Summer is finally here, and we wanted to start this new season off with a pop of color. Are you ready to spice up your indoor plants and bring in those colors? Here are our top picks for colorful plants you need in your collection, or if you already have them, quick summer guides for them.
Petra Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
This is a popular indoor plant that you've definitely seen before. They come from Indonesia and are specifically grown for their foliage. There are hundreds of named varieties of this plant, and each has its own unique colors and patterns. They love tropical climates, so in summer, they will thrive.
Care guide:
- Sunlight — They love bright, indirect light from an east- or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can bleach their leaves.
- Watering — Water once the top 2 inches of soil become dry. We recommend Grow Concentrate each time you water to make the most of their active growing season.
- Maintenance — We'd rank these a medium; they thrive in high humidity. We suggest keeping them from AC vents or open windows.
Calathea (Prayer Plant)
A temperamental beauty, but absolutely worth it when you get their care down. They come with flashes of bright colors, some ranging from neon green to deep purples and bright pinks. They have such an elegant presence for those who love minimalism. This is your splash of elegance and color.
Care guide:
- Sunlight — Medium to bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can and will scorch their delicate leaves and can ruin some of their vibrancy.
- Watering — Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. They are super sensitive to chemicals, so we do recommend using Grow Concentrate for watering as it is organic and a bioavailable nutrient for them.
- Maintenance — We love these beauties, but they are a medium to high ranking; they need consistent moisture and a decent amount of humidity. They are beauty but they are also diva-ish.
Pink Variegated Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
We absolutely LOVE our rubber plants here — they are as easy as they are timeless. They come in gorgeous variegations and truly are one of the easiest plants to grow and love. The pink variegation is perfect for summer, as those variegations come from that summer light.
Care guide:
- Sunlight — Bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is ideal.
- Watering — Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, then reduce watering once winter comes around. They are forgiving regardless if you forget.
- Maintenance — Low to medium, they are really easygoing once in their spot. Wipe those leaves down with Protect Spray and our leaf cleaning gloves for that glossy leaf.
Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)
This is for our flower lovers. If you love your orchids, then you will absolutely love the Jewel Orchid. It is grown for its foliage — velvety dark leaves with golden or red embellishments that shimmer like jewels. Hence the name. It's got a moody yet colorful vibe, and they also love a hot girl summer.
Care guide:
- Sunlight — Medium light levels. Avoid bright direct sunlight and dark corners. Any window is fine as long as you do not allow them to sit in direct sunlight.
- Watering — Water this beauty well, then wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before giving it another dose. It doesn't want bone-dry soil, but it absolutely hates soggy roots.
- Maintenance — Low to medium, they prefer warmer rooms and are very easygoing. We recommend using Enrich Powder to provide a long-term nutrient source.
