Question 1

What is the difference between ornamental plants and regular plants?

Accepted Answer

Ornamental plants are grown specifically for their visual appeal - colourful foliage, showy flowers, or striking forms. Regular plants may include edibles, herbs, or medicinal plants grown for practical use. The same plant can be both: tulsi is medicinal but also decorative.

Question 2

Which ornamental plants bloom year-round in Indian conditions?

Accepted Answer

Anthurium, hibiscus, periwinkle (sadabahar), ixora, and bougainvillea bloom almost continuously in Indian homes. Anthurium flowers for over 250 days a year indoors with bright indirect light. Periwinkle flowers year-round even in partial sun.

Question 3

Are croton plants indoor or outdoor?

Accepted Answer

Crotons work in both settings. Indoors, place them near bright windows - brighter light produces more vivid reds and oranges, while shade keeps leaves greener. Outdoors, they thrive on balconies with partial to full sun. They tolerate temperatures between 15-40 degrees Celsius.

Question 4

Which ornamental plants are safe for homes with pets?

Accepted Answer

Spider plant, areca palm, Boston fern, calathea, and prayer plant are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Avoid peace lily, pothos, dieffenbachia, and croton if you have pets that chew on leaves - these are mildly to moderately toxic if ingested.

Question 5

How do I make my ornamental plants more colourful?

Accepted Answer

Light is the biggest factor. Foliage plants like croton and coleus produce richer colours in bright indirect light. Flowering plants like hibiscus and bougainvillea need full sun (4-6 hours) and phosphorus-rich fertiliser to bloom heavily. Pruning spent flowers also encourages new blooms.

Question 6

What are the best low-maintenance ornamental plants for beginners in India?

Accepted Answer

Snake plant, ZZ plant, money plant, and aglaonema are nearly impossible to kill and look beautiful year-round. For flowers, periwinkle (sadabahar) and kalanchoe are extremely easy to maintain and bloom with minimal care.

Ornamental Plants for Indian Homes: Foliage, Flowers & Statement Plants That Transform Your Space

Ornamental Plants for Indian Homes: Foliage, Flowers & Statement Plants That Transform Your Space