When the cold winter months limit outdoor gardening, bringing vibrant colors indoors can keep the spirit of spring alive. Purple indoor plants offer a spectacular range of hues, from the softest lavenders to the deepest violets, adding a pop of color to any interior decor. They not only beautify your space but also create a serene atmosphere. Here’s a guide to the best low-maintenance purple plants that can brighten your home effortlessly.
Purple Oxalis (Oxalis Triangularis)
The Moody Beauty
For those who appreciate a darker aesthetic, the Purple Oxalis, or purple shamrock, is an excellent choice. With its rich, velvety leaves that flourish under direct sunlight, this plant adds a touch of dramatic flair to any room. It requires minimal care, thriving with watering every one to two weeks as the soil begins to dry, making it an ideal plant for beginners or those with a busy schedule.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Aromatic and Aesthetic
Lavender is not just a plant; it’s an experience. Its soft purple blooms not only brighten up the room but also fill it with a soothing fragrance. It’s perfect for those who want more than visual beauty from their indoor plants. Lavender needs plenty of sunlight (four to six hours of direct light daily) and infrequent watering, making it relatively easy to maintain. However, keep it away from pets as it can be toxic to cats and dogs.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Subtly Stunning
The Prayer Plant is known for its striking leaves with a muted purple underside, offering a subtle yet beautiful color addition to your home decor. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and requires watering every one to two weeks, reaching a modest size of about 12 inches. This plant is perfect for adding texture and color without overpowering the space.
Rex Begonia (Begonia Rex-cultorum)
Burgundy Tinged Leaves
With its spectacular leaves featuring hints of burgundy, the Rex Begonia is a showstopper. It thrives in cooler temperatures (60-70 degrees) with moderate humidity and requires weekly watering once the top of the soil begins to dry. Note that it is toxic to pets, so it’s best kept out of reach.
Coleus (Plectranthus Scutellarioides)
Vibrant Vines
Coleus plants, with their stunning purple and pink foliage, make excellent indoor decorations. They should be placed in indirect sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. Although beautiful, coleus plants are toxic to household pets, so they should be kept in a safe spot.
Purple Passion (Gynura Aurantiaca)
Velvety Vibrance
The Purple Passion plant is known for its velvety leaves that shine with a bright, vibrant hue. It needs bright, indirect light and regular watering, especially during its growth phase before winter. This low-maintenance plant adds a luxurious texture to your indoor garden.
Calathea
Delicate and Demanding
Calatheas are favored for their ease of care and versatility in indoor placement. They should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn and need the soil to remain moist consistently. While they are slightly more demanding, their stunning appearance makes them worth the effort.
Tradescantia Zebrina
Silver and Purple Splendor
This compact plant is a great addition to any indoor space, capable of thriving in low-light conditions. The Tradescantia Zebrina needs water only when the soil begins to dry, making it an easy-care option for plant lovers.
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes Dyerianus)
Dramatically Dark
Known for its intense purple foliage, the Persian Shield requires bright, indirect light and regular moisture. It’s a plant that demands attention and care but rewards with stunning, vivid leaves.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia Pallida)
Royal Hues
The Purple Heart plant is another low-maintenance option that brings deep purple foliage and occasionally sprouts soft purple flowers. It loves full sunlight and only needs watering when the soil is dry, making it a resilient addition to any indoor plant collection.
These purple indoor plants are perfect for anyone looking to add a splash of color and life to their home during the dreary winter months. Whether you prefer the minimal care of the Purple Oxalis or the demanding beauty of the Persian Shield, there’s a purple plant to suit every indoor gardener’s needs.