When we talk about plants that easily flower, we pertain to those that would have blooms all year round with not too many fussy routines that need to be done. These flowering plants would be great for starter indoor gardens or new gardening hobbyists.
In this article you will learn which plants bloom consistently throughout the year, what are the secrets seasoned gardeners apply to have more blooms, and what fertilizers promote blooms.
Easy Flowering Houseplants
There are only a handful of flowering houseplants that consistently bloom regardless of season. Most plants that bloom based on seasons like during the spring or summer time.
Other plants like the poinsettia or christmas cactus, bloom during winter. Here is a list of flowering plants that bloom all year round and would thrive in indoor conditions.
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
There are a variety of species of carnations available at your local nursery, but most species would not thrive indoors.
The Dianthus caryophyllus species or pot carnations grow well indoors as long they are kept between 60 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, planted in well-draining soil, and have access to bright light. They consistently bloom all year round with the proper care and attention.
African Violets (Saintpaulia spp)
One of the most popular in this category due to its consistent blooms and easy maintenance. African violets are great for beginners and even children.
You don’t need to put much effort in taking care of these plants, you just need to set it up with the basics; light, water, well-draining soil and you’re all set.
Mums (Chrysanthemum spp)
The flowers of these plants are usually given as gifts because they grow in abundance and bloom throughout the whole year, but this does not happen naturally.
With the proper fertilizers and light manipulation, these plants are tricked into blooming consistently. They require low-lit spaces and warm conditions to bloom. These plants are easy to maintain and would just need the bare minimum to survive. Mums can also help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Wild Asters (Asteraceae spp)
These plants produce multiple flowers in clumps through all the seasons which make them quite amusing to grow.
Although typically grown outdoors under full sunlight, Asters can grow indoors as well, but they may not perform as well. If your goal is to produce more blooms, it would be advisable to get red grow lights for this plant to promote floral growth.
Jungle Flames (Ixora spp)
Only a handful of species of this plant truly thrive indoors. It is native to tropical countries and prefer warm conditions and full sunlight. Indoors, the Ixora chinensis grow in abundance with bright red blossoms.
As long as you keep your plant in well-draining rich potting soil, provide it with ample water, and enough light. Your home is sure to benefit from its fragrant blooms.
What is the Secret to Having More Blooms?
Having a garden in full bloom with dozens of healthy and happy plants are any new gardener’s end goal. With these tips, you are sure to achieve it in no time at all.
1. Adequate Watering
It is important to be familiar with the species of your plant. Depending on its natural habitat, the watering routine may be different, either way, overwatering and underwatering is definitely something you should avoid to keep your plant healthy. Most plants would need a moist soil, but never a wet one.
There is no need to water indoor plants every day, check the consistency of your potting soil, it is often best to all the soil to completely dry out before watering again. Keep a consistent watering schedule, this will make your plants stronger in the long run.
2. Use Mulch
Mulch is basically any organic material that is placed on the top layer of your potting soil. It is often used to conserve moisture and improve your plant’s health. Flowering plants with mulched soil are lusher and less susceptible to diseases and pests.
3. Nurse Roots
Plants absorb their nutrition from their roots. When you re-pot your plants or simple dig around the soil you need to be careful of how you treat its roots. Damage to these parts can be detrimental to your plant’s health.
In addition to this, you would need to watch out for root rot which is why adequate watering is very important. If you let your plant sit in stagnant water over a long period of time the roots will start to rot and die, cutting your plant off from the nutrients it needs.
4. Light
Through photosynthesis, the plant is able to produce food for itself. A vital part of this process is light. The amount of light exposure needed depends on the type of plant you have. There are some plants that would require the minimum of 4 hours while others would require 12 hours.
In the event you are not able to provide you houseplants with light or if your home is low lit, you can purchase artificial grow lights to promote flowering. Grow lights with the red spectrum will definitely be able to encourage blooming.
5. Deadhead Often
The term deadhead means to remove dead flowers from living plants. Plants would grow better and would produce more flowers if their wilted blooms are often removed.
