Red plants and how to grow them.
Red is one of nature's most vibrant colours and not restricted solely to flowers. Red adds a splash of colour to any garden and often provides a stunning focus amid the swathes of green. Here are some of our favourites.

Hibiscus.
(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
A hibiscus blossom likely comes to mind when you imagine a tropical flower. Hibiscus flower colors range from bright whites and creams to yellow, peach, oranges, pink, and red. Several species of red-colored, flowering hibiscus shrubs exist, but the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is one of the most popularly grown and best for growing indoors. Also called the Hawaiian or Chinese hibiscus, this flowering plant has an exotic-looking flower with papery red petals, a fiery stamen, and a dusting of bright-yellow pollen.
GENERAL CARE:
Some species are very difficult to cultivate indoors. Others can be grown successfully when treated as indoor plants that summer outside.
SOIL:
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8
LIGHT:
Bright, direct light
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
50°F to 60°F in winter, no higher than 90°F in summer, and high humidity
WATERING:
High watering needs during the growing season. Water as soon as the top layer of soil is dry every 7 to 14 days.
FEEDING:
In spring and summer, feed weekly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
GROWTH:
Blossoms stretch 4 inches in diameter, and the shrubs can reach 3 to 16 feet tall.
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to people. Toxic to pets.
(Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
A hibiscus blossom likely comes to mind when you imagine a tropical flower. Hibiscus flower colors range from bright whites and creams to yellow, peach, oranges, pink, and red. Several species of red-colored, flowering hibiscus shrubs exist, but the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is one of the most popularly grown and best for growing indoors. Also called the Hawaiian or Chinese hibiscus, this flowering plant has an exotic-looking flower with papery red petals, a fiery stamen, and a dusting of bright-yellow pollen.
GENERAL CARE:
Some species are very difficult to cultivate indoors. Others can be grown successfully when treated as indoor plants that summer outside.
SOIL:
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8
LIGHT:
Bright, direct light
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
50°F to 60°F in winter, no higher than 90°F in summer, and high humidity
WATERING:
High watering needs during the growing season. Water as soon as the top layer of soil is dry every 7 to 14 days.
FEEDING:
In spring and summer, feed weekly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength.
GROWTH:
Blossoms stretch 4 inches in diameter, and the shrubs can reach 3 to 16 feet tall.
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to people. Toxic to pets.

Fittonia
(Fittonia albivenis)
The fittonia is widely loved as a houseplant for its strikingly marked leaves as red or white vein lines run throughout its foliage. Thanks to the appearance of its leaves, these beautiful types of red houseplants are also commonly called nerve plants or mosaic plants. Fittonia is native to the rainforests of South America, where it has been traditionally used as a pain reliever and psychedelic.
GENERAL CARE:
Moderately difficult to grow due to humidity needs
SOIL:
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of about 6.5
LIGHT:
Indirect, filtered sunlight to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
The ideal temperature is around 70°F and requires high humidity
WATERING:
Maintain evenly moist soil to avoid fainting due to underwatering and yellowing due to standing water. Mist frequently to prevent the plant from drying out.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only feed regularly with a balanced 5-5-5 fertilizer or tropical plant fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength.
GROWTH:
Grows to be 3 to 6 inches tall with a 12 to 18-inch trailing spread
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to pets. Non-toxic to humans but does have some hallucinogenic properties.
(Fittonia albivenis)
The fittonia is widely loved as a houseplant for its strikingly marked leaves as red or white vein lines run throughout its foliage. Thanks to the appearance of its leaves, these beautiful types of red houseplants are also commonly called nerve plants or mosaic plants. Fittonia is native to the rainforests of South America, where it has been traditionally used as a pain reliever and psychedelic.
GENERAL CARE:
Moderately difficult to grow due to humidity needs
SOIL:
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of about 6.5
LIGHT:
Indirect, filtered sunlight to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
The ideal temperature is around 70°F and requires high humidity
WATERING:
Maintain evenly moist soil to avoid fainting due to underwatering and yellowing due to standing water. Mist frequently to prevent the plant from drying out.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only feed regularly with a balanced 5-5-5 fertilizer or tropical plant fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength.
GROWTH:
Grows to be 3 to 6 inches tall with a 12 to 18-inch trailing spread
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to pets. Non-toxic to humans but does have some hallucinogenic properties.

