With speckled, striped, variegated, or mottled leaves, these plants add a flush color to your house without relying on bright blooms.
The holiday season is here with us again, and theres, perhaps, no better time to celebrate the beauty and benefits of plants with red and green leaves than now. These eye-catching plants not only add a sense of festivity and cheer to homes and gardens but also offer a plethora of benefits.
As it is widely acknowledged, plants that bear red and green leaves are known to bring a touch of Christmas and merriment. From the vibrant Coleus Wizard Scarlet to the elegant Anthurium Micra, every single one of the numerous varieties of these plants offers unique beauty and benefits. They not only enhance the visual appeal of the surroundings but also contribute to other rewards including improved air quality and a healthier environment.
Adding plants with red and green flowers is a great way to inject color and life into any space. The striking contrast between the two bold colors creates visual interest and livens up both indoor and outdoor areas. From tropical houseplants to hardy perennials, there are many options to choose from. Here are 20 beautiful plants with red and green blooms that are sure to brighten up your home or garden.
1. Anthurium
Anthurium features glossy, heart-shaped leaves in deep green with a contrasting bright red or pink flower spike emerging from the center Native to tropical forests, anthurium makes an excellent houseplant and thrives in high humidity Place it in a bathroom or use a pebble tray for added moisture.
2. Begonia
Begonias come in countless varieties many of which have green leaves and showy red blooms. Try wax begonia outside as an annual or grow rhizomatous begonia inside for its striking red flowers and attractive foliage. Give them bright indirect light.
3. Bougainvillea
A beloved tropical vine, bougainvillea produces papery flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, white or yellow amidst its deep green leaves. Grow it in a container on a trellis or against a wall to enjoy its vibrant blooms.
4. Bromeliad
Bromeliads like the bright red-flowering vriesea splendens or green-leaved, red-bracted guzmania are epiphytes that grow on trees in tropical forests. Recreate similar conditions inside with indirect light and high humidity.
5. Chrysanthemum
Available in just about every color, chrysanthemums, or mums, come in varieties with fiery red blooms and lush green foliage. Use them in fall containers or plant in the garden for late season color before the first frost.
6. Coleus
Grown mainly for its fabulous foliage, coleus also produces small red or pink flowers on green plants. Choose shade-loving coleus varieties like ‘Merlot’ or ‘Redhead’ for dappled sun areas. Pinch back to encourage bushiness.
7. Crocosmia
Crocosmia features sword-like green leaves and sprays of small, tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Plant corms of hardy crocosmia in full sun in early spring for summer color that lasts into fall.
8. Geranium
There are countless varieties of geraniums or pelargoniums to grow, including popular zonals with round green leaves and bright red blooms. Use them in containers or plant in the garden for a burst of summer color until frost.
9. Hemerocallis
Daylily varieties like ‘Pandora’s Box’, ‘Ruby Spider’ or ‘Rosy Returns’ bear large, recurved and ruffled blooms in various shades of red atop grassy green foliage in summer. Plant in full sun for the best floral display.
10. Hippeastrum
Hippeastrum, or amaryllis, blooms in late winter or early spring, with each bulb producing multiple large, trumpet-shaped flowers in red, pink or white atop thick green straplike leaves. Grow bulbs in a sunny window as houseplants.
11. Hoya
Also called wax plants, hoyas are vining succulents with waxy green leaves that produce clusters of star-shaped waxy flowers in red, pink and white. Grow in a bright spot, allowing the vines to trail.
12. Ixora
A tropical shrub suitable for growing indoors or outdoors in warm climates, ixora bears evergreen, dark green leaves with dense clusters of tubular red, orange, pink or yellow flowers. Give it bright, indirect light.
13. Lantana
Lantana is a heat-loving annual available in many colorful varieties, including red blooms against green foliage. Grow it in containers or use as an annual bedding plant in full sun where temperatures are warm. Deadhead to encourage more flowers.
14. Mandevilla
Red-flowering mandevilla vine makes a gorgeous container plant for the patio or porch. Its shiny green leaves provide a perfect backdrop for its red trumpet-shaped blooms. Grow it on a trellis in bright light with frequent watering and fertilizing.
15. Poinsettia
Poinsettias are a must-have for holiday decorating thanks to their colorful red, pink, or white bracts that surround small yellow flowers amidst dark green leaves. Place them in a sunny window and keep the soil moist.
16. Salvia
Available in just about every color, salvias include varieties like ‘Hot Lips’ and ‘Red Hot Sally’ that combine red blooms and green leaves for sizzling summer color. Use them in garden beds and planters. Deadhead to prolong bloom time.
