Red is a vibrant and bold color that can really bring some excitement to your indoor garden. It’s often associated with love, passion, and power and is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in many cultures. Plus, red is often used in decorations and clothing during special occasions and celebrations.
And because there are so many plants with red leaves available, ranging from deep burgundy to bright scarlet, we decided to showcase some of the most stunning and eye-catching ones. They’re perfect for adding some color and personality to your indoor space, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out.
So if you’re interested in adding some red-hues to your collection, this list is a great place to start. And don’t forget to check out our previous articles on plants with pink leaves and plants with black leaves for even more plant inspiration.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of these red beauties!
Table of Contents
1. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen, or Aglaonema, is a plant lover’s dream with its colorful foliage. There’s a cultivar to suit every home and taste.
If you’re all about vibrant reds, the ‘Red Anjamani’ will win your heart with its fiery leaves, edged in green. Or take a look at ‘Siam Red’ for a softer touch, flaunting red leaves on charming pink stems.
For a color burst, you might fancy the ‘Red Gold’ or ‘Red Emerald’. The ‘Red Gold’ impresses with its red-edged leaves dotted in green and yellow. ‘Red Emerald’, meanwhile, dazzles with its dark green leaves, golden speckles, and red veins.
Want more? Make sure to check our our article on Aglaonema varieties.
2. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Next up is Fittonia, or nerve plants. Small in size but big on looks, these plants are a visual treat with their vein networks set against a vibrant green canvas.
If reds and pinks catch your eye, you’ll love the ‘Red Star’ with its pinkish-red leaves and green edges. For something dramatic, the ‘Ruby Red’ sports bold red veins on a dark green backdrop.
Want more variety? The ‘Forest Flame’ has variegated leaves and bold veins, while ‘Red Vein’ offers dark pink veins on green leaves. The elegant ‘Red Anne’ shows off dense red veins on velvety green leaves, and the ‘Skeleton’ charms with its red-pink veins on lime green leaves.
3. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Let’s shake things up with our third pick, the vibrant Croton, or scientifically, Codiaeum variegatum. This plant is your ticket to a tropical paradise, right in your living room.
The ‘Nervia’ cultivar catches the eye with bold red, bronze, and orange leaves, while new growth sprouts in vibrant yellow-green. The unique ‘Mother and Daughter’ features green leaves with yellow and red markings, complete with an extended “leaflet”.
If a riot of colors tickles your fancy, check out the ‘Petra’ and ‘Mammy’ cultivars. Finally, the aptly named ‘Magnificent’ cultivar showcases green and yellow leaves with splashes of red, orange, pink, and occasionally bronze or purple.
4. Philodendrons
Continuing our journey through indoor plants, let’s explore some Philodendron varieties. Known for their fascinating foliage, these plants also offer an incredible array of color, texture, and shape.
If you enjoy the changing of the seasons, the Philodendron Erubescens ‘Imperial Red’ might be the perfect addition to your indoor jungle. New leaves emerge as red, developing into dark red-purple, and eventually maturing to dark green.
For a touch of sunshine, the Philodendron ‘Sun Red’ is a highly decorative variety that brightens up any space. The new leaves start as a brilliant red, fading into burgundy before maturing to green.
‘Red Congo’ is also a lovely addition, boasting light burgundy red or darker orange new leaves. As it matures, the leaves transform into a rich, deep green, while the stems remain red.
And finally, the regal ‘Red King’ – bright red emerging leaves, maturing to burgundy red-purple and ultimately dark, glossy green.
5. Echeverias
Known for their sculptural rosettes and low-maintenance care, Echeverias are perfect for adding texture and color to your indoor plant family.
For those who adore the blush of red, Echeveria Pulvinata ‘Ruby’ captivates with its thick, chubby red-tinted leaves and sizzling red blooms.
If you’re looking for intricate details, the Echeveria ‘Red Ruffle’ might just be your ideal choice. This unique succulent features long, narrow leaves with ruffled or frilled edges that are typically green or grey. When exposed to direct sunlight, they may take on reddish or pinkish tones, adding extra interest to your plant collection.
The ‘Red Sails’ cultivar brings a touch of romance to your indoor garden. The leaves of this succulent are a beautiful pale green edged with pink or red tones, creating a lovely contrast and making it a true eye-catcher.
6. Polka Dot (Hypoestes spp.)
Known for their captivating spotted foliage, Polka Dot varieties are sure to bring a playful touch to your space.
For those who love the classic polka dot look, the ‘Confetti Red’ cultivar is a charming choice. This plant features dark-green leaves that are generously splashed with red spots, making it an instant eye-catcher and a fun piece.
