Redecorating your house is a hassle as everything has to fit into the color scheme. So, if you are looking for purple indoor plants you can grow in USA conditions you will be pleased to know you can find purple indoor plants to match the decor and color scheme!
- Painted-Leaf Begonia (Rex Begonia)
- Pin-Stripe Calathea (Goeppertia ornata)
- Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
- Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
- Purple Orchids
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
- African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)
- Purple Passion / Purple Velvet (Gynura aurantiaca)
- Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
- Purple Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
- Purple Waffle Plant / Red Ivy (Hemigraphis alternata)
- Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
- Gloxinia (Sinningia Speciosa)
- Ti Plant / Cabbage Palm (Cordyline fruticosa)
- Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
- Moses-in-the-Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Tiger Stripe Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe humilis)
- Ruby Necklace / String of Pickles (Othonna capensis)
- Purple Sword (Alocasia lauterbachiana)
Want to give your plants a taste of natural phosphorus? Read this: What Are The Natural Phosphorus Sources For Your Plant?
20 Purple Indoor Plants to Grow in the USA
Purple has been represented by royalty, wealth, wisdom, grandeur and creativity, and much more. Plants are commonly known for being different shades of green throughout the leaf. However, haven’t you heard that there are purple plants as well?
So allow us to enlighten you as to what plants are out there that will fit in with your house decor. All the plants below are house friendly, but we shall discuss various factors: soil, light, size, and watering. This allows you to find out if your home is a good fit for them.
#1- Painted-Leaf Begonia (Rex Begonia)
There are many plants within this family that are purple or have purple markings. Begonias are well-liked for their frilly-edged and patterned leaves. Begonias originate from southeast Asia. So you can already picture the hot, humid climatic conditions it’s accustomed to.
Soil- Well drained, porous, growing mix
Light- Part full sun to partial shade, too much sun will burn the leaves
Temperature- Temperatures between 60 to 70 ℉
Humidity- Moderate humidity of 50%
Size- Can grow between 12 inches and 18 inches in height and spread
Watering- Water regularly and keep moist but do not overwater
Feeding- Give a fertilizer every 2 weeks but at half strength
#2- Pin-Stripe Calathea (Goeppertia ornata)
These plants have an underside that is purple, but there are varieties that have purple on the top side. The markings on the leaves are dramatic and each plant in this genera is unique and appealing.
Soil – Provide porous and well-draining soil
Light – Medium to bright indirect light
Temperature – 65 to 85℉
Humidity – Moderate to high humidity
Size – Will attain a height of 2 feet; indoors are slow to moderate growers
Watering – Allow getting it partially dry before watering, every 1 or 2 weeks
Feeding – Feed with an all-purpose feeder, monthly in the spring or summer
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#3- Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
This plant is a beautiful purple indoor plant you can grow in USA conditions. It has deep purple leaves and white or lavender flowers. It is a native South American plant and not Ireland as some may think due to its name!
Soil – Acidic soil that is well-draining, loamy, or sandy soil will do too
Light – Full to partial sun
Temperature – Temperatures between 60 and 70℉
Humidity – Moderate humidity
Size – 2 feet wide and 1 foot tall
Watering – Prefers to be moist water when the top 1 inch is dry
Feeding – Feed with a slow-release fertilizer throughout the year
#4- Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
These plants hardly need an introduction and they are available in pink or purple colors. Originating from the Mediterranean region, the cyclamen genus has 23 species that have various colors and hues.
The flowering season ends with the plant becoming dormant. However, the cyclamen has a tuber and it will flower again the following year.
Soil – Well draining loamy, and acidic soil
Light – Partial sun or indirect bright light
Temperature – Nighttime temperatures of between 40 and 50 ℉, daytime temperatures of between 60 and 75℉
Humidity – High humidity
Size – Small plants only growing between 6 to 9 inches tall
Watering – Water well and allow the water to drain out, water when the top inch of soil is dry
Feeding – Feed only at half strength with a low nitrogen fertilizer
#5- Purple Orchids
Another group of plants suited for indoor gardening is orchids. You can obtain various orchids in purple, like vandas, cattleyas, dendrobiums, and moth orchids being the most popular.
Soil – Well draining soil amended with bark, peat moss, or LECA
Light – Partial sun to bright indirect light
Temperature – Temperatures of 65 to 85℉
Humidity – High humidity, mist frequently especially in summer
Size – Depending on the type of orchid, vandas can grow to a length of 3 feet. Cattleyas and moth orchids are much smaller.
Watering – Water regularly, but allow to drain completely. Mist often instead of watering
Feeding – Feed weekly during the growing season otherwise feed monthly when not in the growing season
Related read: Do Pineapples Grow On Trees? The Truth Will Shock You!
