September is a great time to add fall color to your home decor. Use plants with colorful foliage to spruce your home or office space. Here are our tops picks for house plants that add a pop of color. 

Croton Mammy  

Crotons are one of the most colorful non-flowering plants you can own. The colorful leaves vary from red to yellow to green. These are often used in fall outdoor decor, with an easy transition indoors for the winter. Plus, Crotons are great at removing volatile organic compounds from the air.

Light: Bright indirect light. The brighter the light your plant gets, the more variation the leaves will have. 

Water: Water often to keep the soil moist and mist the leaves — these plants love high-humidity areas.

Fertilizer: Use a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer every other month. Apply to the base of the plant on top of the soil.

Calathea Lancifolia

Calathea is a beautiful houseplant grown for its unique foliage. Calathea leaves have a variety of markings, some have striped or spotted tops with deep red or purple undersides. Others feature variations of deep greens. 

Light: These plants are a bit finicky when it comes to indoor conditions. For best results, keep your Calathea in a brightly lit space with high humidity. A bright bathroom or kitchen is ideal. Misting the leaves regularly can help provide proper moisture. 

Water: Water your Calathea lightly every few days as the top of the soil starts to dry out. They prefer moist soil, but do not like to be wet or soggy. So lighter, more frequent waterings are best. 

Fertilizer: Use a half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Apply to the soil, be sure to keep it off the leaves. 

Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is an adaptable houseplant that is very low maintenance.  

Light: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light, but can thrive in dimly lit areas. They do need more than fluorescent light, so having a mix of natural and fluorescent light is best. 

Water: Spider plants can go with a bit of neglect when it comes to watering. They prefer dry soil, and like a good watering after drying out for a bit first. Do not over water, or let them sit in water, this can cause root rot. 

Fertilizer: Use a liquid fertilizer 2 to 3 times a year. If your plant is producing Spiderettes (flowers that grow from the plant ends) you will need to fertilize once a month. 

Ficus Burgundy

Also known as a Rubber Plant. This plant has large dark red or burgundy leaves. Available in a variety of sizes, “Burgundy” plants are great low-maintenance options for your home or office. 

Light: Keep your plant in the brightest light available. “Burgundy” plants can do well in lower lighting conditions, but the leaves will start to turn green. 

Water: Ficus Burgundy plants like to dry out a bit between waterings. Water weekly during the growing season, and every few weeks during the winter. When watering, keep the foliage dry because water will stain the leaves. 

Fertilizer: Use a water-soluble house plant fertilizer every other month during the growing season. Plants kept in bright light will grow faster, which in turn may require more care and food. 

If your plant becomes leggy, slice through the main stem at the desired height. This will allow the remaining stem to grow sturdier and fuller. 

Dracaena Mass Cane

Also known as Corn Plant, has a stalky stem with long light green and yellow leaves. These plants can grow quite large, some as tall as 6 feet in height. They are low-maintenance and can even handle a bit of neglect, making them perfect for beginners. 

Light: Dracaenas do best in bright lighting conditions. They cannot tolerate direct light because the leaves will get sunburned. If you notice your plants’ leaves curling in towards the center it is getting too much light and the plant is trying to protect itself from the sun. It will need to be relocated. 

Water: Dracaena Mass Cane are fairly forgiving and can tolerate a bit of drought. However, they prefer to be watered when the top layer of soil is dry or slightly damp. Be sure to use well-draining soil, and proper drainage in your pot to prevent the roots from sitting in water. 

Fertilizer: This plant does best with minimal fertilizer. The leaves may start to brown if given too much. Use a balanced house plant fertilizer once a year for a boost. 

For more information on caring for your house plants, or for troubleshooting any issues you may find, visit any English Gardens location and talk with one of our experts.