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17 Indoor Plants That Surprise You by Changing Color

17 Indoor Plants That Surprise You by Changing Color

Imagine having houseplants that transform right before your eyes! Some indoor plants don’t just stay green—they change color based on light, temperature, or seasonal shifts, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving display in your home. Whether they shift from green to pink, purple, or even red, these fascinating plants bring an extra layer of beauty and intrigue to your indoor garden.

From the chameleon-like Chinese evergreen to the dramatic transformations of the nerve plant, these unique plants react to their environment in surprising ways. Some darken in the shade, brighten under sunlight, or develop colorful variegation, making them both decorative and exciting to grow.

Discover 17 stunning indoor plants that will add a changing splash of color to your home and keep you guessing with their ever-shifting hues!

Calathea Roseopicta

Calathea Roseopicta
© The Spruce

Calathea Roseopicta is like a living canvas that transforms throughout the day. Its stunning leaves showcase a palette of deep green, accented by bold pink stripes. Often mistaken for a painting, this plant’s leaves close at night, giving it the nickname ‘prayer plant.’

In the morning, the pink hues intensify, adding a fresh burst of color to your room. Whether nestled on a windowsill or a decorative plant stand, it thrives in indirect sunlight.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and watch this plant dance through its color changes, reflecting the rhythm of nature.

Purple Shamrock (Oxalis Triangularis)

Purple Shamrock (Oxalis Triangularis)
© Jane Perrone

Oxalis Triangularis captivates with its whimsical, triangular leaves that fold up at night, as if to say goodnight. By day, the leaves open, revealing rich purple tones that contrast beautifully against its delicate white flowers.

As light levels change, expect these leaves to intensify in color, offering a dynamic visual display. Easy to care for, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.

Consider placing it on a coffee table where its vibrant color can be appreciated. Its playful nature makes it a delightful conversation starter for any gathering.

Red Aglaonema

Red Aglaonema
© Garden Goods Direct

The Red Aglaonema, a striking beauty, boasts vibrant red and green variegated leaves. This plant doesn’t just sit idly; it becomes more vibrant as it matures, subtly changing hues with the seasons.

It’s low-maintenance, making it perfect for those who love plants but lack a green thumb. Simply place it where it can receive indirect sunlight, and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Its evolving colors bring a touch of warmth and life to any indoor setting, especially during colder months. It’s a living piece of art for your home or office.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen
© Garden Design

Chinese Evergreen is renowned for its adaptability and vibrant displays. Its variegated leaves, dappled with pink and cream, bring a splash of color to lower light areas. Over time, these hues can shift, especially with changes in lighting conditions.

Known for its hardiness, this plant is ideal for beginners. It requires only occasional watering and can tolerate low light, making it versatile for various indoor spaces.

Position it near a shaded window or in an office corner to see it flourish. Its resilient nature and changing colors make it a popular choice.

Rainbow Peperomia

Rainbow Peperomia
© House Plants Expert

With its kaleidoscope of colors, Rainbow Peperomia brings joy to any room. Each leaf is a work of art, displaying shades of green, yellow, and red that shift subtly as it grows.

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and benefits from a well-draining soil mix. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces or as part of a larger plant display.

Watch as the colors deepen throughout the day, offering a lively and ever-changing aesthetic. It’s not just a plant; it’s a living celebration of color and form that fits any decor.

Coleus

Coleus
© Burpee

Coleus is a color enthusiast’s dream, with leaves that can display a mix of red, burgundy, yellow, and green. This plant is highly adaptive and can change leaf patterns based on light exposure.

Regular pinching encourages fuller growth, letting its vibrant hues shine. Perfect for bright spaces, it can handle some direct light but thrives in indirect sunshine.

Place it on a windowsill or tabletop where its color transitions can be most appreciated. Its lively presence is sure to brighten any indoor garden setup.

Polka Dot Plant

Polka Dot Plant
© HubPages

This plant is the epitome of fun, with its speckled leaves that look as though they’ve been splashed with paint. Typically sporting pink spots, the Polka Dot Plant may change color intensity with varying light conditions.

It enjoys a warm, humid environment and indirect sunlight, making it perfect for a bathroom or kitchen setting. Regular misting helps maintain its vibrant appearance.

As a small, low-growing plant, it fits well on shelves or desks, adding a pop of color and whimsy to any workspace or study area.

Rex Begonia

Rex Begonia
© Ken Matthews Garden Center

Rex Begonia is a showstopper with bold foliage that changes like a kaleidoscope with light variations. Its leaves boast intricate patterns and colors, including red, purple, silver, and green.

