Brighten your home with these vibrant, low-maintenance indoor plants (UK: houseplants)! Anna Scott shares her top picks for colorful foliage and blooms, plus foolproof care tips.
A few years ago, I killed a cactus. Let that sink in. But when I discovered colorful indoor plants, something clicked. Turns out, even “plant serial killers” like me can keep these stunners alive—and thriving.
Here are my 10 favorite plants that add instant joy to any room, without demanding a PhD in horticulture.
1. Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)
Why I love it: Those Instagram-famous pink splashes on dark green leaves? Real, and even more stunning in person.
Care: Bright indirect light. Let soil dry halfway between waterings.
Pro tip: The less light, the less pink. Give it a sunny spot to keep those hues popping.
2. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Why I love it: Electric pink or red veins on tiny leaves—like nature’s stained glass. Perfect for terrariums!
Care: Low to medium light. Keep soil slightly damp (think “moist brownie,” not “swamp”).
My drama story: It “faints” when thirsty but perks up fast after a drink.
3. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Why I love it: Fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves that scream tropical vacation.
Care: Bright light (sunny windowsill). Water when topsoil feels dry.
Warning: It’s a diva. Move it too much, and it’ll drop leaves like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
4. Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Why I love it: Velvety purple leaves that feel like crushed velvet. Yes, you’ll pet it daily.
Care: Bright indirect light. Let soil dry out between waterings.
Bonus: It sprouts tiny orange flowers (but snip them off—they smell like feet).
5. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Why I love it: Cheerful pink, red, or white speckled leaves. Looks like confetti exploded on your shelf.
Care: Medium light. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Secret: Pinch off flowers to keep it bushy (and less leggy).
6. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)
Why I love it: Swirls of silver, purple, and crimson—like a living oil painting.
Care: Indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Avoid: Wet leaves! They’ll develop weird spots (trust me, I learned the hard way).
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Why I love it: Speckled pink, red, or silver leaves that thrive in low light.
Care: Low to medium light. Water every 2-3 weeks.
My go-to: For dark apartments or “I forgot you existed” plant parents.
8. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Why I love it: Striped or patterned leaves that move—they fold up at night like praying hands.
Care: Medium indirect light. Loves humidity (bathroom-friendly!).
Quirk: Distilled water only—tap water makes its leaves crispy.
9. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)
Why I love it: Neon pink or orange flower spikes that last months. Looks fake (in the best way).
Care: Bright indirect light. Water the central “cup” (not the soil).
Fun fact: After blooming, it grows baby plants (pups) at its base!
10. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Why I love it: A rainbow of reds, yellows, and purples. Grows like a weed (in a good way).
Care: Bright light. Pinch back tips to keep it bushy.
Confession: I’ve propagated 20+ plants from one $5 nursery pot.
My Golden Rule for Colorful Plants
Bright colors = more light needed. If your space is dim, stick to Chinese Evergreens or Snake Plants (yes, they come in yellow-edged varieties!).
Ready to turn your home into a rainbow? Grab a Coleus and get started! 🌈
