5 Native Colorado Plants to Grow Inside Your Home
If you’ve ever hiked through Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes and thought, I wish I could bring a piece of this home, you’re in luck. Many of Colorado’s native plants aren’t just beautiful in the wild—they also make great houseplants. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of greenery, purify the air, or just embrace a bit of the local flora, native plants are the perfect addition to your indoor space.
Unlike many store-bought tropical plants that require constant care, native Colorado plants are naturally adapted to dry climates and fluctuating temperatures. That means they’re not only beautiful but also resilient and easy to maintain. Plus, growing native plants indoors helps support biodiversity and create a connection to the natural environment outside your window.
In this guide, we’ll explore five low-maintenance and beautiful native Colorado houseplants that thrive inside your home—and exactly how to care for them.
1. Blue Mist Penstemon (Penstemon virens)
What is Blue Mist Penstemon?
If you're looking for a plant that brings a touch of the Colorado wilderness into your home, the Blue Mist Penstemon is a great choice. With its brilliant blue flowers and lush green leaves, this hardy perennial thrives in the foothills and mountainous regions of Colorado, making it a colorful and resilient option for indoor spaces.
How to Care for Blue Mist Penstemon Indoors:
Light: Requires bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day.
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
Soil: Needs well-draining, sandy or rocky soil.
Additional Care: Best grown in a pot near a sunny window. May struggle in low-light indoor conditions.
2. Prairie Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana)
What is Prairie Sage?
If you love soft, silvery foliage with a subtle earthy scent, Prairie Sage is an excellent pick. Also known as White Sagebrush, this plant is a favorite for its striking texture and ability to thrive in dry conditions. It’s an easygoing addition to any home and brings a touch of the wild prairies inside.
How to Care for Prairie Sage Indoors:
Light: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
Watering: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant.
Soil: Prefers sandy, well-draining soil.
Additional Care: Prune occasionally to maintain shape.
3. Mountain Ball Cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii)
What is Mountain Ball Cactus?
For those who love low-maintenance plants, the Mountain Ball Cactus is a perfect match. With its compact, spiny shape and occasional seasonal blooms, this cactus thrives in Colorado’s high-altitude deserts. It’s one of the easiest native plants to care for indoors, requiring little more than a bright window and minimal water.
How to Care for Mountain Ball Cactus Indoors:
Light: Needs direct sunlight; place near a sunny window.
Watering: Requires minimal watering; allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Soil: Use a cactus-specific potting mix for optimal drainage.
Additional Care: Avoid high humidity environments.
4. Navajo Yucca (Yucca baileyi)
What is Navajo Yucca?
If you're drawn to bold, structural plants, the Navajo Yucca is a standout. Its long, sword-like leaves and occasional flowering spikes make it a striking, architectural addition to any room. Native to the southwestern U.S., this plant is as tough as it looks and thrives with minimal care.
How to Care for Navajo Yucca Indoors:
Light: Prefers bright light and tolerates direct sunlight.
Watering: Requires minimal watering; water only when the soil is completely dry.
Soil: Thrives in sandy, well-draining soil.
Additional Care: Make sure the plant has ample space for growth.
5. Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
What is Colorado Blue Spruce?
A true Colorado icon, the Blue Spruce is known for its blue-green needles and striking beauty in the wild. While it's primarily an outdoor tree, young plants are kept indoors for a limited time. If you're looking for a festive winter plant or a temporary indoor tree, this one is a beautiful choice.
How to Care for Colorado Blue Spruce Indoors:
Light: Needs bright, indirect sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
Soil: Prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
Additional Care: Keep in a cool indoor space to mimic its natural environment.
Why Should You Add Native Colorado Plants Indoors?
Adding native Colorado plants to your home isn't just about aesthetics, they bring practical benefits too. Here’s why these plants make a great addition to your indoor space:
Adaptability: Native plants are naturally suited to local conditions, making them easier to care for indoors.
Pest Resistance: Many native plants have a natural resistance to common pests, reducing the need for pesticides.
Eco-Friendly: Helps support local biodiversity and promotes sustainable gardening.
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a unique touch to your interior decor while keeping a connection to Colorado’s natural landscape.
How to Grow Native Colorado Plants Indoors – FAQs
1. Can native outdoor plants thrive indoors?
Yes! Many native Colorado plants adapt well to indoor environments if they receive proper light, soil, and watering conditions.
2. Do native plants require less maintenance indoors?
Generally, yes. Since they are adapted to Colorado’s climate, they tend to be strong and low-maintenance. However, some native plants, like the Colorado Blue Spruce, need specific conditions to survive long-term inside.
3. What are the best low-maintenance native plants for indoors?
Some of the best options include the Mountain Ball Cactus, Navajo Yucca, and Prairie Sage, as they require minimal watering and thrive in dry environments.
4. Where can I purchase native Colorado plants?
Check with local nurseries, garden centers, or online retailers specializing in native plants. Also, try visiting conservation groups that promote native plant sales.
Bringing Colorado’s Beauty Indoors
Bringing native Colorado plants indoors is a great way to enhance your living space with natural beauty while also supporting local biodiversity. With the right care, these plants thrive in your home, adding natural beauty while being easy to maintain. Whether you want a pop of color, interesting textures, or a strong, fuss-free plant, there's a native Colorado plant that fits perfectly in your home.