6 Houseplants That Naturally Add Autumn Color to Your Home Decor

Honestly, bringing warm autumn colors inside just makes my home feel cozier. Houseplants are such an easy way to do it.

With the right plants, I get those reds, oranges, and golds that totally remind me of falling leaves. It’s like autumn, but without needing to bundle up and go outside.

1) Japanese Maple

The Japanese Maple is a favorite of mine for its vibrant fall colors. Even indoors, it draws attention with delicate leaves and stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.

It does surprisingly well in pots, so I keep mine near a bright window. Indirect light is best, and when fall rolls around, the colors really stand out.

I water when the soil is dry, but I try not to go overboard. A little humidity helps, so I’ll mist the leaves now and then.

Watching the leaves change color every season is honestly the best part. Some go bright red, others mix in orange and gold—each variety is a little different.

If you’re short on space, a dwarf variety fits nicely on a windowsill or table. Pruning keeps things tidy, and I enjoy shaping mine a bit each year.

Japanese Maples are pretty easygoing. Give them a little attention and they’ll keep your home feeling autumnal year after year.

2) Burning Bush

There’s something dramatic about a Burning Bush. The leaves start out green, but as autumn comes, they shift to a super bright red.

It kind of looks like a tiny fire in my living room. Care is easy—just give it plenty of indirect sunlight and keep the soil a bit moist, not soggy.

The vivid red leaves stick around for weeks, which is perfect when I want my space to feel cozy. I like putting mine somewhere I’ll see it every day.

It’s a solid pick for plant newbies since it’s pretty hardy and doesn’t fuss much. Some folks keep theirs on a sunny table or a small plant stand.

If you want a plant that really screams “fall,” Burning Bush does the trick. The color is all-natural, no sprays or dyes needed.

3) Coral Bells

Coral Bells have become a staple in my collection. Their leaves show off shades of red, orange, gold, and purple—such a fun way to bring autumn inside.

They’re not just pretty; they’re also easy to care for. I keep mine in bright, indirect light and water when the topsoil dries out.

Since Coral Bells are compact, they fit pretty much anywhere. The leaves look almost painted, with unique patterns and colors that get even richer in autumn.

I’m careful not to overwater—root rot is no joke. Good drainage is a must, so I always check my pots.

Sometimes, small flowers appear on tall stalks. They’re cute, but honestly, the foliage is the real star.

If you want to brighten your home naturally for fall, Coral Bells are a great pick. I can’t recommend them enough.

4) Dahlia

I can’t resist dahlias in the fall. The blooms come in deep red, orange, yellow, and purple, and just make my space feel more alive.

They do well in pots indoors as long as there’s enough sunlight. A sunny window is perfect, and I water when the soil feels dry.

The flowers last for weeks, which is always a nice surprise. Even when the petals drop, the green leaves keep things looking fresh.

Dahlias like cooler temps, which fits the season. I’ve noticed new buds keep popping up even after the first blooms fade—such a bonus.

Smaller dahlia varieties work best for indoor pots. Mixing red, orange, and yellow together gives my windowsill a real autumn vibe.

I try not to overwater, and good drainage helps the roots stay happy. If I trim off dead flowers, I usually get more blooms.

For anyone craving natural autumn color indoors, dahlias are a solid choice. Their flowers always cheer me up, especially on gray days.

5) Red-Leafed Coleus

Red-leafed coleus is such a bold way to bring color inside, especially in fall. The leaves range from deep red and burgundy to purple, and they really stand out.

My coleus thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can dull the colors, so I keep it near a window with sheer curtains.

Watering is straightforward. I wait until the top of the soil is dry, then give it a drink. Overwatering can cause issues, so I keep an eye on that.

There are so many varieties out there. Sometimes I’ll pick ones with extra-bright red leaves or colorful edges just to mix things up.

Pinching off the tops helps the plant grow fuller. I do this when it starts looking leggy, and the cuttings are perfect for making new plants to share.

Coleus isn’t fussy. With regular watering and the right light, the leaves stay gorgeous all season.

Every time I walk by, the red leaves are a cheerful little reminder that it’s autumn—even if it’s raining outside.

6) Sweet Potato Vine

I’m a big fan of Sweet Potato Vine for autumn. It’s easy to grow indoors, and the colors are just so bold.

The leaves can be deep purple, red, or golden yellow—they really remind me of fall trees. Plus, the leaf shapes are cool, from heart-shaped to super jagged.

Sweet Potato Vine likes bright, indirect light. I keep mine near a window but out of direct sun, since too much can fade the leaves.

I water when the top inch of soil is dry. If the leaves droop, that’s my cue that it’s thirsty.

It grows fast, which I love. The vines trail from baskets or spill over pots, filling empty spots with color in no time.

