20 Beautiful Houseplants with Red Leaves

Houseplants may have red leaves due to their adaptation to absorb certain wavelengths of light more efficiently. In their evolutionary history, plants, including houseplants, have developed pigments to absorb light for photosynthesis.

The study suggests that red leaves could be a result of plants adapting to absorb “red” photons efficiently, which are abundant in sunlight. The choice of not being black, which would absorb all light, might be to avoid absorbing too much heat, which could harm the plant’s cells.

The evolution of pigments that reflect certain wavelengths (like green) and absorb others (like red) is a balance between efficient energy absorption and protection against damage like photoinhibition, where excess light can be harmful. This adaptation reflects the plant’s evolutionary history and the environmental conditions it has been exposed to.

Amazing Houseplants with Red Colored Leaves

Houseplants with red leaves are special because they add bold colors to your home. Red leaves are not as common as green ones. However, when you find a plant with red leaves, it stands out. These plants often have red leaves to protect themselves from sun damage.

• Red Aglaonema: This plant has dark green leaves with bright red markings.
• Coleus: It comes in different colors and patterns, with some varieties having red leaves.
• Croton: Known for its multicolored leaves, some crotons have red shades.
• Poinsettia: Famous around Christmas, it has large red leaves that look like flowers.

For example, the Red Aglaonema not only brightens a room, but it is also easy to care for. Coleus plants are flexible; they do well inside with enough light. Crotons are similar but prefer a warm and humid environment. Poinsettias, known mostly for the holiday season, also make for a festive houseplant with their red leaves.

Now, let’s take a look at these gorgeous house plants that have red leaves, and find out how to care for them:

1. Poinsettia

The Poinsettia is a vibrant plant with red leaves that look like flowers. These are actually colored bracts. Here’s how to care for a Poinsettia:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall.
• Light: Loves bright, indirect sunlight.
• Water: Allow the topsoil to dry slightly before watering.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65-75°F.
• Humidity: Enjoys moderate humidity.

2. Red Aglaonema

The Red Aglaonema is a vibrant houseplant with colorful foliage. It stands out for its striking red and green leaves. Caring for this plant is easy, making it great for beginners.

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: Let soil dry between watering
• Temperature: Likes warm conditions, between 65°F to 75°F
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity works well

3. Coleus

Coleus is a vibrant houseplant known for its colorful leaves. They often have red mixed with other hues like green, yellow, or purple. Keeping a Coleus healthy isn’t too hard if you follow these points:

• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked
• Temperature: Likes warm environments, between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Enjoys moderate to high humidity

4. Alocasia ‘Red Secret’

The Alocasia ‘Red Secret’ is a tropical plant known for its distinctive reddish-brown leaves with a metallic shine. It adds an exotic touch to your home. Here’s how you take care of it:

• Care Level: It requires a bit more attention than some other plants.
• Size: It can grow about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide.
• Light: It prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
• Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Temperature: It likes warm conditions, between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
• Humidity: It thrives in high humidity, so consider misting it or placing it near a humidifier.

4. Caladium ‘Red Flash’

Caladium ‘Red Flash’ is a vibrant plant with large, heart-shaped leaves that showcase a rich red color. These striking leaves often have green edges and can have spots or speckles. It’s a tropical plant that can add a pop of color to your home.

• Care Level: Medium
• Size: Grows up to 18–24 inches tall
• Light: Prefers indirect, bright light
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy
• Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 85°F
• Humidity: Loves high humidity levels

6. Red Star Dracaena

The Red Star Dracaena is a striking plant with red-tinted leaves. It stands out for its bold color and is simple to care for, making it popular for indoor gardens.

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Can grow up to 8-15 feet tall
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: Keep the soil slightly moist, watering every couple of weeks
• Temperature: Does best in temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: Average room humidity is fine, but it can tolerate higher levels

7. Croton

Croton is a vibrant houseplant known for its colorful, glossy leaves.

