We are currently back in wintertime. Did you know that wintertime is officially the standard time? Since 1977, we have been setting the clocks forward by an hour in spring to make better use of daylight and save energy. In autumn, we revert the clock backwards to standard time again. We are here to provide you with tips on making the indoors extra cosy and colourful with beautiful, trendy houseplants and mood-enhancing elements such as scented candles and bowls filled with walnuts, pine cones, or decorative gourds.
Houseplants with leaves in warm autumn colours
-
The Calathea comes in a wide variety of versions, with striking veins and colours. It's a dynamic plant, as it folds its leaves together when it gets dark and gradually unfurls them when it gets lighter. Avoid placing the Calathea in direct sunlight, as it can cause the edges of the leaves to turn brown. It appreciates occasional misting, as it thrives in humid conditions.
-
Among the leaf begonias (which are back in vogue, especially the polka-dot begonia, or Begonia maculata) you'll find beautiful leaf colours and patterns, ranging from rust brown to green and red. There's even a begonia rex called 'Indian Summer,' with purple leaves and an almost black vein. All begonias prefer moist soil and a bright spot, but not full sun.
-
Bringing a touch of the jungle into your home, the Philodendron is available in many varieties, including hanging or climbing types and those on stems. Its leathery, heart-shaped or deeply serrated leaves make it a highly decorative houseplant. Most Philodendrons have dark green, glossy leaves, but they also come in lime green, dark red, pink, and variegated varieties with irregular golden-yellow spotting. The plant requires little water and prefers a bright spot, but not direct sunlight. You can plant a climbing Philodendron in a hanging pot and train it along the wall as an unusual living tapestry.
-
Croton, also known as the wonder tree, is a real eye-catcher that can grow over two meters tall. Its variegated leaves come in almost every colour of the rainbow: yellow, red, orange, and even purple. This plant thrives in direct sunlight, making it suitable for a spot near a window. Keep the soil lightly moist.
Houseplants with flowers in fiery autumn colours
-
Bromeliads and Guzmanias are exotic beauties, with tubular flowers (actually bracts) in vibrant reds and yellows, among other shades. Place them in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight, and water them in the cup or rosette. They appreciate high humidity, so treat them to a regular misting.
-
The Flamingo Plant (Anthurium) is another tropical beauty, with glossy leaves and white, bright red, soft red, or orange flowers (again, actually bracts). Like the Bromeliad and Guzmania, the Flamingo Plant prefers a bright spot but not harsh sunlight, and enjoys regular misting. Water it once or twice a week.
Create an autumn bouquet
You can also get creative with autumn blooms in large vases, or in a collection of small vases or bottles. Think of chrysanthemums, alstroemerias, dahlias, twigs with orange lanterns from the Chinese lantern plant (Physalis), as well as rose hips and berry twigs. Scour your garden, terrace, patio or balcony for the best of the season's brightness. Alternatively, go the low maintenance route with artificial flowers and blossom branches, or add some colour with bright new pots for your houseplants instead.
Chase away the autumn blues with foliage plants and blooming houseplants in warm or fiery colours, complemented by bouquets and other mood-enhancing elements such as scented candles and pine cones. Visit our garden centre in Stocksfield to find the finishing touches for your cosy autumn interior.
