We want to show you some of the plants with colored leaves that you can easily find in any florist or nursery so that your home is full of color and life at any time of the year. Although we all love flowers, these plants with colored leaves are also a great option not only for their ornamental value, but because they are usually plants that do not require too specific care. If you are still a novice and want to start learning to care for and love plants or, simply, you are looking for options to decorate your space with a beautiful and easy-care plant, we recommend that you take a look at this list where you will find many species and varieties of red plants, plants with purple leaves and with other colors that will surprise you.
Aglaonema modestum or aglaonema of fire
The leaves of this variety of Aglaonema are green and with reddish or purple parts . Easy to grow, this plant requires very little maintenance so it is perfect for those who do not have much time, but do not want to give up having plants at home. In addition, this plant native to China is perennial so you can enjoy its beauty throughout the year.
Begonia rex or painted leaf begonia
Although begonia is itself a plant that is highly valued for its elegant flowers, this variety, the begonia rex , has very characteristic colored leaves . Large and rosette-shaped, they come to present very different patterns and colors. From pink to almost dark purple. This plant prefers cool environments, with a high degree of humidity and does not receive direct light to improve its growth and flowering.
Calathea or calatea
Another plant with brightly colored leaves is commonly known as Calathea or calatea . Perfect for decorating any interior space of your home, since it can present different types of coloring and shape of its leaves depending on the variety. Although, it usually has large leaves where the predominant colors are the intense green of its upper part and the purple underside . To help it stay healthy, you will need to ensure that it receives indirect light and abundant watering during spring and summer.
Canna indica or cane of the Indies
Known for its beautiful tropical flowers , Canna indica is also known as a plant of great ornamental value thanks to the color of its leaves . These, large in size, can have different shades that go from green to red; even with different patterns like presenting striped sheets with two colors. Like some of the other species that we have presented to you, the Caña de Indias needs water and sun to favor its development. Therefore, it is normal that they are used in garden areas, mainly near ponds.
Ficus elastica or rubber tree
One of the most used plants to decorate exteriors is known as Ficus elastica or the rubber tree . Its reddish leaves stand out , only during its first stage, which turn reddish and purple until they turn intense green as the plant grows. They prefer a bright environment, but without receiving direct sunlight. As long as you keep the substrate well drained, you will not have to worry about its care so that it always looks in perfect condition.
Hemigraphis alternata or red ivy
Another known plant with colored leaves is the so-called red ivy belongs to the Acantaceae family and is native to the Asian continent. Its leaves are wrinkled and although they have a greenish coloration on the upper surface , they are purple on the underside . Depending on the temperature or the light they receive, they can even take on a greater almost metallic coloration. Although we recommend that you use it outdoors, you can have it inside your house with the help of a tutor to help it grow naturally.
Asplenium fern or bird’s nest fern
This curious species of tree fern , typical of Australia and Malaysia, also needs adequate humidity conditions for its optimal growth. If you take good care of it, it can be an exceptionally long-lived plant. In addition, large wavy leaves of the Asplenium fern or bird’s nest fern , of apple green color and purple nerves, can reach more than 50 cm in length. A perfect option to dress your home with a unique and natural touch.
Ledebouria socialis or escilia
This bulbous plant of the Asparagaceae family and typical of South Africa that has variegated leaves on the upper side and purple on the underside . In addition to its rare and pretty leaves, its flowers, although small, are very showy. You will be able to grow Ledebouria socialis or escilia with ease, since it only needs to be located in a shady place in your home.
Caladium or angel wing
Its common name does justice to this plant with striking leaves shaped like an arrowhead and which, depending on the variety, has unique color combinations among which are green, white, red and even pink. The Caladiums , caladiums or angel wing are perfect annuals for interior spaces as well not stand frost and prefer not to receive direct sunlight.
Xanthosoma sagittifolium or African mask plant
If what you are looking for is to get a tropical touch in the favorite corner of your home, we recommend this plant with large leaves and pointed ends. These also have a daring veining in white or yellow, perfect to give it that air you are looking for. The texture of its leaves is also very particular, plus the size of these is great because it can exceed 50 cm in length, and all this and the way they are, it is known as “African mask” or “ elephant ears ” .
Other colorful leaf plants
To finish, we show you a list of names of plants with colored leaves that are also very striking and decorative, so that you know more options.
- Alocasia Polly or mini elephant ear
- Carex or jonquil
- Ctenanthe oppenheimiana or cenante
- Coleus blumei or cretonne
- Cordyline fruticosa or good luck plant
- Codiaeum Variegatum Pictum or croton
- Gynura aurantiaca or purple passion plant
- Maranta leuconeura or prayer plant
- Phormium or New Zealand lily
- Ipomoea Batatas or Sweet Potato Vine
- Plectranthus argentatus or plectranthus
- Pilea cadierei or aluminum plant
- Strobilanthes dyerianus or Persian shield
- Tradescantia zebrina or zebrina pendula