Flaming Sword
(Vriesea splendens)
The Vriesea splendens is commonly called the flaming sword plant for its fiery red, spike or sword-shaped inflorescence that resembles a flaming sword. A member of the bromeliad plant family, the flaming sword features a rosette of sturdy, lance-shaped leaves with attractive stripes of light and dark shades of green.
GENERAL CARE:
Reasonably easy to grow indoors with the right conditions
SOIL:
Well-draining, bromeliad or orchid potting mix
LIGHT:
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Temperatures between 70°F to 80°F and humidity above 50%
WATERING:
Water the plant’s rosette regularly to maintain about 1 inch of filtered water at room temperature. Water the soil lightly when it has begun to dry to keep roots barely moist.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only, feed monthly with a 1/2 strength, balanced liquid fertilizer.
GROWTH:
Fully grown, the flaming sword plant can reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to pets and people
(Vriesea splendens)
The Vriesea splendens is commonly called the flaming sword plant for its fiery red, spike or sword-shaped inflorescence that resembles a flaming sword. A member of the bromeliad plant family, the flaming sword features a rosette of sturdy, lance-shaped leaves with attractive stripes of light and dark shades of green.
GENERAL CARE:
Reasonably easy to grow indoors with the right conditions
SOIL:
Well-draining, bromeliad or orchid potting mix
LIGHT:
Filtered sunlight or partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Temperatures between 70°F to 80°F and humidity above 50%
WATERING:
Water the plant’s rosette regularly to maintain about 1 inch of filtered water at room temperature. Water the soil lightly when it has begun to dry to keep roots barely moist.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only, feed monthly with a 1/2 strength, balanced liquid fertilizer.
GROWTH:
Fully grown, the flaming sword plant can reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to pets and people

Anthurium
Native to Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and much of South America, anthuriums are epiphytes, which means that they grow on other plants – rather than in the soil – and gather nutrients from the air, rain, and other debris as it gathers around them.
Although you’ll find them commonly growing from the bark of trees in the wild, these stunning red houseplants thrive indoors in a potted environment. Their brightly-colored blooms look like shiny, hearts and represent hospitality.
GENERAL CARE:
Easy to grow
SOIL PREFERENCES:
Well-draining potting mix of 1/2 potting soil and 1/2 perlite or orchid mix
LIGHT:
Bright, filtered sunlight
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
65°F to 80°F and moderate to high humidity
WATERING:
Water regularly when the soil is dry to the touch. Anthuriums are prone to root rot, so be sure your plant never sits in standing water.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only, feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/3 strength.
GROWTH:
Mature plants reach about 1 to 1.5 feet in height.
TOXICITY:
Toxic to pets and people
Native to Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and much of South America, anthuriums are epiphytes, which means that they grow on other plants – rather than in the soil – and gather nutrients from the air, rain, and other debris as it gathers around them.
Although you’ll find them commonly growing from the bark of trees in the wild, these stunning red houseplants thrive indoors in a potted environment. Their brightly-colored blooms look like shiny, hearts and represent hospitality.
GENERAL CARE:
Easy to grow
SOIL PREFERENCES:
Well-draining potting mix of 1/2 potting soil and 1/2 perlite or orchid mix
LIGHT:
Bright, filtered sunlight
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
65°F to 80°F and moderate to high humidity
WATERING:
Water regularly when the soil is dry to the touch. Anthuriums are prone to root rot, so be sure your plant never sits in standing water.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only, feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/3 strength.
GROWTH:
Mature plants reach about 1 to 1.5 feet in height.
TOXICITY:
Toxic to pets and people

