Any home interior is brightened with red leaf plants, which add dramatic crimson, burgundy, maroon, and dark pink hues. Plants with vivid red and green leaves provide a vibrant touch to the décor and brighten up rooms. Coleus, Caladium, and Anthurium are some red-leaf houseplants with vivid crimson leaves. Other red-leaved plants, such as Begonia, Ti plants, and Dracaena, have deeper reds or subtle hues of red.
This article will help you find the right plant if you want red leaves. Natural red leaves are seen on certain plant species. Cropeds or hybrids with green and red leaves are other red foliage plants that have been created. This guide to some of the most stunning crimson-leaf plants is a good place to start.
You’ll get considerable growing advice on where to grow these colorful houseplants, as well as descriptions of the plants’ leaves.
Red Leaf Houseplants (Including Plants with Red and Green Leaves) – With Pictures
Some houseplants have vividly crimson leaves, which are stunning. Some have multicolored leaves, ranging from red to green. Other multicolored leaves with red, green, purple, and white hues may be seen on various types of indoor plants. To discover some of the greatest houseplants with tropical, vibrant leaves, keep reading.
Coleus
Coleus plants have crimson leaves, which is a coleus characteristic. ‘Wizard Scarlet,’ ‘Redhead,’ ‘Kong Red,’ and ‘Pineapple’ are examples of Coleus varieties with crimson leaves rotating clockwise from top left. Ovoid leaves with serrated edges characterize these tropical evergreen perennial plants.
Red, burgundy, and green leaves with crimson borders are common in Coleus cultivars, which are low-maintenance houseplants with crimson leaves.
Some red-leaved coleus houseplants are described below:
- Coleus ‘Wizard Scarlet’—’Wizard Scarlet’ coleus thrives in well-draining potting soil in a sunny location, and its leaves are bright red with vibrant green edges.
- Solenostemon Redhead (Coleus ‘Redhead’)—In the shade or in full sun, the crimsonhead coleus plant produces dark crimson ovate leaves that retain their brilliance. The crimson leaves of this bushy Coleus houseplant cultivar are intermingled with crimson and green leaves.
- Coleus ‘Kong Red’—The light green leaves of this Coleus cultivar have crimson and cherry red centers. To keep the colorful tropical leaves protected, grow this houseplant in partial or full shade.
- Solenostemon ‘Pineapple’ (Coleus ‘Pineapple’)—Bright lime-green leaves with thin red serrated margins characterize this tropical tender perennial plant. The brilliant, colorful ovate leaves are excellent for bringing life to any area. For optimum results, grow this coleus plant in full sun or partial shade.
Caladium
The hues of caladium leaves range from red and green, to blue and white. Caladium is a genus of tropical foliage plants with red, green, pink, and white leaves that are bi-colored and multicolored. Clockwise cultivars from top left: ‘Florida Sweetheart,’ ‘Florida Red Ruffles,’ ‘Bombshell,’ and ‘Red Flash.’
Caladium plants have some of the most stunning colorful leaves of any houseplant, and are sometimes called “angel wings” plants. Fancy-leaved caladiums feature wide heart-shaped leaves, while strap-leaved caladiums feature narrow, arrowhead leaves. Caladium plants with red and green leaves are available in a variety of shapes and sizes:
- Caladium bicolor ‘Florida Sweetheart’—The rosy-red heart-shaped leaves have wavy green edges on this fancy-leaf Caladium bicolor houseplant. Bright pink veins create intricate patterns on closeup images of the crimson leaves.
- Caladium bicolor ‘Florida Red Ruffles’—The crimson or black pink leaves of the lance-leaf angel wings plant are edged with dark green ruffles. This Caladium cultivar keeps its pinkish-red colors even when grown in bright light.
- Caladium ‘Bombshell’—The Caladium bombshell is a popular houseplant with crimson leaves enclosed by broad, green-colored borders. Any home interior is given a dramatic accent by the green and bright red hues.
- Caladium bicolor ‘Red Flash’—This fancy-leaved Caladium bicolor variety is distinguished by its green leaves with crimson veins that seem to seep into the green color. The beauty of the red flash lies in its pink speckles.
