15 Pink Plants to Get Your Hands on Right Now
Heard the good news? Pink plants exist!
Here is an extensive guide to 17 all- and partially pink plants
to give your home that fresh tropical vibe.
1. Caladium
Caladium care tips: For soil mix, use a well-draining & slightly acidic soil (add a bit of peat moss). Keep the soil slightly moist, don’t let it dry out too much but also avoid soggy soil. The exact amount of water varies depending on the conditions in your home, size of the plant, amount of the soil… So try to observe your plant and always stick your finger inside the pot to check whether it needs a drink. During growing season, fertilize once a month.
2. Hoya Carnosa Tricolour
Care tips for your Hoya Carnosa Tricolour: Crimson Princess likes a bright spot (highest chance of blooming) and – as it is a succulent - sparse watering. Water it only when the soil is dry (especially in winter months). In this case, less is more definitely applies. The soil mix should be lightweight and fast-draining. Pot with a drainage hole is a must! Keep the humidity over 40 percent and your Crimson Princess will be very happy. Don’t leave it in direct sun as it will bleach the leaves yellow and they will fall off. Early morning and late afternoon sunshine is fine. Best temperature range is between 18 and 25°C. Fertilize now and then in summer with highly diluted fertilizer.
3. Pink Chinese Evergreen or Aglaonema
Any fans of Aglaonemas here? Similarly to Caladiums, Aglaonemas can be found in many variations with fun, colourful, strikingly patterned leaves. As they are quite easy-going, they will be a great pink addition even for plant beginner or a more forgetful plant owner. Pink Dalmatian Aglaonema features speckles of bright pink colour on pretty, forest green leaves. It is the lower light levels what brings out the pink coloration. The less sunlight it receives the more pink colouring on the leaves. Aglaonema Red Valentine stuns with darker pink, almost reddish leaves. Aglaonema Sparkling Sarah has adorable pink veining on the foliage as well as pink petioles. Aglaonema Red Ruby is yet another one to consider on your hunt for pretty pink houseplants.
Aglaonemas can be grown in the garden as well, but when grown indoors, the variegated varieties like a well-lit position away from direct sunlight. They can grow under fluorescent lighting, making them ideal for offices and interior low-light spaces. It doesn’t like drafts either so place it away from air vents and windows. Water when the top layer of soil starts getting dry. If you’re unsure, whether to water or not, wait another day or two. One of the ways to check, whether a plant needs to be watered is to lift the (nursery) pot. Is it heavy? Are the leaves upright? If so, it doesn’t need watering. Is the pot light? Do the leaves seem a bit sad? Give it a drink. However, never let the roots sit in standing water as this may cause root rot. Ensure the temperature stays above 16C. Aglaonemas like to be fertilized twice a month during spring and summer months. Has your plant gotten big? Propagate it by root division when repotting. Use a well-draining potting mix. You may also put a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot, which will help drain away any excess water. Another repotting tip is to not plant it too deep as this often causes the plant to die. Your best bet is to repot so that you can still see the original soil it was growing in.
As it likes a good bit of humidity, you can mist its leaves from time to time or run a humidifier. Browning tips are a tale-tell sign that the air is too dry.
Just like with Hoya, Aglaonema is poisonous if ingested, so be very careful if you have pets and/or small children. However, they are beautiful, pretty low-maintenance plants that are said to bring good fortune to its owners. Go get one! Or a few...
4. Mosaic/Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the biggest drama queen of them all? You’ve surely come across Instagram timelapse videos featuring fittonias’ legendary drama show. It really may be an unnerving experience when you first see the leaves limp and droop over the sides of the pot, but that is not why it got the nickname nerve plant. It is actually due to her dark green leaves with brightly coloured pink veins, which indeed remind of nerves. Together with her light green undersides, pink fittonia will add a pretty pop of colour to any room in your home.
Fittonia care tips: Your Fittonia will grow best in medium light, but will also do well in a sunny window with filtered light (sheer curtain). If you have a north facing window, your fittonia will love it. Beware of too much hot sun as it will leave her leaves brown and crispy. If placed in a spot with low light exposure, fittonias may revert to green, losing their vibrant pink colour.
Fittonias originate in Peru and other areas of the South American rain forest and like many other tropical houseplants, they too love humidity. It is therefore one of the best plant types to keep in a terrarium or a bottle garden. If grown in a pot, mist your fittonia at least once a week or place on a pebble tray with water and the plant should be happy. When the surface of the soil starts getting a bit dry, it’s time to water. Give it just enough so that the soil won’t stay soggy. Even if the leaves are super droopy, don’t despair. It will likely bounce back within hours and put on quite a show. Keep the temperature between 15 and 25ºC. Fertilize once a month during the growing season. If your plant gets big, you can propagate it with stem cuttings dipped in rooting powder.
