Want to add a pop of color to your plant collection? Here are the best purple houseplants for beginners, sure to bring a smile to your face!
I love collecting different houseplants. You can find different leaf shapes, fun textures, interesting varieties.
You can also find houseplants that are not just green!
My 3 year old’s favorite color is purple and she has recently pointed out that I have quite the collection of purple plants. Since they are spread around the house, I never really noticed that before!
Want to add a purple plant to your collection? Here are some of my favorite beginner friendly options!
Must-Have Purple Houseplants for Your Collection
Here are my favorite purple house plants!
African Violet
First up, the ever-charming African Violet. These delightful little plants are a favorite for their velvety soft leaves and lush purple flowers that can bloom several times a year with proper care.
They love bright, indirect light and a bit of consistent moisture in their soil.
Perfect for adding a splash of color to those smaller spaces around your home!
Purple Wandering Dude (Tradescantia Zebrina)
Next, meet the show-stopping Purple Wandering Dude. This plant has gorgeous zebra-striped leaves that feature a stunning mix of purple, silver, and green.
It’s a fast grower and loves hanging out in bright, indirect light. Plus, it’s super easy to propagate, so you can share the love with friends!
Ficus Burgundy (Rubber Plant)
If you’re into darker, moodier tones, the Ficus Burgundy Rubber Plant, is a must-have.
Its glossy, deep purple leaves are almost black, making it a real statement piece.
Keep it in a spot with bright, indirect light and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Read my Ficus Burgundy Rubber Plant care guide!
Pilea Dark Mystery
For those who appreciate unique foliage, the Pilea Dark Mystery is a fascinating choice. Its round, dark purple leaves give it a mysterious vibe, hence the name.
It’s got a bit of a creepy, crinkly vibe, which I love. They can dry out easily – so keep them watered!
This little plant prefers moderate light and evenly moist soil—it’s a conversation starter for sure!
Check out my complete Pilea Dark Mystery care guide!
Purple Oxalis
Also known as the purple shamrock, Purple Oxalis is known for its triangular, clover-like leaves that fold up at night.
It has beautiful purple foliage and occasionally sprouts dainty pinkish-white flowers.
This plant prefers moderate light and slightly dry conditions, making it relatively easy to care for.
Purple Waffle Plant
The Purple Waffle Plant is a great choice for its textured leaves that boast a beautiful purple underside.
It’s an excellent air purifier and thrives in low to medium light, making it ideal for less sunny spots in your home. Keep the soil consistently moist for the best results.
Check out my purple waffle plant care guide!
Calathea Roseopicta
Calathea lovers, rejoice! The Calathea Roseopicta, with its beautiful purple undersides and delicately patterned leaves, is a dreamy addition to any room.
These plants can be a bit tricky to keep happy and tend to dry out. It thrives in low light conditions and loves humidity, making it perfect for a bathroom or kitchen setting.
Purple Passion Plant
Known for its velvety leaves with a rich purple hue, the Purple Passion Plant (or Gynura) is a real showstopper.
It loves bright, indirect light and needs to be watered when the top of the soil feels dry. Its unique texture and color can add a dramatic flair to any indoor garden.
Callisia Repens ‘Pink Lady’
Don’t let the name fool you; the Callisia Repens ‘Pink Lady’ also sports beautiful touches of purple along with its pink and green leaves.
It’s a trailing plant that looks fantastic in hanging baskets or as a ground cover in larger plant displays.
It likes bright, indirect light and a little less water than you might think.
Check out my complete Callisia Repens plant care guide!
Caring for Your Purple Houseplants
Caring for these purple wonders is similar to most houseplants, but here are a few things to keep in mind!
- Light: Most purple houseplants prefer bright, indirect light. They’re not too fond of the harsh afternoon sun, though, as it can fade their vibrant colors.
- Water: Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry—overwatering is a common oops among plant newbies!
- Humidity: Many purple plants, especially tropical ones like Calathea, love a bit of extra humidity. A small humidifier or a pebble tray can work wonders to making the air a bit more moist.
- Feeding: Give them a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every month during the growing season to keep them happy and healthy. Don’t fertilize during the winter!
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your plant journey, these purple picks are sure to add a fun element to your home.
Happy planting!
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I’m Morgan, a houseplant enthusiast from sunny Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up surrounded by my mom’s lush orchids and African violets, I discovered the magic of bringing nature indoors. Thanks to the pandemic, I delved deeper into houseplants, discovering their power to uplift moods and transform spaces. I’m here to spill all my secrets, helping you pick the perfect houseplant – and make it happy. Let’s keep your plants alive, together! 😊