You have been growing indoor plants for their foliage, but do you know these indoor plants can surprise you with their rare display of flowers?
Ever wonder if your houseplants could do more than just sit there and look green? Well, get ready to be amazed! Some of them can actually bloom with gorgeous flowers, and you probably had no idea. We’ll share secret indoor plants that flower and hold stunning surprises!
Indoor Plants That You Never Knew Could Flower
1. Calathea
Botanical Name: Calathea spp.
Calatheas are highly sought after for interior decor as they thrive in indirect light and have gorgeous, lush green variegated leaves. They’re also incredibly low maintenance.
The most surprising fact is that this tropical plant can flower, too! Though not as dramatic as its leaves, its blooms come in white, yellow, or purple. Here are flowering Calathea varieties best for homes.
The flowering of a Calathea in your house can be a bit finicky, but you should have no problem if you provide it with ideal growing conditions. Exposure to filtered sunlight, fertilizer in the spring and summer, and consistent humidity between 60 and 80% is all it takes.
2. Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum
Who wouldn’t like a low-light and drought-tolerant indoor plant that flowers and purifies your indoor air? For this “heck of a deal,” you must grow a Chinese evergreen.
The flowers are small and white and resemble those of an unopened peace lily, with a spadix (flowering spike) surrounded by a spathe (sheath).
These blooms often appear in spring or summer, especially when the plant is in a moderate light environment. Along with that, take care of these problems as they can affect flowering.
Fun Fact: In some cultures, Chinese Evergreens symbolize good luck and prosperity, and their flowers are seen as an extra blessing.
3. Polka Dot Begonia
Botanical Name: Begonia maculata
One of the most striking varieties, the Polka Dot Begonia, is named so because of its spotted, elongated leaves. People love these because they come in shades of green covered in white or silver spots, but they tend to miss out on the pretty white flowers.
Just provide it with bright, indirect light and keep its soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This tropical beauty thrives (and blooms) in temperatures between 65 and 85 F (18 and 30 C) and appreciates higher humidity levels, so don’t skip the pebble tray and a warm room.
4. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ plants are also houseplants that flower, but people never know they can because they do the bare minimum for these succulents to keep them looking good.
The blooms are uncommon on young specimens, but mature ones produce small, spadix-like flowers. Although inconspicuous because of their size and their light creamy or yellowish color, the flowers often tend to have a light, pleasant fragrance.
Besides the maturity of the plant and giving it adequate bright, indirect light, ZZ plants will only flower in consistently warm temperatures without any cold drafts. They are also susceptible to over and underwatering, so water them carefully.
5. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria
We bet you didn’t expect the Mother-in-law’s tongue on this list! Well, believe it or not, Snake plants do produce blooms and these blooms are really scented.
Even if you haven’t seen them blooming in your years of growing them, they can surprise you with clusters of small white flowers growing on thin stalks in the right conditions. It happens in mature plants that have been rootbound for a while; they focus their energy on producing blooms instead of growing bigger.
Depending on the variety, the flowers last for about two to three weeks and even emit a beautiful jasmine or vanilla-like fragrance. Want to try it for yourself? Our guide has everything you need!
6. Cast Iron Plant
Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
Though grown for their huge glossy leaves that often have cream or yellow-colored variegations, Cast Iron plants do flower. The blooms emerge at the base of the plant, close to the soil, and are usually small and purple.
They tend to appear in early spring but are often hidden beneath the dense leaves, which is why many owners are unaware of their flowering potential. If you want yours to flower, just give it the right care.
These blooms serve a purpose and lead to small, berry-like fruits if the plant is pollinated. Of course, indoor pollination is rare, but it’s a fascinating aspect of this hardy plant that often goes unnoticed.
Surprised? Well, we did say these were indoor plants that flower, but you never knew they could! If you have one of these, why don’t you try to make it bloom? Do share your experience in the comments below!
