16 Indoor Red & Green Leaf Plant Recommendations
Few things liven up a room like the striking contrast of red and green leaves on a houseplant. Unlike all-green foliage, plants with red-tinged or variegated leaves create visual interest and can become stunning focal points in your home. The red pigments in these plants come from anthocyanins, natural compounds that develop in response to light exposure, genetics, or seasonal changes.
This means that with proper care, you can maintain those vibrant hues. Below, we’ll explore the 16 best indoor plants with red and green leaves and the care tips.
1. Croton
Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) are among the most dramatic of houseplants. Their thick, leathery leaves are splashed with vivid shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, often highlighted with intricate veining or mottled patterns. With their bold, painterly colors and rich textures, Crotons bring instant energy and personality to any indoor space—perfect for living rooms, offices, or sunny entryways.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Soil: Loose, well-drained potting mix with rich nutrients.
- Temperature: 60–80°F(15–27°C).
- Humidity: 60% or higher
2. Red Aglaonema
Red Aglaonema dazzles with its dramatic, variegated foliage—fiery red, pink, and magenta streaks set against lush green leaves. As eye-catching as it is easygoing, this tropical plant thrives in low to bright indirect light, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned plant owners. Its resilience and color make it a statement piece for any room.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to bright indirect light.
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Temperature: 65-80°F(18-27°C).
- Humidity: 50–70%.
3. Caladium
Caladiums, affectionately nicknamed "Angel Wings" for their delicate, heart-shaped foliage. Their foliage is a living canvas—painted in swirls of red, pink, white, and green. These shade-loving beauties add a soft, whimsical charm to dim corners or north-facing windows. Though seasonal indoors, they reward with an unforgettable display during their active months.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining mix with organic matter.
- Temperature: 65–75°F / 18–24°C.
- Humidity: 60–80%.
4. Red Veined Prayer Plant
The Red-Veined Prayer Plant stuns with its oval, velvety leaves—lush green canvases traced with vivid crimson veins that resemble delicate feathering. But the real magic happens when the sun goes down. At night, the leaves gently fold upward like praying hands, a charming movement that gives this plant its name. It’s an enchanting, low-growing houseplant perfect for shelves or tabletops.
Care Tips:
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently but lightly moist.
- Soil: Light, well-draining mix with added perlite or orchid bark.
- Temperature: 65–80°F(18–27°C).
- Humidity: 60% or higher.
5. Polka Dot Plant
The Polka Dot Plant is a cheerful burst of color, with brightly speckled leaves in shades of hot pink, ruby red, or creamy white against a lush green background. Its playful pattern gives it a whimsical, artistic vibe—perfect for brightening up desks, windowsills, or terrariums. Though petite (rarely exceeding 12 inches), its bold foliage makes a big statement.
Care Tips:
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Soil: Lightweight, peat-based mix with perlite for drainage.
- Temperature: 65–75°F(18–24°C).
- Humidity: 50% or higher.
6. Rex Begonia
Rex Begonias are primarily grown for their foliage, prized for their spectacular leaves that shimmer in silvery tones, deep burgundy, forest green, and even flashes of iridescent purple. Many varieties showcase swirling patterns, ruffled edges, and dramatic contrasts, making each leaf a work of art. Rex varieties range from the size of a palm to nearly dinner-plate proportions.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil lightly moist.
- Soil: Airy, well-draining mix (try equal parts peat, perlite, and compost).
- Temperature: 60–75°F(15–24°C).
- Humidity: 60% or higher.
7. Poinsettia
Poinsettias are the quintessential holiday plant, but with the right care, these tropical beauties can thrive all year long. While many admire their bold, scarlet "blooms," those vibrant red parts are actually bracts—specialized leaves. The true flowers are the tiny yellow clusters nestled in the center. Today’s poinsettias come in a variety of stunning shades, including pink, white, and marbled patterns, all set against lush green foliage.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry, but never let it sit in water.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
- Temperature: 65–70°F(18–21°C).
- Humidity: 40–50%.
8. Peperomia Rosso
Peperomia Rosso is a compact showstopper with textured foliage. Its heart-shaped leaves feature a rich emerald green top with delicate silver veining, while the undersides reveal a bold wine-red hue, creating a stunning two-tone look. With a tidy rosette growth pattern and a mature height of under 8 inches, this little gem is ideal for small spaces, desktops, or as part of a mixed plant display.
Care Tips:
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
- Water: Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings.
- Soil: Extremely well-draining mix.
- Temperature: 65-80°F(18-27°C).
