Elevate Your Space with These Six Stunning Purple Indoor Plants

Adding purple indoor plants to your décor can transform a typical living space into something vibrant and engaging. Whether you opt for bold, bright hues or darker, richer shades, these plants provide a dynamic contrast to the usual greenery while maintaining an appealing air of elegance. We consulted plant specialists for their recommendations on a few low-maintenance options that deliver both beauty and ease of care.

Top Six Purple Indoor Plants

In addition to selecting from our list of the best purple indoor plants, consider incorporating options that grow rapidly or those that add height and blooming color to enhance your interior foliage experience.

1. Velvet Plant

The velvet plant, also known by the delightful name purple passion, boasts stunningly plush purple leaves that can quickly become a standout feature in any plant collection. Thriving in bright light, these plants do best positioned on a sunny windowsill, but they require protection from the harsh afternoon rays that can scorch them. The richer the light, the more vibrant the purple will appear.

Ensure the velvet plant is planted in well-draining soil and water thoroughly, allowing it to dry out completely before the next feeding. Given its propensity for rapid growth, it's easy to propagate by taking cuttings, making it a fantastic option for expanding your green space. Regular deadheading also keeps the plant’s shape compact and encourages bushier growth.

2. Purple Oxalis

The striking Oxalis triangularis, often referred to as purple shamrock, features uniquely shaped leaves that fold up at night and open during the day, mimicking butterfly wings. Notably, this plant also produces edible flowers with a lemony flavor, making it both decorative and functional for culinary uses.

Care for this forgiving plant typically requires only weekly watering, with a light increase to twice weekly during the growing-season months. It flourishes best in bright, indirect light yet appreciates humidity. To create a suitable environment, consider placing the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles, maintaining moisture around its roots, especially in dryer months. As temperatures drop, reduce the watering frequency to let the plant rest for optimal growth in spring.

3. Tradescantia 'Zebrina'

If you’re seeking a plant that adds both charm and trailing elegance, Tradescantia 'Zebrina' is an excellent choice. Its fast-growing nature and easy-care requirements make it ideal for new plant enthusiasts. With the right care, it will cascade beautifully over shelves or hang from ceiling planters.

Encourage bushy growth by regularly trimming any straggly growths and pinching the stem tips to promote branching. The distinctively patterned leaves show purple, silver, and green, adding texture and color. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn and be cautious about watering—only give it a drink when the topsoil feels dry.

4. Coleus

Coleus plants are celebrated for their vibrant, patterned leaves, which come in a spectrum of colors, with purple being the most striking. They can reach full growth in under a year, allowing for quick gratification.

For optimal growth, keep them in bright light but transition them to a shadier spot in high summer to preserve color vibrancy. To keep the plant looking its best, remove the flowers promptly; allowing them to bloom can steal energy from the foliage, which is the main attraction of the coleus.

5. Begonia

If you're looking for a begonia with eye-catching purple foliage, the Begonia rex varieties offer some of the best options. These hybrids are known for their 'painted leaves' with many featuring a blend of dark purple and other vibrant colors.

Among the notable choices are ‘Nightfall’, which showcases deeply puckered leaves framed in rich purple, and ‘Black Heart’, known for its striking purples and reds. For a pure purple option, try ‘Purple Curl’ which offers a luscious plum shade. With new hybrids constantly emerging, begonias remain popular among plant enthusiasts for their endless variety and adaptability.

6. Echeveria 'Purple Pearl'

Echeveria is known for its stunning rosette shapes and comes in a variety of colors, including several beautiful shades of purple. 'Purple Pearl' stands out for its delicate purple hues and glossy leaves, perfectly suited for sunny areas.

Like many succulents, it requires full sunlight for enhanced color depth and should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry completely before the next watering. When given optimal care, the vibrant shades of 'Purple Pearl' can deepen, elevating your plant display to another level.

Your Next Steps

Now that you're inspired by our curated selection of purple indoor plants, consider expanding your greenery with tropical options or low-maintenance picks. This way, you can create an indoor garden that remains stylish and easy to maintain.