Flowers aren’t the only way to add natural color to your home. Many popular houseplant varieties rarely flower indoors but have stunning foliage in a rainbow of hues. While some are rare and expensive, many colorful houseplants are easy to find and afford. Here are the best non-flowering houseplants to add color to your home.
There are many plants in the tradescantia family and most of them sport beautiful multi-colored foliage. Some of the easiest to grow are the tradescantia zebrina, nanouk and purple heart. These options grow long trailing vines with purple, pink and green leaves. They do well in low light, but the more sunlight they get the more dramatic the colors.
Fittonia, also called “nerve plant” or “friendship plant,” come in several colors including shades of pink, red and white along with their distinctive green nerve-like leaf pattern. These are easy to grow and care for, especially for those who have trouble knowing when to water. Fittonia will lie down flat when thirsty and perk back up within a matter of hours after watering.
Crotons are a tropical plant with distinctive long slender leaves sporting multiple colors. Some varieties have yellow, orange, red and deep purple all at once while others are mostly green. Crotons are easy to maintain as long as they get enough sunlight. Otherwise, their leaves will lose their wild colors.
Also called the variegated rubber plant, ficus tineke produce large leaves with unique splashes of green, cream and pink. Like the other members of the ficus family, tinekes can grow into full trees indoors when the conditions are right. They thrive in bright indirect light and a regular watering schedule.
Related to common ground sorrel, the oxalis triangularis will add color and drama to any interior space with its rich purple leaves that almost resemble butterfly wings. Oxalis bloom indoors fairly frequently as well, producing small pink flowers that complement the darker foliage.
Caladiums are the stars of many colorful tropical gardens, ranging in colors and patterns on large, delicate leaves. You’ll find caladiums in all shades of pink, red and white all combined into eye-catching variegation patterns. These plants thrive in high humidity, so if you are in a drier climate a humidifier will help make sure they provide your home with dramatic color all season.
As houseplants become more popular, even more colorful cultivars are being discovered and produced every day. Take a trip to your local garden center or nursery and you will find lots of options for adding color to your home.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