On the other hand, if you’re drawn to bold, consistent color, the ‘Red Splash’ variety might be the perfect addition to your plant collection. This cultivar boasts vibrant red leaves that remain consistent throughout the year, contrasted by dark green spots that create an intriguing visual dynamic.
7. Begonias
Begonias are a captivating group of plants known for both their flowers and foliage. And when it comes to red and green leaves, there’s so many options to pick from. Below are just some of our favorites!
For a centerpiece, consider the Begonia rex ‘Inca Flame’ with its flame red, heart-shaped leaves that shimmer and captivate. Or, opt for the seductively dark red foliage of the Begonia rex ‘Inca Night’, edged in jet black for a truly unique appearance.
If you’re looking for bold contrasts, the Begonia rex ‘Royal Red Flash’ offers leaves with a red center surrounded by a stunning green and silver outline. And for a riot of color, the Begonia ‘Autumn Ember’ won’t disappoint, showcasing bright orange new leaves and color variations from yellowish-green to garnet red.
For a touch of gothic charm, the Begonia ‘Chicago Fire’ features deep red variegation with an almost black center and edge. The Begonia ‘Red Bull’ is sure to make a statement with its bright metallic red leaves and wavy margins.
Last but not least, the Begonia ‘Revelation Maroon’ offers a bushy variety with deep rose-red leaves and dark olive green veins.
8. Caladium
These tropical plants are known for their spectacular heart-shaped leaves that come in a generous array of colors and patterns (just like Begonias!).
For a showstopping display, consider the Caladium ‘Florida Red Ruffles’, with its bright red leaves, glossy finish, and dark-green wavy edges. The undersides of the leaves also boast a softer shade of pink or pale red, adding to their charm.
The Caladium ‘Raspberry Moon’ offers a unique combination of a light green to yellow background, with blotches of dark green and raspberry pink to red covering most of the leaf. For an unexpected twist, the Caladium ‘Burning Heart’ features bronze-red leaves with pink to orange spots, creating a stunning visual.
If you’re drawn to softer hues, the Caladium ‘Gingerland’ captivates with its creamy white leaves, adorned with red splotches and lined with light green. ‘Red Flash’ is another eye-catching choice, showcasing dark green leaves with red centers, veins, and delicate pink “drops.”
‘Red Frill’ works best for a dramatic statement, boasting deep red leaves bordered by dark green. And finally, the ‘White Queen’ – frosted-looking white leaves, green margins, and bright red veins that appear to bleed through.
9. Peperomias
Peperomias are a diverse group of plants, known for their compact growth habits and stunning foliage that come in various colors and textures. They make excellent additions to any indoor garden, especially for those with limited space.
The ‘Schumi Red’ cultivar is a beautiful choice, displaying a compact mound of succulent foliage that may exhibit a range of colors, including purple-black, red-burgundy, and lighter shades of purple.
For those who appreciate a classic, ‘Eden Rosso’ features eye-catching green foliage with deep red undersides that create a striking contrast.
If you’re looking for a unique plant, consider the Peperomia graveolens ‘Ruby Glow’. This variety boasts red stems and thick, green fleshy leaves shaped like a fat canoe. Each leaf has wine-red undersides and a transparent window on top that allows for photosynthesis.
The Peperomia caperata ‘Quito’ is another interesting choice, with light orange-red leaves and prominent, sunken veins. When grown in partial sun or bright indoor light, the foliage becomes more vibrant, displaying orange, pink, and bronze tones.
For a bold statement, the Peperomia caperata ‘Red Luna’ will not disappoint. Its deep purple and burgundy, furrowed heart-shaped leaves add a touch of drama to your plant collection.
Finally, the Peperomia caperata ‘Emerald Red Ripple’ features wrinkled, heart-shaped leaves with a metallic sheen that enhances its visual appeal. The leaves are generally wine red and can showcase hues of silver or dark green.
10. Poinsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrima)
Poinsettias are synonymous with the holiday season, and their vibrant bracts are sure to bring cheer to your home. Known for their striking red and green foliage, there are various cultivars to choose from, each with their unique shade of red.
If you’re looking for a rich, bold color, the ‘Prestige Maroon’ is an excellent choice. This cultivar features a beautiful and deep shade of dark red to maroon, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your holiday decorations.
The ‘Princettia Red’ is another stunning variety, with bright red bracts that have a hot pink undertone. These colorful bracts create a striking contrast against the dark green leaves, making it a standout addition to your plant collection.
For those who prefer a brighter hue, the ‘Solar Red’ offers mature bracts in a vivid scarlet shade, while younger bracts are a darker red. This variety adds warmth and festivity to any space.