- Humidity: 40-50%.
9. Red Anthurium
The Red Anthurium is a tropical houseplant icon, known for its glossy, heart-shaped “flowers”—which are actually vibrant red spathes, a type of modified leaf. These striking spathes contrast beautifully with the plant’s deep green foliage, while a bright yellow spadix rises from the center, sometimes offering a light, natural scent. With blooms that can last for months, Anthuriums are among the most rewarding indoor flowering plants.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
- Soil: Chunky, well-draining mix.
- Temperature: 65–80°F(18–27°C).
- Humidity: 60% or higher.
10. Burgundy Rubber Tree
The Burgundy Rubber Tree commands attention with its broad, waxy leaves that deepen from rich burgundy to near-black, often edged with a subtle hint of forest green. New leaves emerge in vivid crimson, gradually darkening to create a stunning ombré effect. Unlike its all-green relatives, this variety adds moody sophistication to modern spaces.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Allow the top 2–3 inches of soil to dry between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
- Temperature: 60–85°F(15–29°C).
- Humidity: 40–50%.
11. Jelly Bean Succulent
The Jelly Bean Succullent charms with its plump, bean-shaped leaves that shift from lime green to fiery red at the tips when exposed to bright sunlight. It's fun, candy-like appearance makes it a favorite for hanging baskets and sunny windowsills. In spring, it may surprise you with tiny yellow star-shaped flowers, adding to its whimsical appeal.
Care Tips:
- Light: Full sun to bright indirect light.
- Water: Soak thoroughly, then let soil dry completely.
- Soil: Cactus or succulent mix with extra perlite or pumice.
- Temperature: 65–75°F(18–24°C).
- Humidity: Prefer dry air; avoid misting.
12. Red Moon Cactus
The Red Moon Cactus is a true standout with its striking red, orange, or hot pink top sitting on a green cactus base. This unique look comes from grafting two different cacti together. Its bold coloring isn’t from flowers but from a lack of chlorophyll in the top cactus, allowing the red pigmentation to shine. Compact and eye-catching, it’s a perfect accent for bright desks or windowsills.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct light.
- Water: Water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry.
- Soil: Fast-draining cactus or succulent mix.
- Temperature: 65–80°F(18–27°C).
- Humidity: Thrives in dry conditions.
13. Moses-in-the-Cradle(Tradescantia spathacea)
Also known as Boat Lily, this resilient houseplant is easy to care for and grows well even in low-light conditions, making it a great option for beginners. Moses-in-the-Cradle features deep green leaves with rich purple-red undersides, and the foliage grows in a rosette pattern, adding depth and texture to any indoor garden. Its sword-shaped foliage grows in a rosette pattern, and it’s as tough as it is beautiful.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some shade.
- Water: Let the soil dry slightly between waterings
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
- Temperature: 60–85°F(16–29°C).
- Humidity: 40–50%.
14. Bromeliad
Bromeliads are known for their spiky foliage and brightly colored flower bracts, often in shades of red, pink, or orange. These colorful bracts emerge from the center rosette and can last for several months. Some varieties have green leaves edged or streaked with red. Though the main bloom happens once, the plant produces “pups” or offsets that can grow into new bromeliads.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water the soil sparingly.
- Soil: Light, well-draining mix—orchid bark works well.
- Temperature: 65–80°F(18–27°C).
- Humidity: 50% or higher.
15. Pitcher Plant
The Pitcher Plant's modified leaves form deep red or green tubular "pitchers" that lure and trap insects, making this a fascinating, functional plant for curious indoor gardeners. Depending on the variety, the pitchers can range from lime green with red veins to deep burgundy, adding intense contrast and color to their foliage. While it might look intimidating, the Pitcher Plant is surprisingly manageable indoors with the right care.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect to direct sunlight (at least 6 hours daily).
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Soil: Nutrient-poor, well-draining mix—try sphagnum moss and perlite.
- Temperature: 60–80°F(16–27°C).
- Humidity: 60–70%
16. Calathea Fasciata
Calathea Fasciata (Goeppertia fasciata) stuns with its broad, oval leaves marked by soft, silvery stripes and rich dark green edges. Flip the leaves over, and you'll find a deep purple underside. This striking plant is a perfect choice for low to medium light areas, offering lush, tropical vibes without needing direct sun.
Care Tips:
- Light: Low to medium indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy).
- Soil: Peat-based, well-draining mix.
- Temperature: 65–80°F(18–27°C).
- Humidity: 60% or higher.
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