Purple indoor plants are a stunning way to bring color and life into your home while improving air quality. These vibrant beauties combine aesthetic appeal with practical benefits, purifying the air by removing toxins and adding oxygen. Perfect for plant enthusiasts and interior design lovers, this guide explores 42 gorgeous purple indoor plants, their care requirements, and how they can transform your space into a healthier, more vibrant haven.
Air-Purifying Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants, especially those with purple foliage, play a vital role in improving air quality. Studies show that plants like the purple heart and certain ferns absorb toxins through their leaves, releasing clean oxygen. This process reduces indoor pollutants, enhancing respiratory health and overall well-being. Purple indoor plants, with their vibrant leaves, offer a dual benefit: they cleanse the air while adding a pop of color, making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious homeowners seeking style and function.
Top Purple Indoor Plants for Beginners
If you’re new to plant care, start with low-maintenance purple indoor plants like the Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida). This hardy plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering. Another beginner-friendly option is the Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis), with its delicate, butterfly-like leaves. Both plants purify the air by removing toxins and are forgiving if you miss a watering or two, making them ideal for those just starting their plant journey.
Exotic Purple Plants for Advanced Gardeners
For seasoned plant parents, exotic purple indoor plants like the Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca) offer a challenge and reward. Its velvety, purple-green leaves are a showstopper, but it demands high humidity and careful watering. The Rex Begonia, with its swirling purple patterns, is another stunner that thrives in controlled environments. These plants not only purify the air but also elevate your collection, showcasing your expertise with their vibrant, intricate foliage.
Styling Purple Plants in Your Home
Purple indoor plants are versatile for interior design, complementing modern, bohemian, or minimalist aesthetics. Place a Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata) in a sleek white pot for a contemporary look, or hang a trailing Purple Heart in a macramé holder for boho vibes. Their bold color contrasts beautifully with neutral tones or metallic accents, creating focal points in living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms. These plants also purify the air, enhancing both style and health.
Care Tips for Thriving Purple Plants
Caring for purple indoor plants requires attention to light, water, and humidity. Most prefer bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrant color. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Plants like the Purple Velvet Plant thrive in humid environments, so consider a pebble tray or humidifier. Regular pruning encourages fuller growth, and occasional misting keeps leaves dust-free, ensuring they purify the air efficiently.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
The Purple Heart is a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant with striking, deep purple leaves. Its trailing growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it needs watering once the soil dries out. This plant removes toxins like benzene from the air, improving indoor air quality. Its vibrant color adds a bold statement to any space, and its resilience makes it a favorite for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
The Purple Shamrock, with its delicate, triangular purple leaves, is a charming addition to any home. Its leaves fold up at night, adding a playful touch. This plant prefers indirect light and moderate watering, making it easy to care for. It purifies the air by filtering out harmful compounds, creating a healthier environment. Place it on a windowsill or coffee table to showcase its unique foliage and enhance your decor effortlessly.
Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca)
The Purple Passion plant boasts velvety, purple-green leaves with fine hairs that shimmer in the light. It’s a striking choice for plant enthusiasts, though it requires high humidity and careful watering to thrive. This plant helps purify the air by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Its bold texture and color make it a focal point in any room, perfect for adding drama to your indoor garden while promoting a cleaner, healthier space.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
The Wandering Jew is a vibrant, trailing plant with purple and silver-striped leaves. It’s easy to grow, thriving in bright, indirect light with moderate watering. This plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde. Its cascading growth makes it ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves, adding a lush, colorful touch to your decor. Regular pruning keeps it full and healthy, ensuring it continues to purify your home’s air.
Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
The Purple Waffle Plant, with its crinkled, purple-tinted leaves, adds texture and color to any space. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and prefers consistently moist soil. This plant is an excellent air purifier, filtering out pollutants like ammonia. Its compact size makes it perfect for tabletops or terrariums, blending seamlessly with modern or eclectic decor. Regular misting enhances its humidity, keeping its vibrant foliage lush and healthy.
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
The Persian Shield is a showstopper with its iridescent, purple-silver leaves that shimmer in the light. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and bright, indirect light. This plant purifies the air by removing VOCs, contributing to a healthier home. Its bold color and metallic sheen make it a standout in any interior, perfect for adding drama to minimalist or tropical-themed spaces. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and vibrant foliage.