• Care Level: Moderate; needs attention to maintain color
• Size: Can grow up to 3-6 feet tall indoors
• Light: Bright, indirect light to keep leaves bright
• Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions, 60-75°F ideal
• Humidity: Likes high humidity, consider misting or a pebble tray

8. Ti Plant

The Ti Plant, also known as Cordyline fruticosa, is a tropical houseplant with striking red leaves. Here’s how you should take care of it:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: Can grow up to 3-6 feet tall
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Temperature: Thrives in 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Enjoys high humidity levels

9. Red Veined Nerve Plant

The Red Veined Nerve Plant is a colorful houseplant with striking red veins. It stands out because of its patterned leaves.

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Usually grows up to 6 inches tall
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist
• Temperature: Thrives between 60-80°F
• Humidity: Likes high humidity

10. Polka Dot Plant

The Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a colorful houseplant with speckled leaves. It brightens up indoor spaces with its patterned foliage. Here’s what you need to know about its care:

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Grows up to 3 feet tall
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist
• Temperature: Thrives at 70-75°F (21-24°C)
• Humidity: Likes high humidity

11. Flamingo Lily

The Flamingo Lily is a tropical plant known for its shiny red flowers.

• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: Can grow up to 20 inches tall
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but do not overwater
• Temperature: Thrives in 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: High humidity is best, consider misting the leaves

12. Rex Begonia

Rex Begonia is a colorful houseplant known for its vibrant red leaves. It adds a touch of brightness to any room.

• Care Level: Moderate—it needs attention but is manageable.
• Size: Can grow up to 18 inches tall.
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
• Water: Likes to stay moist, but don’t let it sit in water.
• Temperature: Keeps happy in regular room temperatures, between 60°F and 75°F.
• Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity levels, similar to a tropical environment.

13. Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, is a garden staple because of its colorful leaves. They often come in shades of red. Here’s what you need to know about caring for Heuchera:

• Care Level: Easy; perfect for beginners.
• Size: Can grow up to 2 feet in height and width.
• Light: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy.
• Temperature: Thrives in 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
• Humidity: Average room humidity is fine.

14. Bromeliads

Bromeliads are tropical plants known for their bright red leaves that form a rosette shape. Here’s what you need to know about caring for them:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Size: Can grow up to 18 inches tall and wide
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: Water the center cup and soil sparingly
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F
• Humidity: Loves high humidity levels

15. Wandering Jew

The Wandering Jew is a houseplant with striped green and purple leaves that sometimes show hints of silver. It got its name from a character in stories who was cursed to walk the earth forever. This plant is very easy to grow and loves to spread, making it a popular choice for indoor gardeners.

• Care Level: Easy; great for beginners
• Size: Can grow quite long; often trails over the sides of pots
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can also grow in lower light
• Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy; water when the top inch of soil feels dry
• Temperature: Thrives in average room temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (16°C to 27°C)
• Humidity: Likes moderate to high humidity but can tolerate lower levels too

16. Red Aloe

Red Aloe is a succulent plant with leaves that can turn red.

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
• Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings
• Temperature: Thrives at room temperature, between 60-75°F
• Humidity: Does not require high humidity

17. Echeveria Agavoides Red

Echeveria Agavoides Red is a succulent plant with pointy red-tipped leaves. It looks like a red-tinted rose.

• Care Level: Easy to care for
• Size: Grows up to 5 inches tall
• Light: Needs full sun to partial shade
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Temperature: Prefers 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Humidity: Low humidity is best

18. Autumn Fern

The Autumn Fern is a type of plant known for its red and green leaves. These leaves change color as they grow, starting bright orange-red and turning green over time. Here’s what you need to know to take care of an Autumn Fern:

• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Size: Can grow up to 24 inches tall and wide
• Light: Prefers partial shade to full shade
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Enjoys high humidity levels

19. Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is a plant known for its showy flowers and vibrant colors. Here’s what you need to know about it:

• Care Level: Moderate to high, needs regular pruning.
• Size: Can grow up to 15-40 feet (4.5-12 meters) tall with support.
• Light: Requires full sun for best flowering.
• Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65–95°F (18–35°C).
• Humidity: Performs well in moderate humidity.

20. Red Air Plant

A Red Air Plant, or Tillandsia, is a unique kind of houseplant without soil. Its leaves may turn red when it blooms or gets enough light.

• Care Level: Easy
• Size: Small to Medium
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Mist 2-3 times a week
• Temperature: Warm, above 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high