Indoor flower with red leaves - names and descriptions

Indoor plants are considered one of the most important home decor elements. There are many vibrant varieties of flowers in various shapes, colors, and sizes, which can significantly brighten up any interior. The most striking are indoor plants with red leaves. They attract attention with their rich color and unusual shape. Plants with red flowers also can't go unnoticed—each one comes from a different species, but they certainly enhance any room.

Names, descriptions, and photos of indoor plants with red leaves

The most common houseplants with scarlet leaves are poinsettia, cordyline, iresine, coleus, aglaonema, and regal begonia. Descriptions and photos will help you choose the most suitable plants for any home interior.

Poinsettia or "Christmas Star"

The poinsettia is a striking member of the Euphorbiaceae family, captivating with its scarlet leaves. Its nickname, "Christmas Star," comes from its winter blooms (December-January). The flower is native to Central America and Mexico. Besides its beautiful appearance, the plant boasts medicinal properties.

Poinsettia has an inconspicuous small white inflorescence, under which are large scarlet leaves, which add beauty to the appearance of the flower.

Temperature fluctuations negatively affect the plant, so avoid drafts and areas near radiators. The most comfortable temperature is 18 degrees Celsius. Spraying and wiping the leaves with warm water is also essential. Water the plant once the substrate has completely dried.

Cordyline

Cordyline is a beautiful tropical plant, also known as a false palm. Long, large leaves form a dense, lush crown. After a while, the lower leaves fall off, leaving the stem bare, while the upper part remains. The plant also produces small flowers, which form a spike-shaped inflorescence and are tinged with red. The upper part of the Cordyline is a rich burgundy, which is what makes it so eye-catching.

To ensure vigorous growth, the plant requires indirect light, as direct sunlight can cause burns. Water when the top layer of the soil is completely dry. Cordyline plants need to be repotted every spring. Florists also recommend slightly acidic soil for optimal growth.

Coleus

The main characteristic of coleus, a flower native to hot tropical climates, is its burgundy leaves edged with green. Coleus belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is known for its low-maintenance care. It is popularly known as the poor man's croton, as its coloring is very similar to that of the poor man.

The leaves of the flower are elongated and heart-shaped with wavy, serrated edges. They can vary in size and shape among different varieties. Coleus also produces small, spike-shaped inflorescences made up of tiny blue flowers.

Coleus tolerates direct sunlight; however, in summer, it requires constant, generous watering. It does not tolerate heat, so in summer, it is recommended to constantly ventilate the room and mist the coleus with cool water.

Aglaonema

Aglaonema is a perennial herbaceous plant that prefers shaded riverbanks. It grows up to 80 cm tall and has a short, fleshy, and wide stem. Leaves are arranged alternately on long petioles. They can reach 10-15 cm in length and have an elongated oval shape. The main distinguishing feature of this species is its leaves, which are green in various shades with bright pink veins.

Experienced gardeners recommend paying attention to the flower's temperature. In winter, aglaonema prefers to grow in a room with a temperature of 20-24 degrees Celsius, while in winter, the average temperature should be 17 degrees Celsius. In summer, the plant requires frequent watering, reducing this to 2-3 times a week in winter. Aglaonema should be regularly misted and wiped with warm water.

Royal Begonia

The begonia, also known as the regal begonia, is renowned for its lush, large leaves, the shape of which varies depending on the variety. The plant does not produce flowers. The leaves have a red center and a striped edge. The rest of the leaves are green or soft pink.

Begonias don't like being misted or watered, as dark spots will immediately appear on the leaves. Experts recommend maintaining a room temperature of 20-24 degrees Celsius and high humidity. Low temperatures and cold drafts are also detrimental to the plant, and they may even wilt. It's recommended to provide begonias with diffused light, as direct sunlight can cause burns.

Iresine

Iresine is a plant in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Australia and America. It can be woody, bushy, or herbaceous. The branches of woody iresine are twining. The leaves are elongated and oval with wavy, serrated edges. Small flowers are gathered in spike-shaped inflorescences. Their blooms are overshadowed by the leaves, which can be burgundy in color, while the veins are a delicate pink.

Iresine can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn, so providing the plant with indirect light is recommended. Iresine is also tolerant of temperature and humidity conditions.

Caladium

Caladium belongs to the Araceae family and is also known as elephant ears and Christ's heart. This refers to its large, richly colored leaves with a green border. The leaves can grow up to 25-30 cm. The flowers are small, an inconspicuous white with a green tint, and form only spadixes.

