9 gorgeous purple houseplants that are a breeze to care
Explore our curated list of best purple houseplants that are low maintenance, grown in our Brooklyn community home. Discover the care and maintenance tips, along with how to decorate them in your home!
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Purple houseplants not only add a touch of exotic beauty to your space, but the ones in the list below are surprisingly easy to care for, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned plant lovers. Whats more: a recent study by Journal of Environmental Psychology notes psychological benefits from the indoor plants– their positive impact on mood and well-being. Our cozy Brownstone in Brooklyn hosts at least a dozen purple and pink colored houseplants and we are excited to share tips on growing them, and where to buy. In the article below, we will walk you through:
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
Let’s dive in.
Summary:
- Create a Focal Point: Use a large Purple Tradescantia in a stylish ceramic planter, as a room centerpiece
- Mix and Match Colors: Combine purple houseplants with green foliage: Begonias with Spider Plants, for contrast.
- Use Varied Heights and Textures: Arrange tall plants like rubber plants next to shorter ones like African Violets
- Highlight with Lighting: Position purple houseplants near a light source — an orange lamp — to enhance their color.
- Create Vertical Displays: Utilize wall-mounted planters or hanging baskets for a vertical element with trailing Tradescantia.
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1.Purple moth orchid
2. Purple tradescantia
3. Purple anthurium
4. Bromeliad
5. Echeveria
Here are our 9 Stunning pink indoor plants
1. Echeveria
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 1 feet
South facing windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 1 feet
south facing windows
The echeveria (aka Echeveria spp.), a stunning member of the Crassulaceae family, is a rosette of plump, smooth leaves that comes in a range of colors, from soothing greens to vibrant pinks and purples. It thrives in high light — our south-facing living rooms on both floors are perfect for it. We’ve placed our echeveria in a sleek terracotta planter to highlight its sculptural beauty. Echeverias are easy to care for, they are non-toxic, and in summer, they reward us with small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems. When mature, echeverias can grow up to 12 inches in diameter!
Care tip: Echeverias thrive in bright, direct sunlight and should be watered every 2-3 weeks. Ensure good drainage. Watch for stretched-out leaves as a sign it needs more light. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.
Propagation tip: Gently twist off a healthy leaf, let it dry for 1-2 days until the end calluses, then place it on well-draining succulent soil. Roots and new growth should appear in 2-3 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Echeveria symbolizes endurance and resilience, making it ideal for the determined and practical nature of Capricorn!
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($18)
$12
“I love my Echeveria on my desk!”
2. Tradescantia (purple)
Mildly toxic
Low light
Grows upto 4 feet
East/north facing windows
mildly toxic
Low light
grows to 4 feet
East/north facing windows
The Tradescantia (aka Tradescantia zebrina), a member of the Commelinaceae family, and is a striking addition to any home with its elongated, oval leaves displaying mesmerizing stripes of pink and purple! This plant thrives in medium light, but it has worked in our north facing low light bedroom as well. We’ve placed ours in a hanging planter with other trailing plants to showcase its trailing vines. Tradescantia is non-toxic to humans but mildly toxic to pets. It requires minimal upkeep—just water when the top inch of soil feels dry. If you’re lucky, they say it produces small, three-petaled flowers that bloom in shades of pink or purple, which we are still waiting on. When mature, this one can grow long, trailing stems up to 4 feet!
Care tip: Tradescantia thrives in any light conditions, and needs watering once the top inch of soil feels dry, usually weekly. Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot. Watch for leggy growth, a sign it needs more light. Regularly pinch back stems to promote bushiness
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-6 inch healthy stem below a leaf node, remove the bottom leaves, and place it in water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly; roots will appear in 1-2 weeks, then plant in well-draining soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Tradescantia symbolizes resilience and growth, most apt for the nurturing nature of Cancer.
