With the cold-weather months approaching, many of us are trying to find a way to brighten up our homes. Whether you are looking to get your gardening fix inside your Lombardo Home or have a less-than-green thumb and want to give a sturdy, resilient houseplant a try before devoting the time and energy toward a full garden in the spring, here are five houseplants to grow inside your home this winter.
1. AFRICAN VIOLET.
Why you should try it: Bright, vibrant flowers bloom on and off throughout the year, making this plant an ideal colorful addition to the home. African violets do best in a well-lit area (near a western-facing window in the winter) that stays between 60° and 70°.
Tip: Be sure not to overwater African violets, as this can kill the plant. To prevent overwatering, consider purchasing a self-watering African violet pot, which will keep the plant evenly moist without overwatering.
2. AMARYLLIS.
.jpg)
Why you should try it: Amaryllis produces beautiful blooms without a great deal of effort. Plant the bulb in good potting soil, perhaps with a support stake to keep the blooms upright, then water regularly and provide plenty of bright, indirect light. The amaryllis will bloom cheerfully in your great room, even as snow falls outside.
Tip: If the amaryllis is not already potted, place bulbs in a heavy, 6-inch to 8-inch pot. Lightweight pots may tip over. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in its base!
3. JASMINE.
Why you should try it: Let’s face it, the home gets stuffy when it’s closed up all winter. Winter jasmine, or jasminum nudiflorum, has a sweet aroma that’s particularly fragrant at night, filling your home with a spring-reminiscent smell in the chilly evenings.
Tip: Give winter jasmine abundance bright, indirect sunlight and a container with ample drainage. Like African violets, jasmine is sensitive to overwatering.
4. STREPTOCARPUS.
Why you should try it: Streptocarpus flowers can be found in a variety of colors—red, blue, pink, purple, yellow, white, and orange—and bloom almost continuously under the right conditions. It’s very similar to the African violet, but should be kept in a slightly cooler environment—between 60° and 65° in the winter.
Tip: As with African violets, overwatering can kill streptocarpus. Keep the soil barely moist, allowing it to dry between waterings.
5. CHRISTMAS CACTUS.
Why you should try it: Christmas cacti bloom during the winter months, adding a pop of color to a room during cold, gray days. The plant can flourish under average home conditions with moderate care.
Tip: Christmas cacti will produce blooms more readily in bright light, but too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves. Place the plant in a well-lit area, but not in intense direct sunlight.
What houseplants do you grow in your home during the winter? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