Purple African Violet (Saintpaulia)
The Purple African Violet is a compact plant with soft, fuzzy leaves and vibrant purple flowers. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers slightly moist soil. Known for its air-purifying qualities, it removes toxins like benzene, enhancing indoor air quality. Its delicate blooms and lush foliage make it perfect for small spaces like windowsills or desks. With proper care, it blooms year-round, adding charm and color to your home.
Purple Spiderwort (Tradescantia spathacea)
The Purple Spiderwort, also known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, features rosette-shaped, purple-green leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering. This plant purifies the air by filtering out pollutants, making it a functional decor piece. Its striking foliage complements modern or tropical interiors, perfect for tabletops or floor displays. Keep it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to maintain its vibrant color and air-purifying benefits.
Purple Calathea (Calathea roseopicta)
The Purple Calathea, with its dark purple undersides and green tops, is a stunning air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to medium light and high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. This plant removes toxins like formaldehyde, promoting cleaner air. Its bold patterns add elegance to any space, especially when paired with neutral decor. Mist regularly and use distilled water to prevent leaf spots, ensuring its vibrant foliage thrives.
Purple Velvet Plant (Gynura sarmentosa)
The Purple Velvet Plant is known for its soft, fuzzy purple leaves that add texture and color to interiors. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity to maintain its vibrancy. This plant purifies the air by removing VOCs, making it a healthy addition to your home. Its unique texture pairs well with sleek, modern decor. Regular pruning and misting keep it lush, ensuring it remains a striking, air-cleansing centerpiece.
Purple Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
The Purple Ti Plant features long, glossy purple leaves that add a tropical flair to any space. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. Known for its air-purifying qualities, it filters out toxins like ammonia. This plant’s bold color makes it a standout in living rooms or patios. Maintain humidity and avoid cold drafts to keep its vibrant foliage healthy and its air-purifying benefits active.
Purple Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Purple Prayer Plant, with its purple-veined leaves that fold at night, is a captivating addition to any home. It thrives in low to medium light and high humidity, purifying the air by removing toxins. Its unique leaf patterns add a dynamic touch to decor, perfect for cozy corners or shelves. Keep soil consistently moist and mist regularly to maintain its vibrant color and air-cleansing properties, enhancing your space’s beauty and health.
Purple Fittonia (Fittonia albivenis)
The Purple Fittonia, or Nerve Plant, features delicate purple-veined leaves that add a pop of color to small spaces. It thrives in low light and high humidity, making it ideal for terrariums. This plant purifies the air by filtering out pollutants, promoting a healthier environment. Its compact size and vibrant patterns make it perfect for desks or bathrooms. Regular misting and well-draining soil keep its foliage lush and its air-purifying abilities strong.
Purple Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The Purple Pothos, a rare variety with purple-tinted leaves, is a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and requires infrequent watering. This plant removes toxins like benzene, improving indoor air quality. Its trailing vines are perfect for hanging baskets or shelves, adding a lush, colorful touch to any room. Prune regularly to encourage fuller growth and maintain its vibrant hue and air-cleansing benefits.
Purple Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
The Purple Coleus is a vibrant plant with bold, purple foliage that adds drama to any space. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This plant purifies the air by removing VOCs, making it a functional decor piece. Its colorful leaves complement bohemian or eclectic interiors. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth and maintain its air-purifying qualities, ensuring a healthy and stylish home environment.
Purple Stromanthe (Stromanthe sanguinea)
The Purple Stromanthe features striking purple-green leaves that add elegance to any room. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and high humidity, purifying the air by filtering toxins. Its vibrant foliage pairs well with modern or tropical decor, perfect for floor displays or large pots. Keep soil moist and mist regularly to maintain its lush appearance and air-cleansing benefits, creating a healthier, more beautiful living space.
Purple Peperomia (Peperomia clusiifolia)
The Purple Peperomia, with its thick, purple-tinted leaves, is a compact, air-purifying plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for beginners. This plant removes toxins like formaldehyde, enhancing indoor air quality. Its small size and vibrant color make it perfect for desks or windowsills. Keep it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to maintain its lush foliage and air-purifying properties.
