Purple house plants evoke a sense of luxury, creativity, and tranquility in any space. Their rich hues and purple color make them standout statement pieces, perfect for adding depth and contrast to interiors. But a common misconception is that all purple plants need direct sunlight—many actually thrive in indirect light, partial shade, or shaded conditions.
Their striking coloration is more than just aesthetic. The deep purple pigment acts as a natural sunscreen, helping plants absorb optimal light levels without damage. This makes them resilient, adaptable, and a favorite among plant lovers who want bold foliage with relatively easy care.
What Makes a Plant Purple? The Science Behind the Color
The secret behind those mesmerizing purple leaves? Anthocyanins—natural pigments that create deep hues depending on light exposure. These pigments protect the plant by absorbing excess light while enhancing its vibrant appearance. However, if light levels drop, the plant may produce more chlorophyll, shifting purple foliage to a greener tone.
Certain dark purple plants also change color seasonally. For example, Persian Shield intensifies its metallic sheen in summer but may fade in winter. The balance between light, temperature, and nutrients directly affects the depth of purple shades.
15 Stunning Purple House Plants (Including Rare Finds!)
Purple houseplants come in a wide range from easy-care varieties to rare collector’s pieces. Whether you’re looking for a bold centerpiece or a low-maintenance pop of color, these plants offer stunning foliage in every category.
Beginner-Friendly Purple Houseplants (Low Maintenance)
Beginner-friendly purple houseplants are perfect for those new to plant care. These plants are hardy, adaptable, and require minimal upkeep while still providing gorgeous color. They thrive in typical indoor conditions, making them ideal for busy plant lovers.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
The Purple Heart Plant A resilient trailing plant with striking purple leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can handle some sun exposure. Drought-tolerant and fast-growing, it requires occasional pruning to stay full and lush. Great for hanging baskets or as ground cover. Water sparingly and let the soil dry between waterings.
Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
This vine features metallic purple, silver, and green stripes. It’s easy to grow and tolerates a range of conditions. Prune regularly to keep it from getting leggy, and give it bright, indirect light for best coloration. It thrives in well-draining soil and occasional misting boosts humidity levels.
Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
This delicate yet bold plant boasts deep purple, triangular leaves that fold up at night. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires occasional watering. While it may go dormant, it bounces back in spring with stunning new growth. Keep soil slightly moist, and place it in a pot with drainage holes.
Statement Pieces for Home & Office
A wide variety of purple platns are statement plants, that are bold, eye-catching, and bring personality to a space. These varieties are known for their striking shades of purple hues and unique leaf shapes, making them perfect for adding a pop of color and a touch of elegance in homes and offices .
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
With iridescent, metallic purple leaves, Persian Shield is a true showstopper. It needs bright, indirect light and high humidity to maintain its intense color purple. Regular misting and pruning encourage dense, vibrant growth. Water consistently, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
Calathea ‘Dottie’
A dark, almost black-leaved beauty with pink outlines, this plant thrives in humidity-rich environments. It prefers filtered light and consistently moist soil. Avoid tap water to prevent brown edges on its dramatic colorful foliage. Perfect for bathrooms or areas with high humidity.
Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Known for its soft, velvety purple fuzz, the purple passion plant loves bright, indirect light. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Its fast-growing nature makes it a fun plant to propagate! Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy roots.
Related: The best purple plants to brighten your home.
Purple House Plants with Attractive Flowers
While many purple houseplants are prized for their foliage, some also produce stunning purple flowers that add an extra layer of beauty. These purple-flowering plants bring both color and fragrance to your space, making them a perfect choice for decorative indoor plant gardens.
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
This compact plant features crinkled, deep purple foliage and produces small, white flowers. It thrives in low to medium light and prefers consistently moist soil. Ideal for adding texture and color to shaded indoor spaces.
Related: How to care for the purple waffle plant.
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
A classic favorite, African Violets produce clusters of delicate light purple petals. They bloom frequently under bright, indirect light and prefer consistent moisture. Keep their leaves dry to prevent spotting and maintain humidity for longer-lasting blooms.
Purple Orchid (Phalaenopsis violacea)
This striking orchid features elegant lavender purple blooms with a light fragrance. It thrives in bright, indirect light and needs a humid environment. Water it sparingly, allowing the roots to dry slightly between watering.
Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)
Known for its velvety, trumpet-shaped purple flowers, Gloxinia enjoys high humidity and bright, indirect light. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer encourages repeat blooms.
Passionflower (Passiflora)
This vine produces intricate, exotic purple blooms with a captivating structure. For the passion flowers to bloom, the purpel house plant requires bright light and regular pruning to keep its vigorous growth in check.
Purple Bellflower (Campanula)
With delicate, bell-shaped blooms and green foliage, this plant adds charm to any indoor setting. It thrives in cool, bright conditions and requires moderate watering.
How to Keep Your Purple Houseplants Vibrant & Thriving
To maintain the deep purple hues of your houseplants, provide bright, indirect light and ensure proper hydration. Most purple varieties of plants need well-drained soil and occasional pruning to keep their variety of colors rich and growth healthy. Humidity is also key—tropical species, in particular, benefit from misting or pebble trays to prevent leaf drying.
Pet & Child Safety: Which Purple House Plants Are Toxic?
Some purple houseplants can be toxic to pets and children, while others are completely safe. Knowing which plants to keep out of reach is essential for a pet-friendly home.
Safe purple house plants
- Prayer Plant
- African Violet
- Purple Waffle Plant.
These plants pose no significant toxicity risk to pets or small children, making them great indoor options.
Toxic purple houseplants
Tradescantia species, Calatheas, Begonias, Persian Shield. These plants contain compounds that can cause mild to severe irritation if ingested by pets or children.
Propagating Your Purple Plants for Free
Propagation is the easiest way to expand your plant collection without spending extra money. Many purple plants propagate successfully through simple methods like stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, and division.
- Stem Cuttings: Tradescantia, Persian Shield—simply snip a healthy stem and place it in water until roots develop.
- Leaf Cuttings: Begonias, African Violets—cut a leaf and plant it in moist soil for new growth.
- Division: Oxalis, Calatheas—separate root clusters into new pots for easy propagation.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Purple House Plant Care
Sustainable plant care helps reduce waste and environmental impact. Opt for organic fertilizers, avoid chemical pesticides, and choose peat-free soil mixes to protect natural ecosystems. Reuse pruned leaves and propagate cuttings to expand your plant collection without unnecessary purchases.
FAQ: Answering the Internet’s Top Questions on Purple House Plants
Can purple houseplants grow in low light?
Some can! Try Purple Waffle Plant or Prayer Plant for best results.
Why is my purple plant turning green?
Likely a lack of light—move it to a brighter spot.
Are there purple succulents?
Yes! Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’ and Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’ are excellent choices.
Why do purple house plants develop green leaves?
Purple house plants turn green when they don’t receive enough light. Anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for their purple coloring, fade when plants increase chlorophyll production to absorb more light. Ensuring adequate bright, indirect sunlight can help maintain their vibrant hues. Nutrient deficiencies may also contribute to color loss, so balanced fertilization is essential.
Bringing the Beauty of Purple into Your Home
Adding purple house plants to your home brings a sense of richness, creativity, and natural beauty. Whether you love bold statement pieces like Persian Shield or easy-care favorites like Tradescantia, there’s a purple plant for every home. Focus on proper lighting, watering, and humidity to keep your purple foliage vibrant year-round! 🌿💜