Winter can always use some brightening up. Especially if, like me, you spend much of the season indoors, relaxing and catching up on your gardening reading<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n A cheery houseplant (or three) might be just the companion you need for your winter rejuvenation. And many species will last for years if you provide them with the proper care.<\/p>\n We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links,\u00a0<\/em>we may earn a commission<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Whether your style is neon-lights-bright or understated splashes of pastel, there are species available in all shapes and sizes to brighten up your winter.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve whittled down a list of 23 of my favorite houseplants that add a splash of\u00a0color \u2013 and I bet you\u2019ll find just the one to warm up your home through the colder months.<\/p>\n Some of these may be familiar, while others may be new to you.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll briefly introduce each of them and offer buying tips for some of my favorite varieties, and provide some information on caring for each of these vibrant houseplants.<\/p>\n I bet you\u2019re familiar with this old school houseplant. With its fuzzy leaves and dainty little flowers, African violet, Saintpaulia<\/em>, is unassuming and gently brightens up a home.<\/p>\n Purple is the usual flower color for African violets (hence the name), but along with this popular hue, their blooms also come in white, and in many shades of blue and pink.<\/p>\n Maybe these flowers don\u2019t seem exotic enough for you? Perhaps it\u2019s time to reconsider.<\/p>\n These African natives are available with flowers that are double-blossomed, fringed, or ruffled, and some cultivars have variegated leaves.<\/p>\n Their low-growing forms make them great houseplants for small spaces \u2013 just remember to water them regularly and provide them with bright, indirect sunlight.<\/p>\n African Violet<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find purple African violet plants in four-inch pots available via Walmart<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Find tips on growing and caring for African violets here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Going by many different common names, species in the Alocasia<\/em> genus will certainly bring an air of drama to your living room.<\/p>\n Also known as kris plant, black shield, elephant ear, or African mask, this houseplant looks as stunning as a sculpture.<\/p>\n The glossy green leaves have large white veins on the topside, while the underside is a deep purple hue. Alocasia can create a fabulous focal point in a home with an eclectic decorating vibe.<\/p>\n Alocasia <\/em>\u2018Black Velvet,\u2019 one of the varieties commonly sold as a houseplant, reaches one to two feet tall and wide.<\/p>\n Alocasia \u2018Black Velvet\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It requires bright, indirect light and only the top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.<\/p>\n These stunners are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn how to grow and care for alocasia here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Also known as flamingo flower, laceleaf, and tailflower, houseplants in the Anthurium<\/em> genus offer a bright splash of color with their long-lasting red or pink flowers.<\/p>\n Not only are anthurium flowers brightly colored, they are glossy and heart shaped, and will certainly add to a romantic or glamorous decorating style.<\/p>\n With its red and green coloring, this houseplant could make a pleasing addition to your holiday decorating scheme.<\/p>\n Anthuriums will thrive in your home with medium to bright indirect light, as long as you keep on top of watering \u2013 it does not like to dry out.<\/p>\n \u2018Red Heart\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n With proper care, anthurium will grow to one and a half feet tall and a foot wide.<\/p>\n \u2018Red Heart\u2019 anthuriums are available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read more about growing anthurium plants here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n For those who prefer a more understated approach when it comes to color, arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum<\/em>) offers a soft touch.<\/p>\n Also called arrowhead plant, the leaves vary in shades ranging from light green to light pink, and could be combined nicely with the often shorter-lived poinsettias found at this time of the year.<\/p>\n Arrowhead vine will appreciate a warm, humid spot in your house, with bright, indirect sunlight.<\/p>\n Arrowhead Plant<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n A vining species, as its name suggests, offer it a hanging basket to trail from or a moss pole<\/strong><\/a> to grow on, as its vines can reach up to six inches long.<\/p>\n You can find \u2018White Butterfly\u2019 arrowhead plants available from Hirt\u2019s Gardens via Walmart<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read more about growing arrowhead plants here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a bright, tropical burst of color to liven up your interior when it\u2019s cold outside, bird of paradise from the Strelitzia<\/em> genus might be the houseplant for you.<\/p>\n A taller houseplant<\/a><\/strong>, its flashy, beak-shaped flowers in orange, yellow, and blue are held above its lush green foliage on long green stems.<\/p>\n Placed near a sunny window with southern exposure, bird of paradise could be used to create an indoor tropical feel.<\/p>\n Bird of paradise should be given direct sun during the cooler months, and bright, indirect sun during the warmer months. Only allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings.<\/p>\n Orange Bird of Paradise<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ll find an orange bird of paradise plant in a three-gallon pot available at Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read more about caring for bird of paradise plants indoors here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Calatheas may be among the decorative indoor plants you\u2019ve encountered before that merit renewed attention.<\/p>\n Among the different species of the Calathea<\/em> genus, commonly called prayer plants, there are many varieties boasting beautifully patterned foliage.<\/p>\n Calathea leaves are geometrically patterned with stripes, splotches, spots, or shading in colors that can include dark and light green with touches of red, purple, or white.<\/p>\n Non-blooming evergreens like this are lovely on their own, or grouped with other houseplants in complementary colors.