Poinsettia
(Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Although well-known for its cherry-red colouring, the poinsettia’s crimson, leaf-like structures are bracts that surround its much smaller true flowers upon blooming. In their native environments (Mexico and parts of Central America), poinsettias grow into large trees or shrubs.
The classic winter season red houseplant, poinsettias, is a popular holiday purchase that many owners struggle to keep alive throughout the rest of the year. With the proper care, however, it can be done!
GENERAL CARE:
Moderately challenging
SOIL:
Well-draining, loamy or peat-based, neutral to acidic soil
LIGHT:
Bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
65°F to 75°F (avoid cold drafts) and moderate to high humidity
WATERING:
Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Saturate soil completely, but allow excess water to drain completely.
FEEDING:
Do not fertilize while blooming. Spring and summer only, feed a balanced, 1/2 strength fertilizer monthly.
GROWTH:
Up to 10 feet tall and 7 feet wide
TOXICITY:
Mildly toxic to pets. Non-toxic to humans, but ingestion can cause stomach upset.
(Euphorbia pulcherrima)
Although well-known for its cherry-red colouring, the poinsettia’s crimson, leaf-like structures are bracts that surround its much smaller true flowers upon blooming. In their native environments (Mexico and parts of Central America), poinsettias grow into large trees or shrubs.
The classic winter season red houseplant, poinsettias, is a popular holiday purchase that many owners struggle to keep alive throughout the rest of the year. With the proper care, however, it can be done!
GENERAL CARE:
Moderately challenging
SOIL:
Well-draining, loamy or peat-based, neutral to acidic soil
LIGHT:
Bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
65°F to 75°F (avoid cold drafts) and moderate to high humidity
WATERING:
Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Saturate soil completely, but allow excess water to drain completely.
FEEDING:
Do not fertilize while blooming. Spring and summer only, feed a balanced, 1/2 strength fertilizer monthly.
GROWTH:
Up to 10 feet tall and 7 feet wide
TOXICITY:
Mildly toxic to pets. Non-toxic to humans, but ingestion can cause stomach upset.

Red Moon Cactus
(Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
You’ve likely run into a moon cactus or ruby ball cactus at your local garden centre or grocery store flower shop. These attractive cacti are the Frankensteins of the flower department because they’re comprised of two plants grafted together: the red-coloured portion and the green portion of the cactus. The brightly coloured part of this red houseplant could not survive on its own because it had mutated to lack chlorophyll, which eliminated all green cells and revealed its bright colour.
GENERAL CARE:
Low-maintenance and easy to grow
SOIL:
Bright, direct sunlight
LIGHT:
Nutrient-rich, fast-draining cactus potting mix with a low pH
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Winter temperatures shouldn’t drop below 50°F or 60°F. Tolerates high heat in spring and summer. Prefers low humidity.
WATERING:
In spring and summer, water frequently (daily outdoors or every few days indoors). Always allow excess water to drain completely. Watering in winter is not necessary. Mist occasionally, instead.
FEEDING:
Feed monthly spring to fall with a fertilizer formulated for cacti.
GROWTH:
Usually remains under a foot tall. Size depends on root growth.
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to people and pets
(Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
You’ve likely run into a moon cactus or ruby ball cactus at your local garden centre or grocery store flower shop. These attractive cacti are the Frankensteins of the flower department because they’re comprised of two plants grafted together: the red-coloured portion and the green portion of the cactus. The brightly coloured part of this red houseplant could not survive on its own because it had mutated to lack chlorophyll, which eliminated all green cells and revealed its bright colour.
GENERAL CARE:
Low-maintenance and easy to grow
SOIL:
Bright, direct sunlight
LIGHT:
Nutrient-rich, fast-draining cactus potting mix with a low pH
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Winter temperatures shouldn’t drop below 50°F or 60°F. Tolerates high heat in spring and summer. Prefers low humidity.
WATERING:
In spring and summer, water frequently (daily outdoors or every few days indoors). Always allow excess water to drain completely. Watering in winter is not necessary. Mist occasionally, instead.
FEEDING:
Feed monthly spring to fall with a fertilizer formulated for cacti.
GROWTH:
Usually remains under a foot tall. Size depends on root growth.
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to people and pets

