Purple plants bring a vibrant pop of color to your home. Whether you want a touch of deep, dramatic purple or a splash of bright violet, there’s a perfect purple houseplant for you. These gorgeous indoor plants add personality and life to any space. Plus, many are surprisingly easy to care for!
Purple Oxalis
Sometimes called the “purple shamrock,” this plant features vibrant, triangular leaves in a beautiful deep purple. Its delicate white or pink flowers provide a lovely contrast to the striking foliage. These plants thrive in bright light, adding a delightful touch of color to any sunny windowsill.
Water when the soil begins to feel dry, usually about every 1-2 weeks. Keep it in a spot with plenty of direct sunlight.
- Name: Purple Oxalis (Oxalis triangularis)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 0.5–1 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Coleus
Coleus plants offer a diverse array of purple shades, mixed with other bold colors. The textured leaves come in patterns ranging from deep purple with pink accents to vibrant green with purple edges. These striking plants quickly fill a space with their lush growth.
Place your coleus in indirect sunlight to prevent its colors from fading. Water regularly and keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- Name: Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
- Plant Type: Annual (although it may last longer in warm climates)
- Mature Size: 0.5–3 ft. tall, 0.5–3 ft. wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Prayer Plant
Prayer plants captivate with their large, oval leaves. The leaves feature vibrant patterns, including shades of purple, green, and often a striking red along the central vein. At night, the leaves fold upward like hands in prayer, a fascinating and unique characteristic.
Prayer plants love bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. Keep the soil damp, and mist the leaves regularly to boost humidity.
- Name: Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 6–12 in. wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Calathea
Calatheas are a showstopper with their large leaves adorned with vibrant patterns and colors, often including beautiful shades of purple. Some varieties feature dramatic purple undersides, while others offer a captivating blend of purple, green, and silver markings. The leaves of these plants move throughout the day, folding and unfolding in response to light levels.
Place your calathea in a spot with bright, indirect light, and avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. They thrive in a humid environment, so mist the leaves frequently or use a room humidifier. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be sure not to overwater.
- Name: Calathea (various species)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: Varies depending on species, but generally 1–2 ft. tall and wide
- Difficulty: Moderate
Passion Plant
Instantly recognizable by its velvety leaves in a vibrant purple hue, the purple passion plant is a true stunner. Its fuzzy leaves have a shimmery, almost iridescent quality that catches the light beautifully. As it grows, it develops a gentle vining habit, trailing gracefully from pots or hanging baskets.
Purple passion plants love bright, indirect light for optimal color. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. These plants also enjoy a bit of humidity, so occasional misting is beneficial.
- Name: Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 1-2 ft high, vines up to 5 ft long
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Purple Heart
Featuring long, slender leaves in a rich shade of purple, this plant will bring a waterfall of color to your space. Purple heart plants also produce small, delicate pink flowers which provide a charming contrast. They adapt well to various conditions and are perfect for both hanging baskets and pots.
Place your purple heart in a bright spot with full sun for the most intense purple coloration. Let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Name: Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall and wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Persian Shield
Persian shield wows with its large, elongated leaves that boast a shimmering, metallic purple hue. The textured leaves have an iridescent quality, making them change color as you view them at different angles. In optimal conditions, this plant may produce clusters of small purple flowers.
Provide your Persian shield with plenty of bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors. Keep the soil moist but not soggy – a good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Name: Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 3–4 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
- Difficulty: Moderate
Nerve Plant
Featuring heart-shaped leaves with vibrant purple veins and a lighter white undersides, the Nerve plant adds a touch of whimsy and color to your home. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil, but can tolerate lower humidity levels.
Keep this plant in a spot with bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. This plant enjoys temperatures between 65-75°F and prefers well-drained soil.
- Name: Purple Fittonia (Fittonia albivenis)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 6-12 in. tall and wide
- Difficulty: Moderate
Rex Begonia
These beauties offer a kaleidoscope of purple shades, from deep violet to lavender, mixed with striking patterns and contrasting colors. Begonias are famous for their stunning velvety leaves, which come in various textures and shapes. Some varieties boast ruffled edges or intricate spirals, adding to their unique beauty.
Place your purple begonia in a spot with bright, indirect light. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering. They also thrive in a moderately humid environment.
- Name: Purple Begonia (Begonia rex)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Wandering Jew
This versatile plant boasts striking foliage in shades of purple, green, and silver. Its trailing stems and fast growth make it a fantastic choice for hanging baskets or cascading from shelves. The leaves of some varieties boast an eye-catching zebra-like pattern for added visual interest.
Wandering Jew plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. These resilient plants tolerate a bit of neglect but will flourish with regular care.