Pros and cons
($43)
($68)
($19)
$11
“It thrives in various lighting conditions and the fast growth rate is incredibly satisfying”
3. African violet
Pet safe
medium light
Grows upto 2 feet
East/South facing windows
Pet safe
Medium light
grows to 2 feet
East/South facing windows
Meet the charming African Violet (aka Saintpaulia), a member of the Gesneriaceae family that adds a touch of vibrant color to any room! The African Violet is a stunning flowering houseplant that has round, fuzzy leaves and blooms that range in color from deep violet to pale blue and vibrant pink. These are ideal desk or bedroom plants! We have placed our African Violet in a ceramic pot, situated in the east-facing reading room — it only needs medium light. The African Violet is non-toxic to cats, and when it comes to maintenance, it’s manageable: consistent watering and avoiding water on the leaves are key is what we are learning. Its blossoms are not only a visual delight but also last long — they bloom several times a year! When fully grown, the African Violet remains petite, about six inches in height or diameter. Get this plant and keep it around your desk!
Care tip: water them when the topsoil feels dry, but be careful to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can cause spots. Place them in a spot with bright, indirect light – an east-facing window is ideal. Watch for wilting or drooping, which usually means it’s time to water. Ensure they’re in a warm spot as they prefer temperatures between 65-75°F. Keep an eye out for crown rot which can occur if the plant sits in waterlogged soil.
Propagation tip: select a healthy leaf with about 1.5 inches of stem, and place it in a small container of water, ensuring the stem is submerged but the leaf stays dry. Change the water weekly and roots should form in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once roots are an inch long, plant in small pot.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes loyalty and devotion, making it a fitting plant for Taurus, a zodiac sign known for its steadfastness and nurturing nature.
Pros and cons
($43)
($19)
$39
“The blooms keep coming in waves and stays for months!”
4. Begonia
Mildly toxic
Bright light
Grows upto 2 feet
East/South facing windows
Mildly toxic
Bright light
grows to 2 feet
East/South facing windows
The Begonia (aka Begonia spp.), a member of the Begoniaceae family, has asymmetrical leaves that come in a variety of shapes and colors. These also come in pink colored leaves! We’ve found that our begonia thrives best in bright, indirect light, so we have placed it on our windowsill in our our east-facing reading room. Begonias are non-toxic to humans but can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested in large amounts. These plants require only moderate watering when the topsoil dries out. They also bloom with charming clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, white, or red! Begonias can grow to about 1 to 2 feet tall!
Care tip: Begonias prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 5-7 days. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and watch for powdery mildew as a sign of high humidity. Avoid getting leaves wet to keep them healthy
Propagation tip: Cut a 4-6 inch healthy stem below a leaf node, place it in water. Ensure the node is submerged, and change the water every few days. Roots will appear in 2-4 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Begonias symbolize individuality and creativity, and they are most apt for the artistic and nurturing nature of Pisces
Pros and cons
($43)
($24)
($23)
$22
“Its vibrant blooms are stunning!”
5. Purple moth orchid
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 4 feet
East/South facing windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 4 feet
East/South facing windows
The Orchid (aka Orchidaceae): This purple indoor plant that produces more oxygen than most, is a perfect addition to your bedroom, or your desk, or your living room windowsill. Its is a member of one of the largest flowering plant families, and has blooms that range from vibrant pinks to mysterious deep purples emitting a curious but delicate fragrance that vary across species. We’ve placed our orchids in one of our east-facing room where they receive the bright, indirect sunlight. Here, they’re styled in sleek glass pots that not only complement the delicate beauty of the orchids but also allow us to monitor the moisture levels of the roots easily. Orchids are more manageable than many believe — they require watering every week or so. They are non-toxic (makes for a great cute pictures with cats :)) Their vertical growth can be quite elegant, often reaching up to two feet.
Care tip:Water them once a week. Keep an eye for limp leaves, a sign of too much water or insufficient light. Orchids enjoy humidity, so a bathroom with a window can be ideal spots.
Propagation tip: Remove a keiki (baby plant) with roots, ensuring roots are at least 2 inches long. Plant it in a well-draining orchid mix (ideally), and keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in a few weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Orchid symbolizes beauty, love, and strength, — apt for Virgos who appreciate detail and elegance in their surroundings.