Anthurium
Antherium plants have modified leaves known as ‘flowers,’ which are bracts. Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum) is seen on the left. Flowers of the genus Anthurium feature a lustrous, brilliant red waxy leaf (bract or spathe) and a yellow or cream-colored blossom (spadix).
The plant’s green foliage stands out against the red leaf-like bract, which is usually heart- or lance-shaped. The spathes of Anthurium cultivars are made of lipstick red, light pink, dark orange, and lilac purple. With red leaves, here are two well-known Anthurium cultivars:
- Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum)—The Flamingo Lily, with its waxy, heart-shaped red leaf and yellow-white spadix, is the most common Anthurium plant. With a rough surface, the red spathe has a lacquered look.
- Pigtail Plant (Anthurium scherzerianum)—The curled orangey-red waxy leaf (bract) of this exotic tropical indoor plant curls like a pig’s tail, and it is also known as the Flamingo Flower.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
From left to right, the cultivars ‘Siam Aurora,’ ‘Red Anjamani,’ and ‘Valentine’ are Aglaonema plants with beautiful variegated leaves. The leaves of Chinese evergreens are beautiful in their variety of hues and colors. Incoming light and a porous, well-draining potting combination are best for plants in the Aglaonema genus.
The following are different types of red-leaf plants from the Aglaonema genus:
- Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’—The red and green lanceolate leaves of this kind of red Aglaonema plant are spectacular. Rich red edges and veins surround the green leaves.
- Aglaonema ‘Red Anjamani’—Bright red oval leaves with pointed tips characterize this huge red-leaved houseplant. On the leaf blades, you’ll see little green edges and limited green veining.
- Aglaonema ‘Valentine’—This Chinese evergreen is an attention-getter colorful tropical houseplant with big red leaves with green borders and speckled green coloration.
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Croton plants have crimson, green, and yellow leaves on their foliage. Left: Croton plants with variegated red, green, orange, and yellow leaves are known as “Mammy Red” and “Bush on Fire.” Croton plants, which have vivid leaves, thrive in warm environments and make excellent houseplants.
These houseplants’ vivid leaves may help cheer up rooms and inject tropical hues into the interior by adding brightness. Croton plants with red, green, and yellow leaves are seen below.
- Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy Red’—Long, curling leaves with bright red, orange, green, and yellow patterns characterize the ‘Mammy Red’ croton plant. This fiery-looking plant is a popular houseplant for its upright growth.
- Codiaeum variegatum ‘Bush on Fire’—The multicolored dark lanceolate leaves of this croton houseplant are dark red and green with yellowish or orange highlights.
- Codiaeum variegatum ‘Red Secretary’—The Red Secretary croton plant has oblong leaves with wavy edges that are a striking red and green color combination.
- Codiaeum variegatum ‘Nervia’—If you want a brightly colored plant, choose the cultivar of the ‘Nervia’ croton. The plant’s crimson leaves stand out against yellow and light green hues.
Croton plants come in over 100 different varieties, each with variegated oblong or lanceolate leaves. Green leaves with yellow splashes, large yellow leaves and green markings, and long, ribbon-like green leaves with red stripes are all characteristics of other croton cultivars.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Fittonia is a popular houseplant with small colorful leaves. Fittonia ‘Juanita’ is on the left. Some cultivars of Fittonia have dark green leaves with red mosaic designs, and the plant on the right is Fittonia ‘Red Anne’. Leaves with intricate patterning on nerve plants are oval or egg-shaped. The veins of nerve plant leaves appear to be colored.
Nerve plants might have white, pink, or pale green designs in addition to red veining. Here are some cultivars of nerve plants with green and red leaves:
- ‘Juanita’ nerve plant—Bright red nerve-like patterns cover large leafed nerve plant.
- ‘Red Anne’ nerve plant—With deep pink-red veins, this is a small tropical houseplant.
- ‘Black Star’ nerve plant—Bold purple-red patterns on green leaves.
- ‘Red Star’ nerve plant—The little, ovate plant leaves take on a pinkish-red hue due to the intense red veins.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Plants related to nerve plants include the Polka Dot ‘Red Splash Select’ (left) and the Polka Dot ‘Carmina’ (right). Egg-shaped ovate leaves with brilliant red or pink splashes are seen on some lovely indoor polka dot plants. Some of the tropical leaves look entirely red because of the amount of color on them.