Experts recommend placing the plant on northwest-facing windows to provide diffused light. The temperature shouldn't fall below 15 degrees Celsius, with 22-24 degrees Celsius considered optimal. It's also important to ensure high humidity in the room; to achieve this, place the pot on a moss-filled stand.

Houseplants with red flowers

Houseplants with red flowers are considered equally beautiful. They fit perfectly and become the highlight of any interior. The vibrant color can infuse vitality and create a festive atmosphere in the home.

Chinese hibiscus

Hibiscus sinensis is a common evergreen plant that grows as a bush and reaches 3 meters in height. The flower features elongated, rich green leaves with wavy, serrated edges. The flowers are large, bright red, and funnel-shaped. At the center is a long stamen with yellow pollen. A seed capsule forms in place of the flower. Flowering lasts from early spring until October.

Florists recommend placing the hibiscus pot in a well-lit area. The room temperature should be between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius. Drafty areas should be avoided. Hibiscus flowers are used to make hibiscus tea.

Hippeastrum

The large red inflorescences of the bulbous hippeastrum are unmistakable. The flower has massive, elongated leaves that grow up to 45-50 cm and are dark green. The bulb produces stalks, at the ends of which buds emerge.

Hippeastrum flowers reach 20-25 cm in diameter and are funnel-shaped. The plant produces buds in spring and winter.

Pentas lanceolata

Pentas is a hybrid adapted to indoor growing, with a bush-like habit. Its leaves are small, up to 7 cm long. Pentas is characterized by its small, star-shaped flowers, which are gathered into lush umbels. The plant blooms from spring to early fall.

Florists emphasize that pentas is a sun-loving plant and tolerates direct sunlight well. It also requires a temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius. This moisture-loving plant is not affected by cold air currents in summer, so it can be placed anywhere. The flower tips are often pinched off, as they become elongated and bare. Pruning is performed between flowering periods, leaving the bush at a height of 40-50 cm.

Guzmania

The evergreen, bushy guzmania's inflorescence consists of small white flowers surrounded by numerous scarlet leaves on a peduncle. Blooming lasts from spring to early winter.

Guzmania is a shade-tolerant, heat-loving plant and requires abundant watering, which should be applied to the rosettes. It's important to note that overwatering can cause root rot and the death of the plant.

Azalea

Azalea is a small flower, up to half a meter tall, with a highly branched crown. The leaves are small, smooth, glossy, and dark green. The flowers can be single, double, or wavy, and reach 5-7 cm in diameter. Blooms can be observed from mid-January to the end of April.

The temperature for azaleas should not exceed 15 degrees Celsius, and the lighting must be diffused to prevent burning. High humidity and constant ventilation are also important.

Dipladenia

Dipladenia is distinguished by its flexible, twining stem. The flowers have a tubular base that widens at the tip to become divided petals. The plant blooms from late spring to October.

Dipladenia thrives on heat, so it requires a room temperature of 23-24 degrees Celsius. It also enjoys plenty of light and plenty of water. Experts recommend avoiding placing the pot in drafts, as they negatively affect the plant's growth. Dipladenia's sap is toxic to humans, so gloves should be worn when repotting.

Vallota

Vallota is a bulbous perennial plant. It has large, sword-shaped leaves, reaching 60 cm in length, and a rich purple color. A 40-45 cm tall flower stalk emerges from the bulb, producing an umbel-shaped inflorescence of large, funnel-shaped scarlet flowers with stamens in the center. Vallota blooms twice a year – in late spring and early fall.

Vallota requires plenty of sunlight, with mandatory midday shade, and a room temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. Water moderately, as the top layer of the substrate dries out. Vallota is poisonous, so gloves should be worn when repotting.

Flowers with red leaves in interior design

Unlike typical green plants, varieties with red leaves stand out from the crowd. When choosing a flower, it's recommended to first consider whether you can provide it with all the necessary growing conditions.

After this, it's time to consider the pot's placement. It's best to place these flowers in rooms with muted wall colors to create a contrast. Many flowers with red leaves are easy to care for and blend well with other ornamental plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plants with unusual, warm leaf hues ranging from bright red to pink were first cultivated in hot climates and only later became widespread around the world. Red-hued plants will make a wonderful addition to any home, provided they are given the right conditions and placed in a favorable location.