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Flowering Houseplants

There is something special about persuading a plant to bloom indoors. From the first sign of a bud until the flower shows its full face, it demands frequent inspections -- What color will the flower be? How large? How long will it take to open? By the time the blossom actually "arrives", you feel like you have personally aided in a small miracle. As, indeed, you have.
But it need not be a difficult task full of obstacles and failures. There are a number of houseplants that, with a little tender care, can be coaxed into bloom.

African violets have long been the favorite flowering plant of window-sill gardeners and florescent light fans alike. Unlike many plants, they do not have a dormant period. If cultural conditions are satisfactory, they continue to grow and bloom year round. Some people report difficulty in getting their violets to bloom. One of the most common causes for this is insufficient light for flower bud initiation. Move them to a brighter window.
Several relatives of the African violet make excellent flowering houseplants. The Episcia are fibrous-rooted trailers grown for metallic-toned and delicately veined foliage. "Cyznet" has unique fringed white flowers with purple spots, and "Acajou" has bright red flowers. They do not require as much light as African violets and make attractive hanging baskets. The miniature Sinningia are charming in terrariums or in 2- to 3-inch pots. Flower colors include red, lavendar, and white. Streptocarpus or Cape primrose provides an outstanding show of flowers. Hybrids are available in white, purple, and pink. They do well in a semi-shaded window or under lights, growing to about 10 inches tall.
A wide selection of other plants provides exotic flowers in the home. Bromeliads have increased in popularity in recent years. The most widely known Bromeliad is the pineapple. The Aechmea and Billbergia are two Bromeliads that reward their owners with such color combinations as pink bracts and blue flowers which last for weeks.
Abutilon or Flowering Maple has hollyhock-like blooms of orange, pink, white, red, or salmon. A shrub-like plant, it is not a true maple, but gets its name from its maple-like leaves. It needs a sunny window to do well.
Aphelandra or Zebra Plant has shiny, deep-green leaves prominently veined white and a spectacular yellow inflorescence. It requires filtered or diffused sunlight.
Stapelia or Starfish Flower bears star-shaped flowers that are usually velvety brown in color and may be quite large. Another common name is Carrion Flower as the flowers have the odor of dead meat.
Many common patio plants will continue to grow and bloom indoors if given sufficient light and nutrients. Fuchsia, Impatiens, Begonia, Geranium, Lantana, and Browalia are among these that do well. Care should be used to avoid bringing in insect pests when you move these plants indoors.
The lovely flowering plants from your florists usually are not the type that can be kept as permanent houseplants. They were raised in cool, humid greenhouses and do not take kindly to the hot, dry conditions in homes. Such plants as Poinsettias, Easter Lilies, Cyclamen, and Cineraria are best considered long-lasting cut flowers.