Congratulations! You have just stumbled upon the most detailed and comprehensive list of red leaf plants. If you are looking for home decor, we have a few options for you to choose from.
Alternatively, if you are in search of outdoor plants that will compliment your garden our list has options for you too. So, let’s not waste any more time and jump straight into the best list of red leaf plants!
1. Atropurpureum (Japanese Maple)
If you are looking for an exotic red leaf plant that originated in a culturally rich country then you should definitely consider adding Atropurpureum which is more commonly known as the Japanese Maple. The Japanese Maple has quite an interesting twist to it.
Although it is known as a red leaf plant, the leaves often change color during different seasons and weather climates. For example, the color of the Japanese Maple’s leaves is green in color during Spring.
However, once autumn starts they begin transforming into the red color that they are most popularly known for. One might assume that the Japanese Maple is quite difficult to grow but that would be an incorrect assumption.
As a matter of fact, they are considered to be a great start for beginners. As it is easier to grow a Japanese Maple than it is to grow other trees. If you want to grow this stunning tree you need a big enough pot or that you trim it regularly.
You can plant Japanese Maples in pots keep in mind they can grow to be up to 25 feet long. So your pot better be sturdy enough to carry the weight too.
Regardless, this Japanese Maple is maintainable, beautiful, and great for beginners to grow.
2. Red Robin
The Red Robin has a fascinating name with good reason. It is one of the most breathtaking red and green leaf plants that you could add to your garden.
A majority of people who take interest in the Red Robin plant usually stand in awe of it due to the perfect combination of bright red leaves and green foliage that it has. On top of that, you will see beautiful yet small flowers blooming from the Red Robin if you take in its spectacle in the right season.
On the note of seasons, this fantastic plant can survive any season or weather temperatures that it has to enjoy, thus making it one of the most durable red leaf plants on your list.
If you are someone who is looking for the brightest red leaf flower that you can find it may be a good idea to purchase a Red Robin plant and to keep it in sunlight since the plant’s red color becomes brighter and more intense every time it absorbs the sun.
So, regardless of whether you are looking for a decoration or a new, leafy member to add to your garden family, you can rest assured that the Red Robin will never be a disappointing choice.
3. Forest Pansy
The forest pansy which is also known by its scientific name Ceris Canadensis is a great tree to grow if you are looking for red leaf plants. Not only does the tree have shiny leaves that are shaped like hearts but it also has the ability to change colors during the different seasons.
If you want to see the redness of the Forest Pansy you should make sure that you take in the spectacle during the Fall season since the tree’s colors change to a rich purple-plum color during the hot and dry summer season. Believe it or not, the ever-changing leaf colors are not what people admire most about the Forest Pansy.
Don’t get me wrong, the changing colors are one of the elements that attract people to this tree, however, most people are more attracted to the vibrant foliage that surrounds the Forest Pansy.
The tree can grow to be up to 16.5 feet in height, so you better have a big enough pot unless you are planning on planting it directly into the soil in your garden. Choose wisely!
Recommended Reading
Flowers The Start With A | 26 Beautiful Flowers
4. Japanese Rowan
This is another one of the perfect red leaf plants for those of you who are interested in the exotic atmosphere that the Japanese Maple provides.
The Japanese Rowan which is also known by its scientific name Sorbus commixta is a drop-dead gorgeous red leaf plant that has a few extra elements to offer. For starters if you look high into the air or if you decide on climbing one of these trees you will find bright, red berries on the top branches.
However, I would not recommend eating these berries since there are plenty of plants that bear delicious-looking berries that are in actual fact filled with poison that may be lethal or make you feel unwell. But perhaps the berries arent as poisonous as one might assume they are.
As a matter of fact, the berries are much-loved by birds who consider them to be a perfect snack. If you decide to grow the Japanese Rowan I surely hope that you are not afraid of bees since bees are often attracted to the tree for the pollination process.
Unfortunately, the Japanese Rowan is not ideal for those of us who are not patient in nature since it can take up to 20 years for the tree to grow to its full size. Since the Japanese Rowan is quite a small and compressed tree, it is perfect for those who have limited space in their gardens.
So, what are you waiting for? Let us start planting trees!
5. Alocasia ‘Red Secret’
Are you looking for indoor plants with names that are guaranteed to blow your mind? Or are you looking for mystical red leaf plants that bring beauty and serenity into your home?
Well, you may be pleased to realize that the Alocasia plant which is more commonly known by garden junkies as the Red Secret plant will offer you all of the above and more. The Red secret plant is one of the best red leaf plants due to its flawless beauty and bright, red-colored leaves.
