5 Gorgeous Colorful Houseplants That Double as Decor
Introducing plants to any space in your home is a quick way to add some life to your decor. There are plenty of green houseplants that you can (and should!) decorate with. When you want a bolder design moment, though, nothing beats a colorful indoor plant that’s both a botanical companion and a design showstopper.
But knowing which vibrant houseplants to adopt can be tricky, whether you’re a budding plant parent or a seasoned one. That’s why I tapped three plant pros to weigh in on the best colorful houseplants that are decorative and easy to care for: Darryl Cheng, author of The New Plant Parent and The New Plant Collector, and creator of House Plant Journal; Brie Langley, botanical horticulturalist at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and Christopher Satch, professor of plant biology and founder of NYC Plant Doctor.
As a design and home decor writer, I also share a styling tip for each plant to help you figure out how you can use it in your own space.
5 Colorful Indoor Plants
Here is everything you need to know to make these five gorgeous plants flourish, plus tips on how to style them for maximum visual impact in your home.
Pink Princess Philodendron
The color is right in the name of this pretty plant. The pink princess philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) has a beautiful rose hue running through its leaves, which gives it a pop of color that complements its green coloring. It thrives in bright, indirect light (and can tolerate one to two hours a day of direct sunlight), according to Cheng, so any room you have that gets a good amount of sunlight is a perfect place to add this gorgeous living decor.
Care tip: Cheng recommends watering this plant before the soil is fully dry (about halfway dry) and adding a 3-1-2 slow-release fertilizer every time you water. With proper care, Cheng says the pink princess philodendron can “sustain over a dozen leaves on a single vine.”
Styling tip: The heart-shaped leaves with their bright pink specks and streaks deserve to be in full view. Create a focal point in a living room by placing this plant on a prominent tabletop, or hang it from the ceiling so that the beautiful leaves cascade down.
Painted-Leaf Begonia
“Any of the Begonia rex type varieties provide all-around color and drama to a houseplant display,” Langley says. A painted-leaf begonia (Begonia rex) does best in bright, indirect light, according to Langley. She adds that you should place them a little farther from the sun’s beams as compared to right up on a window.
Care tip: In addition to regular watering, Langley recommends misting the leaves every few days and giving it plant food once a month.
Styling tip: Painted-leaf begonias come in different shades, including vibrant reds and purples, so whichever you choose will add plenty of joy to a room. If you can, go for two or three different hues for a burst of cheer in any unsung corner of your space.
Wandering Dude
The Tradescantia zebrina, also known as a wandering dude, loves its light. When it comes to what this plant needs, Cheng says, “Sun, sun, sun.” He recommends putting this gorgeous purple plant near a very sunny window, with a minimum of three to four hours of direct sunlight. You can also share the wealth when you have a wandering dude because, according to Cheng, you can easily propagate cuttings from this plant that is known to shed its leaves.
Care tip: Use a slow-release fertilizer and don’t let it ever dry out.
Styling tip: If you’re looking for a hanging plant that’s not purely green, the wandering dude with its trailing vines and purple tones is a great option. And if you already have a bunch of hanging greenery, this plant will add even more texture, color, and visual interest to your elevated display.
Croton
Another plant that’s a fan of bright, indirect light, the croton (Codiaeum variegatum) thrives in a sunlit room, according to Langley. It’s also a good option if you want something that will grow into a substantial plant. “This plant can form a brilliant woody tree if well maintained — think of it as the colorful answer to the fiddle-leaf fig,” Langley shares.
Care tip: Langley warns to keep an eye out for scale insects and mealy bugs. If you notice any on the leaves, simply wipe with a soapy cloth.
Styling tip: This croton can be any combination of yellow, orange, red, green, and occasionally purple. You can color-coordinate its vibrant hue with books and decorations that match the leaves for a curated look, or use highly contrasting shades for a bright, eclectic aesthetic.
Red Chinese Evergreen
Giving your red Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema creta) proper bright, indirect light (with an hour or two of direct sunlight) will ensure that when it sprouts new leaves, they’ll have vibrant red hues. “As with most colorful houseplants, the color only stays strong with good light,” Cheng says.
Care tip: The leaves will droop severely if not watered properly, so keep an eye out and water at any sign of droopage. Make sure to fertilize every time you water as well.
Styling tip: With bright red trim and veining on the leaves, this plant will benefit any room that needs a little extra oomph. Not only will the plant add color, but its variegated foliage will also add pattern and interest — especially to a bland entryway or a home office space that needs a little life.
Further Reading
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