When fall arrives in Virginia, I like to bring some color indoors. A few of my favorite houseplants can light up any corner without much work.
Their rich reds, golds, and greens make gloomy days feel warm again. Here are twelve easy houseplants to brighten up your home this season.
1. Croton
Bold, tropical vibes meet autumn beauty with this stunning plant. Crotons display leaves painted in fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges that rival any Virginia fall landscape.
Place yours near a bright window where it can soak up plenty of sunlight. The more light it receives, the more vibrant those colors become.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and keep humidity levels comfortable. Perfect for adding drama to living rooms or sunlit kitchens throughout the season.
2. Rex Begonia
With foliage that looks hand-painted by nature, Rex Begonias bring artistic flair indoors. Their leaves showcase swirls of burgundy, crimson, and silvery patterns that capture fall’s essence beautifully.
Virginia homes with moderate light conditions are ideal for these beauties. They prefer indirect sunlight and consistent moisture without sitting in soggy soil.
Mist occasionally to maintain humidity, especially during heated indoor months. A bathroom or kitchen windowsill provides the perfect microclimate for thriving growth and stunning color displays.
3. Coleus
Fast-growing and incredibly forgiving, Coleus plants offer an explosion of autumn hues. Their leaves blend scarlet, rust, lime green, and maroon in patterns that change as they mature.
Originally grown outdoors, many Virginia gardeners bring them inside before frost arrives. They adapt wonderfully to indoor life with bright, indirect light.
Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth and more colorful foliage. Water consistently, and watch this cheerful plant fill empty corners with seasonal warmth and energy.
4. Rubber Plant
Glossy, thick leaves in deep burgundy make this variety a showstopper. Rubber plants are nearly indestructible, thriving even when you forget to water occasionally.
Bright, filtered light keeps those rich fall tones looking their best across Virginia homes. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to maintain their signature shine.
Allow soil to dry between waterings, making this plant perfect for busy households. Its upright growth habit adds vertical interest while complementing autumn decor with sophisticated, jewel-toned foliage.
5. Nerve Plant
Tiny but mighty, Nerve Plants pack serious color into compact packages. Delicate leaves display intricate red or pink veining against deep green backgrounds, creating a mosaic effect.
They thrive in Virginia’s indoor humidity, especially in terrariums or bathrooms where moisture lingers. Bright, indirect light prevents fading while maintaining those vibrant vein colors.
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Their dramatic appearance and small size make them perfect for desktops, shelves, or grouped displays throughout your home.
6. Prayer Plant
Watch magic happen each evening when leaves fold upward like hands in prayer. This fascinating plant features oval leaves decorated with red veins and dark green patterns reminiscent of autumn foliage.
Medium to low light conditions suit them perfectly, making darker Virginia rooms more livable. Keep soil evenly moist and provide occasional misting for happy, healthy growth.
Their movement and color make them conversation starters. Place on shelves or hanging baskets where their trailing habit and nightly ritual can be fully appreciated by family and guests.
7. Aglaonema Red
Nicknamed Chinese Evergreen, red varieties bring rosy pinks and crimson splashes to any space. Their tolerance for neglect makes them ideal for beginners exploring houseplant care.
Low to medium light won’t diminish their striking coloration in Virginia interiors. Water when the top two inches of soil dry out completely.
These plants actually prefer being slightly pot-bound, so repotting isn’t frequently necessary. Their air-purifying qualities and easy maintenance make them functional and beautiful additions to bedrooms, offices, or living areas throughout fall.
8. Oxalis Triangularis
Delicate triangular leaves in deep purple create a butterfly-like canopy. Also called False Shamrock, this plant adds whimsy with leaves that close at night and reopen each morning.
Bright indirect light encourages the richest burgundy tones across Virginia windowsills. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and don’t panic if it goes dormant occasionally.
Small pink or white flowers appear as bonus surprises. Its unique foliage shape and color make it stand out among traditional houseplants, bringing playful autumn energy indoors effortlessly.
9. Caladium
Heart-shaped leaves splashed with crimson, rose, and cream create living artwork. Caladiums bring tropical elegance with fall-appropriate color schemes perfect for Virginia homes.
They prefer warm temperatures and bright, indirect light to maintain those spectacular leaf patterns. Keep soil consistently moist during growing season, reducing water as leaves naturally die back.
Don’t worry when foliage fades in winter—bulbs enter dormancy and return with proper care. Their dramatic appearance during active growth makes them worth the seasonal cycle for stunning indoor displays.
10. Poinsettia
Classic holiday charm meets year-round potential with proper care. While famous for winter, their scarlet bracts echo Virginia’s fall maple leaves beautifully when blooming early.
Place in bright, indirect light and water when soil surface feels dry to touch. Consistent temperatures between 65-70 degrees keep them happy indoors.
Did you know those colorful parts aren’t flowers but modified leaves? Actual flowers are tiny yellow centers. With attention to light cycles, you can encourage reblooming, making this seasonal favorite a lasting companion.
11. Anthurium
Glossy, heart-shaped blooms in brilliant red add tropical sophistication year-round. Anthuriums produce long-lasting flowers that complement fall decor while promising blooms through winter months ahead.
Bright, filtered light and regular watering keep them thriving in Virginia homes. They appreciate humidity, so grouping with other plants or using pebble trays helps.
Their waxy flowers aren’t just beautiful—they’re incredibly durable, lasting weeks or even months. Place in living rooms or entryways where their elegant presence welcomes guests with warm, autumnal color and year-round appeal.
12. Tradescantia Nanouk
Striped leaves in lavender, pink, and cream create a soft autumn palette. This trailing plant grows vigorously, quickly filling hanging baskets with cascading color.
Bright light intensifies those pink and purple tones throughout Virginia interiors. Water when top soil dries, and pinch back stems to encourage fuller, bushier growth patterns.
Incredibly easy to propagate, you can share cuttings with friends or expand your collection. Its forgiving nature and rapid growth make it perfect for impatient plant lovers wanting quick results and beautiful fall-inspired colors indoors.