When it comes to nature's artwork, few creations are as captivating as the plant with purple and green leaves. With its stunning foliage and intriguing features, this plant has captured the hearts of many horticulturists. What is the name of a plant with purple and green leaves exactly? Take your time. You will explore beautiful purple and green plants and learn their characteristics.
Table of Contents
Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Purple Shamrock
The Purple Shamrock is a unique and attractive plant that is well known for its distinctive, triangular-shaped leaves, which can be deep purple or maroon in color. The leaves fold up at night, resembling the shape of a traditional shamrock, hence its name.
One unique feature of the Purple Shamrock is its tendency to go dormant in the winter. During this period, the leaves may die back, but the plant will regrow when conditions become more favorable in the spring. Impressive, isn’t it?
USDA Zone: 8 to 11
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Persian Shield
The Persian Shield is a stunning and vibrant tropical plant famous for its striking foliage. In terms of the leaves, the Persian Shield is prized for its large, lance-shaped leaves that are typically iridescent purple or silver with green veins. The combination of these colors creates a captivating and eye-catching appearance. When grown under the ideal temp and humidity level, it can produce small, tubular, violet-blue flowers, although the primary attraction is its foliage.
USDA Zone: 10 and 11
Purple Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Purple Velvet Plant
The Purple Velvet Plant is another houseplant with purple and green leaves. Its striking feature is its lush, velvety leaves that display a vibrant purple hue on the underside, giving it the appearance of rich velvet. Furthermore, the leaves are soft to the touch, further enhancing their velvety appearance.
When provided with the right conditions, it can produce small, bright orange flowers, though the primary attraction is its foliage.
USDA Zone: 6 to 9
Purple Heart Plant (Tradescantia pallida)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Purple Heart Plant
Purple Heart Plant is a remarkable and eye-catching succulent-like plant renowned for its elongated, lance-shaped leaves that are typically a deep, rich purple color, giving the plant its distinctive appearance. In addition to its foliage, it can produce small, inconspicuous pink or violet flowers.
USDA Zone: 7 to 11
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew, botanically named Tradescantia zebrina, is a popular trailing houseplant with green and purple leaves. It features lance-shaped leaves that are primarily green with distinct stripes of purple.
USDA Zone: 8 to 12
Rose-Painted Calathea (Calathea roseopicta)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Rose-Painted Calathea
The Rose-Painted Calathea, scientifically known as Calathea roseopicta, is appreciated for its beautifully patterned leaves. Its upper side showcases dark green leaves with prominent veins and a lively pink center, while on the flip side, the leaves exhibit a deep purple hue that becomes more prominent in the evening as they fold inward. Maintaining constant moisture is crucial for this purple-leafed plant, so you may apply a plant humidifier when necessary.
USDA Zone: 10 and 11
Echeveria ‘Purple Pearl’
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Echeveria 'Purple Pearl'
Among all famous plants with purple leaves, Echeveria 'Purple Pearl’ is one special succulent plant that belongs to the Echeveria genus. It is highly sought after for its captivating appearance and unique rosette-shaped foliage. The leaves are often described as having a pearlescent quality, which adds to their allure. In addition to its foliage, this succulent can produce tall, slender flower stalks with bright coral-colored, bell-shaped flowers.
USDA Zone: 9 to 12
Iron Cross (Oxalis tetraphylla)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Iron Cross
The Iron Cross typically has small, clover-like leaves that are divided into four heart-shaped leaflets, as you can tell from the image. Each leaflet usually displays a deep green color with a prominent dark purple or maroon marking in the shape of a cross.
USDA Zone: 7 to 10
Painted Nettles (Coleus scutellarioides)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Painted Nettles
Painted nettles are available in an extensive array of varieties, making their options virtually limitless. While they do produce flowers, their true allure lies in their velvety foliage. The leaves are not only pleasing to the touch but also a visual delight due to their diverse variegated colors and intricate patterns.
USDA Zone: 5 to 10
Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Purple and Green Leaf Plant - Purple Basil
Known for its vibrant purple or reddish-purple leaves, Purple Basil is a culinary herb that is prized for both its decorative appeal and its aromatic flavor. The leaves of this plant can vary in shades of purple, from deep burgundy to bright lavender.
USDA Zone: 5
Hemigraphis alternata (Purple Waffle Plant)
This low-growing tropical beauty stands out with metallic green tops and rich purple undersides that ripple like a waffle pattern. It’s compact yet lush, spreading easily to fill containers or shady garden corners. Give it bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil — too much sun or dryness can dull its color and texture. Perfect for indoor spaces or as a colorful groundcover in warm, humid climates.
USDA Zone: 10 – 11
Zygopetalum (Zygopetalum Orchid)
Known for both its dramatic foliage and fragrant, patterned blooms, this orchid species pairs green, strap-like leaves with purple-spotted flowers that look almost painted. It thrives in bright but filtered light, with a preference for cool to moderate temperatures and airy, well-draining orchid mix. Zygopetalum is ideal for growers who want a plant that impresses with both foliage and flower fragrance.