But that is not all! The Red Secret plant is also perfect to use for decorating your house and making your guests feel as if they have just walked into a fairy garden. Unfortunately, this is one of the hardest red leaf plants to grow, but it certainly is not impossible to maintain it in your home.
Unlike the flowers that we have already discussed, the Red Secret is a lover of sunlight. It needs as much sunlight as possible to flourish, however, you should take some caution with the plant’s sun exposure.
If you place it in scorching and direct sunlight your Red Secret plant will not survive. On the contrary, the strong rays of sunlight may cause the leaves to burn and contract.
Therefore it is best to find a sunny spot in your home where your plant can get efficient yet indirect sunlight. Ornamental red leaf plants to decorate my home? Yes, please!
6. Elephant Ear Plant
The Elephant Ear Plant is a red leaf plant that goes by many different names. The scientific name is Caladium whereas other people may call it by its more spunky name Red Flash.
Others may even refer to it as the Angel Wing plant, but at the end of the day, it is ultimately up to you to decide which one of these names rolls off of your tongue in the easiest way. Naturally, the Elephant Ear plant has red leaves since that is what this article is all about.
However, it gets more interesting than that. The plant is multi-colored for starters. Despite the fact that the inside of the leaves is red in color, they are surrounded by a beautiful green outline and may even reveal a few pink spots at times.
To make matters better, the Elephant Ear plant’s bright red appearance and bulging leaf stems make it look like the plant has veins with blood flowing through them. This sounds like Dracula’s type of flower to me!
As an added bonus you can use the Elephant Ear plant as decor for your house or you can keep it outside. If you do keep your plant outside, be aware not to place it in direct sunlight since it is highly likely to damage or burn your Elephant Ear Plant.
Adding this plant to your home decor plan will make it feel as if you flew into your house on “Angel Wings.”
Recommended Reading
Flowers That Start With Y | My Top 10 – HomeTempus
7. Croton
The Variegated Laurel is one of the houseplants with names that are a bit more difficult to pronounce. Thankfully, you can rather call it by its more popular name which is the Croton plant. It also goes by the name of Rec Iceton.
If you are only starting your gardening journey now and you are looking for something basic to start with then I have some great news for you. The Croton plant is commonly known as one of the easiest red leaf plants to grow which makes it a great starting point for beginners.
Naturally, the Croton plant’s beauty is another reason as to why the plant is so highly regarded. It has bright, red leaves that will leave you standing in awe but it also has small white flowers that are guaranteed to blow your breath away.
Putting the Croton plant in a vase with soil and hanging it in your house will transform your house in terms of color and it will add a serene, nature-like atmosphere to your home. Trust me, your guest will be wallowing in envy once they see your Croton-decorated house.
8. Ti Plant
The Ti plant which is also known by its scientific name, Cordyline minalis is one of the best tropical plants to add to your home or garden. At least this is one of the household plants with names that aren’t too difficult to pronounce. It may not be one of the easiest red leaf plants to maintain though.
The Ti Plant is also somewhat of the chameleon of plants since red is not the only color that it flourishes in. The plant may also reveal a beautiful combination of green or chocolate colors.
However, when these colors work as a combination on Ti Plant leaves you will witness a sight that will blow your breath away. The Ti Plant is another red leaf plant that is not too fond of direct sunlight. Don’t get me wrong, the plant still needs sunlight to grow and flourish.
However, it should be placed in a sunny spot where the scorching rays of the midday sun can’t burn it. Another precaution to be aware of is choosing the water that you are going to water your plant with care. Fluoride is unhealthy for most plants including the Ti Plant.
So, unless you want your To Plant’s leaves to become brown in color it is best to use filtered water that does not contain any fluoride.
9. Polka Dot Plant
Attention all garden fanatics! Here is another one of the tropical plants that will blow your breath away. Despite having an adorable name, the Polka Dot Plant is most commonly known for its unfathomable beauty.
The plant initially originated from Madagascar, however, it has made its way around the globe. Over the past few decades as it became a gardening favorite for many.
This evergreen perennial sensation is a lover of humidity. If you live somewhere that has a dry temperature, it’s not be the best idea to settle for the Polka Dot Plant.
It is also advisable to place the plant on a windowsill. Many gardeners have found that the bathroom window works best for the Polka Dot Plant. You can ultimately decide where you want to flaunt it.
It is your house and your garden after all!
