What are fall-colored plants?

Fall-colored plants are houseplants that have leaves or flowers in warm hues like reds, oranges, and yellows. They help create a cozy atmosphere in your home during the autumn season.

Why should I decorate with plants in the fall?

Decorating with plants in the fall brings a touch of nature indoors and creates a warm, inviting space. Plants can also improve air quality and boost your mood during the colder months.

Can I keep fall-colored plants indoors?

Yes! Many fall-colored plants are perfect for indoor spaces. They can thrive in pots and add vibrant autumn colors to any room in your house.

What are some examples of fall-colored houseplants?

Some examples include the Sedum spectabile, Croton, and Golden Pothos. These plants have beautiful leaf colors that complement autumn themes wonderfully.

How do I care for fall-colored plants?

Caring for your fall-colored plants usually involves providing them with the right amount of sunlight, water, and occasional fertilizer. Make sure to check each plant's specific needs for the best results!

Will fall-colored plants survive the winter?

Many fall-colored plants can survive the winter if you care for them properly. Just make sure to keep them in a shielded spot and adjust their watering schedule as needed.

Do I need special pots for my fall-colored plants?

While you don’t need special pots, it's essential to choose pots with good drainage to prevent overwatering. Decorative pots can also enhance your autumn decor!

Can I use fall-colored plants for gifts?

Absolutely! Fall-colored plants make amazing gifts during the cozy season. They are beautiful, thoughtful, and add a touch of warmth to any home.

Where can I buy fall-colored houseplants?

You can find fall-colored houseplants at local nurseries, garden centers, or even online plant shops. Many supermarkets also have a selection of houseplants to choose from.

How can I combine fall-colored plants with my home decor?

You can combine fall-colored plants with cozy blankets, pumpkin decorations, and warm lighting to create a beautiful autumn vibe. Experiment with different arrangements to find what you like best!

Autumn vibes only: 10 fall-colored plants for the cozy season

Get into the cozy spirit with these 10 fall-colored houseplants! From warm reds to golden yellows, find the perfect greens to bring autumn vibes right into your home!

Okay, time for a confession! I'm sad summer is over! Don't get me wrong, I love the fall colors, the smells of cinnamon, the cozy lights, and the scented candles! But what makes this a bad time of year, for me at least, is that all our houseplants are going dormant!

It's getting colder, there is less sunlight, and this puts the plants to sleep in the coming few weeks. But, I still love the fall vibes! So, how can we combine houseplants and fall vibes? By getting fall-colored houseplants, of course!

In this post, I'll highlight some of my favorite fall-colored houseplants to complete the fall vibes in your home.

These are the plants we'll look at together:

These plants are all amazing during the rest of the year, but they really start to shine when the trees outside start to look like the plants in our home!

Let's set the scene now, let's go!

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)

The first plant we'll highlight is Croton! It's a fall-colored plant with bright variegation. It has dark (green/black) leaves with red, orange, and yellow highlights. You can't get more fall than that. This plant might look like fall, but it's a plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical areas, so don't bring it outside during this cold time of year.

I love how unique Croton's bold leaf shapes are, and it adds such a vibrant pop to any space. Plus, it helps purify the air, which is a nice bonus! Just remember, it prefers bright, indirect sunlight, so I always make sure to find a cozy spot for it indoors that checks all the boxes.

Looking to keep your Croton thriving? Check out my detailed Croton care guide for all the tips and tricks you need!

Acer × freemanii (Autumn Blaze Maple)

Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The second plant I want to share is the Acer × freemanii. This tree is an absolute showstopper in the fall. This tree has vibrant orange and red foliage, which really screams "fall". It’s perfect for those of us looking to create that traditional autumn atmosphere in their yard or garden (it's too big to grow indoors). The best part is that it grows quickly and can reach a nice height, giving you some shade during the summer.

Since this tree grows outside, it's very low-maintenance, and it grows well in different soil types. It can handle a range of weather conditions, so it will probably grow quite well in your garden as well. Just keep in mind that it prefers full sun to really bring out those stunning fall colors. If you're looking for a tree that not only emanates (I can't think of a better word) fall, you should really look into Acer × freemanii.

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

The next plant I want to highlight is Acer palmatum. This is one of my favorite trees, so this post is the perfect excuse to share it with you! This plant has very unusual leaves with lots of angles and textures. In the fall, these leaves turn shades of red, orange, and even purple.

In my opinion, this tree makes any garden space look more elegant and sophisticated. So if that's the kind of vibe you're going for, especially in the fall, it might be worth a look! One of the benefits of this tree is that it stays quite small. If you give it enough space, it can still grow quite large, but it's quite happy in a large pot as well. So you can control how much it grows and help it fit your outdoor spaces.

One of the things I love most about Acer palmatum is how versatile it is. It can thrive in partial shade, making it a great addition to spots that might not get full sunlight all day. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil, so any well-draining, organic soil is great for this tree. If you're looking for one outdoor plant this fall, go for this one!

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' (Burgundy Rubber Plant)

Now, I'd like to introduce you to Ficus elastica 'Burgundy.' This houseplant really stands out with its deep burgundy leaves. You might be more familiar with the variegated Ficus elastica. If you've taken care of that plant before, you'll be very familiar with taking care of this one too! These deep burgundy-colored leaves really add some drama to your home. I hate being so vague, but it's such a unique color that goes well with almost any color in your home.

Because these leaves are so dark, they give your house a fall, maybe even halloween, vibe. The best part of taking care of this plant is how easy it is to care for. It's forgiving and adaptable, making it a great choice for those who might not have a green thumb (yet).

