by Rachel Funk

Created on: October 16, 2009

Houseplants are a wonderful way to bring the outside in. Flowering houseplants add even more to the decor in any home by adding a touch of elegance, a splash of color and a delightful scent to the air naturally. With a variety to choose from, it is easy to find the perfect plant for any home.

For a plant that will fill a room with color all year round, the African Violet or Begonia would be the best choice. African Violets have clusters of vibrant purple flowers with a delicate yellow stamen. They can last for years as indoor plants and thrive best with morning sunlight. The Begonia can be found in an array of colors, due to hybridization. The blooms are delicate and multi petaled, giving off a slight scent and do best with indirect light. With year-round flowering plants, it will be necessary to feed and fertilize the plants more often to be able to support the blooms.

When looking for a more tropical effect, a Bromeliad, a distant relative to the pineapple, would be a proper decision. Although requiring some effort to start a bud in a container, once established this different looking plant needs little care to maintain. The Bromeliad is an epiphyte or air plant, meaning it uses coarse potting soil and rather than collect water through roots, instead it absorbs water that pools in the base of it's sturdy leaves. Native to tropical weather, this plant prefers a bright and warm environment, seventy degrees and up with plenty of sun and also a higher humidity.

Another easy to care for choice is the Kalanchoe, with it's bunches of tiny blooms in many bright colors such as red, oranges and purples, this is a beautiful flower in bouquets, and also adds an intense splash of color. Removing the blooms as soon as the wilt and become unattractive will encourage the plant to continue to bloom. After the plant stops blooming, remove it from the sunlight and place in a dark, cool place, such as a closet, for up to six weeks, then place the plant in full sunlight. This dormant period can encourage the plant to reflower. As a succulent, or rock plant, the Kalanchoe is easy to maintain and is self propagating. Small shoots will form at indentations in leaves, grow larger then fall off to take root themselves and form a whole new plant. Preferring full sun, the Kalanchoe will grow in moderate light, as well. Giving this plant little water is best, as it requires only scant amounts.

For those looking for an elegant touch to a parlor or formal dining area, the Peace

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