Polka dot plants are also known as frecklefaced plants and splash plants due to their speckled patterns.
- ‘Red Splash Select’—Little green dots on the central vein of ovate red leaves.
- ‘Confetti Blush’ freckle face plant—Little green leaves with crimson or pink dots that mimic colorful freckles.
- Polka dot ‘Carmina’—Irregular splashes of red or pink hues color lime green foliage.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Poinsettia is a gorgeous indoor plant with vivid, emerald green leaves that bloom from winter to early spring. The brilliant red bracts or altered leaves on poinsettia houseplants are what give them their color. The plant’s other leaves have a dark green color, and the bright red leaves contrast with them.
There are cultivars of Euphorbia pulcherrima with different colored leaves, in addition to scarlet red. Orange, cream, pink, white, and pale green leaves are common among popular colorful houseplants.
Red Leaf Begonias
The plant known as the Omaha Beefsteak Begonia rex has pink-red leaves with black purple-black centers. Painted begonias or rex begonias (Begonia rex-cultorum) are the most dramatic examples of red-leaved plants in the begonia genus. Wax begonias have delicate pink, red, or white blooms and glossy scarlet leaves.
Begonia plants with crimson leaves include the following:
- ‘Omaha Beefsteak’ Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)—Bright red-pink leaves with black spots in the center characterize this medium-sized leafy begonia.
- ‘Red Kiss’ Begonia (Begonia rex ‘Red Kiss’)—Red leaves with purple-black centers adorn this magnificent begonia cultivar. This plant has a dramatic appearance due to the contrasting dark red and purple.
- Begonia ‘Red Bull’ (Begonia rex ‘Red Bull’)—Bright, glossy metallic red leaves with wavy, black leaf margins characterize this pointed little-leaved red begonia.
- Begonia ‘Revelation Maroon’ (Begonia)—The burgundy leaves of this trailing begonia hybrid have black green veins. Hanging baskets are ideal for this red-leaved plant.
- Begonia ‘Stained Glass’ (Begonia rex ‘Stained Glass’)—Ruby red leaves with bluish-white borders and dramatic black veins make the stunning ‘Stained Glass’ begonia a stand out.
Radiator Plants (Peperomia)
Peperomia cultivar leaves with ornamental red and green coloration. ‘Emerald Ripple Red,’ ‘Red Log,’ ‘Rubella, and ‘Jelly (Tricolor) Radiator plants are tiny tropical houseplants with a wide range of leaf shapes. Ornamental peperomia plants seem to have just green leaves at first glance. Green leaves with crimson underside and crimson stems are common on radiator plants.
The following are some red and green-leaved examples of peperomia plants:
- ‘Emerald Ripple Red’ (Peperomia caperata)—Green and reddish-purple heart-shaped leaves give this stunning dark red peperomia plant a metallic look.
- ‘Red Log’ Peperomia (Peperomia verticillata)—The leaf undersides of the ‘Red Log’ radiator indoor plant are vivid scarlet colors. The red and green leaves are also a little fuzzy, which you may see.
- Peperomia rubella—Little, compact houseplant with button-like green leaves that are slightly hairy on the undersides and stems.
- ‘Jelly’ radiator plant (Peperomia clusiifolia)—Obovate leaves in brilliant hues of greens, reds, and cream adorn this leafy houseplant. This plant is also known as ‘Peperomia Tricolor’ due to its vibrant leaves.
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’)
Green, light pinkish-red, and creamy-yellow leaves decorate the tricolor Madagascar dragon tree. Green and cream thin tapering leaves with crimson-red borders. On top of a long, slender woody stem, the gorgeous colorful foliage forms a rosette shape. The plant’s spiky crown is formed by the upward growth of its thin tapering red and green leaves.