This way the plant is able to direct their resources on other flowers. Dead or wilted flowers still receive nutrition from the plant, by keeping them there it wastes potential energy.
6. Use Appropriate Soil
When choosing potting soil, you would need to know what kind does your plant need. For indoor plants, fast-draining soil is the most recommended, but there are some plants that would grow better in sand. It all boils down to researching on what your plant needs. Light soil that is rich in nutrients are definitely your best choice.
7. Use Fertilizers
With supplements, plants are able to make more food and in turn provide more nutrition for their blooms. Even just half-strength liquid fertilizer would be enough to promote growth, just be sure to administer the fertilizers as prescribed.
If you are not keen on using chemical fertilizers there are different kinds of natural fertilizers you can find in the comfort of your own home.
What Fertilizers Promote Blooming?
Aside from aesthetics, flower growth is essential for reproduction and in order to encourage blooming fertilizers are often used. Plants in general would need basic nutrients that are derived from elements in order to survive. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen come from the air and water.
Primary nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are found in the soil, often times the potting soil you use would have enough of these elements to keep your plant healthy but there are times you would need to use an NPK fertilizer that has a specific ratio of each of these elements.
Chemical Fertilizers
These are inorganic material that is composed of whole or partial elements of synthetic origins. Some fertilizers under this category would contain acids to lower the pH levels of your soil, which seem beneficial to some plants. Chemical fertilizers are classified into three major types and various subtypes:
Nitrogen-based Fertilizers
Nitrogen is essential to plant growth since it is a major component of chlorophyll which helps the plant in the process of photosynthesis. Plants that are deficient in nitrogen are not able to build proteins that are important for them to create food and energy to survive. This is also responsible for lush foliage and strong stems.
- Nitrate Fertilizer
- Ammoniacal Fertilizer
- Ammoniacal-Nitrate Fertilizer
- Amide Fertilizer
Phosphorus-based Fertilizers
Phosphorus serves a wide range of roles in the plant’s growth cycle. They help in photosynthesis, energy storage and transfer, cell division, and respiration in plants. If plants are not able to get enough phosphorus in their systems, their growth is stunted and their stems tend to be weak and brittle. The right amount of phosphorus promotes vibrant and long-lasting flowers and a strong root system.
- Water Soluble Phosphatic Fertilizers
- Citric Acid Soluble Phosphatic Fertilizer
- Insoluble Phosphatic Fertilizer
Potassium-based Fertilizers
Potassium is more beneficial to food crops than in decorative plants, but is equally essential as nitrogen since it is responsible for regulating the carbon dioxide uptake of the plant, the activation of specific enzymes needed during growth, as well as the production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
Plants that are suffering with a deficiency in this element will have brown curling leaves and evident chlorosis in between the veins of the leaf. Potassium is also essential in disease resistance and overall durability.
- Potassium Sulphate
- Muriate of Potash
Chemical fertilizers are able to provide you with the specific solution whenever your plant is suffering from a deficiency. In terms of blooms, the proper ratio of NPK can be found in fertilizers that are specifically made for flowering plants.
The problem with using chemical fertilizers is that they can be quite expensive and their production highly depends on the use of coal and petroleum. In the long run, you can save a lot of money by using natural fertilizers with the products you may already have in your home.
Natural Fertilizers
Nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium can easily be found in natural ingredients that we may have at home. Here are some of the items you may find in your home that can help promote flowering in your houseplant.
Green Tea
There are two ways you can use green tea as a fertilizer for your plant. You can place the used tea leaves directly on your soil or even water your plants with brewed tea, just be sure it is in room temperature before using it.
Green tea has tannic acid which can slightly lower the pH level of your soil, making it acidic. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, but there are some that grow better in alkaline soil. It is important that you research the needs of your plant thoroughly before making any major changes.
In addition to this, green tea increases the nutrition level of the soil as well as improve oxygen circulation which is excellent for root health.
