weeks or even months.
Anthuriums prefer bright indirect light but will tolerate medium light conditions while still producing their signature flowers. They appreciate higher humidity but adapt well to average home environments. The glossy green foliage forms an attractive backdrop for the colorful blooms that appear throughout the year.
Begonias
Begonias offer incredible variety, with thousands of species and hybrids featuring different leaf shapes, colors, and flowering habits. The rex and painted-leaf varieties are grown primarily for their spectacular foliage, but many begonia types produce abundant small flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, and white.
These versatile plants perform beautifully in medium to bright indirect light. Most flowering begonias bloom from spring through fall, with some varieties flowering nearly year-round. The wax begonia varieties are particularly reliable indoor bloomers even in less-than-ideal light conditions.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads bring exotic color that lasts for months with minimal care requirements. Their flower-like structures aren't actually flowers but brightly colored modified leaves (bracts) that surround the true tiny flowers. These dramatic blooms come in hot pinks, fiery oranges, bright reds, and vivid purples.
Most bromeliads bloom just once in their lifetime, but the colorful bracts can last for up to six months. After flowering, the mother plant gradually dies but produces offsets ("pups") that will eventually mature and bloom. Bromeliads thrive in medium indirect light and actually prefer the filtered light conditions found in most homes.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Christmas cactus defies the typical cactus stereotype by preferring moderate light and regular moisture. The cascading stems burst into bloom with tubular flowers in pink, red, white, or purple, typically around the holiday season. But different varieties (Thanksgiving and Easter cactus) bloom at various times of year.
These long-lived plants can become family heirlooms, blooming reliably for decades when given proper care. The segmented stems form an attractive trailing habit perfect for hanging baskets or elevated pots. Unlike desert cacti, these forest cacti evolved in the dappled light of tropical jungles, making them perfect for homes with medium light.
Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Moth orchids have revolutionized the houseplant world by bringing exotic blooms into everyday homes. Their elegant arching stems support butterfly-like flowers that last for months. Available in countless colors and patterns, these orchids thrive in the same conditions most homes naturally provide.
Despite their reputation, these orchids are surprisingly resilient houseplants. They prefer bright indirect light but will bloom successfully in medium light conditions. The thick, leathery leaves photosynthesize efficiently even in lower light. A single flower spike can remain in bloom for 2-6 months, making them one of the longest-flowering houseplants available.
Flowering Maple (Abutilon)
Flowering maple, despite its common name, isn't related to true maples at all. This charming plant produces bell-shaped blooms in orange, yellow, pink, or red that dangle like tiny paper lanterns. The maple-like leaves provide additional visual interest with variegated varieties offering extra color dimension.
These plants bloom nearly continuously when happy, with peak flowering in spring and summer. They prefer bright indirect light but will flower reliably in medium light conditions. Flowering maples can be grown as compact houseplants or trained into small indoor trees with regular pruning.
Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)
Indoor jasmine brings intoxicating fragrance along with delicate star-shaped white flowers. The sweetly scented blooms appear in clusters, creating a stunning display against the glossy green foliage. A single plant in bloom can perfume an entire room with its distinctive fragrance.
Jasmine performs best in bright indirect light but will bloom with slightly reduced flower production in medium light conditions. The vining growth habit makes it perfect for trellises or allowed to cascade from hanging baskets. With proper care, jasmine typically blooms in late winter through spring when indoor floral displays are especially welcome.
Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus)
The lipstick plant earned its name from the distinctive red flowers that emerge from dark tubular buds, resembling a tube of lipstick. The trailing stems cascade beautifully from hanging baskets, allowing the flowers to dangle at eye level. The glossy foliage remains attractive even when not in bloom.
This tropical beauty prefers humid conditions but adapts well to average homes. It thrives in medium indirect light, making it perfect for rooms that don't receive much direct sunlight. With proper care, lipstick plants can bloom multiple times throughout the year, with heaviest flowering typically in summer.