Lastly, the ‘Viking Red’ is known for its large, crimson-colored bracts with smooth and rounded margins. This cultivar is also hot and cold tolerant, making it a versatile choice for various environments.
11. Coleus (Plectranthus Scutellarioides)
Coleus plants are admired for their vibrant and eye-catching foliage, which come in a variety of colors and patterns, including red and green.
For a bold statement, consider the ColorBlaze® Rediculous®. This cultivar showcases striking red foliage, with large, oval-shaped leaves that have a glossy texture. The vibrant red adds a touch of excitement to any setting.
‘Campfire’ is another captivating option, featuring ovate, velvety, toothed leaves in a beautiful shade of orange-red to bronze-red. The leaves are often flushed with purple when they are young, adding extra visual interest to your plant collection.
Lastly, ‘Kong Red’ offers a unique look with its large, light green leaves that are patterned with red midribs and burgundy red veins.
12. Campfire plant (Crassula capitella)
The Campfire plant, or Crassula capitella, is another succulent that comes with red and green leaves.
The ‘Campfire’ cultivar has interesting, flame-like leaves. They start as a pale green color, but as they are exposed to sunlight, the color gradually change to shades of pink and eventually bright red.
Another intriguing option is ‘Red Pagoda’. This cultivar features greenish-yellow leaves with vibrant red tips, stacked in a way that resembles pagodas, which likely inspired its name.
13. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoes are popular succulents known for their vibrant and colorful foliage, making them an excellent addition to any plant collection. They come in a variety of species and cultivars, each with their unique leaf patterns and colors, including red and green leaves.
The Kalanchoe luciae “Flapjack” is a standout choice, with leaves shaped like pancakes and stacked up in a rosette pattern to protect the leaf surfaces from too much sun exposure. When the plant gets enough sun, the exposed leaf margins will turn a beautiful shade of red. As the plant matures, it can produce pretty yellow flowers in the spring, and the leaves may take on a striking red tinge around the edges in the winter. This unique combination of features has earned the plant its nickname “red pancake.”
Another captivating option is the Kalanchoe humilis. This variety boasts pale green leaves striped with burgundy to purple lines, creating an eye-catching pattern that adds visual interest to your indoor garden.
Lastly, the Kalanchoe ‘Dragonfire’ is an excellent choice for those who appreciate vibrant colors. This cultivar features bright green leaves with a light tint of yellow and red margins. The red coloration becomes more intense under bright sunlight or in cooler climates.
14. Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
Dracaena is a pretty cool plant that comes with long, thin leaves that are beautifully arching. When it comes to colors, we’ve got bright, lush green leaves with a bold, dark red edge. It’s really a unique and eye-catching combination.
Additionally, it’s a low-maintanance plant and won’t require a lot of attention.
15. Air plants (Tillandsia spp.)
Air plants, or Tillandsia, don’t require soil to grow, making them an excellent choice for those looking to add some variety to their plant collection. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, including red and green varieties.
‘Fuego’ is a stunning air plant with bright red leaves that are thin and delicate. In addition to its eye-catching foliage, ‘Fuego’ also produces small, purple flowers that bloom on tall, thin stalks, adding to its charm.
Another beautiful option is Tillandsia brachycaulos. This variety features leaves that are typically green in color and turn reddish when exposed to bright light.
16. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
The Japanese Maple is a popular choice for those who appreciate the art of bonsai. This small tree features delicate and intricately shaped leaves that transform from lush green to vibrant shades of red and orange during the fall months, creating a stunning display of color.
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is a beloved cultivar of the Japanese Red Maple that boasts deep burgundy-red leaves throughout the growing season. As the season progresses, the leaves transition to a vibrant crimson, offering a striking contrast to the tree’s dark and twisted branches.
Another captivating option is ‘Shaina’. This dwarf cultivar exhibits bright red leaves in the spring, which gradually darken to a deep maroon color as they mature. The compact growth habit of ‘Shaina’ makes it an ideal choice for bonsai enthusiasts looking to add a touch of drama and color to their collection.
‘Katsura’ is also noteworthy, with its green leaves featuring red margins in spring, creating a lovely contrast. In the fall, the foliage turns a brilliant mix of orange and red, making it a visually striking addition to any bonsai collection.
Conclusion
Overall, indoor plants with red foliage can make a strong visual statement in any space. They come in a range of sizes and shapes, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your decor and plant arrangement preferences.
Whether you prefer a bold and showy plant or something more subtle and understated, you can find a red foliage plant that meets your needs. Additionally, caring for these plants can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients, your red foliage plant will thrive and bring a splash of color and life to your home.
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