<\/p>\n Called \u201cprayer plant\u201d because their leaves fold up at night, calatheas prefer warm, humid environments.<\/p>\n Avoid direct sunlight, which will bleach their beautiful leaves. Instead, provide them with indirect light, and remember to keep their soil moist but not soggy.<\/p>\n \u2018Medallion\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Medallion\u2019 is a variety with leaves that look as though they have been created by a painter, and is available in six-inch pots from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Check out our guide to growing prayer plants to learn more<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Chinese evergreen, the common name for several species of the Aglaonema<\/em> genus, is another fairly common houseplant in its green and white form.<\/p>\n But varieties with red leaf veins and margins will surprise you \u2013 and might just knock your socks off.<\/p>\n This is another green and red houseplant that would be well-placed among your holiday decor. Keep it around after the festivities are over, to take the edge off the post-holiday blues.<\/p>\n Reaching about one and a half feet tall and wide, Chinese evergreen will thrive in low to bright indirect light.<\/p>\n It should not be allowed to dry out between waterings, but is overall a low maintenance houseplant.<\/p>\n Red Chinese Evergreen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find colorful red Chinese evergreen plants with green, yellow, and red mottled leaves available at Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read more about growing Chinese evergreens<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Speaking of the holidays, don\u2019t forget about the bright blooms of Christmas cactuses, members of the Schlumbergera<\/em> genus.<\/p>\n Those blooms can come in a variety of colors \u2013 white, pinks, reds, purples, and even yellows.<\/p>\n A mid-sized decorative houseplant, Christmas cactus will provide a splash of color and texture on a desk or tabletop, or in a hanging basket<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Christmas cacti are undemanding houseplants that will brighten your spirits in the winter months.<\/p>\n Christmas cactus requires bright, indirect light during its growing season and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.<\/p>\n To encourage blooming year after year, a special routine of cool temperatures and long nights is required.<\/p>\n You can learn more about this flower-coaxing routine here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Pink Christmas Cactus<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Christmas cacti are among the longest living houseplants, so when you choose yours, make sure you pick a flower color you love.<\/p>\n You can find pink Christmas cactus plants available via Walmart<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Find general care tips for this succulent in our Christmas cactus growing guide<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n You may be more familiar with coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides<\/em>)<\/a><\/strong> as an annual bedding plant<\/strong><\/a>, rather than a houseplant.<\/p>\n But this vibrant tropical evergreen works well indoors, where it can live for several years, and comes in a dizzying variety of color combinations and patterns.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a low maintenance houseplant, and can handle a range of indirect light situations, from low to bright.<\/p>\n Coleus should not be allowed to dry out completely, but make sure you don\u2019t overwater it either. Its soil should be moist but not waterlogged.<\/p>\n The gorgeous, bright fiery-red foliage on this variety, enticingly called \u2018Inferno,\u2019 will bring your home a splash of color.<\/p>\n \u2018Inferno\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n You can find four-plant bundles available from Burpee<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Learn more about caring for coleus as an houseplant<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a houseplant that\u2019s as colorful as a tropical celebration, croton (Codiaeum variegatum<\/em>) will be just what you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n Also called garden croton, these houseplants offer brightly mottled foliage available in a mix of green, yellow, orange, and\/or red.<\/p>\n If that\u2019s not enough color for you, there are some rarer varieties that also include pink and purple in the\u00a0mix.<\/p>\n And the leaves come in many different shapes, so you\u2019re practically guaranteed to find a leaf shape and color combo that will strike your fancy.<\/p>\n Unlike most of the other houseplants in this list, croton does well with some direct sunlight, which will make for better leaf color.<\/p>\n Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the growing season.<\/p>\n With proper care, this beauty can grow up to six feet tall with a five-foot spread \u2013 so make sure you are ready to provide it with some room!<\/p>\n \u2018Petra\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The \u2018Petra\u2019 cultivar has wide leaves and the tropical hues that croton is known for.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find plants in six-inch or three-gallon pots available from Fast Growing Trees<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n And read our growing guide to learn about how to care for croton plants<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n A member of the primrose family, cyclamen (Cyclamen<\/em> species) is another compact choice that\u2019s ideal for smaller spaces.<\/p>\n Cyclamen is loved for the beauty of both its foliage and its flowers.<\/p>\n Cyclamens have upswept flowers held on dainty stems above heart-shaped leaves. These flowers can be white, pink, red, or purple, and the heart-shaped leaves are often graced with silvery patterns.<\/p>\n This charming houseplant is another good choice for a smaller space \u2013 it will only grow to about nine inches tall and wide, and will thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.<\/p>\n Keep your cyclamen\u2019s soil moist \u2013 except during its dormant season in the summer, when it should be watered less frequently.<\/p>\n Latinia\u00ae Red<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Pick up four-inch Latinia\u00ae red cyclamen plants in packages of two or four from Home Depot<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Read more about growing and caring for cyclamen houseplants here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n When a young child draws a flower, chances are the flower will look something like the gerbera daisy (Gerbera<\/em> species).