The Best Annuals To Grow Indoors For A Lush, Year-Round Garden

If you live in the northern hemisphere, springtime means planting seeds and bulbs outdoors; as soon as temperatures rise above freezing, plant seeds or seedlings outside. But some plants prefer cooler weather and won’t bloom until summer.

While these annuals require less space than perennials, they don’t always take full advantage of warmer days. That’s why you might want to consider starting them inside instead. These indoor annuals are best to grow indoors.

Here are The Best Annuals to Grow Indoors

African Violet

The African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Saintpaulia, native to tropical Africa. Linnaeus initially described it as Violetta ionantha and later transferred it to the genus Saintpaulias by Reichenbach.

It is widely cultivated for its attractive flowers, which are often very large and showy. Its leaves are usually small and glossy green with an oval shape. It prefers bright light in cultivation but tolerates lower light levels if grown in partial shade.

It is easy to grow from seed and can be easily started under fluorescent lights at home. Seeds should be sown on soil in late winter or early spring and will germinate within 10–12 days at room temperature. Seedlings can be transplanted after three weeks when the first true leaves appear.

When growing from seed, keep the soil moist but not wet. Once established, the plant does well in most soils, including those slightly acidic, alkaline, sandy, or clayey. However, it is like a rich, fertile loam with plenty of organic matter. It also needs good drainage and may need staking once it starts to flower. If your house has central heating, try growing this plant in a cool greenhouse during warm months.

Peace lily

The peace lily is the best option for those who want to bring beauty into their home without spending too much money. This plant is easy to grow indoors and requires little maintenance. Its white flowers are very attractive and can add a touch of elegance to any interior.

The peace lily is native to China and Japan. However, it has become popular worldwide because of its ease of cultivation. You don’t need to worry about soil quality, fertilization, watering, and pests. All you need to do is keep your peace lily well-watered and give it some sunlight.

You can buy peace lilies online or in many garden centers. If you decide to go for this type of plant, make sure that you choose one that is healthy and strong enough to withstand shipping.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a flowering plant native to South Africa. It is commonly known as the Christmas cactus because of its attractive holiday blooms. This hardy succulent grows best indoors, where it receives plenty of light. It needs full sun for optimal growth. If you live in a cold area, you can keep it inside during winter.

You can grow this plant in pots or hanging baskets. However, ensure enough space for the roots to spread out. Watering your plants regularly is important. Give them about 10 inches of water every week. Do not let the pot dry out completely. When watering, use a spray bottle to avoid overwatering.

If you want a beautiful indoor Christmas tree, consider buying a kalanchoe. They come in different sizes, colors, and shapes. Some people prefer the long stems, while others prefer the compact form. Either way, they look great in any interior.

Anthurium

Anthurium is the world’s largest flowering plant. This epiphytic herbaceous perennial grows up to 3 meters tall. It produces large, showy inflorescences called a spathe, each containing several small flowers. These colorful flowers are often used in floral arrangements and make great cut flowers. Anthuriums flower continuously throughout the summer and autumn. They require little maintenance and thrive indoors in well-lit rooms.

A tropical plant, anthuriums were originally grown commercially in Florida for their impressive flowers. You can find these exotic plants in many nurseries. The best time to purchase anthuriums is in the fall to survive through the winter. Anthuriums are easy to care for. Just offer them bright light and regular watering.

Zebra Plants

Zebra plants have long been associated with elegance. Their stripes provide a bold contrast against other garden plants. These plants are ideal for arranging around tables and mantels. In addition to being stunningly elegant, zebra plants are highly decorative and can produce beautiful foliage. These plants are difficult to grow outdoors due to the conditions required by their natural habitat. They thrive in temperate climates with mild winters.

Plants like zebra plants are best suited to growing indoors. First, You must select a suitable location for your plants to get started. A sunny windowsill would be a good choice for most types of plants. There is ample room between the container and the window sill, though. Zebra plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If possible, place your pots on shelves above the window sill level.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors. You must buy healthy seeds and place them in a sunny window. Once the seedlings sprout, you can move them into a bigger container. After about three months, you’ll see tiny green leaves emerge. Then, the flower buds start to form. When the buds bloom, you’ll see beautiful blooms.

Lipstick plant

The lipsticks are native to South America and Central America. There are about 30 species found throughout tropical regions of the world. The name “lipstick plant” came from how the leaves resemble a woman’s lips.

A few things make Lipstick plants different from other types of indoor plants. First, they don’t require much light. Second, they like humidity, so misting helps keep them happy. Third, they prefer a slightly acidic environment. If you’ve ever had a green thumb, you probably already know how to take care of a Lipstick plant. You need to water it regularly and fertilize it once every month.

Cacti & Succulents

Cactus and succulent plants are hardy desert dwellers that require very little soil or water. They also enjoy bright light. A south-facing window works great for cacti and succulents. Some varieties even adapt to low temperatures. Cacti and succulent plants are perfect for beginners who want to create a living room centerpiece.

Spider Plant

These plants are known as spider plants because of their appearance. Spider plants are usually green with thin gray stems resembling spider legs. The plant has small, rounded leaves and produces white flowers. Spider plants are popular indoor plants because they’re easy to care for. All you need to do is water them occasionally.

Blueberry Bush

Blueberries are native to North America. This berry plant is an evergreen shrub that grows up to six feet tall. It produces small blue fruit all year round. Although these plants require shade, they won’t mind having enough sunlight either. You may find this plant in stores or online. If you do decide to purchase a plant online, make sure you choose a reputable seller.

Dwarfed Pomegranate

Pomegranates were originally grown outdoors but now thrive inside. These attractive plants produce red, edible fruits. Dwarf pomegranates have smaller leaves than normal pomegranates, making them easier to care for.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a fast-growing succulent that requires minimal maintenance. Aloe vera comes in many colors, including pink, orange, yellow, purple, and more. It needs full sun to thrive, so if you live somewhere without enough natural sunlight, consider supplementing by placing your aloe vera outside during the summer.

Water Lily

Water lilies are a group of aquatic plants that belong to the Lily family. Unlike other lilies, Waterlilies require only filtered water instead of regular tap water. Their leaves float on the water’s surface, giving them a unique look.

Bromeliad

The bromeliads are beautiful plants that grow well indoors. They are easy to care for and require little attention. These plants come in many varieties, colors, sizes, and shapes. One of the most popular types of bromeliads is the pineapple crown.

This type of bromeliad looks like a pineapple growing out of the ground. If you want to add color to your home, try planting a bromeliad. You can find these plants online or at local nurseries.

African violet

African violets are easy to grow, requiring little maintenance. They thrive in moist, well-drained soils. To keep your African violet blooming throughout winter, it must be watered regularly during dry spells.

Plants require very little light; however, they do prefer indirect sunlight. You can place them near windows or under artificial lights. You can use African violet fertilizer once every month.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Conclusion

We hope our answers to your questions will help you choose the right plants for your home. We’ve tried to cover all possible topics about gardening and plants. Those plants mentioned above will surely thrive in your home. So, don’t waste any time; start planting those annual plants.