Beginners are not restricted to only green plants and green plants alone. While we certainly appreciate a lush and verdant display filled with emerald green leaves and trailing vines, there exists a wide variety of colorful houseplants that even those who are new to plant care can successfully maintain.
If you are just starting out on your plant-parenting journey, here are the 10 plants that two experts highly recommend—these selections do not require advanced care but will still showcase an impressive spectrum of colors throughout your home.
Raven ZZ Plant:
The raven ZZ plant shares the same undemanding care routine as the common green Zanzibar gem but stands out due to its deep, captivating dark purple foliage. Houseplant specialist Samantha Adler names this as her top recommendation for beginners who want to incorporate bold colors into their collection.
“It adapts well to different lighting conditions and doesn’t require frequent watering,” she explains.
These resilient plants perform best in well-draining soil with some humidity, but they will tolerate less-than-ideal conditions without much fuss.
Crotons: The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Plant for Vibrant, Ever-Changing Colors
“Crotons are the very definition of an easy-to-care-for colorful plant,” states plant expert Brad Hazelett. “Their leaves display rich, multicolored patterns that shift and evolve throughout the growing cycle.”
Though they appreciate humidity and plenty of sunlight, they are far from being a difficult plant for novices to handle.
“Crotons prefer to dry out between waterings and actually thrive when given a bit of neglect, which makes them an excellent choice for someone just starting out in plant care,” Hazelett adds.
Oxalis: A Stunning Purple Houseplant with Shamrock-Shaped Leaves
If you are searching for a purple houseplant that is both visually striking and easy to maintain, Oxalis is an outstanding choice. Its leaves radiate rich shades of fuchsia, violet, and plum—guaranteed to make a bold statement in any room.
“These beautiful purple leaves prefer soil that stays mostly moist, but beyond that, they are incredibly low-maintenance,” says Adler. “They propagate quickly and can add a dramatic pop of color to any space. Even if you make a small mistake in their care, they bounce back with ease.”
An Important Reminder About Sunlight for Colorful Houseplants
Plants with colorful or dark foliage often require more sunlight than their all-green counterparts. To ensure they receive enough light, position them near a south-facing window where they can soak up ample brightness.
Aglaonema: A Low-Light Tolerant Plant with Stunning Pink and Orange Varieties
Beyond its reputation for being easy to care for, aglaonema is a fantastic option for two key reasons related to color: certain varieties feature leaves with pink or orange hues, while others display an eye-catching tri-color green pattern.
“This is a highly adaptable houseplant that can tolerate low-light conditions and comes in many visually striking varieties,” explains Hazelett. “It also forgives inconsistent watering, which is ideal for beginners with unpredictable schedules.”
Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for those who love tropical plants or want to create a stylish indoor greenhouse display.
Coleus: A Versatile Plant That Brings Color Both Indoors and Outdoors
One of the best things about coleus is its adaptability—it thrives equally well inside the home or in an outdoor garden, making it perfect for adding vibrant hues to any setting.
“Coleus comes in an array of colors and can be encouraged to grow tall or bushy,” says Adler. “They are also incredibly easy to propagate—simply snip a stem and place it directly into soil wherever you’d like new growth.”
For indoor care, provide them with bright morning light and indirect sunlight throughout the day. They prefer consistently moist soil, so be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
Spiderwort: A Fast-Growing Plant with Unique Foliage Patterns and Colors
Spiderwort, scientifically known as Tradescantia zebrina, not only introduces captivating colors into your plant collection but also offers intriguing leaf patterns and shapes.
“These plants can be grown in hanging pots or traditional containers,” Adler notes. “They prefer bright but indirect light and aren’t too picky about their placement. They like consistent watering but only need attention every week or two.”
Spiderwort is a low-maintenance option, particularly well-suited for hanging baskets. However, because it grows rapidly, it’s best kept indoors—if planted outside, it can become invasive.
Bromeliads: The Kings of Vibrant Color with Minimal Care Requirements
If you’re looking for a houseplant that delivers eye-catching hues, bromeliads should be at the top of your list.
“Bromeliads reign supreme when it comes to color, with countless unique varieties spanning every shade of the rainbow,” says Hazelett. “They have minimal water needs and don’t require intense lighting, making them an ideal centerpiece for beginner plant enthusiasts.”
With proper care, they produce dazzling spikes in shades of pink, orange, and red. As an added bonus, they also help purify the surrounding air.
Begonias: A Slightly More Challenging but Rewarding Option for Stunning Hues
For those who love cool purples, pinks, silvers, and greens, indoor begonias (such as Begonia Rex) are a fantastic choice. While still beginner-friendly, they are slightly more demanding and best suited for those who have already had success with one or two other plants.
“There’s some debate in the plant community about how easy begonias really are to care for,” admits Adler. “They can be tricky with watering—they like to stay somewhat moist but should never be waterlogged. You’ll need the right soil mix and a consistent watering routine.”
Once you master their care, however, they will reward you with stunning, long-lasting color.
Dracaena: A Hardy Plant Available in Lime Green, Striped, Pink, and Red Varieties
Dracaena encompasses many different types. While most people recognize the classic green, spiky-leaved version, there are also varieties in bright lime green, striped patterns, and even shades of pink and red.
“Varieties such as ‘Colorama’ and ‘lemon lime’ are bursting with vivid, beautiful colors,” says Hazelett. “This houseplant is also forgiving when it comes to irregular watering schedules.”