Indoor plants have become a part of today’s lifestyle. It brings calm, color, and a small daily ritual into our home. They are perfect as home decor and bring a lot of positivity. Whether you want to brighten up a new apartment corner in Chicago, add a touch of nature for a studio in Milwaukee, or create a grounded space in Detroit, plants make rooms feel more alive.
They add warmth to the place and offer a connection to something growing. Not all flowers are the same. Most of the indoor plants fall into two categories: flowering houseplants and common (non-flowering) houseplants.
At Flowers for Dreams, we focus on sustainable, locally crafted indoor offerings designed to live beautifully in Midwest homes. In this blog, we will break down the difference, share some plant care tips, and highlight the best plants for beginners so you can choose the one for your space.
What Defines a Flowering Houseplant?
A flowering houseplant is an indoor plant that produces regular or seasonal blooms. They are different from cut flowers that offer blooms for a short moment. Flowering houseplants bring color to the space that returns again and again. Many of these plants have fixed blooming cycles according to nature's season or changes in light.
Some of the most loved and easy houseplants that bloom indoors include orchids, African violets, and peace lilies.
The Phalaenopsis variety of orchid tends to bloom once or twice a year, with each bloom lasting several weeks. African violets can bloom throughout the year with the right amount of indirect sunlight. They are a perfect addition to your house desk and side tables. Peace lilies have a very elegant bloom that continues throughout the year. They often flower multiple times.
At Flower for Dreams, we include seasonal indoor blooms and locally crafted orchids, snake plants, peace lilies, ZZ plants, and more.
Indoor Flowering Plants vs. Common House Plants: Key Differences
While choosing between flowering and non-flowering houseplants, it’s important to understand the difference in care, light requirements, appearance, and personality.
Flowering Houseplants
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Apart from greenery, they offer seasonal or occasional blooms.
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Their appearance keeps changing according to the blooming cycle.
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Require more consistent indirect sunlight and regular watering.
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They are bright, add colors, and have mood-boosting visual variety.
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Makes for a perfect gift option to add a little emotional touch.
Common House Plants
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They offer greenery throughout the year, with very little change in appearance.
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It can thrive in most indoor spaces, even low-light areas.
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These are low-effort, more reliable for beginners.
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Offer clean lines, sculptural forms, and subtle texture,
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Fit easily into busy homes or low-maintenance routines.
So, it all comes down to your routine, preference, and how you want to make your house look. You can go for either of these houseplants, and if you like, you can also mix and match.
The Best Plants for Beginners (and Why They Work)
If you are looking for the best plants for beginners that are easy to care for, especially in Midwest homes, start with these reliable choices.
Non-Flowering Houseplants Ideal for Beginners
Snake Plant: They are easy to maintain and great for areas with low lighting. They are perfect for apartments and entryways. These are fuzz-free options.
Pothos: They grow fast and easily adapt to the environment. You can keep them on shelves or add them to a hanging basket so that their vines can trail.
ZZ Plant: They are low-maintenance, require less water, look glossy, and have sculptural leaves. They can be kept in dark rooms and on office desks.
Easy Houseplants That Bloom Indoors
Phalaenopsis Orchid: This variety of orchid has easy and long-lasting blooms. Keep it in bright, indirect sunlight, with occasional watering.
Peace Lily: It can bloom several times in a year, adds a touch of elegance to the space, and supports improved air quality.
African Violet: They are small and colorful; they can easily bloom under indoor lamps.
If you are someone who likes a little indoor bloom and color, you can go for flowering plants, but if you need something low-maintenance, non-flowering plants can be a good start. At Flowers for Dreams, we have both options to explore.
Light, Water & Repotting: How Care Differs Between the Two
Understanding how flowering and non-flowering houseplants differ can help you choose better. You need to know when to repot houseplants in winter, where to keep them, and how much to water them, and so on.
Light Needs
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Flowering plants need brighter, indirect light to encourage blooms.
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Common houseplants tolerate a range of light levels, including low light.
Watering
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Flowering houseplants often need continuous moisture, which is why they need regular watering. They don’t like drying out completely.
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Non-flowering houseplants usually prefer drying out slightly between waterings, which makes them beginner-friendly.
Repotting
Repotting is not required during winter unless the plant is rootbound or declining. Early spring is the perfect time to report your plants because that’s when their natural growth cycle begins. Go for breathable pots and sustainable soil mixes to support long-term plant health.
Choosing Between Flowering and Non-Flowering Plants: What’s Right for You?
This choice totally depends on what you’re more drawn towards. If you like colors, seasonal change, and fragrance, a flowering houseplant will be a good option. They keep changing throughout the year, and they become a small routine in your daily life.
But if you are someone who likes steady greenery with less effort, then common houseplants are for you. They adapt according to the environment and are a good option for beginners.
Some people may also like the mix of both green plants and colorful blooms.
Conclusion: Plants That Grow with You
Both flowering and non-flowering houseplants bring something special to a home. They add a little sense of routine, color, and calm to your space. Whether you like a structured snake plant or a colorful mini orchid, the right plant is the one that fits your space and lifestyle.
If you’re ready to add thoughtful, handcrafted indoor plants to your home, explore the locally crafted plants from Flowers for Dreams.