<\/p>\n Gerberas are commonly found in bouquets, but can also grace your home as a live houseplant instead of a cut flower.<\/p>\n The flowers of gerbera daisies will bring a summery cheer to your indoor space.<\/p>\n They are available in almost every color of the rainbow and will grow to about 18 inches high, making for a good tabletop specimen.<\/p>\n Gerbera daisies need a few hours of direct sunlight every day but prefer cooler temperatures.<\/p>\n When kept indoors, a bright eastern window will be the best location for them. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.<\/p>\n \u2018Garvinea Sweet Memories\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Garvinea Sweet Memories\u2019 is a variety with pink flowers, available as a live plant from Burpee<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Find more tips on growing gerbera daisies here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n You may be familiar with the green-leaved variety of kalanchoe, a succulent featuring small white, red, pink, orange, yellow, or purple blooms.<\/p>\n However, some varieties of kalanchoe look extremely unusual, with patterned foliage and colorful plantlets growing on their leaf margins.<\/p>\n There are many colorful varieties of this houseplant to tempt the botanically adventurous.<\/p>\n And if you happen to be one of those adventurous souls, kalanchoe may also interest you as a fun horticulture project.<\/p>\n The plantlets that grow on the leaves of kalanchoes can be propagated easily. You can learn more about propagating kalanchoe in our article, propagating succulents in five easy steps<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n But keep in mind that these plantlets are very tiny! Gentle handling with tweezers can be helpful.<\/p>\n Flaming Katy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Flaming Katy, K. blossfeldiana<\/em>, is available in a three-pack assortment of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and orange from Home Depot<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Find more tips on caring for plants in the Kalanchoe<\/em> genus here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Appreciated for its striking foliage, nerve plant is also known as mosaic plant or simply by its genus name, Fittonia<\/em>.<\/p>\n While the webbed patterns that inspire fittonia\u2019s common name are not nerves but rather highly contrasting leaf veins, this feature is certainly what makes nerve plant attractive.<\/p>\n The leaves of fittonia are mesmerizing \u2013 foliage can be light or dark green with white, red, or pink veins.<\/p>\n Fittonia will do well in a terrarium<\/a><\/strong> as it thrives in a humid environment.<\/p>\n A grouping of these brightly-colored, low-growing plants nestled around a taller houseplant with striking flowers like anthurium would create a strong visual impact for a holiday display.<\/p>\n Fittonia prefers low to bright, indirect light, should be kept moist, and thrives with an additional source of humidity, such as a humidifier or misting.<\/p>\n Red-Veined Nerve Plant<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Fittonia wilts easily but can usually be readily revived by increasing humidity or watering.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to try one of your own, you can purchase a red-veined nerve plant from Hirt\u2019s Gardens via Walmart<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Best-Colorful-Houseplant-Feature.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n23 Favorite Colorful Houseplants<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
1. African Violet<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Purple-African-Violet-Flowers.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Purple-African-Violet.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n2. Alocasia<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Alocasia-Kris-Plant.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Alocasia-Black-Velvet.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n3. Anthurium<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Red-Anthurium-Houseplants.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Red-Heart-Anthurium.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n4. Arrowhead Vine<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Syngonium-Arrowhead-Plants.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/White-Butterfly-Arrowhead-Plant.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n5. Bird of Paradise<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Orange-Bird-of-Paradise.webp\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n6. Calathea<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Calathea-Prayer-Plants.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Medallion.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n7. Chinese Evergreen<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chinese-Evergreen-Plants.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Red-Chinese-Evergreens.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n8. Christmas Cactus<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Christmas-Cactus-Houseplant.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pink-Christmas-Cactus.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n9. Coleus<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Potted-Coleus-Plants.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Coleus-Inferno.webp\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n10. Croton<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Croton-Houseplant-800x1200.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Croton-Petra.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n11. Cyclamen<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cyclamen-Houseplant-in-Bloom.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Red-Latania-Cylamen.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n12. Gerbera Daisy<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Yellow-Gerbera-Daisies.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Garvinea-Sweet-Memories.webp\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n13. Kalanchoe<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Flowering-Kalanchoe.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Flaming-Katy-Kalanchoe.webp\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n14. Nerve Plant<\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Nerve-Plant-Fittonia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Red-Veined-Fittonia.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n