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top red leaf plants — Experience nature's vibrant beauty with the Red Congo’s colorful leaves that add a stunning pop of color to any space.

Growing tired of the usual green when it comes to living plants? Consider spicing things up with some vibrant red leaf plants! There are many popular houseplants that feature shades of red on their leaves, and many of these are easy to care for. Go ahead and discover something unique with the top 5 red leaf plants.

Magenta Triostar

If you’re looking for a plant with some serious personality, the Magenta Triostar is the way to go. This playful prayer plant features deep green leaves with bright magenta stripes and undersides in rich shades of red and pink. It truly appears to be painted by Mother Nature herself.

One thing to keep in mind with the Magenta Triostar is that it requires a bit more care than some other red leaf plants. It needs bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil to thrive. But with a little bit of love and attention, this plant will reward you with its stunning and unique beauty.

Red Congo

The Red Congo is a strikingly lush plant with deep red stems that give way to glossy green leaves. An eye-catching addition to any room, this plant is a member of the Philodendron family and is native to South America.

The Red Congo is a fast grower, making it an excellent choice for filling up empty spaces in your home or office. It also acts as an air purifier and cleans the air of harmful VOCs and other toxins.

False Aralia

The False Aralia is a fun red leaf plant with delicate, frilly leaves in shades of deep green and burgundy. Its serrated leaves resemble a feather boa, making it a unique addition to any space. This plant is native to the Pacific Islands and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

The False Aralia is safe for pets and requires very little upkeep over time.

King of Hearts Anthurium

The King of Hearts Anthurium is a popular flowering plant that features bright red spathes, or clusters of flowers, around its green leaves. Like a bouquet that flowers yearround, the Anthurium is ideal for someone who wants something bright and colorful as well as easy to care for. This plant is native to tropical regions of Central and South America and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

Golden Petra

The Golden Petra is a stunning red leaf plant with leaves that are a mix of green, yellow, and bright red. Its variegated leaves make it a playful addition to any indoor space. This plant is native to Indonesia and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

One fun fact about the Croton Petra is that it’s also known as the “Joseph’s Coat” plant because of its vibrant colors. It’s a great choice for those who want a red leaf plant that also features other bold hues.

Ready to explore even more? Shop our full collection of variegated plants and bring your home to life with vibrant living color!

LifestyleLéon & GeorgeApril 7, 2023houseplant, Red Congo, Golden Petra, Magenta Triostar, Plant Shop, Plant delivery, Variegated PlantsComment

Variegated Plants: Nature's Painted Beauties

The gorgeous variegated leaves of the N’Joy Pothos.

When it comes to colorful plants, we’ve all fallen in love at one point or another, whether it be with a Pink Rubber Tree, an N’Joy Pothos, or the rare and elusive Variegated Monstera that seemingly only grows on Instagram. Variegated is indeed on trend, and these unique bicolored and tricolored beauties have become some of the most sought-after indoor plants in recent years. But what is variegation, where does it come from, and what do we need to know about variegated plants before bringing them into our home?

What is variegation?

The word variegation refers to flowers or leaves with more than one color. Though it is a term that is used rather loosely in the plant world, a variegated plant is one whose flowers or leaves usually have two or three colors, but can sometimes have more.

Variegated leaves come in many forms and may be the cause of natural occurrences or genetic alterations. Depending on the type of variegation, some plants may be more delicate than others, but all are incredibly beautiful and unique!

Pretty in pink! Seemingly painted on, these pink variegated plants add a gorgeous splash of color their surroundings. Pictured clockwise from left to right: Magenta Triostar, Pink Rubber Tree, and Calathea Medallion. — Pretty in pink! Seemingly painted on, these pink variegated leaves add a gorgeous splash of color their surroundings. Pictured clockwise from left to right: Magenta Triostar, Pink Rubber Tree, and Calathea Medallion.

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Different types of variegated leaves

From “painted” leaves to patches of albino white or shimmering silver, there are many different types of variegated foliage. But what causes variegation, and how do the various types differ? Below are three of the most common types of variegation in popular houseplants:

Natural variegation - Sometimes also referred to as pigmented variegation, these plants are naturally patterned. The pattern of their leaves is written into their DNA, and every single leaf will grow with this pattern. Though this happens naturally, horticulturists often create cultivars, or hybrid species, to accentuate the natural patterning. Some popular indoor plants and cultivars with natural variegation include the Magenta Triostar, Silver Evergreen, Snake Plant, and Pink Rubber Tree.
Chimeral variegation - This type of variegation is caused by genetic mutation where some tissue of the plant is able to produce chlorophyll and other tissue is not. The result is a plant with white areas randomly mixed with green areas on leaves, like the incredibly popular yet hard to find Variegated Monstera.
Reflective variegation - Also known as blistered variegation, reflective variegation naturally occurs when tiny air pockets (blisters) are formed between the different layers or tissues of the plant. When light hits these areas, it is reflected, creating a type of silver shine like on the Satin Pothos.