Although not often, fittonias kept as houseplants may bloom under the right conditions. The flower, however, is rather insignificant. If you want to channel the plant’s energy back into the foliage, feel free to prune the bloom.
5. Pin Stripe Calathea (Calathea ornata)
Calathea Ornata, Pinstripe Plant, Pinstripe Calathea, Calathea Sanderiana, Peacock Plant, Zebra Plant, or Cathedral Plant… these are all one and the same beautiful tropical plant from the Calathea family, native to South America and other tropical climates such as Thailand. There are over 300 different types of Calathea plants with multiple hybrids and Ornata is definitely becoming one of the most trendy ones out there. It is no wonder.
Her gorgeous leaves with pink stripes and purple undersides are good enough a reason to run to the nursery right now. As beautiful as it is, Calatheas can be a bit a little bit fussy at times. Let us have a closer look at how to keep your Calathea Ornata happy.
Calathea Ornata care tips: As calatheas are tropical plants, they do love a good bit of humidity. Try to keep the soil moist. Do not let it sit in a puddle of water but don’t let it dry out too much either. Ideally, aim for a soil mix with larger chunks and moss, as these will hold moisture but won’t keep the mix too compact. Back off on watering a little bit during the winter months but remember to keep the humidity around the plant high. If you have a humidifier, keep it close. Keep your Calathea Ornata in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature for your Calathea would be between 18-28°C. Your plant will be happier if you fertilize it every 2 to 4 weeks but only when it’s growing (April to October).
Troubleshooting Calathea Ornata: Has your pink-striped Calathea started fading to white? It’s probably getting too much sunlight. Move it to a place with a bit more shade and you’ll see she’s happier. If your plant starts yellowing but still pushes out new growth, it’s okay. If it’s widespread, it’s possible that you’re overwatering. Calathea Ornata may also be susceptible to pests, most often spider mites. If you spot your leaves looking sad, immediately check for small red arachnids. Shower your plant vigorously and treat the leaves with a natural pesticide, such as neem oil. There will be some loss in the foliage but at least your Calathea won’t die completely. Great news is that it’s not toxic to dogs or cats.
Want to propagate your Calathea Ornata? Wait until the spring and then use the division method. Make sure that each clump of leaves has roots to ensure new growth. It’s definitely worth a try!
6. Polka Dot or Freckle Face Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a delicate tropical bushy plant from Madagascar. Pink Polka dot plant with spots covering the small, dark green foliage is the OG, but today there are many other hybrids with purple, scarlet, lavender and white speckled, spray-painted-like leaves.
Polka Dot plant care tips: Freckle faceplant as its other nickname goes, will grow in any type of indirect light but has best colour in a spot with lower light. However, this means you will have to pinch it back quite regularly, as the stems will be trying to search for light and will get leggy and spindly. Dip the tips in a rooting medium (in spring and summer), remove bottommost leaves, place the tips in a soilless medium such as peat moss, let it root, transfer to soil and voilá - you have got new polka dot plants to keep or gift to your plant friends.
It prefers a humid environment but it is not as demanding when it comes to humidity as a fittonia or calatheas. It likes to stay moist rather than dry out between waterings. If it starts wilting, it’s time to water. Soil should be porous and rich in organic matter. Fertilize once a month with organic houseplant feritilizer. Don’t let the temperature drop under 15°C. Similarly to Calathea Ornata, Polka dot plant is non-toxic to pets or humans and is a great air-purifiant.
It she has piqued your interest, check out Pink Brocade, Pink dot, Splash or Confetti cultivars as well.
7. Stromanthe Sanguinea (Triostar)
Stromanthe Tricolour also known as Triostar or Sanguinea Triostar is a super attractive houseplant with dramatic multicoloured oblong leaves, combining the prettiest shades of pink, cream, white and green. It looks as if painted with elegant thick brush strokes with hot pink undersides. Stromanthe may be a little bit difficult sometimes so here are some of our tips to keep it alive and healthy.
Stromanthe Tricolour care tips: Providing regular humidity is crucial when growing your Stromanthe ‘Triostar’ plant. It comes from the Brazilian rainforest and therefore will not do well in a dry environment. A humidifier, good old misting or pebble trays with water under the pot will help raise the local humidity around the plant. When watering, keep the soil moist but always wait until the top is dry before the next one. Stromanthe likes well-draining soil. Try mixing in some perlite to improve drainage. Fertilize the plant once a month during growing season. Your Stromanthe will need bright indirect light but no direct sunlight. This will allow your plant to thrive while maximizing its coloring. If you see brown spots on the leaves, unfortunately you have burnt your plant and need to place it somewhere with lower sun exposure. The plant has an ingenious mechanism on each leaf for orienting the blade toward the sun as well as away from it. Especially during midday you will notice your plant being more upright to lower the sun-exposed area.
