Pink is not just for flowers.
Some plants have pink and green leaves that make them stand out from the crowd.
You might think these plants are rare or hard to grow, but that’s untrue.
In fact, you can easily find and care for some of the most stunning plants with pink and green leaves.
Whether you are looking for a splash of color, a touch of elegance, or a tropical vibe, there is a plant with pink and green leaves for you.
Read on to discover amazing varieties of plants with pink and green leaves and how to grow them successfully.
Table of Contents
- Pink and Green Leaf Varieties
- Caladium Bicolor
- Ideal Growing Conditions
- Coleus
- Different Color Variations of Coleus Plants
- Suitable Environments for Coleus Plants
- Hypoestes phyllostachya (Polka Dot Plant)
- Varieties of Hypoestes phyllostachya
- Care Requirements
- Creative Uses
- Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternate)
- Pink and Green Leaf Varieties of Waffle Plant
- Care Requirements for Waffle Plant
- Creative Uses for Waffle Plant
- Caladium Bicolor
- Conclusion
Pink and Green Leaf Varieties
Plants with pink and green leaves will create a stunning contrast and add a splash of color to your home or garden.
Here are some of the most popular and beautiful plants with pink and green leaves that you can grow indoors or outdoors.
Caladium Bicolor
Caladium bicolor, also known as the heart of Jesus, is a species of flowering plant in the arum family native to South America and Central America.
It is grown for its large, heart-shaped, or lance-shaped leaves with striking green, white, pink, and red patterns.
There are hundreds of cultivars of Caladium bicolor with different leaf shapes, sizes, and colors.
The features of its pink and green leaves depend on the cultivar, but some common ones are:
- ‘Florida Sweetheart‘: deep-pink leaves with green edges.
- ‘Pink Splash‘: white leaves with pink spots and green veins.
- ‘Pink Symphony‘: white leaves with pink veins and green margins.
- ‘Rosebud‘: rose-pink leaves with green edges and white spots.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Caladium bicolor is a shade-loving plant that prefers moist, well-drained soil and high humidity.
It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11 or indoors as a houseplant.
It goes dormant in winter and produces calla-like flowers in spring or summer.
Pink and Green Leaf Plant: Edible Garnishes
Some plants with pink and green leaves, such as coleus, arrowhead plant, and waffle plant, are edible and can be used to add color and flavor to salads, soups, teas, or desserts. But identify the plant correctly and avoid any toxic parts or varieties.
Coleus
Coleus is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
They are grown for their colorful and variegated foliage in various shapes and patterns.
Coleus are easy to grow and propagate and can be used as bedding, container, or houseplants.
Different Color Variations of Coleus Plants
Coleus plants come in a stunning array of colors, such as yellow, purple, lime green, dark red, and bright pink.
Some variegated varieties have stunning combinations of contrasting colors.
The color of the leaves depends on the amount of light they receive.
More sun exposure can make the colors more intense and dark, while less sun exposure can make the colors more pale and light.
Some of the coleus varieties with pink and green leaves are:
- ‘Pink Chaos‘: narrow pink leaves with bright green margins.
- ‘Fishnet Stockings‘: lime-green leaves with dark purple veins.
- ‘Solar Shadow‘: green leaves with dark red serrated edges and tips.
- ‘Pineapple‘: bright lime-green leaves with burgundy stems.
Suitable Environments for Coleus Plants
Coleus plants are suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
They prefer warm temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (24°C – 27°C) and high humidity levels. They are sensitive to frost and cold drafts.
Indoors, coleus plants need bright indirect light and moist but well-drained soil.
Outdoors, coleus plants need partial shade to full shade and moist but well-drained soil.
Hypoestes phyllostachya (Polka Dot Plant)
Hypoestes phyllostachya, also known as the polka dot plant, is a flowering plant species with green and pink leaves.
The leaves have spots or blotches of pink, white, red, or purple on a green background.
The spots often merge into larger areas of color.
The plant is native to South Africa, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia.
Varieties of Hypoestes phyllostachya
Some of the pink and green leaf varieties of the polka dot plant are:
- ‘Pink Brocade‘: dark green leaves with pink veins and edges.
- ‘Splash Select Pink‘: light green leaves with large pink spots.
- ‘Pink Dot‘: dark green leaves with small pink dots.
- ‘Pink Splash‘: white leaves with pink spots and green veins.
Care Requirements
Polka dot plants are easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
It prefers bright indirect light and moist but well-drained soil.
It needs regular watering and fertilizing during the growing season.
It should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.
Creative Uses
A polka dot plant can be used as a house, bedding, or container plant.
It adds a splash of color to any setting with its vibrant foliage.
It can be combined with other plants that have contrasting or complementary colors.
Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternate)
The waffle plant is a low-growing plant with fuzzy pink and green leaves that belong to the Acanthaceae family.
It is native to Southeast Asia and India.
The leaves have a waffle-like texture and a metallic sheen.
The plant also produces small white flowers in summer.
Pink and Green Leaf Varieties of Waffle Plant
There are several varieties of waffle plants that have different shades of pink and green on their leaves.
Some of them are:
- ‘Red Flame‘: dark green leaves with red veins and purple undersides.
- ‘Snow White‘: light green leaves with white veins and purple undersides.
- ‘Purple Passion‘: dark green leaves with purple veins and purple undersides.
- ‘Red Ivy‘: dark green leaves with red edges and purple undersides.
Care Requirements for Waffle Plant
Waffle plants are easy to care for and can be grown in pots or hanging baskets.
Waffle plants can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 11, where they can tolerate partial shade to full sun.
It should be protected from frost and cold temperatures.
It can also be grown as an annual in cooler zones.
Creative Uses for Waffle Plant
A waffle plant can be used as a houseplant, a ground cover, or a border plant.
Its pink and green foliage adds color and texture to any setting.
It can be combined with other plants with contrasting or complementary colors, such as ferns, ivies, or begonias.
It can also be used as a filler or spiller in mixed containers or hanging baskets.
Conclusion
Pink and green plants are beautiful and beneficial.
They brighten up your space and your mood.
They also purify the air and stimulate your creativity.
You can find many types of pink and green plants to suit your style and preference.
Try growing some and enjoy their positive impact.
