Purple Leaf plants bring dynamic looks to gardens and indoor spaces, adding a touch of elegance to the greenery. The captivating purple colour of these plants is attributed to a natural compound called anthocyanin. This pigment overtakes the green chlorophyll in leaves, resulting in a vivid spectrum of purple shades, ranging from pale lilac to dark purple, almost black. Besides the aesthetic appeal, some plants showcase breathtaking colours during the fall. This comprehensive guide will delve into the top 7 purple leaf plants in India, exploring their physical characteristics, growth conditions, care tips, benefits, and potential concerns like toxicity.
List of 7 Purple Leaf plants
Purple Oxalis
Botanical Name: Oxalis triangularis
Growth Conditions: Grows in warm climates and can be cultivated indoors in cooler regions.
Care Tips: Requires well-draining soil and moderate watering. Ideal for spring planting.
Toxicity: All parts are toxic to humans and pets due to oxalic acid content.
Purple Oxalis, commonly known as false shamrock, boasts heart-shaped leaves with a butterfly-wing-like flush of dark purple. This herbaceous perennial is renowned for its unique folding behaviour at night or on cloudy days, creating an umbrella-like shape.
Ti Plant
Botanical Name: Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple compacta’
Growth Conditions: Suited for tropical climates; grown as potted houseplants in other regions.
Care Tips: Requires bright light, well-drained soil, and occasional pruning.
Toxicity: Moderately toxic to people and pets. Avoid ingestion and contact with sap.
A tropical evergreen with long, narrow leaves displaying shades of pale pink, green, purple, or deep red, depending on the cultivar. Features fragrant blooms and berry fruits. Ideal for both landscapes and potted indoor settings, this plant requires bright light to enhance its foliage.
Wandering Jew
Botanical Name: Tradescantia zebrina
Growth Conditions: Adaptable to various climates; excellent for indoor gardens.
Care Tips: Grows with minimal care.
Toxicity: Considered mildly toxic to pets, keep out of reach to prevent ingestion.
The Wandering Jew, also known as the Inch plant, is a hardy perennial celebrated for its silver and purple-striped leaves. Originating from tropical and temperate climates, this plant is resilient and requires minimal care. It is known for its invasive nature when grown outdoors.
Rex Begonia
Botanical Name: Begonia rex-cultorum
Growth Conditions: Ideal daytime temperatures are around 21°C, and nighttime temperatures are around 15°C. Moderate humidity levels are crucial.
Care Tips: Moderate toxicity to animals. Handle with care.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Keep away from cats and dogs.
Rex Begonia, also known as painted-leaf or fancy-leaf begonia, exhibits a stunning fusion of purple, silver, and green tones on its variegated leaves. While it adds a premium touch to gardens and indoor spaces, it’s essential to maintain specific temperature conditions for optimal growth.
Purple Queen
Botanical Name: Tradescantia pallida
Growth Conditions: Adaptable to various climates; excellent for indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Care Tips: Requires bright, indirect sunlight.
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets. Avoid contact with skin and ingestion.
Tradescantia pallida, commonly known as “Purple Queen” or “Purple Heart,” boasts lance-shaped leaves with a purple shade, adding a dramatic flair to any space. With its sprawling growth habit, this plant is perfect as ground cover. Purple Queen plants commonly grown in pots or hanging baskets.
Calathea
Botanical Name: Calathea zebrina
Growth Conditions: Grows in low light conditions. Popular as an indoor pot plant.
Care Tips: Requires specific care due to its unique leaf movements. Also known as a prayer plant.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice.
Calathea, with its green leaves adorned with silver markings and a purple underside, introduces a flush of colours. Known for its decorative leaves, Calathea is a popular indoor plant that can grow in low light. It’s crucial to understand its unique movements, known as nyctinasty, and the care requirements for this tropical beauty.
Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
Growth Conditions: Native to Southeast Asia; adaptable to less-than-ideal indoor conditions.
Care Tips: Durable and suitable for low-light areas. Known for air-purifying benefits.
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets. The sap of the Rubber Plant can cause skin irritation, and it should be kept away from pets.
The Rubber Plant, with its dark green foliage and variegations of pink to purple colours, serves as a statement piece in gardens and interiors. This evergreen plant is an excellent home addition recognised for its air-purifying qualities.
Purple Leaf plants: How to grow?
Growing purple-leaf plants requires attention to specific needs based on their characteristics. Here’s a general guide:
Light
Most purple-leaf plants grow in bright, indirect sunlight. Ensure they receive adequate light for healthy foliage.
Soil
Well-draining soil is essential. A mix of potting soil and perlite or sand works well for container plants.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Before rewetting, let the top inch of soil dry off.
Temperature
Most purple-leaf plants prefer warm temperatures. Moreover, protect them from extreme cold and frost.
Fertilisation
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser during the growing season to promote healthy foliage.
Purple Leaf Plant: Care Tips
- Regularly check for pests like aphids or spider mites.
- To promote new growth, remove any dead or yellowing foliage.
- Rotate indoor plants occasionally for even light exposure.
- Keep an eye on temperature and humidity levels for tropical plants.
- Be cautious of toxicity, especially if you have pets or kids.
Purple Leaf Plant: Benefits and Uses
Purple leaf plants offer numerous benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal:
Air Purification
Many varieties, including the Rubber Plant and Calathea, contribute to cleaner indoor air.
Visual Interest
Purple foliage adds contrast and visual interest to the garden or interior space.
Adaptability
With a variety of species, people can find a purple leaf plant suitable for different climates and conditions.
Low Maintenance
Several varieties, like the Wandering Jew, require minimal care, making them ideal for beginners.
Purple Leaf Plant: Common Pest and Diseases
While purple-leaf plants are generally safe, they may face a few common issues:
Pests
Be watchful of scale insects, aphids, and spider mites. Remove pests manually or use insecticidal soap.
Fungal Infections
Ensure proper ventilation to prevent fungal diseases. Use fungicides if necessary.
Overwatering
Waterlogging should be avoided since it might cause root rot. Let the soil dry out, before rewetting.
FAQs
Are purple-leaf plants suitable for indoor gardens?
Yes, many purple-leaf plants, such as the Wandering Jew and Calathea, grow in indoor environments.
Are all purple leaf plants toxic?
Not all purple leaf plants are toxic, but some, like Purple Oxalis, Ti Plant, and Wandering Jew, can be harmful to humans and pets. It’s essential to be aware of the toxicity of specific plants.
What precautions should I take regarding the toxicity of these plants?
Be cautious, particularly if you have kiddos or pets. Some plants, like the Purple Oxalis and Rex Begonia, are toxic.
How often should I water my purple-leaf plants?
The watering frequency varies among different species. Generally, these plants prefer consistently moist soil but soggy conditions.
Can I propagate purple-leaf plants through cuttings?
Yes, several purple leaf plants, including the Wandering Jew and Tradescantia pallida, can be propagated easily through cuttings.
What is the best time to plant purple-leaf plants?
Spring is usually the ideal time to plant purple leaf varieties, allowing them to establish well before extreme weather conditions.
Do these plants attract pests?
While some, like Purple waffle Plant, may encounter pests, proper care and preventive measures can minimise pest issues.
How can I enhance the colour vibrancy of purple-leaf plants?
Adequate sunlight, balanced nutrition, and proper watering produce vibrant leaf colours. Adjusting these factors can intensify the purple colours.
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