Top plants with variegated leaves

Calathea Medallion

One of our top-selling gifts, the Calathea Medallion has patterned leaves of burgundy, fuchsia, and shades of green.
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How to care for variegated plants

Like all plants, each variety will require its own care regimen. That said, variegated plants tend to be on the more delicate side than their non-variegated counterparts, and generally require bright indirect light for their multi-colored leaves to thrive. Plants that are variegated as a result of genetic mutation are particularly sensitive, as they photosynthesize less due to the lack of chlorophyll on the white areas on their leaves.

In some cases, a branch or stem on a variegated plant may start to lose the white areas on the leaves, slowly turning all green. This is known as “reverting”, and is a sign that the plant is simply returning to its natural state. To avoid your plant fully reverting to green, prune stems whose leaves are turning green as soon as they appear.

Where to buy variegated plants

Certain variegated plants can be extremely hard to come by. Etsy is a great place for rare variegated plants, though generally will require some green thumb expertise as they often ship simple cuttings. If you’re in search of the Variegated Monstera, stay in touch by signing up for our newsletter or following us on Instagram — we are always trying to get our hands on them and occasionally hold giveaways when we do!

What are your favorite variegated plants? Let us know in the comments!

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Education, Plant CareLéon & GeorgeAugust 16, 2022Variegated Plants, Education, Plant Care Comments

Philodendron Brasil Care Guide: Everything You Need To Know

PHILODENDRON BRASIL

*AKA variegated heartleaf philodendron*

The Philodendron Brasil offers a colorful twist on a classic houseplant and is surprisingly easy to care for. With heart-shaped leaves in different shades of green and yellow, this trailing plant earned its name thanks to the close resemblance to the Brazilian flag. Read on to learn everything you need to know about taking care of your Philodendron Brasil from the amount of water it needs, its light requirements, and how to overcome the common issues you might encounter along the way.

What type of light does the Philodendron Brasil need?

While it can survive in low light conditions your Brasil will show its variegation best in medium to bright indirect light. Be careful not to give them too much sun though, placing them in direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.

How to water your Philodendron Brasil

Water about once a week and allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months.

Is the Philodendron Brasil a fast grower?

This plant is indeed considered a fast grower. You can either keep you Brasil in a hanging pot and let its leaves trail down or you can train it to grow upwards by using supports. Fertilize your Philodendron Brasil 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with Philodendron Brasils

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The Fabulous World Of Philodendrons

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How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Philodendron Brasil

Philodendrons are known for being easy to care for, read on for tips on how to keep yours looking full and colorful over time.

Pruning Philodendrons

Remove dry or dead leaves all year round, but save any major pruning for the spring and summer months. When pruning your philodendron, use sharp, clean shears and cut any excessive growth at the base of the stem.

Cleaning Your Plant

Take each leaf between two soft tissue cloths and wipe off the top to reveal a healthy shine (also helps the plant soak in more light!).

How to repot your Philodendron

Houseplants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, this is nice to do every 2-3 years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.

When to repot - Philodendrons are known for their rapid growth. You’ll know when it’s time to repot yours when its roots are growing our of the pot.
Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow outwards more, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.
Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

How to propagate a Philodendron Brasil

If you’re interested in making more of your Philodendron Brasil either for yourself or a friend rest assured that propagating this plant is very easy. Though there are many ways to do this, water propagation is generally the easiest way to go about it. Follow these instructions to propagate your Philodendron Brasil:

Select a stem to propagate - Using sharp, clean scissors or shears, cut an inch or two below a node(these are the areas where leaves attach to the vines).
Place in water - Find a clear glass and fill it with water. Submerge only the stem of the vine, any leaves that are sitting in the water will rot!
Place in a bright area and wait! - Avoid any direct sun. You may need to change the water out every few days to keep it fresh. It usually takes just a few days for the root to start growing.
Transfer to soil - After a week or so, transfer to indoor potting soil. A small pot is best — no larger than 6” in diameter.
Keep hydrated - During the first few weeks, or until your plant feels firmly rooted in its soil, regularly water and drain your Philodendron. The soil should be just barely moist to the touch at all times.

Shop the Philodendron Brasil at leonandgeorge.com

Philodendron Brasil

An incredibly resilient tropical plant, this colorful variation of the heart-leaf philodendron is the perfect choice for beginners.

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Plant Care, Care GuideLéon & GeorgeFebruary 20, 2021Philodendron Brasil, Brasil, Variegated Plants Comments