Would you like to propagate your Stromanthe? Divide it. Remove the container, place the plant on a flat surface and cut it at the base with a large knife. Make sure both parts of the plant have enough of a root system. Stromanthe Triostar is a really beautiful plant to add a pop of colour and tropical vibes to your home.
9. Variegated Rubber Plant
Ficus is an incredibly interesting plant that comes in many forms and varieties. I saw some burgundy ficuses growing as trees in Zakynthos, Greece, and can’t get them out of my head ever since! Let’s have a look at the gorgeous variegated version of the Pink Rubber Tree - Ruby.
Pink Rubber Tree care tips: Pink Rubber Trees known as Red Ruby or Belize will do best in bright indirect light, though they will do with medium indirect light as well. As it is a variegated plant, the pale parts of the leaves cannot photosynthesize. Make sure it receives plenty of light, but keep it out of harsh light to avoid scorched leaves. Your Ruby’s numero uno enemy is overwatering. Is the soil soggy almost all the time? Are bottom leaves yellowing like crazy? Cut back on the water. The plant does like to dry out between waterings, especially during winter months. Your watering schedule may become less frequent and that is how it should be. The Pink Rubber Tree will grow the most in summer and it might grow several metres high when mature, if provided with the right conditions. This takes several years. If it’s getting too out of hand, prune it, but only in the spring and summer months. Be careful of the sap as it may damage your skin as well as furniture (it’s toxic to pets as well). Stick the branch cuttings in water, let them root {takes a few weeks) and plant them in soil as a new plant. Is your Pink Rubber Tree losing its pretty pink colour? It’s probably due to too little light or not enough warmth. Brown edges on the leaves often signal underwatering. Stick your finger in the soil to feel how much water it actually has. Remember to wipe down the leaves from time to time to remove dust and dirt buildup as well as any sign of pests. Pink Rubber Trees are wonderful plants that are definitely well worth the buck.10. Variegated Pink Croton
I feel like crotons are a love/hate case for many plantlovers. I myself am not the biggest fan of the orange-yellowy types, but pink just seems to make everything better. It’s just about looking for long enough to find one that you will fall in love with. Crotons are said to be fussy, but I find them rather resilient and rarely acting out. It may happen that they lose some of their leaves when you first move them in but that is none of your fault. They don’t like to be moved. Just take care of it like you would normally do with a plant ant it will grow back soon.
Croton care tips: The more variegated the cultivar, the more light they need. It may happen that too little light will result in loss of colour. Same applies for too much light exposure. Slow-release fertilizer at least twice a year will also help to keep the plant’s colour pretty. As it is a tropical houseplant from Indonesia and Malaysia, it will appreciate high humidity. Water your croton when the top of the soil is dry.. Keeping the temperature above 15°C is a must. Drafts are not croton’s best friends either. Because of its large, leathery colourful leaves, they might be alluring to your pets. Keep your croton out of their reach as they are toxic to animals and people when ingested. Word has it they taste horrible.
11. Pink Succulents
Though not regarded as plants by some, succulents definitely have their say in this selection of prettiest pink plants. Not only are they extremely cute, but they offer so many options to choose from! They make perfect gifts and may actually be the first stepping stone into the houseplant universe. Here are a few types you might want to check out : Anacampseros telephiastrum 'Variegata', Pink Moonstones Pachyphytum, Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg', Kalanchoe 'Pink Butterflies', Graptoveria ‘Debbie’, Graptopetalum Pachyphyllum ‘Bluebean’ Graptosedum ‘Francesco Baldi’ Aloe ‘Pink Blush’, Sedeveria ‘Pink Granite’ and many more.
Oh and did I mention some Tillandsias or Air plants turn pink too as they're about to bloom? How cool is that!
12. Alocasia Pink Dragon
13. Variegated String of Hearts
Ceropegia woodii is a gorgeous trailing semi-succulent plant, which rightly belongs among the must have houseplants. The plant, native to South Africa, is especially popular for its delicate heart-shaped leaves, which is why it got its nickname "String of Hearts".
VSOH care tips: String of Hearts is a very easy plant perfect even for plant newbies. The variegated version is known for its pretty pink hue on the leaves. To retain it, the plant needs brighter conditions than the non-variegated version. Be sure to place your String of Hearts where it can receive plenty of bright indirect light but not in direct sunlight. One of the ways to tell if your VSOH has enough light is to observe the colour of the leaves and the gaps between them. They will grow wider apart if the spot is a little too dark. Unlike some of the plants we’ve mentioned previously, it doesn’t mind dry air and as it is semi-succulent, doesn’t need too much water (even less in the winter). When the soil is dried halfway down the pot, the plant is ready for a drink. As String of Hearts store water in their leaves, you will see they’ll start to soften and look a little deflated when thirsty. However, beware of excessive watering. To make your plant bushier, pin the long stems down in the soil of the pot and once it roots, snip the connecting part of the stem.