Oxalis (Oxalis triangularis)
Oxalis triangularis, commonly called purple shamrock, offers both colorful foliage and delicate flowers. The triangular purple leaves fold up at night and reopen in the morning, creating a constantly changing display. Small pink or white flowers rise above the foliage on thin stems, creating an ethereal effect.
This plant performs a disappearing act periodically, going dormant and then resprouting from its bulb-like rhizomes. Don't panic if it suddenly dies back; simply reduce watering and wait for its inevitable return. Oxalis grows well in medium to bright indirect light and will flower more abundantly with brighter conditions.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
Cyclamen produces butterfly-like blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, and white that hover above marbled heart-shaped leaves. The reflexed petals create a distinctive silhouette unlike any other houseplant. The swirled silver patterns on the leaves provide visual interest even when the plant isn't flowering.
Indoor cyclamen typically bloom from late fall through spring, providing color when many other plants are dormant. They prefer cool temperatures and bright indirect light but will bloom in medium light conditions. Many people discard cyclamen after flowering, but with proper care, they can rebloom year after year.
Clivia (Clivia miniata)
Clivia produces clusters of trumpet-shaped orange or yellow flowers atop thick strappy leaves. The blooms appear on tall stalks rising from the center of the plant, creating a dramatic display that can last for weeks. The dark green foliage forms an attractive fan pattern that looks good year-round.
These plants are exceptionally tolerant of neglect and low light conditions. They can thrive for decades with minimal care, blooming reliably each year once mature. Clivia prefers to be slightly root-bound and actually blooms better when not repotted too frequently. The winter rest period is crucial for flower formation.
Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus)
Cape primrose produces trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant purples, pinks, blues, and whites that rise above velvety elongated leaves. The blooms appear in waves throughout the growing season, with each flower lasting for several weeks. Many varieties feature striking color combinations with contrasting throats or veining.
These African relatives of African violets prefer similar growing conditions – moderate light and temperatures. They're perfect for brightening a north-facing window or any space with consistent medium light. The fuzzy leaves should be kept dry when watering to prevent leaf spot issues.
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
Crown of thorns combines fascinating structure with nearly continuous blooming. The small colorful flowers are actually modified leaves called bracts, similar to poinsettias, that surround the tiny true flowers. Traditional varieties produce red bracts, but modern hybrids offer pinks, yellows, and bicolors.
This succulent plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives on neglect. The thorny stems give it architectural interest even when not in bloom. Crown of thorns prefers bright light but will flower in medium light conditions with slightly reduced bloom production. The milky sap is irritating, so handle with care when pruning.
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Kalanchoe brings vibrant clusters of small flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink, or white that last for weeks above thick succulent leaves. The tidy growth habit makes it perfect for windowsills and small spaces. Modern varieties offer double flowers and more intense colors than ever before.
These easy-care succulents bloom primarily in winter and spring when many other plants are dormant. They prefer bright indirect light but will flower in medium light conditions. After blooming, a rest period with reduced watering helps trigger another flowering cycle. The thick leaves store water, making these plants forgiving if you occasionally forget to water.
Goldfish Plant (Columnea)
Goldfish plant produces whimsical orange or red flowers that resemble leaping goldfish. The small tubular blooms emerge from the leaf axils along trailing stems, creating a cascading effect perfect for hanging baskets. The glossy green leaves form an attractive backdrop for the distinctive flowers.
This tropical plant appreciates humidity but adapts to average home conditions. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and will bloom multiple times throughout the year when happy. The peak flowering season is typically spring through fall. Pinching back stems encourages bushier growth and more abundant flowering.
Brighten Your Space With Flowering Houseplants
Flowering houseplants bring joy and vibrant color to any indoor space, regardless of your light situation. From the elegant peace lily to the exotic anthurium, these plants prove that beautiful blooms don't require direct sunlight. Many actually perform better in the filtered light conditions most homes naturally provide.
The key to success with indoor flowering plants is matching the right plant to your specific conditions. Start with one or two from this list that match your home's light levels and your maintenance preferences. Soon you'll discover the thrill of nurturing these natural beauties as they reward you with spectacular blooms right in your living space.