It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions, which means it can thrive in a variety of spots around your home. Just remember to let the top inch of soil dry out between watering, and you'll have a thriving plant that adds warmth and richness to your indoor oasis during fall!

Interested in keeping your Ficus elastica 'Burgundy' happy and healthy? Check out my detailed care guide for all the info you'll need!

Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos)

Next up is Epipremnum aureum, or Golden Pothos. This plant is a classic favorite for good reason! It has amazing heart-shaped leaves that come in green or green/yellow variegated colors. I love how the bright yellows in the leaves really give off those warm, cozy vibes. It's like bringing a little bit of fall into your home, even when it's not chilly outside!

This plant is a very popular plant, and that's because it's very easy to care for, and grows quickly. It's very forgiving, which makes it a perfect plant for beginning plant owners that don't trust their plant care skills yet. It does quite well in lower light, to bright indirect light ranges, so you can pretty much put it anywhere.

When you're watering your plant, make sure to check the soil, because this plant should have the top inch of the soil dry out before you water it again. One warning though: This plant grows very quickly, so you'll end up trimming it quite often, and it's really difficult to resist propagating this plant! I had one plant, now I have....a few more than that!

Curious about how to keep your Golden Pothos thriving? Check out my care guide for all the best tips!

Sedum spectabile (Sedum 'Autumn Joy')

Now let’s talk about Sedum spectabile, also known as Sedum 'Autumn Joy.' This plant surprises me every year! This plant does very little all year, but then it becomes cooler in the fall and something magical happens: It starts to bloom! When every other flowering plant in my garden dies during this time, Sedum spectabile starts to put out bright pink flowers.

If you've ever taken care of a type of Sedum before, you'll know they're very low-maintenance succulents. In the 7 years I've had these flowers in my garden, I've never once had to do anything to help them grow. I think that should tell you enough about how low-maintenance they are.

It thrives in full sun and is super drought-tolerant. But, when it turns fall and starts raining more, it's still fine. All you need to do is give it well draining soil. During the winter, this plant will die back, but it will grow back in the spring and summer, so don't throw them away!

Chrysanthemum x morifolium (Chrysanthemums)

Next up are Chrysanthemum morifolium, or simply Chrysanthemums. I absolutely adore these flowers! They’re the quintessential fall bloomers, bursting with color just when we need it the most. From rich reds to sunny yellows and deep purples, these beauties add so much life to my garden during the cooler months.

What I love about Chrysanthemums is how versatile they are. You can find them in pots, or you can plant them directly in your garden, and they’re perfect for creating that fall atmosphere. They’re pretty low-maintenance too! I make sure to give them plenty of sunlight, and I try to water them regularly, but honestly, they usually thrive with just a little attention. The way they bloom in late summer and continue into fall is always such a treat, and they make excellent cut flowers for your home as well!

Just a little tip: these plants are perennials, so if you give them a good home, they'll come back year after year. Just remember to cut them back in the fall after they've finished blooming, and they’ll be ready to show off their colors again next season!

Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)

Next on my list is Euonymus alatus, commonly known as Burning Bush. This is the plant, along with Acer palmatum that will steal the show in the fall! The deep red leaves on this plant will catch your eye every...single...time. When the leaves change color, it looks like the bush is on fire. If you're looking for a true eye-catcher in the fall, this is definitely the plant for you!

What I appreciate about Burning Bush is that it's relatively low-maintenance. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, making it a plant that can fit in almost any garden. As for watering, it's pretty forgiving, though I like to make sure it gets enough moisture, especially during those hot summer months. This tree can also grow well in a variety of soil types, so you don't have to stress too much about the exact conditions.

Just be aware that it can grow quite large, so giving it some space to spread out will keep it happy. If you want to control its growth a bit more, make sure to regularly prune it.

Aster

Now, let’s talk about Aster, another plant that will flood your garden with color! Like the Sedum we looked at, Aster starts to bloom when other flowering plants in your garden start to die off. That's because this flower actually thrives in the cooler temperatures and doesn't like to be in the hot sun, like most other flowering plants.

I've got to come clean though, this flower won't really give your garden fall vibes, but rather, it'll give it summer vibes in the fall with their shades of purple, blue, white, and pink. This flower is exactly what I need to combat my seasonal depression, I LOVE the brightness of them.

Asters are super easy to care for and thrive in full sun and grows well in most moisture-holding soil types, which is great because it means they can fit right into almost any garden setup. These flowers are perennials, so you can enjoy their vibrant color year after year!

Okay, I sneaked this "prolonged summer vibes" plant in this list, but I'll make it up to you by going back to a true fall-colored plant!

Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' (Japanese Blood Grass)

Alright, let’s wrap things up with Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron,' or Japanese Blood Grass. Now, this is the plant that truly embraces those fall colors! The bright red tips of its blades create a nice contrast against the green stems, and as the season goes on, the colors deepen and they keep making your garden look better and better.

What I love about Japanese Blood Grass is its effortless style. It’s a clumping grass that doesn’t take up much space, so it fits nicely into borders or even as a standalone accent. Plus, it's pretty low-maintenance! This grass thrives in full sun and can handle a range of soil types, making it a versatile choice for even the most challenging garden spots. Just be sure it has well-drained soil, and you’ll have a beautiful plant that stands out as the leaves change all around it.

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap! I hope you’re as excited about these fall-colored plants as I am. From the stunning red tips of Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' to the cheerful blooms of Aster, each one brings a unique vibe that’s perfect for cozying up your space this season. Whether you want to add some bold colors or just keep your home or garden feeling fresh, these plants have got you covered!

Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.