Purple Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
The Purple Anthurium, with its glossy purple spathes, is a stunning air-purifying plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This plant removes toxins like ammonia, promoting a healthier home. Its bold blooms and lush foliage make it a focal point in any room, ideal for modern or tropical decor. Maintain humidity and avoid direct sunlight to keep its vibrant color and air-cleansing benefits intact.
Purple Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
The Purple Dracaena, with its slender, purple-tinged leaves, is a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and requires infrequent watering. This plant filters out toxins like benzene, improving air quality. Its upright growth adds height to interiors, perfect for corners or entryways. Keep it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to maintain its vibrant foliage and air-purifying qualities, enhancing both style and health.
Purple Aglaonema (Aglaonema spp.)
The Purple Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, features glossy, purple-green leaves that add elegance to any space. It thrives in low to medium light and requires moderate watering. This plant purifies the air by removing VOCs, making it a functional decor piece. Its lush foliage complements modern or traditional interiors. Keep soil slightly moist and avoid direct sunlight to maintain its vibrant color and air-cleansing benefits, creating a healthier, stylish home.
Purple Fern (Pteris cretica)
The Purple Fern, with its delicate, purple-tinted fronds, is a unique air-purifying plant. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This fern removes toxins like formaldehyde, enhancing indoor air quality. Its feathery foliage adds a soft, natural touch to decor, perfect for bathrooms or shaded corners. Regular misting and humidity keep its fronds vibrant, ensuring it continues to purify the air and elevate your space.
Purple Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
The Purple Hoya, with its waxy, purple-tinted leaves, is a trailing, air-purifying plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires infrequent watering. This plant removes toxins like benzene, promoting cleaner air. Its cascading vines are ideal for hanging baskets or shelves, adding a lush, colorful touch to any room. Keep it in well-draining soil and prune regularly to maintain its vibrant foliage and air-purifying qualities, enhancing your home’s beauty.
Purple Alocasia (Alocasia spp.)
The Purple Alocasia, or Elephant Ear, features dramatic, purple-veined leaves that make a bold statement. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, purifying the air by removing toxins. Its large, heart-shaped leaves add a tropical vibe to interiors, perfect for spacious rooms. Keep soil moist and mist regularly to maintain its vibrant color and air-cleansing benefits, creating a healthier, more striking living environment with minimal effort.
Purple Bamboo Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Purple Bamboo Palm, with its purple-tinged fronds, is a graceful, air-purifying plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This plant removes toxins like ammonia, improving indoor air quality. Its lush, feathery foliage adds a tropical touch to decor, ideal for large spaces or corners. Maintain humidity and avoid overwatering to keep its vibrant fronds healthy, ensuring it purifies the air while enhancing your home’s aesthetic.
Purple Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Purple Peace Lily, with its dark purple-green leaves and white blooms, is a stunning air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to medium light and prefers moist soil. This plant removes toxins like formaldehyde, promoting cleaner air. Its elegant foliage and blooms add sophistication to any space, perfect for offices or bedrooms. Keep it in well-draining soil and mist regularly to maintain its lush appearance and air-cleansing benefits, elevating your home’s style.
Purple Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Purple Rubber Plant, with its glossy, purple-tinted leaves, is a bold, air-purifying addition to any home. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering. This plant filters out toxins like benzene, improving air quality. Its large, shiny leaves add a modern, luxurious touch to interiors, ideal for living rooms or entryways. Keep soil slightly moist and dust leaves regularly to maintain its vibrant color and air-purifying qualities.
Purple Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Purple Snake Plant, with its long, upright, purple-tinged leaves, is a hardy, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to bright light and requires minimal watering. This plant removes toxins like formaldehyde, enhancing indoor air quality. Its architectural shape adds a modern touch to decor, perfect for corners or minimalist spaces. Keep it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to maintain its vibrant foliage and air-cleansing benefits, creating a healthier home.