USDA Zone: 9 – 11
Tradescantia spathacea (Boat Lily / Moses-in-the-Cradle)
With upright, sword-shaped leaves that are green on top and purple underneath, Boat Lily brings instant contrast to any display. The compact rosettes create a tidy, architectural look, making it a favorite for tabletops or garden borders. Keep it in bright but indirect sunlight and water when the topsoil starts to dry — too much sun can bleach its colors, while too little light mutes its purple tones.
USDA Zone: 9 – 12
Calathea ‘White Fusion’
A true showpiece among houseplants, ‘White Fusion’ features swirling patterns of white, green, and lilac-purple on its leaves — like brushstrokes on silk. It thrives in warm, humid spaces with gentle, indirect light. Regular misting or a humidifier keeps the leaves from browning, and soft, non-hard water helps preserve their crisp edges. If you love foliage plants that feel almost painterly, this Calathea is for you.
USDA Zone: 10 – 11
Heuchera ‘Green Spice’ (Green Spice Coral Bells)
‘Green Spice’ combines silvery-green leaves with deep purple veins and soft, ruffled edges — a color mix that looks elegant in both containers and garden beds. It’s a hardy perennial that appreciates partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The foliage color shifts subtly with the seasons, giving it a dynamic presence year-round. It’s great as a border filler, underplanting, or accent piece in mixed plantings.
USDA Zone: 4 – 9
How to Care for Plants with Purple and Green Leaves?
Light
Provide the Right Amount of Light: Different plants with purple and green leaves have varying light requirements. For example, the purple waffle plant prefers indirect sunlight to keep its leaves vibrant, while echeveria needs full, direct sunlight. If there isn't enough light, you can use LED grow lights to supplement lighting.
Make sure to place your plant in a location that matches its specific light needs. Monitor Sun Exposure: Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of some plants, while too little light can cause the purple color to fade. Observe your plant and adjust its position if you notice any signs of stress.
Water
The watering needs of plants with purple and green leaves also vary. Some plants, like the purple velvet plant, require medium watering and should be kept in moist soil, while succulents like echeveria need less frequent watering and should only be watered when the soil begins to dry.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, unless the plant specifically requires constantly moist soil.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial for the health of your plant. It prevents water from sitting around the roots, which can cause rot. You can use a commercial potting mix or create your own by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil can improve its fertility and structure. This provides the plant with essential nutrients and helps it retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Temperature and Humidity
Most plants with purple and green leaves thrive in a temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid placing your plant near drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating sources, as extreme temperature fluctuations can stress the plant.
Some plants, especially those with tropical origins, prefer higher humidity levels. You can increase humidity around your plant by placing a tray of water near it, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves regularly. However, be cautious not to over-mist, as excessive moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal issues.
Fertilizer
Plants with purple and green leaves generally benefit from regular feeding during their growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, following the package instructions for the correct dilution rate.
If you notice slow growth or yellowing leaves, it may be a sign that your plant needs more nutrients. Conversely, if the plant is growing too quickly and the leaves are becoming less vibrant, you may need to reduce the frequency of fertilization.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and health of your plant. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth. For plants that tend to become leggy, such as coleus, pinch back the tips to promote bushier growth.
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the plant promptly with an appropriate insecticide or natural remedy. Additionally, ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
FAQs about Plant with Purple and Green Leaves
By the end of the post, we'll answer several questions about purple and green plants.
1. What houseplant has purple and green striped leaves?
Houseplants with purple and green striped leaves are often referred to as "Calathea" plants. Calathea species, such as Calathea ornata (also known as the Pinstripe Plant) and Calathea roseopicta (the Rose-Painted Calathea), are popular choices known for their striking striped foliage.
2. What is a variegated purple and green plant?
A variegated purple and green plant is one that displays a mix of purple and green colors in its leaves, creating a visually appealing pattern. These plants often have sections of purple, green, and sometimes even white or pink in their foliage. To name one example, the Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is a well-known variegated plant with vibrant purple and green leaves.
3. What are the dark green leaves with purple underneath?
Plants with dark green leaves and purple underneath are commonly found in the genus Tradescantia, particularly the Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as the Wandering Jew. The upper side of the leaves is typically green, while the undersides display a rich purple color, adding to their beauty and intrigue.
4. What climbing plant has green and purple leaves?
A climbing plant that features both green and purple leaves is the Purple Heart Plant. This hardy perennial is known for its striking foliage, which showcases vibrant purple leaves on top and green stems, often creating a beautiful contrast.
Another example is the Variegated English Ivy (Hedera helix), which can display green leaves with purple or reddish undertones, especially when exposed to certain light conditions. Both of these plants are popular choices for adding visual interest to vertical spaces, trellises, and hanging baskets.