Madagascar dragon trees can be grown in semi-bright conditions. The indoor houseplant grows to be about 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall. This bright height adds to any interior with this tropical evergreen tree-like shrub. NASA’s list of air-filtering plants includes plants from the Dracaena genus.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia)
Several cultivars of Wandering Jew (Tradescantia) feature reddish-burgundy leaves. Tradescantia is a genus of perennial plants with crimson lanceolate or ovate-oblong leaves, from left to right: Tradescantia spathacea and Tradescantia zebrina.
Tradescantia species, which include 75 different species of reddish leaves with stripes and others that are merely reddish-purple, are popular houseplants. Several plants in the Tradescantia genus are ideal hanging basket plants because of their long, trailing stems and attractive leafy foliage. Tradescantia plants are also referred to as spiderwort, spider-lily, oyster plants, and flowering inch plants.
The reddish leaves of some Tradescantia plants are shown below:
- Tradescantia ‘Cool Leaf’—The dark pinkish-red leaves of this huge-leaved tradescantia form dense clusters on woody stems.
- Moses-in-the-Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)—This reddish-purple pointed leaves plant is also known as Boat Lily.
- Wandering Jew ‘Red’ (Tradescantia zebrina ‘Red’)—The upper side of this reddish-green plant has striped leaves, while the underside is burgundy red.
- Inch Plant ‘Quadricolor’ (Tradescantia zebrina ‘Quadricolor’)—The upper sides and undersides of this four-colored silver inch plant are maroon, with green and dark purplish-red streaks.
Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
Varied hues of red, maroon, and magenta leaves characterize Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa) cultivars. The Ti plant, sometimes known as the red or green firebrand, is a popular multicolored houseplant with green and red leaves. The red leaves may be vivid pink to dark red, depending on the cultivar and sun exposure.
The large, lanceolate leaves with upward-pointing spikey leaves create a dramatic red crown when grown in a rosette shape. ‘Cabbage Tree,’ ‘Hawaiian Good Luck Plant,’ and ‘Cordyline’ are all names for Cordyline fruticosa cultivars.
- Rubra Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Rubra’)—Rubra Cordyline, a broad-leaved Ti plant, has dark green tints on its deep red and scarlet leaves.
- Cordyline fruticosa ‘Firebrand’—With dark red and green leaves, this tall red-leaved tropical plant is a sight to see.
- Cordyline fruticosa ‘Lilinoe’ –For full sun, a tall, wide landscape deep pink-red leaf plant.
Bromeliad plants (Bromeliaceae)
One of the greatest tropical houseplants is Bromeliads, which come in red, white, yellow, and variegated hues. They provide a stunning focal point in your home. Some bromeliad species have rosette-like flowers that are big and colorful. These ‘flowers,’ on the other hand, are bracts, which are colorful modified leaves.
Scarlet red, autumn orange, brilliant yellow, and red and yellow mixes are some of the hues available on rosette leaves. Most bromeliad species can thrive in low-light, high-humidity environments. They are ideal tropical plants for bathrooms due to this characteristic.
Succulents
Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda,’ Crassula capitella ‘Campfire,’ Sempervivum calcareum, Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora,’ and Moon Cactus are just a few of the varieties available. Green leaves on certain cultivars of succulents turn crimson when exposed to direct sunlight. Dark red, burgundy, scarlet, or rosy-red leaves are seen on some succulent varieties.
Some stunning succulents with crimson leaves are shown below:
- Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’—A tower of triangular crimson and green leaves, the magnificent Red Pagoda succulent. The bright pagoda-like leaves emerge in a rosette formation. This succulent can also be grown in hanging baskets.
- Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ – In bright light, this tiny colorful succulent produces small green leaves that turn orange and red.
- Sempervivum calcareum—Sempervivum species with tongue-shaped red or orange leaves include several succulents. A rosette is the shape of these succulents. Some have green leaves with crimson tips, while others feature blood red pointed fleshy leaves with a vibrant color.
- Sedum rubrotinctum ‘Aurora’—The leaves of Sedum succulents are uniformly fat and green or red in color. Bright red crimson leaves develop on Sedum succulents that get a lot of sunlight. Sedums have bi-colored leaves that change color depending on the amount of light.
- Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii) – The base of this stunning grafted cactus is usually bright red, yellow, pink, or orange colors and has a colorful ball-shaped top. This care guide will teach you how to grow it.