- Name: Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: Can trail several feet long
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Ti Plant
Ti plants command attention with their long, vibrant leaves in shades ranging from deep purple to bright reddish pink. These dramatic plants add a tropical feel to any indoor space. As they mature, they develop a sturdy trunk and can grow several feet tall.
Plant Care: Place your ti plant in bright light, but avoid harsh direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Name: Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 2-10 ft. tall, 3–4 ft. wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Purple Waffle Plant
This plant gets its name from its distinctive, deeply textured leaves that have a rippled, waffle-like appearance. The leaves are a rich, velvety purple with a striking silver underside. Purple waffle plants spread quickly and are an excellent choice to add a splash of color to hanging baskets or cascading from shelves.
Place your purple waffle plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. It prefers consistently moist soil, so water regularly and don’t let it dry out completely.
- Name: Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 6 in. tall, 8 in. wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Echeveria
With an extensive variety of shapes, colors, and textures, echeverias offers a unique and captivating range of purple options. Some feature vibrant, deep shades, while others offer a soft blush or silvery tones. Their rosette-shaped leaves add a touch of charm to any corner of your home.
Echeverias appreciate well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but avoid soggy conditions, and water sparingly. Most prefer temperatures between 60-70°F.
- Name: Echeveria (various species)
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Mature Size: 2-24 in. tall, 2-12 in. wide (varies depending on the species)
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Purple Sweet Potato Vine
This trailing vine delivers a showstopping display of vibrant purple leaves with bold green stripes. It produces edible purple sweet potatoes that add a sweet and earthy touch to your culinary creations. The trailing vine creates a lush, cascading effect and thrives in both warm and humid climates.
Provide your purple sweet potato vine with well-draining soil, full sun, and regular watering. Prune regularly to encourage growth and prevent the vine from becoming leggy.
- Name: Purple Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
- Plant Type: Annual vine
- Mature Size: 8–10 ft. long, 5–12 in. wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Graptoveria
This low-maintenance vining plant features large, variegated leaves that showcase a stunning combination of deep purple and deep green hues. The edges of the leaves may also have a silvery or red tinge, adding complexity and interest to the plant. Graptoveria produces delicate pink flowers with a yellow center, offering a sweet touch of color.
Graptoveria thrives in bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Be sure to water deeply when the soil feels dry and let it drain completely. This plant enjoys a temperature range between 65-75°F.
- Name: Graptoveria (various hybrids)
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Mature Size: 6-8 in. tall
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Ruby’s Necklace
This trailing vine offers a stunning contrast of vibrant purple with contrasting white edges. The heart-shaped leaves have a silvery underside, adding a delicate touch to the foliage. Ruby’s Necklace is also known for its cascading growth, adding a romantic charm to any indoor space.
Provide Ruby’s Necklace with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water regularly, but be mindful not to overwater. This plant enjoys moderate temperatures and thrives in a humidity range between 60-70%.
- Name: Ruby’s Necklace (Dichondra crocata)
- Plant Type: Perennial vine
- Mature Size: Trails several feet long
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Rubber Plant
With its dark green leaves with prominent veins and a subtle purple glossy finish, the Rubber Plant adds a touch of sophistication to your home. Its fast-growing nature makes it a great choice for busy plant owners. The rubber plant’s thick, glossy leaves can grow up to several feet and provide a vibrant green pop in any room.
Place your Rubber Plant in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water deeply when the soil feels dry, and be mindful not to overwater. This plant enjoys temperatures between 65-75°F and prefers humid environments.
- Name: Rubber Plant (Ficus elastic)
- Plant Type: Perennial (tree-like)
- Mature Size: Can reach up to 10 ft. tall indoors
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Purple Leaf Peperomia
This vibrant purple leaf Peperomia boasts striking markings and a fuzzy, textured appearance. Its deep purple leaves with contrasting pink and green edges create a visually stunning display. Purple Leaf Peperomia tolerates a bit of neglect but thrives with regular care.
Place your Purple Leaf Peperomia in a spot with bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering. This plant prefers moderate temperatures and thrives in well-drained soil.
- Name: Purple Leaf Peperomia (Peperomia clusiifolia ‘Jelly’)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 6-12 in. tall and wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
Moses in the Cradle
This plant features long, pointed leaves in a combination of vibrant green and rich purple hues. The leaves have a striking, striped pattern that adds to their visual appeal. It typically grows low to the ground, making it ideal for pots or terrariums.
Place your Moses in the Cradle in bright indirect light, or even partial shade – it’s quite adaptable! Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering thoroughly.
- Name: Moses in the Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