Epsom Salts
These are basically crystals of Magnesium Sulfate and was initially used for medical purposes when it was discovered in the early 1800s. Today, gardeners use Epsom Salt as a natural fertilizer that is said to have dozens of benefits, such as:
Natural pest control. By using Epsom Salt, you are driving away common pests from your plant. Rodents are also not fond of these salts and would choose to leave your plants alone.
It can easily be absorbed by your plants since it is completely soluble. You can add two table spoons to your watering can and all you need to do is water your plants with the solution.
The magnesium in Epsom Salts are quite important to plant reproduction, it plays a vital role in seed germination and the production of your plant’s chlorophyll. This element is able to strengthen the cell walls as well as aid in the development of fruits.
With the appropriate amount of Epsom salts your plant can produce more blooms and increase the amount of chlorophyll in your plant that would greatly benefit its growth.
Egg Shells
Discarded egg shells are packed with calcium and potassium. Crushing them and adding them to your regular fertilizer would be most ideal since it can provide your plant with small amounts of calcium.
One thing people would debate on is the sodium content of these egg shells. Yes, egg shells do contain sodium, and yes, sodium is harmful to your plant but frankly, there isn’t enough sodium in the egg shells that can pose an imminent threat to your plant.
To prepare egg shells for your plant, you would need to clean them by letting them sit in water overnight. Strain the water then allow the shells to dry. Once this is done you can place them in your plant pots. For a more potent fertilizer, you may use egg shells with green tea.
Coffee Grounds
There are a handful of reasons why coffee grounds are one of the best natural fertilizers available, so before you decide to throw away the remains of your morning coffee keep them for your plants. Some of the benefits include:
- Coffee grounds adds organic material to the soil which in turn improves its draining quality, retention of water, and air circulation within the soil.
- They are able to promote the growth of helpful microorganisms that will help your plant grow better.
- Fresh coffee grounds are acidic, and this is what most people fail to understand. When the coffee grounds are used, they become neutral and therefore do not affect the pH level of your soil.
- They add nitrogen to your soil which is excellent for foliage and stems. Though it won’t happen immediately compared to when coffee grounds are used as compost.
If you are not a coffee drinker, you can stop by a local coffee shop and grab a bag of these for free.
Bananas
Bananas are a slow-release type of fertilizer but are highly nutritious for your plants. They will be able to add potassium to your soil, as well as tiny amounts of nitrogen, magnesium, and phosphorus. All you need to do chop the peels and add it directly to your plant’s soil. It is important that you do not add too many since it may attract unwanted pests.
If you have kids at home who constantly eat bananas, this would definitely be the best fertilizer for you.
Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is filled with calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It also has a small amount of sulfur and a ton of other micronutrients your plants need. Using molasses is a quick source of energy that promotes growth though beneficial microbes.
All you need to do is add molasses with another liquid fertilizer that can help dilute it. This way it would be easier for the plants to absorb. Some gardeners would even use plain milk with molasses, this provide the plant with all the protein and enzymes it needs to thrive.
Aquarium Water
As peculiar as it may sound, aquarium water is actually liquid gold to most gardeners. Aquarium water contains fish waste and uneaten fish food that are packed with good bacteria and nutrients your plant needs.
The process is simple, just take some water from the bottom of your tank and use this to water your plants.
Wood Ash
Phosphorus is highly beneficial to flowering plants, and wood ash has an abundance in this particular element making it the best for your indoor flower garden. However, for some flowering plants like azaleas, they can be deadly since wood ash increases the soil pH making it alkaline.
To apply, all you need to do is lightly scatter a handful of wood ash to your plant pot. This type of organic fertilizer is able to repair deficiencies in plants in addition to creating alkaline soil.
If you are fond of flowering plants, you would need to know that it takes effort on both ends of the spectrum to encourage bloom. By taking care of your plants by providing them with their basic needs and adding a little extra by providing it with food supplements, you will definitely be able to see flowers in your indoor garden in no time at all.