Thriving in humid environments, Rex Begonia prefers filtered light and regular watering but should avoid soggy soil. This plant’s ornate appearance makes it an excellent centerpiece.

Place it where its vivid colors can be a focal point. Its ability to adapt its hues makes it not only a plant but a dynamic piece of living art.

Neon Pothos

Neon Pothos
© PlantVine

Neon Pothos is a vibrant, easy-care plant with stunning lime-green leaves that seem to glow in the sunlight. Over time, these leaves may develop variegated patterns, adding to their appeal.

Perfect for hanging baskets or trailing over shelves, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water when the soil feels dry to keep it healthy.

Its dynamic color and flowing vines make it an ideal plant for creating a lively, cascading effect in any indoor space.

Flame Nettle

Flame Nettle
© Science Photo Gallery

The aptly named Flame Nettle is celebrated for its fiery foliage that can range from red to vibrant orange. As seasons change, so do its colors, creating a dynamic display of warm hues.

It loves bright, indirect light and requires regular moisture to keep its colors vivid. Ideal for a sunny windowsill, its intense colors bring warmth and life to any setting.

Trim regularly to encourage bushier growth, and enjoy its evolving palette as part of your indoor plant collection.

Triostar Stromanthe

Triostar Stromanthe
© The Spruce

Triostar Stromanthe offers a stunning visual display with its variegated leaves of pink, green, and cream. As it grows, these colors can shift, providing a dynamic element to your plant collection.

While it prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, it’s fairly low-maintenance. Place it in a modern planter to complement your living room decor.

The unique blend of colors and patterns makes it an eye-catching addition. It’s more than just a plant; it’s a statement piece.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig
© The Spruce

Fiddle Leaf Fig is known for its large, glossy leaves that can change in intensity of color based on light conditions. It’s a favorite for interior designers due to its bold size and structure.

These plants enjoy bright, filtered light and should be turned regularly for even growth. This plant can grow quite large, making it perfect as a statement piece in spacious indoor areas.

Its changing leaf colors and towering presence create a dynamic and elegant atmosphere in any room.

Moon Valley Pilea

Moon Valley Pilea
© The Spruce

Moon Valley Pilea, named for its crater-like leaf texture, offers an intriguing visual with its deep green leaves and burgundy undersides. Light levels can enhance these colors, providing a unique display.

This plant prefers moderate light and consistent moisture. Its compact size allows it to fit comfortably in small spaces, such as a bedside table or office desk.

The textured leaves add an element of surprise, making it a fascinating conversation piece.

Wandering Jew Plant

Wandering Jew Plant
© GardeningSG

Wandering Jew Plant offers a cascade of color with its purple, silver, and green striped leaves. These vibrant hues can vary depending on light exposure, making it a versatile choice for indoor decor.

Ideal for hanging pots, it thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates regular watering. Its trailing vines add a lushness to any room, creating a visually appealing backdrop.

It’s a resilient plant that provides a continuously changing color display, perfect for adding depth and interest to your plant collection.

Sunset Jade

Sunset Jade
© Harold Walters Succulent Nursery

Sunset Jade, known for its succulent leaves edged with red, changes with the light. The more sunlight it receives, the more pronounced the red becomes, creating a sunset-like effect.

This hardy plant prefers a sunny spot and requires minimal watering, making it ideal for low-maintenance plant lovers. Its unique coloration makes it a captivating addition to any collection.

Position it where its vibrant hues can be fully appreciated, such as a bright windowsill or a sun-drenched shelf.

Chameleon Plant

Chameleon Plant
© Gardening Know How

Chameleon Plant is aptly named for its ability to change colors across the spectrum. Its leaves can shift from green to yellow, red, or even purple based on environmental factors.

Ideal for those who enjoy a visual surprise, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light and a moist environment. It’s great for kitchens or bathrooms where humidity can enhance its color-changing abilities.

Its unpredictable nature makes it an exciting addition to any indoor garden, ensuring no two days look the same.

Mystic Zebra Fern

Mystic Zebra Fern
© Wanderlust Nursery

Envision a world where mystery meets elegance—the Mystic Zebra Fern is that world brought to life. Its fronds unfurl with stripes reminiscent of a zebra, yet as light filters through, unexpected colors emerge. Imagine deep greens slowly weaving into bright pinks, creating a surreal dance of hues. Place it by a window, and it becomes an ever-changing centerpiece.

This fern thrives in indirect light, where its colors can shine the brightest. The Mystic Zebra Fern doesn’t just adapt; it transforms, offering an artistic touch to any home. Perfect for those with a penchant for the extraordinary, it becomes a conversation starter.