How to choose and care for a beautiful purple leaved house plant

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If you're looking for a way to add some color and vitality to your home, then look no further than the beautiful purple-leaved house plant. Not only do these plants help to purify the air and provide numerous mental health benefits, but they can also make your living space shine with their unique and striking foliage.

Why You Need a Purple Leaved House Plant in Your Life

Purple-leaved house plants are an easy and affordable way to add some color and life to any room in your home. In addition, these plants are low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy individuals who want to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without having to spend hours caring for them.

How They Can Elevate the Look of Your Home

The beauty of the purple-leaved house plant is that they come in many different varieties, each with its unique shape, size, and hue. From the classic purple-leafed African violet to the sprawling deep green and purple Philodendron, these plants make a statement on their own, or when arranged in a group or paired with other complementary plants.

Choosing the Right Purple Leaved House Plant

When selecting a purple-leaved house plant, it's essential to consider factors such as the type of plant variety, where to buy your plant, and the criteria for choosing the right plant.

Varieties to Consider

There are several different types of purple-leaved houseplants to choose from, ranging from small potted plants to tall, sprawling species. Some popular options include:

• African violets
• The purple passion plant
• The Purple Shamrock
• The Purple Heart Plant
• The Croton

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plant

When choosing the right purple-leaved house plant, consider these factors:

• Lighting: Ensure you know how much sunlight your plants require; some need direct light while others thrive in low-light areas.
• Watering needs: Each plant has its specific watering requirements, and over or under-watering can harm them.
• Space: Some plants have an extensive root system and spread quickly, which might not be suitable for your space.
• Pet safety: If you have pets at home, check if the plant is toxic or non-toxic to them.
• Soil Type: The soil composition affects the nutrients and water retention of the plant.

Where to Buy Your Plant

You can buy purple-leaved houseplants from local nurseries or from online stores such as Amazon or Etsy. Check reviews and ratings of the seller before purchasing to ensure that they sell quality plants.

Caring for Your Purple Leaved House Plant

Caring for your purple-leaved house plant is essential to ensure its longevity and health. Proper care includes identifying the ideal lighting conditions, watering, fertilizing, repotting and pruning.

Light and Temperature Needs

Make sure you place your purple-leaved house plant where it gets optimal light for its survival. Typically, they prefer indirect, bright light conditions to grow healthy. Hence, position your plant near a window without exposing it to direct sunlight, especially during summer. Different purple-leaved houseplants have different temperature needs; you must identify the preferred temperature range and maintain it.

Watering and Fertilizing Tips

Proper watering is crucial for maintaining a healthy purple-leaved houseplant. The frequency of watering varies depending on the species, potting mixture and environment where the pot is located. Over-watering could harm your plant by causing root rot; similarly, under-watering leads to dryness and wilting. Fertilizing provides additional nutrients that keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

Repotting and Pruning

As plants grow, they need more space, nutrients, and water to thrive. Repotting is recommended when the roots outgrow its container to prevent stunted growth. Pruning helps maintain the plant's shape, achieve optimum fullness and density.

The Benefits of Having a Purple Leaved House Plant

Apart from their beauty, purple-leaved houseplants add several benefits to your life and home, making them popular among indoor gardeners.

Air Purification

Indoor air quality can be significantly affected by pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released from household items like cleaning agents or furniture products. Luckily, certain houseplants like purple leaved ones remove these pollutants through their aerating capacity and enhance air quality.

Stress Reduction

Studies have shown that being in the presence of greenery reduces anxiety, decreases blood pressure and enhances relaxation. Having plants around not only provides visual appeal but also offers a sense of serenity and calmness.

Improving Mental Health

Research has shown that indoor plants can improve your mood, reduce stress levels, fight depression and increase productivity. The color purple also has a calming effect, making it a perfect addition to your indoor plants collection.

In adding a purple-leaved house plant in your indoor garden is an excellent idea, providing you with ample benefits. In summary, they are beautiful, low-maintenance, air purifiers, stress reducers, and mentally uplifting. With the proper care, they will thrive and provide long-lasting beauty to your home.

FAQ

What is the best type of soil for purple leaved house plants?

A well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mixtures such as equal parts of peat moss, loam, and sand, or perlite is suitable for most purple-leaved house plants.

How often should I water my purple leaved house plant?

The frequency of watering depends on several factors like temperature, humidity and the plant's age. Wait until the topsoil is dry before watering again.

Can purple leaved house plants grow in low light?

Yes, Purple-leaved house plants can grow in low light conditions. However, prolonged exposure to low supress weeds may slow their growth rate.

How do I know if my plant needs repotting?

Check if there is a root ball visible on top of the existing pot mixture, or if the roots start coming out through the drainage holes. Moreover, if the plant is wilting frequently, despite correct watering, then it might be time to repot.

Do purple leaved house plants need direct sunlight?

No, Purple-leaved house plants prefer indirect, bright light conditions that mimic their natural habitat.

Are purple leaved house plants toxic to pets?

Some varieties of purple-leaved house plants like the Croton and Calathea family are toxic to pets. Pet owners should do proper research before adopting a new plant friend, especially if they have a curious pet at home.

Can purple leaved house plants thrive without fertilizing?

No, Proper fertilization ensures your plant has sufficient nutrients to grow healthy, vibrant foliage. Experts recommend fertilizing with balanced houseplant fertilizers every two to three weeks during the growing season.

How do I propagate my purple leaved house plant?

Most purple-leaved houseplants can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, or division of large plants. Research on what propagation method is suitable for the type of purple leaved house plant in question.

Why are the leaves of my purple leaved house plant turning brown?

Brown tips of leaves could indicate several issues, including poor watering habits, environmental changes, or disease. Try identifying the primary cause and rectifying it.

How do I get rid of pests on my purple leaved house plant?

Common household insecticides, insecticidal soaps, or natural remedies like neem oil, rubbing alcohol, and insect traps effectively control most pests.