Create a Breathtaking Indoor Oasis with Plants Sporting Vibrant Purple and Green Leaves

Plants with purple and green leaves offer a stunning contrast of colors that can instantly breathe life into any room. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also serve as a statement piece, adding character and personality to your home.

If you’re new to plant parenting or have a habit of forgetting to water your plants, worry not! These plants are generally low-maintenance and can thrive in bright, indirect light while tolerating dry conditions. So, let’s dive into the captivating world of indoor plants with purple foliage and explore their unique beauty and traits!

1. The Enchanting Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

Picture a trio of heart-shaped leaves, elegantly joined together, in a vibrant shade of purple. The Purple Shamrock possesses this distinctive feature, standing out from other green-leaved species. What makes it even more remarkable is its ability to revive itself from the bulbs below the surface. If conditions become unfavorable, the plant will wilt and die back, only to bounce back to life when the proper growing conditions are restored. Its resilience and forgiving nature make it ideal for those of us prone to forgetting to water our houseplants.

2. The Adventurous Wandering Dude (Tradescantia zebrina)

The Wandering Dude is a fast-growing plant with heart-shaped leaves that boast purple stripes and a silvery sheen. Its vining growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or cascading down from a pedestal. During the summer months, you can even train it to grow on obelisks outdoors and bring it indoors as a houseplant during the winter. Propagating this beauty is a breeze – simply take cuttings and root them in moist soil. It’s worth noting that the Wandering Dude can be invasive in certain regions, so be cautious if you choose to grow it outdoors.

3. The Exquisite Rose Painted Calathea (Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’)

Allow us to reintroduce you to one of the stars from our previous article on indoor plants with black and green foliage – the Rose Painted Calathea. This captivating plant features large oval-shaped green leaves that transform into a glossy dark purple as they mature. What truly sets the Calathea Dottie apart are the striking rings of fuchsia pink that encircle the center of each leaf, along with the deep purple undersides that exude tropical vibes. Although it requires a bit more care, the Calathea Dottie rewards your efforts with a stunning display.

4. The Versatile Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

Prepare to be amazed by the endless possibilities offered by the Coleus plant. With over 1500 different varieties to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your taste. While purple and green are popular color options, Coleus plants come in almost every color imaginable, except blue. Yes, you heard that right! This foliage fanatic’s dream is a feast for the eyes and incredibly easy to grow and propagate. Its adaptability to various temperatures and soil conditions makes it perfect for beginners.

5. The Captivating Begonias

Begonias are hardy perennials that offer a visual treat with their large, exquisite leaves in shades of pink, red, silver, purple, and white. These painted leaf begonias have a unique talent for blending colors, creating a mesmerizing effect that leaves you spellbound. They are relatively easy to care for and grow well in both offices and homes. Just remember to provide them with well-draining soil, moderate sunlight, and regular watering (without overdoing it!).

Here are some of our favorite begonia varieties with purple foliage:

• Begonia Rex
• Begonia ‘Fireworks’
• Wax Begonia
• Begonia ‘Salsa’
• Begonia ‘Rumba’
• Begonia ‘Plum Gorgeous’

6. The Delicate Sand Rose (Anacampseros Rufescens)

The Sand Rose is a slow-growing succulent that forms clumping mats, gradually turning into a green-purple masterpiece. Its beautiful dark green leaves contrast with a deep purple underside. What’s fascinating is that when happily stressed by ample sunlight, the green gives way to a breathtaking red display. This succulent is easy to care for, whether you choose to grow it indoors or outdoors. Remember that it thrives in warmer months and should be protected from frost during winter.

7. The Mesmerizing Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)

Enter the world of iridescence with the Persian Shield. This striking plant boasts leaves in shades of purple that create a captivating contrast against its green foliage. Its lance-shaped leaves, slightly toothed edges, and prominent veins give it a unique quilted appearance. Persian Shield thrives in hot and humid climates, forming a large, bushy, mounded plant. As it ages, the foliage coloration tends to decline, and woody stems develop.

8. The Gorgeous Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Purple Basil is not only visually enchanting but also emits a strong aroma, making it an excellent addition to any herb garden. Its leaves can produce pink or white flowers that complement its beauty. This plant is relatively easy to care for and can thrive indoors or outdoors. The more sunlight it receives, the darker its leaves become, thanks to the high content of anthocyanins present in the leaf cells. Popular cultivars with purple leaves include ‘African Blue,’ ‘Dark Opal,’ ‘Red Ruffles,’ and ‘Red Rubin,’ and they can be found in many shops.

9. The Alluring Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’)

With its captivating purple foliage, the Purple Heart is a perfect choice for beginners. Its stems and leaves boast a dark purple shade with hints of dusty turquoise as the foliage matures. In midsummer through fall, the plant produces small, pink, or pale purple flowers with bright yellow stamens at the ends of its stems. This delicate plant can spread wide, making it suitable for hanging pots, groundcovers, or rock gardens. Be mindful, as it can become invasive and prevent other plants from growing.

10. The Velvety Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca)

The Purple Passion’s unique feature lies in its velvety texture. Its soft, fuzzy leaves are covered in tiny purple hairs, giving them a distinct purple sheen. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moist but not soggy soil with excellent drainage. With its vibrant coloring and texture, the Purple Passion is a popular choice for adding a pop of color to any indoor space. While it has specific care requirements, it rewards you with years of beauty.

11. The Elegant Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’

Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ stands out from the rest with its unique appearance. The rosettes feature a blue-green base color complemented by lovely purple-ish hues along the edges of the leaves. This succulent is hardier than other Echeveria species and can thrive both indoors and outdoors in specific USDA zones. In summer, it produces coral pink flowers on tall red stems, adding another layer of beauty to its charm.

12. The Never-Never Plant (Stromanthe Thalia ‘Triostar’)

Prepare to be captivated by the Stromanthe Thalia ‘Triostar’ and its intricately blended shades of pink, cream, magenta, and green. The beautifully striped leaves reveal a dark pinkish-purple hue on their undersides. This easy-to-care-for plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light and prefers a humid environment. Regular misting or placing it near a humidifier helps keep it healthy and vibrant. Explore other Stromanthe varieties as well, although some may be harder to find.

Conclusion

Indoor plants with purple foliage are an excellent choice for adding color and character to your home. They offer not only visual appeal but also low-maintenance care. With their captivating colors, these plants contribute to a natural aesthetic that breathes life into any space. If you’re intrigued by unique plant varieties, don’t miss out on our articles exploring plants with red leaves, black leaves, pink leaves, and yellow flowers. Discover more stunning indoor plants that will truly make your indoor garden stand out.

With the right plants and a touch of care, you can create a breathtaking oasis that infuses your space with life and color. So, why wait? Embark on your indoor plant journey today and witness the wonders of the captivating world of purple and green foliage!

Discover more about indoor plants at Ames Farm Center.