BloomPop: 8 High-Impact Orchid Alternatives

This guest post comes to us via *B**loompop*, the ‘Etsy for Flowers’. Bloompop is an online marketplace that makes it easy to send gorgeous flowers from a curated selection of local, artisan florists anywhere in the US.

Who here absolutely loves flowers soaking up the sun by the windowsill? Today, we’re digging (gardening pun intended) into high-impact alternatives to your potted orchids.  Orchids are an elegant touch to any home but sometimes, they’re just not the flower you’re looking for. From the well-known geranium to the exotic Medinilla Magnifica, many alternatives exist. Which of these high-impact flowers are you adding to your collection?

Image via [Medinilla Magnifica](http://www.medinilla.ca/gallery.html)

Medinilla Magnifica | Large and pale pink, this flower originates from the mountains of the Philippines. It prefers temperatures from 63°F to 77°F and tolerates a high amount of (indirect) sunlight. Fun fact: the Medinilla Magnifica has appeared on the 10,000 Belgian franc note. Talk about a fancy flower!

Image via [BHG](http://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/projects/blooming-houseplants/#page=2)

Hibiscus | This showy flower grows on a shrubby plant and can be trained to grow in a tree-like shape. The flowers bloom in a variety of colors and are trumpet-shaped, reaching up to 8 in. in diameter. You can use hibiscus flowers to make tea or candy them for a sweet snack!

Image via [Home Depot](http://gardenclub.homedepot.com/lily-pond-in-a-vase/)

Lily Pond in a Vase | Fun DIY project and great gift idea alert! Place water lilies in cylindrical vases to create a micro aquatic garden right in your home. Tutorial available here.

Image via [Imgarcade](http://imgarcade.com/1/potted-hyacinth/)

Hyacinths | Growing hyacinths indoors requires a little planning, but certainly can be done. It’s recommended to chill them for 11-14 weeks before gradually exposing them to light and warmth. Afterwards, they should bloom in two to three weeks.

Image via [BHG](http://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/projects/blooming-houseplants/#page=19)

Geraniums | If you’re looking for something with smaller flowers, then geraniums are for you. Different varieties grow in a range of light levels, but all are great for the indoor gardening beginner.

Image via [Everyday Occasions](http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-blog-header-for-january-paperwhites.html)

African violets | Given the proper attention, you can keep your African violets in constant bloom. Although not as elegant in appearance as orchids, African violets are popular for their constant color and ease to propagate.

Image via [Waitrose Garden](http://www.waitrosegarden.com/plants/_/streptocarpus-crystal-ice-pbr/classid.2000019759/)

Cape primrose | Also commonly known as Streptocarpus, this flower originates mainly from South Africa and is a relative of African violets. Flowers form in clusters above tall stems and the plant can grow up to 1 ft. high.

Image via [Koyal](http://blog.koyalwholesale.com/2011/09/wedding-how-to-flowers-for-any-budget/)

Tulips | Who doesn’t love tulips? These pretty flowers, like hyacinths, require cold storage time before blooming indoors. Tulips require much more planning – 14 to 20 weeks chilling before blooming in two to three weeks. Definitely worth the investment!

You can dress up your coffee table or windowsills with so many different options. Which one do you pick?

xx, The BloomPop Team

\\  [Bloompop](http://www.bloompop.com) is an online marketplace that makes it easy to send gorgeous flowers from a curated selection of local, artisan florists anywhere in the US.  To learn more, visit [www.BloomPop.com](https://www.bloompop.com/)

\\  [Havenly](http://www.havenly.com), an online interior design service, makes interior decor simple, convenient, and affordable. For one low flat fee per room, you’re matched with a personal interior designer who creates a custom room design unique to your budget and style.  Then, buy what you love in one convenient place through our complimentary ordering service, and a custom-designed Havenly room is delivered to your doorstep. To #getdecorated or learn more about our service, visit havenly.com.