During fall, investing in houseplants is a great way to bring more color and a serene natural touch inside your home – especially as the days begin to shorten, temperatures start to drop, and we resort to the warmth of our homes. Discover the 10 best fall plants in this article!
Undoubtedly, the science-based beneficial effects of houseplants are even more important during the autumn and winter months, when we are low on sunshine and fresh air, more prone to illnesses, and feel demotivated, lethargic, and unproductive.
Nonetheless, finding the right plants to grow indoors during fall is not easy, especially as you need hardy species that will withstand drafts, low temperature, and lower light levels. Luckily, some plants continue to bloom and grow vigorously during the fall months and beyond – check out the list below to discover the most beautiful (and easiest to keep) fall houseplants.
Ivy
We have all paused to marvel at an ivy plant enveloping a wall or the side of a building. The same plant, as a container species, is often underrated – but it has all the potential to grow and decorate extensively. Once it is grown, you can also pair your ivy with fairy lights and use it as a warming autumnal decoration.
Additionally, according to a NASA’s Clean Air Study, some ivy varieties such as English ivy or Hedera Helix, have the power to purify the air, eliminating airborne toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Some of the common species of ivy include:
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- Persian ivy (Hedera colchica)
- Japanese ivy (Hedera rhombea)
- Irish ivy (Hedera hibernica)
- Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis)
- Nepal ivy (Hedera nepalensis)
- Russian ivy (Hedera pastuchovii)
Caring for ivy plants is easy, but it is important to remember that the beautiful colors on their leaves often derive from sunlight. While these plants can tolerate low-light conditions, their leaves can quickly turn into a dull green, thus losing the tones that make them special. When watering your ivy plants, start by checking that the soil is dry at least one inch below the surface.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis, more formally known as Hippeastrum, is a beautiful plant known for its big bulbs and blooms. A popular gift at Christmas, this plant continues to grow throughout the winter months and can easily withstand reduced light and low temperatures.
If you are looking for a versatile plant – or you wish to mitch and match more colors to bring brightness into the home – this is the perfect houseplant. In fact, amaryllis continues to flower throughout the winter months and give life to beautiful, exotic flowers that are recognizable for their trumpet-like shape and bright tones. The best thing about this houseplant is that it barely requires any care – just make sure it is safe, away from drafts, and properly watered.
Bromeliad
Related to pineapples, Bromeliads slightly resemble their distant cousins’ crowns. While they only flower ones, the Bromeliad bloom is beautifully colored and perfect to brighten up any home during the autumnal months.
When looking after your bromeliad, make sure you are providing plenty of light without exposing the plant directly to the sunshine. Originating from South America and West Indies, Bromeliad plants require a humid environment, good airflow, and moist (but now soggy) soil. Drainage is necessary for this plant to thrive!
Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora
Also known with more memorable names such as the paddle plant or flapjack plant, this houseplant is a stunning succulent with subtle tones. The main basal rosette of leaves is large, and greener towards the center. The leaves, instead, become crowned of a mild burgundy, dark red, or purple shade, although some varieties remain green throughout their lives.
These plants are perfect for the autumnal months, but they also continue to grow throughout winter and summertime, thus reaching impressive sizes. To care for this indoor species, make sure they are exposed to semi-shade or partial sunlight. Similar to most succulents, they won’t need a lot of water and they prefer well-drained soil.
Orchid
Orchids are one of the most common, affordable, and durable container plants. These flower plants love the warmth and comfort of indoor spaces, and their colorful flower that continues to bloom for weeks makes them a timeless choice to beautify any room – in any season! If you already have orchids and they currently live outdoors, make sure to move them indoors in September, or as soon as the temperatures begin to drop.
Cactus
There are over 2000 species of cacti, most of which can be kept indoors with minimal care. These plants can be found in the wild in many regions on Earth, from the arctic to the Chilean mountains. Thanks to this variety, hardiness, and ability to withstand the harshest conditions, cacti are one of the all-time favorites for beginner and expert cultivators.
They are particularly suitable during the autumnal and winter months when the humidity levels in the home tend to lower. Since these plants naturally store moisture, watering needs to be sporadic and must happen only when the soil is dry.
If you notice that your cactus is slowly turning yellow, that is a clear sign that it needs some water! While they only require little care, the blooming of cacti are beautiful and unique – just wait for it!
Satin Pothos
Satin Pothos or Scindapsus pictus is one of the trendiest indoor plants – and for a reason! This evergreen vine grows quickly and easily adapts to most conditions of light and humidity. Because of this, you don’t need to wait long for it to grow. Then, you can hang it up from the ceiling or use it to decorate shelves and statement furniture pieces.
Unlike other types of Pothos, the Satin Pothos is particularly suitable for autumnal months because of the silvery streaks on the dark-green leaves, which add some dynamicity and color.
Sansevieria
If you are looking for a houseplant that needs minimal care, is highly durable, and continues to grow throughout the year, look no further than the Sansevieria. This plant, which is sometimes called Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is characterized by long, pointed leaves that grow upwards.
Similar to English Ivy, Sansevieria plants are useful during the autumn and winter months to purify the air from toxins, including formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and toluene, and replenish oxygen in the air – even at nighttime!
Trust Your Local Flower Shop
Finding the right fall plant depends on many factors. The temperature inside your home, the average light exposure, and the plant’s hardiness level all need to be taken into consideration. However, no matter your expertise, there is a fall plant out there waiting to be adopted. Get in touch with us, Plumeria, your local flower shop to receive expert advice and unique growing tips.