#6- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Although one might assume the Christmas cactus is a cactus, it is not! Its leaves are thick and succulent, it grows on the barks of trees and in rocky crevices more like an orchid than succulent or cactus. The Christmas cactus is from the coastal areas of Brazil.
Soil – Orchid mix or porous soil (bark chips may be better than soil)
Light – Filtered light
Temperature – 60 to 80℉
Humidity – High humidity
Size – 1 foot to 2 feet in height and width
Watering – Give a deep watering when dry and allow to drain
Feeding – Give a diluted fertilizer just before blooming
#7- African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)
These little flowering plants are an absolute delight you can grow in USA homes easily. Available in various shades of variegated purple flowers, you can also find their fluffy thick leaves with a purple underside.
Soil – Porous and well-draining potting mix, the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral
Light – African violets love bright, indirect light
Temperature – An average temperature of 70℉
Humidity – High humidity
Size – Small and low growing, 8 to 16 inches across
Watering – Keep moist but not soggy, even moisture is the best
Feeding – Feed every other week with a fertilizer specially formulated for African violets
#8 – Purple Passion / Purple Velvet (Gynura aurantiaca)
This plant is riveting, it has dark green leaves with purple hairs covering the surface. The flowers are of an orange-yellow color, and this plant can be found in the wild in South East Asia.
Soil – Soils that are nutrient-rich and well-draining
Light – Bright to filtered light, the more light it receives the better the color.
Temperature – Temperatures between 60 and 70℉
Humidity – Moderate humidity
Size – 1 to 2 feet tall
Watering – Water regularly during the growing season.
Feeding – Feed during the growing season with a water-soluble half-strength fertilizer
#9- Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
There are quite a few plants in this genre that are purple and would fit comfortably in your color scheme of purple. Bromeliads are a genus that encompasses 250 species, they are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees rather like orchids.
Soil – A potting mix that does not hold moisture and must be well draining
Light – Indirect bright light
Temperature – Temperatures between 65 to 80℉
Humidity – High humidity
Size – Can reach up to 15 to 20 inches in height
Watering – Keep the soil moist, and top up water in the crown/cup of the bromeliad
Feeding – Feed during the growing season with a half-strength, balanced fertilizer
#10- Purple Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
The purple potato vine is a vine-like plant that can grow to 4 feet long, it belongs to the morning glory family. The leaves are ivy-like and are deep purple in color. You can place it in a hanging basket to make it more appealing. USDA zones 9-11 are perfect for this plant!
Soil – Well draining soil
Light – This plant is very flexible when it comes to light requirements. If it is placed in full sun 6 hours is adequate, in partial sun 4 to 6 hours. In full shade, 4 hours are enough
Temperature – Maintain a temperature of between 70 to 80℉
Humidity – Medium humidity
Size – 8 feet in length and 5 feet wide
Watering – The best time to water this plant is in the morning
Feeding – Feed with a water-soluble plant all-purpose fertilizer
#11- Purple Waffle Plant / Red Ivy (Hemigraphis alternata)
This is a small houseplant with a metallic purple color, on the underside of the leaves. It is a tropical plant that is a perennial plant and common houseplant.
Soil – Plant in slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.1 to 6.9
Light – Bright but indirect sunlight
Temperature – Temperatures must be more than 50 ℉
Humidity – Humidity lower than 50%
Size – Up to 6 inches in height
Watering – Regular watering, keep the soil moist
Feeding – Fertilize in the growing period with general fertilizer at half strength
#12- Red Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
This tropical plant is usually found in Brazilian rainforests. If you want an exotic purple indoor plant you can grow in the USA, the prayer plant is the one to choose. Its wide leaves usually have a unique pattern on the top and the purple undersides of the leaves.
Soil – Well-draining soil
Light – Direct and bright sunlight
Temperature – 60 to 85℉
Humidity – Medium to high humidity
Size – Around 12 inches
Watering – Use distilled/filtered water to avoid leaf browning and curling. Ensure soil is moist throughout the growing season
Feeding – Fertilize with high-Phosphorus (5-10-5) fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season
#13- Gloxinia (Sinningia Speciosa)
The gloxinia is native to areas in South America which include the Andes, the West Indies, and parts of Central America. Although this plant doesn’t exactly have purple leaves, the plant has bell-like blooms in lavender or purple.
Soil – Well drained, loose media, slightly acidic.
