Having greenery around you is good for emotional well-being. Particularly, green colour has profound impact on your mental health.
But when that greenery is paired with vibrant shades of red, the effect becomes not only therapeutic but also visually striking.
Houseplants with red and green leaves bring a dynamic contrast that can elevate your indoor space—adding warmth, depth, and a touch of drama to your decor.
These plants have cool red and green leaves that really stand out. They look great and make any room feel more fun and lively.
Best thing is, these plants requires minimal maintenance and can adapt to different growing conditions without much fuss.
Below mentioned are 18 indoor plants that can improve your aesthetics with its red and green leaves.
18 Houseplants with Red and Green Leaves
Red and green leaves add a fun twist to the usual all-green houseplants. These colorful picks are perfect for brightening up your space without needing too much care.
1. Red Caladium
Known for its striking red and green foliage, Red Caladium is basically nature showing off. The heart-shaped leaves are like watercolor paintings—bold reds, soft greens, sometimes even with speckles or veining that look unreal.
It brings instant energy to a room or patio and adds that lush, tropical feel that makes everything look a little more alive and a lot more stylish.
Red Caladium thrives in warm, shady spots with bright, indirect light. It likes its soil moist (but not soggy) and appreciates a bit of humidity, especially if you’re keeping it indoors. Give it a cozy corner and a little love, and it’ll be that vibrant showpiece that quietly steals the spotlight.
2. Red Twist Peperomia (Peperomia Sandwicensis)
With its rippled, twirly leaves splashed in deep red and green, Red Twist Peperomia brings a funky, sculptural vibe to your space. It’s like a little piece of living art on your windowsill.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn’t need much water—just a drink when the soil dries out. Super chill, low-fuss, and perfect for compact spots like shelves or desks.
3. Croton
Croton’s leaves look like they’ve been hand-painted in wild shades of red, green, orange, and yellow. Each leaf is bold and different, so no two are ever quite the same.
While it loves to show off, Croton does need some attention—give it bright light and consistent watering to keep it vibrant and happy. It makes any room feel like a tropical getaway.
4. Red Anthurium
Sleek, glossy leaves and those iconic red, heart-shaped flowers? Anthurium is pure drama in a pot. It’s more than a plant—it’s a statement piece.
Place it somewhere bright and warm with regular humidity, and it’ll reward you with long-lasting blooms that practically glow. Perfect for adding a pop of passion to your home.
5. Ripple Red Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
This one’s all about texture. Ripple Red Peperomia has crinkly, wine-colored leaves with green undertones that make it look plush and luxurious.
Super easygoing, it enjoys filtered light and doesn’t ask for much water. It’s the kind of plant that quietly steals the show without being high-maintenance.
6. Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’
Thick, leathery leaves in deep red and green make this philodendron a standout. It’s got a modern, architectural vibe that fits right into sleek spaces.
Tolerant of lower light and happy with a regular watering schedule, it’s a dependable plant buddy with serious style.
7. Red Polka Dot Plant
Playful and punchy, this little plant is dotted with red speckles that make it look like it came straight out of a fairy tale.
It loves bright light to keep its colors strong and enjoys regular watering. Tuck it into a terrarium or let it trail—it brings instant cheer wherever it goes.
8. Lady Valentine Aglaonema
With her bold pink-red leaves rimmed in green, Lady Valentine is elegance with a flair for the dramatic. She’s both pretty and practical.
She does well in medium light and is totally fine if you forget a watering here and there. Basically, she’s beautiful and chill.
9. Tradescantia Nanouk
Like candy in plant form, Nanouk has striped leaves with pinks, purples, and greens that look almost too perfect to be real.
It’s a fast grower that loves bright, indirect light and a light touch with water. Perfect for hanging planters where its trailing vines can shine.
10. Rex Begonia
A true diva in the foliage world—Rex Begonia rocks wild spirals, splashes, and swirls in red, silver, and green. It’s not subtle, and that’s the point.
It loves humidity and bright, indirect light. Keep the soil slightly moist and it’ll keep performing with flair.
Also Read: How to Propagate Angel Wing Begonia?
11. Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica Burgundy)
Sleek and moody, the Burgundy Rubber Tree brings a deep, wine-red hue that almost looks black, paired with a glossy green underside.
It’s low-key and hardy—happy in medium light and fine if you occasionally forget to water. Great for adding drama without the drama.
12. Red Fittonia
Also known as the “nerve plant,” Red Fittonia is covered in vibrant red veins that pop against lush green leaves. It’s like nature’s version of neon.
Loves humidity and shade, making it ideal for terrariums or steamy bathrooms. Keep the soil moist and it’ll thrive with that jungle vibe.
13. Red King Aglaonema
This royal beauty has thick, bright red leaves edged in green that demand attention. It’s both sturdy and stylish.
Tolerates low light and inconsistent watering—basically, a throne-worthy plant that’s forgiving to even the busiest plant parents.
14. Black Cardinal Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)
Bold and broody, this one grows large, dark red to nearly black leaves that give it a mysterious edge.
It prefers moderate light and a bit of humidity. Give it space and a cozy corner, and it’ll slowly unfold into a stunner.
15. Painted Echeveria (Echeveria nodulosa)
With a name like “Painted,” you already know it’s going to be good. This succulent blends dusty reds, greens, and purples like a desert sunset.
Super low-maintenance—just bright light and infrequent watering. It’s compact, sculptural, and brings serious charm to any succulent shelf.
Check this: 15 Houseplants for North Facing Windows
16. Madagascar Dragon Tree
Long, spiky leaves streaked with red give this plant a cool, edgy look—like it’s from another planet.
It’s super adaptable and loves bright to moderate light. Not too thirsty either, making it a great fit for beginner plant lovers.
17. Ti Plant
Ti Plant brings a tropical splash of hot pink and burgundy, like it’s always ready for a luau. The leaves are long, glossy, and full of flair.
It thrives in warmth and humidity with bright, indirect light. Pop it in a sunny room and let it channel those beachy vibes.
18. Triostar Stromanthe
No two leaves are the same—each one is a unique swirl of green, cream, and pinkish-red. When it catches the light, it almost shimmers.
It loves indirect light and appreciates a little extra humidity. Give it a bit of care and it’ll reward you with pure tropical magic.
Plant Care Tips
Here are some easy care tips to keep your red and green houseplants happy and thriving:
- Bright, Indirect Light – Most of these plants love sunlight, but not too much. Keep them near a window with filtered light for the best color.
- Water When the Top Soil Feels Dry – Don’t overwater! Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before giving them a drink.
- Avoid Cold Drafts – These tropical beauties don’t like chilly air. Keep them away from drafty windows and doors.
- Use Well-Draining Soil – A good potting mix helps prevent root rot. Look for soil that drains well but still holds some moisture.
- Wipe the Leaves – Dust can block light from reaching the leaves. Gently wipe them with a damp cloth every now and then.
- Don’t Over-Fertilize – A little plant food every few weeks during growing season is plenty. Too much can damage the roots.
- Rotate the Pot – Give your plant a quarter turn every week or two so it grows evenly and doesn’t lean toward the light.
- Watch for Pests – Keep an eye out for tiny bugs like spider mites or aphids. If you see any, rinse the plant or use a gentle insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
Adding red and green houseplants to your space is an easy way to bring color, life, and a bit of personality indoors. With just a little care, these eye-catching plants will brighten up your home and mood all year round.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting