The red leaves of plants are so captivating that they make nature seem like a piece of art. The botanical marvels have a variety of species whose leaves are in different combinations of red, crimson, burgundy and maroon, attracting the eye into the space and making the interior beautiful indeed. The use is more comprehensive than their beauty because there is more than aesthetics regarding the shape, size, and texture of red-leaf plants for gardening and landscaping. These plants are ideal for bedding in gardens or even as focus points. Similarly, they offer beauty to interior spaces, inspiring lovers and botanists. This exploration will explore why different plants have red leaves, different types of such plants, and how best to integrate them in your garden set-up outdoors and indoors.
See also: Fertilisers for plants
Red Leaves plants: Characteristics
Several species make up the red-leaved plants, each with distinct features but a common characteristic of leaves. Red Maple, Japanese maple, and the red-leafed Heuchera are the general categories that can include them. They exhibit red pigments like anthocyanins that give them their distinctive appearance. Despite their red colors, numerous red-leaved plants have adapted systems of water storage that allow them to survive widely under different climates. The surfaces of their leaves are very complex, aiming to increase surface area for high photosynthesis and absorption of solar energy. Some are tolerant to low temperatures, and others like warm ones. They exhibit various traits that make them beautiful to look at and ecologically meaningful in beautifying gardens and demonstrating an astonishing diversity of nature.
List of 10 most popular red leaves plants
| Red leaves plant | Botanical name | Common name |
| Coleus | Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus blumei) | spurflower, flybush, hedgehog flower and hullwort |
| Poinsettia | Euphorbia pulcherrima | Christmas flower, Christmas star, lobster plant, painted leaf, and Mexican flame leaf |
| Croton | Codiaeum variegatum | croton or Joseph’s coat |
| Aglaonema ‘Valentine’ | Aglaonema Commutatum | Chinese evergreen |
| Photinia ˈRed Robinˈ | Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ | Christmas berry |
| Caladium | genus Caladium | caladiums or angel wings |
| Ruby Ficus | Ficus elastica | Rubber plant, rubber tree |
| Rex Begonia | Begonia Rex-Cultorum | Rex Begonia, King Begonia, Painted-leaf Begonia, Beefsteak Geranium |
| Emerald Ripple Red | Peperomia caperata | Peperomia |
| Nerve Plant | Fittonia albivenis | Mosaic plant |
Red leaves plant: Overview
Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus blumei))
The leaf of coleus comes in a variety of hues, including some exquisite crimson tones.
- Originally from Southeast Asia and extended to Australia.
- It is commonly planted in cultivated forms for its very ornamental variegated leaves.
Uses: to treat high blood pressure and digestive issues.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Poinsettias grow to a height of 0.6 to 4 m (2.0 to 13.1 feet), making them shrubs or small trees.
- Growing on hills facing the Pacific,
- The colorful bracts are often fiery red, but some varieties are orange, pale green, cream, pink, white, or marbled.
Uses: To induce an abortion, induce fever, and increase the production of breast milk.
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Huge, leathery, glossy, evergreen leaves that are grouped sporadically and measure 5–30 cm (2.0–11.8 in) in length and 0.5–8 cm (0.20–3.15) in width are characteristics of this monoecious shrub that may grow up to 3 m (9.8 ft) in height.
- Native to open woodlands and scrub
- The leaves can be ovate to linear, whole to profoundly lobed, or crinkled, depending on the cultivar.
Uses: treatment for ulcers, intestinal worms, external sores, diarrhea, and stomachaches.
Aglaonema ‘Valentine’
It’s a bright-leafed, evergreen perennial decorative plant that looks great inside.
- Well-liked low-maintenance houseplant that may be kept in a container for many years.
- It is noted for its vibrant, shiny leaves.
Uses: Removes and filters benzene, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde from indoor air.
Photinia ˈRed Robinˈ (Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’)
A genus including over 30 species of big shrubs and small trees. Having an angular crown that is often uneven and frequently (though not always) thorny branches.
- These species are limited to warm temperate Asia
- New leaves that are brilliant bright crimson in the spring and summer.