Light – Bright indirect light
Temperature- Temperatures between 70 to 80℉
Humidity – Medium to high humidity
Size – 6 to 12 inches tall
Watering – Soil should be moist but not soggy
Feeding – Feed with fertilizer during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer
#14- Ti Plant / Cabbage Palm (Cordyline fruticosa)
This is a very popular tropical plant native to many of the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia where it also has cultural significance. It makes a wonderful houseplant with its upright leaves that range in color from fuchsia pink to deep purple and even red!
Soil – Loamy or sandy well-draining soil that is slightly acidic
Light – Full sun to partial sun
Temperature- Temperatures should be between 65 and 95℉
Humidity – High humidity
Size – Mature plants can grow to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
Watering – Water regularly, avoid getting water on the leaves.
Feeding – Feed a slow release and balanced fertilizer during the growing season
#15- Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
Coleus plants come in many leaf designs. Leaves are colorful, variegated, and decorated. These plants that show various purple colors are easy to grow and care for. It is a perennial plant that can be made bushy by pinching off the new growth in the center, making it an appealing indoor plant.
Soil – Rich, loose, and moist soil that is well draining
Light – Indirect sun in the morning and filtered light in the afternoon
Temperature/- Temperatures of 70 to 80 ℉
Humidity – Relatively high humidity, medium to high humidity
Size – grows to anywhere between 20 to 39 inches in width and height
Watering – Water frequently enough to maintain moist water
Feeding – If soil is poor then feed a water-soluble fertilizer once a month
#16- Moses-in-the-Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)
The Moses-in-the-cradle is a low-maintenance plant popular for its lance-shaped leaves that feature a dual color tone. The top is dark green with a white stripe running throughout the leaf. But, the underside of the leaf is deep purple as well.
Soil – Porous soil amended with materials to ensure excellent drainage
Light – Direct sunlight
Temperature – 60 to 85℉
Humidity – High humidity is necessary
Size – 1-2 feet in weight and height
Watering – Feel the soil and only water when the top 1 inch is dry
Feeding – Feed with a balanced half-strength fertilizer in spring and summer
#17- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Although rubber plants grow quite large when potted, they won’t grow to their full extent! These plants have thick dark leaves that although mostly dark green can have purple patches or else a purple glossy hue depending on the angle they are viewed at.
Soil – Well-draining soil with an acidic pH
Light – Partial sun and partial shade
Temperature – 60 to 75 ℉
Humidity – Medium to high humidity depending on the season
Size – Grows up to 10 feet high
Watering – Water when the top 1 inch is dry
Feeding – Use liquid fertilizer. Halving or quartering the strength, apply sparingly only during the growing season to avoid profuse growth
#18- Tiger Stripe Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe humilis)
Just by looking at this plant, you may be reminded of a succulent and a carnivorous plant that’s normally found in a jungle! The tiger stripe kalanchoe has leaves distinctly arranged in a cross. Leaves are mottled green and purple appearing almost as stripes, hence the name.
Soil – Soil with good drainage
Light – Dappled sunlight
Temperature – averaging 77 to 86 ℉ (25-30℃)
Humidity – Low humidity
Size – Height averaging 6 inches
Watering – Infrequent watering, similar to other succulents
Feeding – Occasional fertilizer, but this is not mandatory
#19- Ruby Necklace / String of Pickles (Othonna capensis)
Another succulent, the string of rubies is a trailing plant, great for indoor growing in hanging baskets. The plants extend hanging stems from which purple elongated bead-like structures project.
Soil – Porous soil with an acidic pH between 6-6.5
Light – Needs intense direct sunlight
Temperature – 68 to 77℉ (20 – 25℃)
Humidity – Indoor humidity is sufficient for growth
Size – Up to 2 inches in height (stems tend to trail much more)
Watering – Allow soil to dry out before watering this plant
Feeding – Requires no feeding. Low nitrogen fertilizer is ok once in a while
#20- Purple Sword (Alocasia lauterbachiana)
Also, going by the name silver sword, the leaves have distinct wavy leaves that show the distinct alocasia elephant ear appearance yet longer and narrower.
Soil – Porous soil amended with organic matter and a pH of 5.5-6
Light – Direct sunlight
Temperature – 65 to 75 ℉
Humidity – 50% to 75% humidity
Size – 3-5 feet, meaning its best for the porch or larger rooms
Watering – Water only when topsoil is completely dry
Feeding – Monthly fertilizer applications using a liquid fertilizer of balanced nutrient content
Conclusion
If you love plants and the color purple, you are in luck! There are several plants that feature purple foliage or purple flowers as well.
Some of the best purple indoor plants you can grow in USA homes are Rubber plants, Ruby necklaces, Ti plants, Coleus, Purple sword, Prayer plants, Calathea, and bromeliads, among many others!
Now you can choose which purple plant you want to plant indoors, you can even choose a few!