Pros and cons
($66)
($88)
($49)
$24
“I love the elegant blooms of this orchid. It’s very easy to care for and adds a touch of elegance to my home”
6. Purple Anthurium
Toxic
Bright light
Grows upto2 feet
East/South facing windows
Toxic
Bright light
grows to 2 feet
East/South facing windows
Meet the striking Anthurium (aka Anthurium andraeanum), part of the Araceae family. This flowering houseplant is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, waxy spathes ranging from deep red to pink and purple. These spathes surround the true flowers which are tiny and line the central spadix. They bloom throughout the year. We have placed our Anthurium in a ceramic cachepot in the west-facing living room. Anthuriums thrive on high humidity and consistent moisture without being waterlogged. While its bright spathes add a pop of color, the plant is toxic when ingested, so it’s best kept away from pets and children. When mature it grows up to 2 feet!
Care tip: Water them once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every week or so, depending on your home’s humidity. Keep the humidity high around the plant; misting or a humidity tray can help. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often indicate overwatering, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. These ones thrive best in east/west facing windows.
Propagation tip: select a healthy stem with about 2-3 inches containing aerial roots. Place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring that the roots are submerged. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Once new roots grow to about an inch long, which typically takes about 3-4 weeks, plant the stem in a pot with well-draining potting soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes hospitality and happiness, making it an ideal plant for Libras, who are known for their harmonious and welcoming nature
Pros and cons
($43)
($78)
($31)
$22
“My purple anthurium in the gold colored pot looks absolutely stunning! it worked better when I put it in more light.”
7. Purple Calatheas
Pet safe
low light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/South facing windows
Toxic
low light
grows to 3 feet
East/South facing windows
The Purple calathea Plant is from the Marantaceae family. This low light houseplant is a true eye-catcher. Each leaf looks like a piece of art, a blend of green, white, and purple patterns that resemble a peacock’s feathers. This plant thrives in low to medium, indirect light, making it perfect for our east-facing room where it enjoys gentle morning sunlight. We have placed our Peacock Plant in a beautiful ceramic planter that highlights its vibrant leaves. It grows up to 2 feet tall, and though it’s safe for pets, it does require high humidity and consistent watering to keep its foliage looking its best. Keep an eye out for drooping leaves, which can indicate it’s thirsty or lacking humidity. This one is our house favorite, sometimes we inadvertently tend to overwater because each of us want this plant to thrive :p
Care tip: Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually once a week, and maintain high humidity by misting regularly or using a humidifier. Watch for curling or browning leaf edges, which indicate it needs more humidity. Keep it in a warm spot away from drafts and AC and heaters please!
Propagation tip: divide the root clump during repotting, ensuring each division has several leaves and roots. Plant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep them in indirect light with high humidity. New growth should appear within a few weeks. Water propagation is not recommended for this plant!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes renewal and creativity, making it a perfect match for Pisces, who are known for their artistic and nurturing nature.
Pros and cons
($58)
($48)
($32)
$36
“The Calathea is stunning with its vibrant patterns. It does require a bit more humidity but it’s worth it.”
8. Purple Rubber plant
Toxic
Bright light
Grows upto 10 feet
East/South facing windows
Toxic
Bright light
grows to 10 feet
East/South facing windows
The Rubber Plant (aka Ficus elastica): This is a perfect plant for your bedrooms, or large living rooms. It is a member of the Moraceae family, and has glossy, broad leaves that can range from deep green to burgundy to purple. We’ve placed ours in the south-facing room on the top floor, where it gets medium bright, indirect light. This plant needs only moderate watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Definitely keep this one out of the reach of your pets, thought its leaves texture isn’t enticing to our so they leave it alone. When mature, the Rubber Plant can grow up to 8-10 feet tall indoors, adds stunning height and drama to your space especially if you have tall ceilings. We’ve styled ours in a minimalist black ceramic pot to complement its bold foliage that in turn enhances its modern look.
Care tip: The Rubber Plant thrives in indirect light. Needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Mist occasionally to keep its bold foliage glossy!.
