Bringing Fall Color Inside

by Evin Morrison, Extension Master Gardener

Pumpkin spice is taking over the coffee shops and baked goods aisles, crates of pumpkins are overflowing on curbsides, and there’s a little bit of a chill to the evening air. Fall is starting to tease us. Outside we can enjoy the cooler weather and the changing colors of deciduous trees, but you don’t have to leave the vibrant hues of autumn at your doorstep. By bringing houseplants with fall-colored foliage into your home, you can extend the season and enjoy the warm shades of red, orange, and yellow year-round. These plants not only add a pop of color to your indoor space but also offer a unique way to celebrate the beauty of fall.

Beyond the usual green, many tropical and subtropical plants naturally feature stunning fall-like colors. These varieties can thrive indoors, offering a splash of autumn long after the outdoor leaves have fallen.

1. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

2. Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)

Also known as the “Hawaiian Good Luck Plant,” the ti plant features long, lance-shaped leaves that can range from deep burgundy and pink to fiery reds and oranges. The ‘Red Sister’ and ‘Black Magic’ varieties are popular for their striking, dark fall colors. While these plants do skew more magenta than red, the beautiful jewel tones still give you those cozy fall feelings. Ti plants thrive in bright, indirect light. While direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, too little light will cause the colors to fade. As with many plants, you must find the happy medium to keep them healthy.

An east-facing window is great, or you can place them in a south or west window but pulled a few feet back from the glass. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant’s growth slows. With shorter days, the plant won’t be taking up as much water, so sticking to your summer watering schedule will lead to waterlogged soil. That’s why it’s important to check the soil moisture of all your plants before watering. Like the croton, the ti plant appreciates high humidity and a warm environment, ideally between 65 and 80°F (18-27°C).

3. Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ (Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’)

Almost all houseplant lovers love a philodendron and this stunning hybrid is a showstopper. Its leaves emerge from the center with a brilliant, starburst yellow-orange hue, which gradually deepens into copper and amber before maturing to a lush green. This continuous cycle of new growth means your plant will always display a mix of vibrant, fall-like colors. The ‘Prince of Orange’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which makes it an ideal candidate for most homes. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves and fade the vibrant colors, especially the leaves that have just emerged and have those creamy orange hues, as they have less chlorophyll than their green counterparts and are more susceptible to the bright UV rays.

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Philodendrons are more tolerant of  average home humidity, but like all the other tropical plants in this list these plants will flourish with higher humidity levels and warm rooms. Philodendrons are relatively easy to grow, which is a huge bonus for this variety, as the new leaves are the ones that boast that beautiful orange. So, keeping the plant happy and thriving will guarantee that you keep getting those pretty fall hues.

4. Begonias

Begonias are known for their incredibly diverse foliage, with many cultivars displaying an astonishing range of colors and textures. Some varieties, such as ‘Fireworks’ or ‘Autumn Ember’ feature swirling patterns of deep red, silver, and purple that are perfect for a fall-themed display. Some varieties like ‘Black Mamba’ are so dark that they appear black and make a fun addition if you want a Halloween plant.

Now we aren’t talking about the standard begonias that we find in the outdoor section of the garden center, although some of those can also boast very pretty colors. These houseplant varieties of begonias are very diverse, can be very collectible and some can be pretty pricey. It’s important to read the care instructions for each begonia that you buy because some of them can be a little harder to care for than the plants we’ve previously discussed in this list. As a generalization, you should provide bright, indirect light. Too much sun can burn the leaves, and too little will lead the plant to pushing out all green leaves to capitalize on the little light that it can get. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to powdery mildew. They appreciate high humidity, so a humidifier or a location like a kitchen or bathroom is ideal. Many varieties are also great options for greenhouse cabinets, terrariums, vivariums, and other enclosed planting ecosystems. Glass enclosure helps keep humidity high without all the extra gear of pebble trays, humidifiers, and misting bottles.

Maybe this year instead of mourning the end of our summer gardening season, we will choose to take a page out of nature’s playbook and bring these gorgeous fall colors into our homes. Incorporating these plants into our home can create a cozy and colorful retreat that celebrates the spirit of fall all winter long. Their vibrant foliage serves as a constant reminder of the joy and beauty of living plants, even when the trees outside have gone bare.