17. Streptocarpus
Also known as Cape primrose, streptocarpus produces rosettes of fuzzy green leaves and unique flowers in shades of red, purple, white and blue that resemble orchids or African violets. Grow these indoor beauties in moderate light.
18. Tibouchina
A tropical shrub grown for its velvety green leaves and stunning purple-blue blooms, tibouchina urvilleana also comes in a variety called ‘Alstonville’ that bears bright red flowers instead. Grow it in a container that can be moved indoors over winter.
19. Torenia
Also called wishbone flower thanks to its distinctive shape, torenia thrives in shade and produces charming 1-inch blooms in red, purple, pink or white above green foliage. Use it as an annual bedding plant or in containers and hanging baskets.
20. Zinnia
Finally, no list of red and green flowering plants would be complete without zinnias. These hardy annuals bloom all summer into fall in every color. Try scarlet red varieties like ‘Scarlet Flame’ and plant in full sun for the best growth and flower production.
With so many options, from tender tropicals to hardy perennials, it’s easy to find beautiful plants with red and green flowers to incorporate into both indoor and outdoor spaces for a vibrant effect. Pay attention to each plant’s growing requirements and site them in suitable positions to keep them looking their best. With the right care, you’ll be enjoying their striking blooms season after season.
Plants With Red and Green Leaves That Unleash the Beauty of Christmas Festivities
If you love the color red, there are many different houseplants that bear red and green leaves that you can add to your indoor garden or give a boost to your outdoor patio because these plants are undeniably so pretty. With speckled, striped, variegated, or mottled leaves, they deliver an unexpected color to your house without relying on bright blooms.
Watermelon Premium Sun Coleus Photo by
In the same way, the spirit of the holiday season can be enhanced through varied ways. But including these stunning plants in your festive decorations definitely stands out as among the most satisfying ways to do this. While there is a myriad of such plants, there without a doubt, are some that gracefully, and stylishly bring out this feel. Do you want to know which plants these are? Here we go.
Coleus Wizard Scarlet, with its stunning deep red and green foliage, is a true showstopper. Its vibrant leaves resemble a painters palette, creating a festive ambiance wherever it is placed. This versatile plant thrives both indoors and outdoors, making it a perfect choice to adorn your living space and even the outdoors, during the holiday season. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Coleus Wizard Scarlet improves indoor air quality by purifying the surrounding air.
A plant with an old window sill , the plant’s nettle-like leaves come in many shapes and color variations. It is easy to grow if you plant it outside, and also easy to care for as an indoor plant. Its one of those houseplants thats back from the past.
Coleus Wizard Scarlet Photo by
Begonia Barkos Baladin is a definite Christmas delight with its vibrant green leaves adorned with red veins. This charming plant adds a touch of elegance to any space, making it an excellent choice for festive decorations. Begonias are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for indoor settings. Additionally, they are relatively low maintenance, hence perfect for busy holiday seasons.
The red begonias from the Barkos series found at Koppe Begonia are widely cultivated by growers during the winter season because they are so hardy and last a long time in customers homes. This plant with red and green leaves might grow a little slower, but it is much stronger. In addition, the flowers have many petals, creating a beautiful, and fluffy effect that heightens the aesthetics of the season. The largest variety in the Barkos series is the Begonia Baladin, a beautiful red begonia that can easily liven up your home.
Red begonias from the Barkos series by
If you’ve never heard about a mangave before, thats okay! So, go ahead and check out this beautiful variety with red leaves. The mangave is actually an intergeneric hybrid that takes the best of both parents: agaves durability and large, architectural forms, and the manfredas unique colors and drawing. Its spikes are a lot softer than those of the agave, so its also a lot easier to handle.
The Mangave Red Wing comes in a beautiful, deep red color that prefers full sun – this is where the colors and distinctive leaf markings show best. Its a fast grower that is an ideal outdoor plant with red and green leaves for your patio, balcony, or as an indoor houseplant. Want to discover more Mangaves? You can read all about them: Mangave, the Next Must-Have Plant? Oh, Yes!
All the same, the Mangave Red Wing is, definitely, a unique succulent that combines the beauty of red and green leaves, making you feel good with nature. The rosette-shaped foliage features striking red margins, resembling the wings of a festive holiday bird. It is also a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in various climates, making it an excellent addition to both indoor and outdoor gardens. Plus, its architectural beauty and low maintenance needs make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.