Uses: The leaves have tonic, diuretic, febrifuge, and stimulating properties.
Caladium (genus Caladium)
The stunning leaves of the caladium plant are genuinely remarkable.
- Native to Brazil, caladium is a tropical plant.
- It cannot withstand low temperatures or extended periods without water.
Uses: It increases libido and successfully reduces nocturnal discharges.
Ruby Ficus (Ficus elastica)
Its large, glossy oval leaves are complemented by aerial and buttressing roots that grow from the trunk to hold the plant in the ground and support its hefty limbs.
- Indigenous to South and Southeast Asia’s eastern regions.
- It is not used in the processing of natural rubber for commercialization.
Uses: Its latex sap has been used to produce rubber.
Rex Begonia (Begonia Rex-Cultorum)
Rex begonias are grown and hybridized extensively because of their eye-catching leaves. The size, texture, and color of the leaves vary greatly.
- Begonias are typically sensitive to frost,
- They are cultivated either inside in cold locations or as annuals outside.
Uses: To Incorporate color into floral borders and beds in shaded areas.
Emerald Ripple Red (Peperomia caperata)
A little indoor plant with fascinating rat tail-shaped blooms, gorgeous reddish-purple stalks, and extremely dark green foliage.
- In Brazil’s tropical jungles, this plant may be found naturally.
- With rippling leaves that range from deep reddish purple to purple-black, Ruby Red is a lovely houseplant.
- The foliage is succulent and compacts into a mound.
Uses: Grows well in fluorescent or low light, which makes it ideal for workplaces.
Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
This tropical plant, which grows naturally in the humid, brilliant shadow of tropical woods, loves similar circumstances when cultivated as a houseplant.
- It does produce small reddish or yellowish-white spikes on occasion.
- Leaf burn occurs fast when exposed to intense, direct sunlight.
Uses: As a headache therapy, to improve hunting ability in dogs, and to treat liver disorders.
How to grow red leaf plants?
Light
- Plants with red leaves require robust and indirect light to grow.
- Direct sunlight might be too harsh, causing the leaves to burn.
Temperature and Humidity
- Red leaf plants prefer temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 °F (18 to 27 °C).
- These finest indoor plants demand high humidity, preferably 50-60%.
Soil
- Choose a potting mix that drains well and is high in organic materials.
- A blend of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite works nicely.
Watering
- Red leaves plants dislike sitting in water, so avoid overwatering your plant.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry before re-watering.
Care tips
Pruning
Regular pruning will maintain its compactness and prevent it from getting lanky.
Watering
Water the plant well when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilising
Fertilise monthly during the growing season (spring through summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser.
Light
The plant prefers bright, indirect sunshine. Excessive direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn, whilst insufficient light can lead the foliage to become green and lose its brightness.
Repotting
Repot the plant every 2-3 years to keep it from getting rootbound.
Toxicity
Although appealing, red leaves plants frequently hide a lesser-known feature: their toxicity. The bright red color of these plants can mislead someone into thinking that they are not harmful. Most red-leaved plants contain toxic substances that could harm a person when consumed or even the same by skin contact. Though bright in look, these toxic compounds may result in responses of different intensities, from small inconveniences to severe intoxication. Therefore, people should be cautious while handling or growing these plants because, in some instances, their beauty might not match the potential danger that comes with them. Ensuring a safe and informed environment about the potential toxicity of red-leaf plants is needed.
FAQs
What exactly are red-leafed houseplants?
Red-leaf houseplants with vivid red leaves include coleus, caladium, and Poinsettia.
What is the name of the red-leafed indoor plant?
Poinsettia
What is the advantage of having red leaves on a plant?
Because they have a photoprotective sunscreen function that protects the leaves from excessive visible light.
What is the red leaf plant's deficiency?
Yellow or reddish leaves, limited development, and poor blooming characterize nitrogen, magnesium, or potassium insufficiency.
How long does a coleus plant live?
Outdoors in cold areas, coleus will only live for one season.
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