Tired of ivy plants and the like? Then how about houseplants with multi-colored leaves? For this reason, we introduce you to particularly beautiful, colorful plants in this article.
What are foliage plants?
Leaf ornamental plants are plants whose main attraction is the beauty and variety of their leaves. In contrast to flowering plants, where the flowers are the focus, ornamental foliage plants are characterized by their eye-catching and decorative leaves. These plants can vary in leaf shapes, colors and patterns. The variety also ranges from delicate green tones to strong colors, variegated leaves and complex patterns.
Why are there houseplants with colorful leaves?
Nature has created plants with multicolored leaves for various evolutionary reasons. The striking colors often serve various purposes, from attracting pollinators to deterring predators.
There is no clear rule regarding the toxicity of colorful houseplants. Both poisonous and non-poisonous plants can be strikingly colored. It is therefore advisable to find out about possible toxicity before purchasing a new houseplant if pets or small children live in the household.
Philodendron
Philodendrons ( Philodendron spp. ) are popular houseplants with large, heart-shaped leaves in various shades of green. They come from the tropical regions of America and grow to different heights depending on the species (between 30 cm and 3 m). In addition, some species are particularly colorful, e.g. B. Philodendron pink princess and Philodendron red moon . Philodendrons love a partially shaded location, regular watering and high ambient humidity.
Spiderwort and zebraweed
The spiderwort ( Tradescantia ) impresses with its tricolor leaves, while the zebraweed ( Tradescantia zebrina ) stands out with its striped leaves. These plants are very similar in growth, size (approx. 30 cm) and care as they belong to the same family. They both like a bright location and even moisture in the pot.
Begonia and trout begonia
There are a variety of begonias ( Begonia spp. ), all of which look different. Some have shiny, asymmetrical leaves, while others, like trout begonia ( Begonia maculata ), stand out for their silvery-spotted leaves. The homeland of these plants is the tropics and subtropics. Begonias grow between 20 and 50 cm tall and like indirect light and moderate watering.
The most popular houseplant with colorful leaves: Calathea (Basket Marante)
Calatheas ( Calathea spp. ) have strikingly patterned foliage. Maybe that's why they are so popular? They come from the tropical regions of America and therefore like indirect light and high humidity. The plants, called Korbmarante in German, can be a bit difficult to care for. For this reason, here you will find helpful tips to ensure that your calathea thrives!
Maranta (arrowroot)
The Marantas with their oval leaves and distinctive veins are also among the most beautiful houseplants. The Maranta leuconeura in particular is therefore a popular houseplant. It grows to a height of around 20 to 40 centimeters. Their leaves can close at night.
Syngonium (Purple Tute) and Caladium (Coloured Leaf)
Caladium ( Caladium bicolor ) is the ultimate colorful houseplant, as its German name is Buntblatt. The plant comes from the rainforests of Central and South America. Their leaves can be red, green or white variegated, mottled or veined. A special feature is that it is a tuberous plant. Here you can find out more information and our tips!
Very similar in appearance is Syngonium ( Syngonium spp. ) with its heart-shaped leaves. The young leaf is green and turns purple-red with age. Like most plants, it loves bright and warm locations. As a rainforest plant, it requires high humidity. More tips can be found here.
Coleus
Coleus ( Solenostemon scutellarioides ) has colorful, serrated leaves. That's why they are considered popular house and balcony plants, whose colors range from purple to red to colorful. They grow to a height of around 30 to 60 cm. The plant loves a bright location without direct sunlight and requires frequent watering. However, the plant is considered easy to care for and forgiving of mistakes!
Alocasia (especially Alocasia zebrina)
Alocasia has large, arrow-shaped leaves in various colors and patterns. There are many species that are not only green and white, but also have yellow and pink tones in their foliage. Alocasia cuprea is beautifully purple in color. The plant comes from the tropical regions of Asia and Australia.
A bright place without direct sun with high humidity and moderate watering is ideal. The Alocasia zebrina is characterized by striking stripes on the stem.
Miracle bush
Wonderbush ( Codiaeum variegatum ) has large, leathery leaves with striking veins. It comes from Southeast Asia and can grow to 1 to 3 meters high. The leaves are particularly impressive due to their coloring: shades of yellow, red, orange and of course green.
Care for your plant properly
To ensure that your houseplants with colorful leaves do not die, proper care is a prerequisite - even for easy-care plants.
The ideal location
It is important to know which conditions are best for your houseplant: Does it like a lot of light and direct sun or can it cope with partially shaded rooms? Humidity also plays a big role, because if the air is too dry, houseplants quickly develop brown leaf tips. This happens quickly if your plant is on the windowsill above the heater - the air can dry out a lot there. Therefore, spray your houseplant regularly with a spray bottle .
Watering and fertilizing
A common mistake is to water the houseplant too much. Because this leads to waterlogging in the pot and the roots rot. Our tip is therefore: It's better to use a little water. As a rule, it is enough to water once a week; houseplants can usually survive without water for two weeks.
Your houseplant with colorful leaves will only become a real eye-catcher if it continues to develop after purchase and grows large leaves. To do this, it is important to provide them with enough nutrients. Therefore, you should fertilize every two weeks from March to October and once a month from November to February. You can find out more about fertilizing here!
The FARBIO® NPK organic liquid fertilizer is very suitable for supplying your plants with the main nutrients and thus helping them achieve healthy growth in the long term.