Codiaeum Variegatum (Mammy Red / Croton)
Codiaeum Variegatum, commonly known as Mammy Red or Croton, is a tropical plant with variegated leaves that showcase a mix of vibrant reds, greens, and yellows. Its colorful foliage adds a cheerful touch to any environment and makes it a perfect complement to Christmas decorations.
For its unique qualities, it has some of the boldest and brightest foliage you will find on a tropical plant. The dark green oval-shaped leaves are covered in bright red and often orange, green, and yellow patterns. Its upright growth also makes it popular.
Mammy Red is relatively easy to care for and can be grown as a potted plant or as part of a vibrant garden. This makes it a popular choice for adding color to gardens and indoor spaces.
Codiaeum Variegatum, commonly known as Mammy Red. Photo by
Bromeliad Guzmania is a stunning plant with long-lasting red and green bracts that resemble flames flickering on a cozy Christmas hearth. Its vibrant colors and unique shape make it a popular choice for holiday centerpieces and festive displays.
Native to the northwest of South America and in the Caribbean; mostly in tropical rainforests, the Guzmania from Bromelia Specialist is an excellent indoor plant that can add a vibrant and tropical feel to any indoor space.
Its a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and can thrive in a variety of indoor environments and prefers bright, indirect light and should be placed near a window that receives filtered sunlight. It also tolerates lower light conditions, but may not produce as many blooms. Direct sunlight can scorch the plants leaves and cause damage.
Guzmania requires consistent moisture to thrive, but its important not to overwater the plant. Its best to water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, and make sure to water the soil directly rather than the cup in the center of the rosette. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues. In terms of temperature, the plant prefers warm and humid environments.
Bromeliad Guzmania plants with their fiery-red foliage. Photo by
Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Guzmania improves indoor air quality by releasing oxygen and filtering out toxins, ensuring a healthier environment during the holiday season.
Philodendron is native to South America, where it grows as an evergreen perennial in tropical rainforests. As an indoor houseplant with red and green leaves, it is in high demand for its glossy appearance, easy care, and air-purifying qualities.
The Philodendron Imperial Red supplied by Evanthia is a gorgeous, tropical foliage plant that has large, oval-rounded glossy leaves. The leaf color starts off as bright reddish/green and turns darker red to dark green over time. Perfect for when you want temporary pops of color, seeing as only new leaf growth shows this bright shade of red.
Philodendron Imperial Red has a glossy appearance and air-purifying qualities. Photo by
This classic houseplant adds a warm and inviting atmosphere to any space; a reminder of the joy and coziness of the holiday season. What’s more, Philodendrons are generally known for their air-purifying qualities, making them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality during the winter months.
Begonia Maculata, also known as Polka Dot Begonia, is a stunning plant with dark green leaves adorned with silver spots and bright red undersides. Its unique leaf pattern, without a doubt, adds an element of intricacy and elegance to any holiday decor. It thrives in indirect light and moderate humidity, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces during the festive season.
Often also known as the Spotted Begonia, this unique plant is, in addition to its unique qualities, one of the most popular and photogenic houseplants at the moment. In fact, it is the most famous variant of the Begonia series.
In the right conditions, the Polka Dot Begonia will produce small flowers similar in shape to other begonia plants. They are usually white, rounded, and fan-shaped, with a small yellow center. Noteworthy, however, is that Begonia Maculata is not pet-safe (and can be harmful to humans if ingested, as well). But the good news is that they are air-purifying houseplants.
Begonia maculata, also called Polka Dot Begonia Photo by
And of course, if you want to know more about this plant, here’s where you can read about it: The Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia Maculata) is One of the Most Photogenic Houseplants.
Commonly known as the Pink Jellybean plant or Christmas Cheer, Sedum Rubrotinctum Aurora is a succulent that features plump, jelly bean-shaped leaves in shades of green and red. Its colorful foliage and compact growth habit make it a popular choice for holiday-themed succulent arrangements and fairy gardens. A drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal care, this houseplant is a perfect addition to your festive plant collection, and even beyond the festivities.
During its growth, the plant starts out mostly green or bi-colored red and green but will get redder and redder over time when it gets a lot of sunlight exposure. A plus for it is that it is relatively easy to care for.
Jellybean-shaped leaves of the Sedum Rubrotinctum Aurora. Photo by
The orchid group includes several hundred different genera and thousands of species, but most people are introduced to these plants through the phalaenopsis genus, which is a particularly good orchid for beginners. These are thick-leaved plants with elegant, arching sprays of bloom – the orchids featured in so many design magazines sitting on coffee tables across the world.