Propagation tip: Cut a 6-inch stem with at least two leaves, place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long (about 4-6 weeks), then transplant into well-draining soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes abundance and good fortune — perfect for Taurus, known for their patience and love for nurturing greenery
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($19)
$43
“The Ficus is a statement piece in my living room. The variegated leaves are stunning and it’s very easy to care for”
9. Bromeliad
Pet safe
Medium light
Grows upto 3 feet
East/west facing windows
Toxic
Bright light
grows to 3 feet
East/west facing windows
The Bromeliad (aka Bromeliaceae) is a striking flowering houseplant that belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. This can be a perfect addition to your bedroom, or to your office desk for its with soothing pink, and purple colors, and its compact growth. This plant boasts rosettes of stiff, spiny-edged leaves that form a central cup that is often filled with water. One of its most captivating features is its flower that emerges from the center and can last several months!! We have placed it in our east-facing reading room where it receives indirect light and have styled in a ceramic planter. The plant is easy to care for and requires only occasional watering. Importantly, most Bromeliads are non-toxic to pets! When mature, Bromeliads can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide
Care tip: Water your Bromeliad every 1-2 weeks. Central cup should be filled but not stagnant. Place it in indirect light – an east-facing room. Watch for signs of dryness, like browning leaf tips, and ensure good air circulation to prevent rot. Bromeliads thrive on high humidity, so mist occasionally
Propagation tip: Wait until the “pups” (offsets) are at least one-third the size of the parent plant, then carefully cut them off with a sterilized knife. Place the pups in a well-draining mix of half orchid bark and half potting soil. It typically takes 2-3 months for the pups to establish roots. Propagation in water is not recommended for this one!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes resilience and uniqueness, making it a great match for the determined and resourceful Scorpio
Pros and cons
($58)
($78)
($46)
$29
“These vibrant colors in the flowers are like having bouquets all year long!”
How to Decorate with Purple Houseplants?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Create a Focal Point:
Use a large purple houseplant, like the Purple Tradescantia in a prominent spot to draw attention. Place it in a stylish ceramic planter to enhance its visual appeal and make it the centerpiece of the room. We have actually placed two tradescantia in a trailing baskets on either side of a room, and it creates a beautiful symmetry.
Mix and Match Colors:
Combine purple houseplants with green foliage plants to create a vibrant contrast. For example: Begonia’s with a green Spider Plant: the long leaves of spider plant falling on these purple leaves adds a beautiful visual interest. Also try experimenting with hanging these two plants one below the other
Use Varied Heights and Textures:
Arrange plants of different heights and leaf textures to add dimension. Place a tall rubber plant next to a shorter, bushy African Violet, for a dynamic display. We also do this because placing a flowering plant next to a tall plant gives it a beautiful sort of equilibrium and diversity.
Highlight with Lighting:
Position your purple houseplants near a light source to highlight their color. A small orange bed lamp provides a beautiful touch to its color. It becomes a little red, a beautiful contrast to the purple you will see all day long!
Create Vertical Displays:
Utilize wall-mounted planters or hanging baskets to add a vertical element to your decor. A hanging basket with a trailing tradescantia can add a striking touch to any room and save floor space.
FAQ
What are some purple indoor plants for low light conditions?
- Excellent purple plants for low light include Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida), Purple Waffle Plant (Strobilanthes alternata), Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’), and Bromeliad (Neoregalia)
How can I enhance the purple color of my houseplants?
- Ensure they get bright indirect light, maintain proper humidity, rotate them often, check for overwatering signs, and clean the leaves regularly to maximize light absorption.
What is the best soil for purple houseplants?
- Tradescantia Zebrina benefits from well-draining soil with organic matter, Purple Heart thrives in well-draining soil, and Calathea roseopicta prefers moist but well-draining soil
How can I decorate my home with purple houseplants?
- Mix and match purple plants with green foliage plants, avoid mixing with pink plants, and use trailing purple plants like Tradescantia in hanging baskets for visual interest.
Do purple houseplants purify air?
- Yes, many purple plants like Tradescantia pallida and Philodendron can help remove toxins such as formaldehyde from the air. The color does not affect their air-purifying capabilities
Conclusion
Purple houseplants, when paired with green or white ones add such a pop of color and energy into our home space and we hope that this guide has helped you get on the journey for growing and caring for purple houseplants. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. If you have any tips for new parents, please put it in the comments as well and help the community out. Happy planting!
