6 easy indoor flower plants you can grow in your home

Anthuriums are incredibly popular in India because they look almost like they are made of plastic or wax, but they are very much real. These plants have heart-shaped, waxy red "flowers" (which are actually specialized leaves) that can last for weeks. They love the warm, humid air of Indian rooms and only need a spot with decent light and a little water when the soil feels dry to the touch.

The Peace Lily is a favorite for Indian bedrooms because of its graceful white hooded flowers and deep green leaves. What makes it special for us is its "communication"—if you forget to water it, the leaves will droop sadly, then perk right back up as soon as you give it a drink. It is famous for filtering out common household toxins, making the air in your room feel noticeably fresher.

If you have a small desk or a windowsill, the African Violet is perfect because it stays compact. These plants have soft, fuzzy leaves that feel like velvet and produce clusters of vivid purple, blue, or pink flowers throughout the year. They are quite happy in the typical room temperatures we have in India, provided they get indirect sunlight and you water them from the bottom so their leaves don't get wet.

Kalanchoe is a succulent, which means it stores water in its thick leaves—perfect for those of us who might forget to water our plants during a busy work week. It produces bunches of tiny, bright flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red. Since it’s a hardy plant, it handles the dry heat of Indian summers much better than most delicate flowers, making it a "set it and forget it" favorite.

Many Indians think Orchids are impossible to grow at home, but the "Dendrobium" or "Phalaenopsis" varieties are actually quite sturdy. They don't grow in regular soil but in bits of bark or stones, which prevents messy dirt inside your room. Their long-lasting, elegant blooms make any room feel like a luxury hotel suite, and they absolutely love the warm, tropical climate that most Indian states offer.

While traditionally grown outdoors, certain varieties of Jasmine or Mogra can be kept near a bright window inside. There is nothing more "relatably Indian" than the scent of fresh Mogra. Having this plant in your room provides a natural room freshener that beats any chemical spray. It needs a bit more sun than the others, but the reward is a room that smells like a traditional Indian celebration every time it blooms.


(Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes alone.)