One of the hottest trends to hit the home and garden scene is the color pink to your palette of plants. The color pink has always been associated with warmth, affection, fun, and light-heartedness, which is, perhaps, why it appeals to so many in these otherwise rather somber times.
There are various plant options available to those interested in adding a touch of pink to their surroundings, with some being more well-known than others. In this piece, we’ll be exploring some of the popular options you should consider giving a try. Although many of these plant types are adaptable to indoor and outdoor settings (to varying extents), we’ll try to separate them into indoor and outdoor types for easy navigation. Still, we hope to give as broad a sampling as possible in type, leaf pattern, hardiness, and general awesomeness.
Let’s get right into it.
Plants With Pink and Green Leaves: Outdoor Plants
Plants that are suited to outdoor or garden environments are those that don’t mind direct sunlight. These will often include tropicals, climbers, ornamentals, potters, and so on. In general, these are non-succulents that will withstand the type of climate found in USDA ZONES 9 to 11.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is a popular outdoor plant due to its distinctive green and pink leaves. As a perennial or all-year herb, it makes for an excellent ground-cover plant that won’t expose any patches in your garden regardless of the season of the year you’re in. Even so, it is susceptible to severe cold, so it probably won’t be ideal to have it in your garden if you’re living in climes where temperatures fall below 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius), which is darn cold indeed. Keep moisture levels moderate as well if you choose to grow it potted, as it might otherwise fall prey to root rot.
Ti Plant
The Cordyline fruticosa is a perennial shrub notable for its pink leaves and pink flowers during the fall or summer seasons. Because the Ti plant likes to be out in the full sun, it makes for an excellent outdoor plant, although you should keep an eye on its moisture levels if potted, as it is prone to root rot. It will flourish in USDA zone 10b (where temperatures do not fall below 35 degrees Fahrenheit).
Wood Sorrel
The Oxalis triangularis, or Wood Sorrel, is a favorite with landscapers due to its no-fuss, easy-growing nature, which only complements its stunning beauty. It is a year-round (perennial) shrub that wears pink and purple leaves throughout the year and adorns itself with white or pink flowers seasonally. It should be in USDA Zone 8a conditions (temperatures do not fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit).
Polka Dot Plant
The Hypoestes phyllostachya, or Splash Select Rose, is notable for its distinctive, flourishing pink-spotted leaves, which is where it gets the Polka Dot’ appellation. It is a perennial herb that can be relied on to provide good ground cover for your garden throughout the year while adding a distinctive splash of color to it. You will enjoy the added benefit of its lavender, violet, or blue flower during the early summer or late spring.
Plants With Pink and Green Leaves: Indoor Plants
Indoor plants thrive indoors, being particularly sensitive to sunlight or otherwise being delicate. These are typical well behaved,’ meaning that they won’t take over your living space. Even so, many of these will need some measure of natural light, so keep them near windows, patios, balconies, and so on.
Flapjacks
The Kalanchoe luciae, more easily referred to as Flapjacks, are perennial succulents that produce ink and green leaves. While this beautiful plant, which produces white flowers in late fall and early winter, will produce an added elegance to any home environment, it should be noted that its leaves are poisonous.
Lance-Leaf Caladium
Also known as Florida Sweetheart, this stunning plant is a household favorite owing to its deep-pink leaves ringed with green edges. While some opt to have it as an outdoor plant due to its good ground coverage, it is more popular as an indoor plant as it doesn’t mind full shade conditions.
Snow White Waffle Plant
The Hemigraphis alternata, or Snow White Waffle plant, will bring your interior design ranking up a notch or two should you choose to have it as a part of your decor. It is noteworthy for the pink-purple tint of its cascading foliage, which is highlighted by its trailing growth pattern. These qualities make it an ideal candidate for hanging baskets, and you’ll be able to look forward to its seasonal bell-shaped blossom (they’re white!).
Rex Begonia
These are the quintessential houseplant, beloved by homeowners for many generations, yet still retaining their elegant appeal. This tropical plant comes in various foliage types, which can be swirled, spotted, winged, spiraled, or ruffled. They are finicky growers when outdoors, making them better suited for indoor settings. If you’re looking to add a splash of pink in your life, then you can’t do much better than the Rex Begonia.
Plants With Pink and Green Leaves: Peperomia clusiifolia
This class of indoor plants is guaranteed to add a touch of class to any living space you set it in. They come in various shades, but the P. clusiifolia is what you’re looking for if you require a touch of pink in your life. Its variegated pink-purple leaves with nerve stripes of silver are sure to dazzle your guests. Water it moderately and let it get a bit of sunshine (indirect) to keep it looking its best.
Plants With Pink and Green Leaves: Final Thoughts
Most plants are exceptional survivors. Even in cases where you might not be sure whether your plant is an outdoor or indoor variety, you can compromise by letting it grow in a shaded area such as in a balcony or patio, where they won’t be exposed to directly overhead sunlight. Even indoor plants should be located in areas where indirect sunlight gets to them to fair well. In any case, ask your garden and plant supplier for any particular instructions you’ll need to take heed of for the best experience with your new friend. Best of luck!