Purple ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The Purple ZZ Plant, with its glossy, purple-green leaves, is a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and requires infrequent watering. This plant filters out toxins like benzene, improving air quality. Its sleek, upright foliage adds a modern touch to any space, ideal for offices or small apartments. Keep it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to maintain its vibrant color and air-purifying qualities effortlessly.
Purple English Ivy (Hedera helix)
The Purple English Ivy, with its purple-tinted, heart-shaped leaves, is a trailing, air-purifying plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This ivy removes toxins like formaldehyde, promoting cleaner air. Its cascading vines are perfect for hanging baskets or shelves, adding a lush, colorful touch to decor. Regular pruning and misting keep its foliage vibrant, ensuring it continues to purify the air and enhance your home’s beauty.
Purple Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Purple Boston Fern, with its soft, purple-tinged fronds, is a lush, air-purifying plant. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and high humidity. This fern removes toxins like ammonia, improving indoor air quality. Its feathery foliage adds a natural, calming touch to decor, ideal for bathrooms or shaded corners. Regular misting and moist soil keep its fronds vibrant, ensuring it purifies the air while elevating your space’s aesthetic.
Purple Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
The Purple Arrowhead Plant, with its arrow-shaped, purple-tinted leaves, is a versatile, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and prefers moist soil. This plant removes toxins like benzene, promoting cleaner air. Its trailing or climbing growth makes it ideal for shelves or trellises, adding a lush touch to decor. Keep it in well-draining soil and prune regularly to maintain its vibrant foliage and air-cleansing benefits.
Purple Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
The Purple Croton, with its vibrant, purple-speckled leaves, is a bold, air-purifying plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This plant filters out toxins like formaldehyde, improving air quality. Its colorful foliage adds a tropical vibe to interiors, perfect for living rooms or patios. Maintain humidity and avoid cold drafts to keep its leaves vibrant, ensuring it purifies the air while enhancing your home’s aesthetic.
Purple Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The Purple Bird’s Nest Fern, with its wavy, purple-tinged fronds, is a unique, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to medium light and high humidity. This fern removes toxins like ammonia, promoting cleaner air. Its lush, rosette-shaped foliage adds a tropical touch to decor, ideal for shaded corners or bathrooms. Regular misting and moist soil keep its fronds vibrant, ensuring it purifies the air while adding natural beauty to your space.
Purple Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Purple Cast Iron Plant, with its dark purple-green leaves, is a hardy, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low light and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for beginners. This plant removes toxins like benzene, improving air quality. Its upright foliage adds a classic touch to decor, perfect for corners or entryways. Keep it in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to maintain its vibrant color and air-purifying qualities effortlessly.
Purple Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
The Purple Monstera, with its large, purple-tinted leaves, is a dramatic, air-purifying plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moist, well-draining soil. This plant filters out toxins like formaldehyde, promoting cleaner air. Its iconic, perforated leaves add a tropical, modern touch to interiors, ideal for spacious rooms. Maintain humidity and prune regularly to keep its foliage vibrant, ensuring it purifies the air while enhancing your home’s style.
Purple Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
The Purple Philodendron, with its heart-shaped, purple-tinged leaves, is a versatile, air-purifying plant. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and requires moderate watering. This plant removes toxins like benzene, improving air quality. Its trailing or climbing growth makes it ideal for shelves or trellises, adding a lush touch to decor. Keep it in well-draining soil and prune regularly to maintain its vibrant foliage and air-cleansing benefits, elevating your space.
Decorating with Purple Plants
Purple indoor plants can transform your home’s aesthetic, blending functionality with style. Group plants like Purple Heart and Persian Shield for a vibrant display, or mix with neutral-toned pots for a modern look. Use them as centerpieces on dining tables or accents in cozy corners. Their air-purifying qualities make them ideal for bedrooms or offices, promoting health and beauty. Experiment with textures and heights to create a dynamic, inviting space that reflects your personality.
Conclusion
Purple indoor plants are the perfect blend of beauty and functionality, purifying the air while adding vibrant color to your home. From low-maintenance Purple Hearts to exotic Rex Begonias, these 42 plants offer options for every skill level and style. With proper care, they thrive, enhancing your decor and promoting a healthier environment. Incorporate these stunning plants into your space to create a lush, colorful oasis that purifies the air and elevates your home’s aesthetic.