Recommended Reading
Flowers That Start With S | 30 Spectacular Flowers
10. Red Veined Nerve Plant
The Red Veined Nerve Plant is one of my personal favorite red leaf plants. This is due to the interesting and downright fascinating appearance it has.
In case the name has not already given it away, the plant not only has the most mesmerizing red leaves, but the leaves also have extended bumps that give them a human effect by resembling waves.
The Red Veined Nerve Plant is without a doubt another one of a vegetarian Dracula’s favorite plants. For the rest of us who have normal and civil eating habits, it is the spectacular beauty of the Red Veined Nerve Plant that takes your breath away.
This red leaf plant is one of the tropical plants that you can grow in your garden. It initially originated from Columbia and Peru’s rainforests. Therefore, it is not the best plant to grow for those who do not live in an area with a tropical climate.
The great news for those who do live in tropical climates is that the Red Veined Nerve Plant is another one of the red leaf plants that are great for beginners to grow since they do not require a lot of care and tend to grow on their own.
Can you feel the excitement in your veins? Then go ahead and get your Red Veined Nerve Plant!
11. Flamingo Lily
The Flamingo Lily which is also known by its scientific name Anthurium scherzerianum is a stunning red leaf plant. It initially originated from Central and South America.
The element that makes this plant so spectacular is not necessarily the leaves, but please do hear me out! Instead of having bright red leaves, the Flamingo Lily contains flowers. They come in the brightest, most vibrant, and awe-striking shade of red that you will see in your life.
Technically speaking these flowers can be considered to be leaves. However the correct term for the flowers would be to call them “modified” leaves. So the Flamingo Lily certainly has the right to be added to this list.
In the event that you are not one of those people who are not patient by nature and prefer not to wait a few months to see your plant in full bloom, you may be pleased to realize that the Flamingo Lily’s growth and flourishing is not specific to any season.
The plant blooms in every season which allows you to enjoy its beauty year round. Can you imagine finding a plant that blooms all year? The great news is that you have just found it!
12. Bromeliads
Are you looking to spice up the atmosphere in your bathrooms with some beautiful nature life? Well, once again, you have come to the right place and you just found what you are looking for.
Bromeliads are not only spectacular in appearance, but they are also one of the best red leaf plants for those who want to turn their bathroom into an indoor garden wonderland.
As a matter of fact, even when you consider all of the rooms in your house, the bathroom will still be your Bromeliads’ favorite spot for it to grow and flourish.
Why do you ask? To place it in simple terms Bromeliads are lovers of humid climates. This is what makes the bathroom such a perfect spot to place them. Also, if you live in a place that has mostly dry weather conditions the Bromeliads is not the best plant.
Bromeliads also have a very fascinating appearance. The flowers are shaped like swords. On top of that, they stand upright and usually have a yellow or orange border surrounding them.
This will add an essence of extra color to your house or garden. Don’t fight the temptation of adding one of these sword-shaped plant warriors to your garden.
Recommended Reading
Flowers That Start with J | 20 Amazing Flowers
13. Red Aloe
If you are looking for one of the healthiest and medically beneficial red leaf plants I would highly recommend that you get your hands on some Red Aloe. The Red Aloe is considered to fall under the succulent family and it has the ability to change colors.
For instance, your Red Aloe plant will stay red unless you give it too much water. When it’s overwatered you will slowly see the red coloring of the plant fade to a light shade of green.
It is important to note that Red Aloe contains a large amount of collagen. This means that it is an excellent skin remedy. You can use it for rashes, dry skin, and even to finally have flawless skin.
Also the antifungal properties that a Red Aloe plant contains are a great way to get rid of excess dandruff. I guess that you could say that Red Aloe is a beauty plant.
Since it can work such wonders for your skin and for your head. So be sure to add some Red Aloe to your plant collection. Not only a beautiful garden but also a flawless appearance that is provided by nature.
14. Red Air Plant
The Red Air Plant is one of the most intriguing red leaf plants for a variety of reasons. For starters, it does not conform to the usual plant growth norms.
As a matter of fact, it does not enjoy soil as other plants do. Instead, it grows on trees for more firm rooting. It uses the air as a source of nutrients and also comes in a variety of colors.
If you are looking to add color to your garden don’t forget to try out the Red Air Plant. It will definitely be worth it.
Conclusion
Have you ever seen so many red leaf plants in one place? I know that I sure haven’t! You can pick and choose which of these plants will be the best addition to your garden collection.
If you live in a place with dry weather conditions it’s not the best idea to get tropical plants. However, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor red leaf plants that you can get as an alternative. So grab your spades and gloves and let us start gardening.
