Red Alert

Although often thought of as a summer bedding plant, impatiens can also make attractive houseplants. Who can resist their brightly coloured flowers?

Look out for the closely related 'New Guinea Group' which make for stronger indoor plants that flower for longer. These come in a range of colours including red, pink, orange and white.

To prolong the flowering period, deadhead these plants regularly. They like damp compost at all times and bright but not direct sunlight.