Phalaenopsis orchids are rewarding plants. They are not demanding, and in the right conditions, they will display showy blooms for months. Thats what makes the Phalaenopsis Scarlett Jubilee such a must-have because this variety from Floricultura lasts at least 90 days!
And during most of those 90 days, this plant showcases stunning red and green flowers that are reminiscent of the joyful holiday season, adding to the cheer and aesthetics of the festivities. With its delicate blooms and elegant foliage, this orchid is quite a must-have; especially due to its long-lasting flowers and relatively easy care requirements. It could, in fact, make a perfect gift or centerpiece for Christmas celebrations!
The Phalaenopsis Scarlett Jubilee
15 Best Red Aglaonemas that are more colorful than flowers
FAQ
What is an anthurium plant good for?
Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ isn’t just another houseplant; it’s a natural air purifier. This plant takes on the role of an eco-friendly warrior, silently removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from your indoor air. It’s like having a living, breathing air filter that also happens to be easy on the eyes.
What is the name of the plant that is red and green?
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Growfullyhttps://growfully.com18 Red and Green Leaf Plant Suggestions For More Holiday SpiritHere are our favorite red and green leaf plant suggestions, to add to your Christmas spirit. * Red Aglaonema. * Ficus Elastica Ruby. * Dragon Tree. * Croton. *
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The Sprucehttps://www.thespruce.com47 Stunning Plants With Red and Green Leaves We Love – The SpruceMar 5, 2024 — Red fittonia, or nerve plant, is known for its web of thin red veins on small green leaves. Try growing this humidity-loving specimen in a terrarium.
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Plants are the Strangest Peoplehttps://plantsarethestrangestpeople.blogspot.comList: Green-Leaved Plants With Red or Purple UndersidesOct 27, 2011 — Calathea roseopicta ‘Medallion. … Cissus discolor (begonia vine). Cyanotis kewensis (teddy bear plant). Excoecaria cochinchinensis (Chinese croton…
What is the name of the house plant with red and green leaves?
There are several varieties of aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen, whose green leaves are shot through with red. Some even have red or pink stems! Look for Aglaonema ‘Ruby Red’ or Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora Red. ‘ Aglaonema are low maintenance houseplants, making them a great place to start for beginners.
What is a green and red flowering plant that is often used to decorate home for Christmas?
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Subtropical plants native to Mexico, poinsettias have evolved into a symbol of Christmas because of their festive red and green colors. Also, the shape of the poinsettia flower is said to symbolize the star of Bethlehem.
What plants have red and green leaves?
It has poor tolerance towards salt content in the soil. Plants with red and green leaves are the Angel Wings, Bromeliad, Crosby’s Prolific, Fittonia, Jelly Bean Plant, Lipstick Echeveria, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Painter’s Palette, Red Heart Philodendron, Salsa Rex Begonia, Ti Plant, Wandering Jew, and many more!
Which succulents have red and green leaves?
A notable example of a succulent with red and green leaves is the Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii). Watering requirements: These plants hold water well in their fleshy leaves, which makes them tolerant to extreme heat conditions. Water weekly during the spring and summer seasons.
What does a red leaf plant look like?
This Red Leaf Plant features a unique mix of rich maroon, deep green, and hints of copper. The leaves also have a velvety texture that you won’t be able to resist touching. 9. Diablo Ninebark Botanical Name: Physocarpus opulifolius Little Angel USDA Zones: 3-7 This shrub with dark purple leaves resembles a glass of red wine.
What plants have red spots on their leaves?
The Red-leaf Mangave, or Mangave ‘Bloodspot,’ is a succulent plant that is a hybrid between Agave and Manfreda. It has striking red spots on the leaves that contrast with the bluish-green background. 25. Burning Bush Botanical Name: Euonymus alatus Also known as the Burning Bush, it is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 15 feet tall and wide.
What are the best red leaf plants?
There are plenty of options for adding a pop of red to your garden, from bold blooms to striking foliage. Here are some of the Red Leaf Plant varieties. 1. Red-Leaf Japanese Maple 2. Red Fountain Grass 3. Crimson Pygmy Barberry 4. Burgundy Loropetalum 5. Poinsettia 6. Canadian Redbud Tree 7. Copperhead Copper Plants 8. Coleus 9. Diablo Ninebark 10.
Are red & green leaf plants hardy?
Hardy and Low Maintenance Many red and green leaf plants are hardy and low maintenance, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of plants without spending too much time caring for them. These plants can tolerate various growing conditions and require minimal watering and fertilization.