Growing Houseplants for Constant Bloom

There are house plants that produce a spectacular mass of flowers, but either require a special treatment before they flower again or die after flowering. There is also a group of plants that flower more or less continuously for a long period of time when growing conditions are good and never require a special treatment to keep blooming.

Poinsettia is an example of the type that requires special treatment, while cineraria is a type that dies soon after flowering. African violets and cyclamen are examples of types that have extended bloom periods. As more people are developing special areas of rooms for plants in their homes, there is increasing interest in colorful plants that provide a succession of flowers for long periods. One such plant with rapidly increasing popularity as a potted plant is the Persian violet. It is not really a violet, but more closely related to some of our wild Gentians. Its small blue to lilac flowers are extremely fragrant, and the compact, free-flowering plants are well suited to home conditions.

This plant, botanically named Exacum, may flower abundantly for six or more months in proper conditions. Given a bright window with direct sunlight and soil kept lightly moist, it will provide abundant flowers. Poor light causes stretching, reduces flowering, and pales flower color. African violets are very popular and one of the most free-flowering plants for the home. They flower exceptionally well under artificial fluorescent lights, or in a north or east window where they get good light, but little or no direct sunlight. Failure to flower is usually a result of poor light, overcrowding, low fertility, or wilting as a result of too much or too little water.

The wax, or everflowering begonia is another candidate for long-term bloom indoors. This old favorite may be purchased as a potted plant, or moved indoors after use as a garden plant in summer. As a potted plant it needs a bright sunny window to maintain compact growth and flower freely. Poor light causes it to grow too tall and thin as well as stop flowering. Tall plants may be cut back to force new growth from the base. Another long-term bloomer currently increasing in popularity is the Cyclamen. Well-tended plants may be kept in flower throughout the winter. These plants like cool temperatures and fairly bright light.

Plants may be placed where they get some direct sunlight in winter. They prefer temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees at night and should be kept in a cool room. Daytime temperatures may be about 10 degrees warmer than night temperatures. Below 50 degrees flowering can be inhibited, but temperatures too high can reduce the life of the plant. Water to the side of the corn (bulb) so that the center remains dry. Never allow a cyclamen to wilt, since wilting is quickly followed by yellowing and collapse of some of the leaves.

In addition to cyclamen, some other plants that provide constant bloom at cool temperatures include geranium and fuchsia. Other plants for bloom indoors include impatiens and chenille plant. If conditions are not right for plants that provide constant bloom color is still possible through a number of plants with colored leaves, best represented by the well-known coleus.

Houseplants for Dummies, by Larry Hodgson.