Long Lasting pots of flowers  

For colour that lasts beyond a single bunch of cut flowers, potted flowering plants are a beautiful and practical choice. They bring instant charm to indoor spaces, patios and sheltered garden areas, and with the right care, many can flower for months. 

Cyclamen ‘Illusia’, Begonia elatior and anthuriums are three standout options for lasting colour. Each one offers something different, from striking flowers and decorative foliage to easy-care appeal, making them ideal for gifting, decorating the home, or adding seasonal interest to a favourite spot.

Cyclamen ‘Illusia’  

This new variety of cyclamen will capture your attention immediately! Absolutely stunning petticoat flowers cover pretty leaves in Cyclamen persicum ‘Illusia’, just launched and with several international awards to its name, these will be an excellent gift for anyone, including oneself.  

They thrive in cool, humid, bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun, which will scorch the leaves. To care for them, make sure they get enough water. The soil must be moist but not soggy. Water from the base when the soil is partially dry.  

This prevents the leaves from getting wet, which can invite pests or cause crown rot in the plants. If the leaves start to yellow, it may be a sign of too much or too little water. The plants will be dormant in summer, and watering should be reduced at this time. Remove dead flowers by pulling them at the base. This will encourage more flowers. 

Begonias  

There are some very special begonias out there, including the Polka Dot (Begonia Polka Dot), everyone loves. But if you are looking for flowers and foliage, you can’t go wrong with Begonia elatior. They come in a range of bright colours to suit any occasion and are easy to care for.  

Place in bright light out of the sun’s rays and water from the bottom to keep the foliage dry. Allow the plants to dry out a little before watering again. Feed every month while they are flowering and deadhead the spent flowers to best placed on pebble trays filled with water, so the leaves don’t get wet.  

These begonias can flower for months, and when they stop flowering, they can be coaxed into flowering again. By following their general care instructions, they will flower again, and as they are perennials, they will flower again next season.  

Anthuriums

For long lasting colour indoors, anthuriums are top of the list. Not only do they come in some gorgeous colours, but they are also very hardy and easy to care for. They like a warm spot with filtered light and lots of humidity. Protect the leaves from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During spring and summer, add a feeding schedule every couple of weeks to increase flower production.  

A liquid fertiliser with a high potassium content is ideal for flowering. They need very little maintenance; spritz them with a spray bottle to increase humidity and make sure the pots don’t stand in water. Keep away from cold drafts. They can be repotted every 1-2 years into a larger pot with a new potting mix that includes orchid bark, perlite or coconut coir for extra drainage.