Once your VSOH nests its sweet spot you will find its long stems trailing all the way to the floor! This is a perfect opportunity to propagate (make sure you propagate during and around summer). There are several methods to go about propagating your String of Hearts. To propagate in water, cut off the vine pieces you want to root, put them in a propagation vessel, and wait for the roots to grow. Place it in a warm area with ample light and the roots should appear within few days. To propagate in soil, cut the vines, remove the leaves on the potting side and stick the vines into the soil. You need to make sure that the node (the place on the stem the leavs grow from) is covered in the soil. Keep the soil slightly moist and soon you'll have a cute new plant! Lastly - and you may not know this - this plant has tubers. They appear on the stems after bloom and look like small clay-like beige balls. To propagate with tubers, find the largest one on the stem and press it into the soil to grow root. Once it does you can cut the vine from the mother plant.
You’re gonna love this plant if you aren’t already. We promise!
14. Syngonium Neon Robusta
Syngonium Neon Robusta is yet another low-maintenance plant to consider if you want to add some pink hues to your interior. Its leaves have a lovely iridescent pink shade on the upper side and green colour underneath. Syngonium is not only a very pretty plant – it purifies air and acts as anti-pollutant as well! This was even backed up by researchers from NASA. Apparently, it can increase your room’s oxygen percentage up to 20%!
Syngonium care tips: This tropical plant looks great in a compact form, staked up as well as vining. These plants grow pretty fast and are very adaptable in terms of light. The greener types of syngonium will do okay even in lower light whereas the variegated types as well as Syngonium Neon Robusta will need a bit more light to retain the pretty colour. Bright indirect light is best. However, do avoid keeping the plant in direct sunlight as this may burn the delicate foliage.
In terms of watering, don’t let them dry out too much. They do like their soil moist (not soggy though!). You will see the leaves wilt and eventually becoming crispy and if you aren’t giving it enough water. Adding peat moss to your potting mix is a good idea. It’s native to the tropical rain forests of Mexico, West Indies, and America, which means it loves humidity. The more the better. Put your syngonium on a pebble tray with water or run a humidifier closeby to keep it happy. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.
Be careful if you have pets, especially cats, as crystals of calcium oxalate are present in the plant and make it toxic to humans and animals.
15. Philodendron Pink Princess
Philodendron Pink Princess may be one of the most trending items in the world of houseplants, mainly because of the beautiful pink-splashed leaves This particular species of philodendron is native to the rainforests of Colombia and is rather easy to grow. It does grow a little bit slower though, this is because of the variegation, which takes away some of the chlorophyl surface.
Philodendron Pink Princess care tips: As a houseplant, your Philodendron Pink Princess will grow best near a window, where it has bright indirect light as well as some soft sunlight coming in on it. Just be sure to avoid direct sun around noon when it is the strongest. When it comes to the princess’ water needs, she does like to dry out a bit between waterings. If your media is very draining, you can increase the moisture level. Also - if you can provide at least 50% air humidity, your plant will love it.
After a while, it may happen that the plant starts reverting and loses some of its variegation. Another scenario is that it will keep pushing out pink-only growth and the plant won’t be able to sustain itself due to the lack of chlorophyl. How to go about this? You should ensure a balance in non-variegated and variegated leaves on your plant. If you look closely at the stem, you will see a little odd coloured, dimpled area - this is a “growing eye” where new growth will appear after you’ve cut above it. If you want to bring back the pink, go down the stems, find the most variegated leaf and then make a cut just above the node. To stop pink-only growth, find a leaf with a good amount of green surface and cut above the eye. The eye will push out new growth and likely stop the reversion/all-pink growth.
Once you’ve cut the pieces off you can also root them and make a new plant! It does need that green though. They look great as vining, climbing plants, but an occasional pruning back will thicken your plant up.
You might be wondering why I didn't include Philodendron Pink Congo into this list as it might currently be one of the most seached-after plants in general. The reason for this is that the plant is a fake. It has become somewhat of a controversial topic as unlike Pink Princess, its pink colour doesn't occur naturally. It is induced artificially by exposing the plant to a certain type of gas which turns the leaves baby pink. Sad news is it's only temporary and WILL REVERSE back to green. A lot of plant enthusiasts have lost money and definitely temper as well when they found out their new expensive purchase is a scam. It may be gorgeous but remember, kids, it's not all gold that glitters!
That is it for our collection of 15 pink plants we love and know you will love too. Happy indoor jungling!
