There are numerous purple plants to choose from, each with unique features that make them ideal for indoor gardens. Below are some of the best purple plants that will brighten your space and add a touch of elegance.
Table of Contents
advertisement
1.Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
Description
Purple heart is a striking trailing plant with vibrant purple foliage that can instantly liven up any room. Its elongated, arrow-shaped leaves feature a deep purple hue, making it a bold statement piece for shelves, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover.
Care Tips
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be cautious not to overwater.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Best For
Hanging baskets, shelves, or containers where its trailing nature can be fully appreciated.
Benefits
- Fast-growing and easy to propagate.
- Works well in small spaces or as a filler for larger plant arrangements.
2.African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Description
African violets are known for their small, vibrant purple flowers and compact growth habit. These plants produce blooms that can last for months, making them one of the most beloved houseplants worldwide.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid watering directly on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, lightweight potting mix.
advertisement
Best For
Windowsills, small pots, or areas that require a splash of color.
Benefits
- Produces flowers year-round.
- Perfect for smaller spaces or as a tabletop plant.
3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Description
Lavender is famous for its fragrant purple blooms and is often used for its soothing aroma. It not only adds color to your indoor garden but also fills the air with a calming fragrance that enhances relaxation.
Care Tips
- Light: Needs full sunlight (at least 6 hours a day).
- Water: Water when the soil is dry, as lavender does not like to sit in moist soil.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, slightly sandy soil.
Best For
Sunny windowsills or areas where you can enjoy its fragrance.
Benefits
- Known for its calming, stress-relieving properties.
- Great for indoor air quality and natural pest control.
4 Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
Description
Purple shamrock features distinct triangular leaves that are a deep purple color. The plant blooms delicate white or pink flowers, adding a beautiful contrast to its dark foliage.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water when the soil feels dry.
- Soil: Thrives in well-draining soil.
Best For
Accent plants for desktops, coffee tables, or shelves.
Benefits
advertisement
- Unique foliage that adds a pop of color and texture.
- Easy to care for and adaptable to different environments.
5. Calathea Purple
Description
The Calathea purple is a stunning plant known for the striking purple undersides of its large, glossy leaves. This plant thrives in the warm, humid conditions typical of tropical environments.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers indirect light and should be kept away from direct sunlight.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Soil: Requires well-draining, moisture-retentive soil.
Best For
Tropical-inspired indoor gardens or areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms.
Benefits
- Low-maintenance and resilient once it settles into its environment.
- Adds exotic flair with its beautiful foliage.
6. Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Description
Purple basil is a fragrant herb that not only adds vibrant color to your indoor garden but is also highly useful in the kitchen. Its purple leaves can be used in cooking or to create aromatic, herbal teas.
Care Tips
- Light: Needs bright, direct sunlight.
- Water: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but allow it to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Best For
Kitchen windowsills or herb gardens.
Benefits
- Adds flavor to your meals while enhancing your garden’s aesthetic.
- Easy to grow indoors with proper care.
7. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Description
Coleus is an ornamental plant that features a range of colors, including purple, red, and green. Its brightly colored foliage makes it an excellent choice for adding dimension and color to your indoor garden.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix works best.
Best For
Adding color to shaded areas or mixed plant displays.
Benefits
- Fast-growing and can be propagated easily.
- Great for containers and hanging baskets.
8. Tradescantia Zebrina (Wandering Jew)
Description
The wandering Jew plant features purple, green, and silver striped leaves that create a visually interesting contrast. It is a trailing plant, making it perfect for hanging baskets or cascading down shelves.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels.
- Water: Water when the soil is dry, but avoid letting it dry out completely.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix is essential.
advertisement
Best For
Hanging baskets, shelves, or containers that allow the trailing stems to flourish.
Benefits
- Very easy to grow and maintain.
- Adds dynamic color and texture to any indoor garden.
9. Viola (Viola tricolor)
Description
Violas are charming little flowers that come in a range of colors, including vibrant purple shades. These plants are often used in bedding plants or as decorative accents for indoor spaces.
Care Tips
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering.
- Soil: Requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
Best For
Small pots, windowsills, or decorative accents.
Benefits
- Long-lasting blooms that add beauty to any space.
- Easy to grow in containers.
10. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)
Description
Grape hyacinth is a small bulb plant that produces clusters of deep purple flowers that resemble grapes. These plants are perfect for creating a colorful display in your indoor garden.
Care Tips
- Light: Requires bright, indirect light.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy soil.
Best For
Indoor pots or small garden beds.
Benefits
- Beautiful springtime blooms that last for weeks.
- Low-maintenance and easy to grow indoors.
How to Care for Purple Indoor Plants
To ensure your purple plants thrive indoors, it’s important to understand their specific care needs. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider when caring for your purple plants.
Light Requirements
Most purple plants prefer bright, indirect light. Some, like lavender, will need a spot with more direct sunlight, while others, like African violets and purple hearts, can tolerate lower light conditions. Always pay attention to the light preferences of each plant to ensure it stays healthy.
Watering and Soil
Purple plants generally prefer well-draining soil. It’s crucial not to overwater, as many purple plants are susceptible to root rot if left in soggy soil. Water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry, but be careful not to let them dry out completely. Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
Temperature and Humidity
Indoor purple plants typically thrive in warm temperatures (between 65°F and 75°F) and higher humidity. If your home is dry, especially during winter months, consider using a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air or group plants together to create a microenvironment with higher humidity.
Decorating with Purple Plants
Purple plants can be used to add a pop of color, texture, and elegance to your indoor garden. Here are a few creative ideas for decorating with purple plants:
- Create a Focal Point: Use a large purple plant, like a lavender or coleus, as the centerpiece of a room. Its vibrant color will draw attention and elevate the space.
- Pair with Complementary Colors: Purple plants pair beautifully with greens, whites, and silvers. Try mixing different shades of purple with other plants to create an eye-catching contrast.
- Use in Containers: Purple plants look great in decorative pots or containers. Consider using metallic, ceramic, or woven baskets to complement the plant’s rich hues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the easiest purple plants to grow indoors?
Some of the easiest purple plants to grow indoors include the African violet, purple heart, and wandering jew. These plants require minimal care and can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions.
Can purple plants grow in low light?
Yes, some purple plants, such as purple hearts and African violets, can thrive in low-light conditions. However, most purple plants will do better with bright, indirect light.
How do I make my purple plants bloom?
To encourage blooming, make sure your plants are receiving the right amount of light, water, and nutrients. African violets and lavender especially benefit from consistent care, while removing dead blooms can encourage further flowering.
Can purple plants purify the air?
Yes, several purple plants, including the peace lily and spider plant, are known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove toxins and improve indoor air quality.
Conclusion
Purple plants are an incredible addition to any indoor garden, offering vibrant colors and various benefits that go beyond aesthetics. From their soothing psychological effects to their air-purifying properties, purple plants can make your home feel like a sanctuary. Whether you choose the easy-growing African violet or the elegant lavender, these plants can brighten up any space and make a lasting impression.
So why not bring some color into your home today? Start by choosing one (or several!) of the purple plants listed above, and enjoy watching your indoor garden thrive.
Call to Action: Ready to add purple plants to your indoor garden? Explore your local garden center or browse online to find the perfect purple plants for your home. Don’t forget to share your plant care tips and experiences with us in the comments below!