If space is tight, I just trim the vines back. They bounce back quickly, and I can root the cuttings in water for more plants.

Sweet Potato Vine isn’t picky about temperature. As long as I keep it away from cold drafts, it’s happy all fall.

Varieties like ‘Blackie’ (dark purple) or ‘Marguerite’ (yellow-green) really pop. Mixing a few kinds in one pot looks awesome.

It doesn’t usually flower inside, but honestly, the leaves are the main event. Their color makes any room feel festive for fall.

How to Care for Autumn-Colored Houseplants

Honestly, these plants are pretty easy to love if you just pay attention to a few basics. Light, water, soil, and a little food go a long way.

Light and Watering Tips

Most autumn houseplants want bright, indirect sunlight. I avoid harsh midday sun since it can fade the colors or scorch the leaves.

A window with sheer curtains is usually perfect. Croton, for example, really pops with enough light.

Watering is where I try to be careful. Too much leads to root rot, while underwatering makes leaves wilt and lose their shine.

I check the top inch of soil—if it’s dry, I water. Room-temp water is best, so the roots don’t get shocked.

Sometimes I use a spray bottle for misting, but only in the morning so the leaves dry quickly.

Soil and Fertilizer Recommendations

Good soil matters. I use a mix that drains well: peat moss, perlite, and a bit of compost. That keeps roots happy and growth strong.

All my pots have drainage holes—no exceptions. Soggy soil is just asking for trouble.

For fertilizer, I stick with a balanced, water-soluble type every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer. In fall and winter, I mostly skip it so the plants can chill out.

Table: My Go-To Soil Mix

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Peat moss	2 parts	Keeps soil light
Perlite	1 part	Helps drainage
Compost	1 part	Adds nutrients

I’m careful to keep fertilizer off the leaves and always water after feeding. It keeps the roots healthy and the colors looking sharp.

Creative Ways to Display Vibrant Foliage

Bright leaves indoors just make fall feel special. I like finding new ways to show off my colorful plants.

Seasonal Potting Ideas

When autumn hits, I switch up my planters. Terra-cotta pots, rustic baskets, or even brass containers really make those colors stand out.

Sometimes I’ll group planters of different heights on steps or a low table—makes the leaves pop even more.

Wrapping pots with burlap, twine, or plaid fabric adds a cozy touch. I like topping the soil with pinecones or colorful fall leaves from outside.

Hanging baskets with trailing plants are great for eye-level color without eating up floor space.

Mixing and Matching with Fall Decor

Plants look awesome next to mini pumpkins, candles, or acorns. I’ll set up little displays that feel lively but not overdone.

Placing plants near soft throws or on wooden trays adds extra coziness. Sometimes I’ll make a simple table centerpiece by grouping plants of different heights.

Mixing textures—like smooth leaves and rough wood—makes everything more interesting. Using deep reds, oranges, and golds helps my plants blend right in with the rest of my autumn decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

I just love adding warm, rich colors to my space with houseplants that show off reds, oranges, and golds. These plants are simple to care for, and honestly, they fit right in almost anywhere.

What are some low-maintenance plants that show autumn colors indoors?

Red-Leafed Coleus and Coral Bells are both easy to grow, at least in my experience. They just want regular watering and a bit of indirect light, nothing too fussy.

Their leaves stay colorful all season, which is great if you’re after that autumn vibe.

Can you suggest houseplants that have leaves changing color in fall?

I’d say Japanese Maple and Burning Bush are hard to beat. When fall rolls around, their leaves turn those classic bright reds and oranges you see outside.

What indoor plants have foliage similar to autumn leaves year-round?

Coral Bells and Red-Leafed Coleus keep those rich reds, deep maroons, and golds all year. I have to admit, their leaves always give me a little autumn nostalgia, no matter the month.

How do I care for houseplants that exhibit fall colors?

I usually keep them somewhere with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. The soil should stay moist, but not too wet—no one likes soggy roots, right?

A bit of fertilizer once a month seems to help their leaves stay vibrant.

Are there any houseplants that can provide reds and oranges like autumn leaves?

Absolutely! Dahlia grown indoors and Burning Bush both bring bold reds and oranges to the table. My Red-Leafed Coleus is also pretty fiery all year if you’re into that look.

What are the best conditions for maintaining autumn-hued houseplants?

I like to put my plants somewhere they get plenty of light, but I steer clear of harsh direct sun. Too much sun just seems to wash out those gorgeous autumn tones, don’t you think?

Temperature matters more than people realize—most of my plants seem happiest when it’s between 60°F and 75°F. I’m careful to keep them away from drafty windows or right in front of heat vents, since sudden changes just stress them out.

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