Crown of Thorns Plant
(Euphorbia milii)
Euphorbia milii is commonly called the Christ plant or crown of thorns plant because its older growth stems are covered in sharp, spiky thorns that resemble depictions of the crown of thorns Christ has been artistically depicted wearing.
These popular types of red houseplants are native to Madagascar and are admired for their attractively colourful bracts surrounding their much smaller blossoms. These bracts are typically bright red or pink in colour and are less often coloured white.
GENERAL CARE:
Low-maintenance
SOIL:
Well-draining, gritty or rocky soil mix
LIGHT:
Full su
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Prefers low humidity and warm temperatures but can tolerate temperatures down to 55°F
WATERING:
Drought tolerant. Keep root ball regularly moistened in summer by watering when the top inch or two of soil has dried. Water less frequently in fall and winter. Always allow excess moisture to drain.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only, feed weekly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
GROWTH:
3 to 6 feet tall and 1.5 to 3 feet wide
TOXICITY:
Toxic to people and pets
(Euphorbia milii)
Euphorbia milii is commonly called the Christ plant or crown of thorns plant because its older growth stems are covered in sharp, spiky thorns that resemble depictions of the crown of thorns Christ has been artistically depicted wearing.
These popular types of red houseplants are native to Madagascar and are admired for their attractively colourful bracts surrounding their much smaller blossoms. These bracts are typically bright red or pink in colour and are less often coloured white.
GENERAL CARE:
Low-maintenance
SOIL:
Well-draining, gritty or rocky soil mix
LIGHT:
Full su
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Prefers low humidity and warm temperatures but can tolerate temperatures down to 55°F
WATERING:
Drought tolerant. Keep root ball regularly moistened in summer by watering when the top inch or two of soil has dried. Water less frequently in fall and winter. Always allow excess moisture to drain.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer only, feed weekly with a water-soluble fertilizer.
GROWTH:
3 to 6 feet tall and 1.5 to 3 feet wide
TOXICITY:
Toxic to people and pets

Coleus
(Coleus scutellarioides)
If you enjoy pops of color, then you’ll love coleus plants. While there are several species, the ones with the showiest colors and patterns are cultivars of Coleus scutellarioides. The colours and markings on these leafy beauties genuinely stand out, with the most vibrant coleus leaves featuring a centre of saturated, bright red, or magenta surrounded by deep maroon and rimmed in neon green. Plus, the colours last throughout the year!
GENERAL CARE:
Moderate maintenance requirements but easy to grow
SOIL:
Choose a neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7), rich, loose potting soil that stays moist.
LIGHT:
Partial to full shade. No direct sunlight.
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Prefers high humidity and temperatures of at least 70°F. Keep away from cool drafts and dry heat vents.
WATERING:
Prefers evenly moist – never soggy – soil. Indoors, water once or twice a week and more frequently in warm or dry environments.
FEEDING:
Provide a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
GROWTH:
Can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide
TOXICITY:
Toxic to people and pets
(Coleus scutellarioides)
If you enjoy pops of color, then you’ll love coleus plants. While there are several species, the ones with the showiest colors and patterns are cultivars of Coleus scutellarioides. The colours and markings on these leafy beauties genuinely stand out, with the most vibrant coleus leaves featuring a centre of saturated, bright red, or magenta surrounded by deep maroon and rimmed in neon green. Plus, the colours last throughout the year!
GENERAL CARE:
Moderate maintenance requirements but easy to grow
SOIL:
Choose a neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7), rich, loose potting soil that stays moist.
LIGHT:
Partial to full shade. No direct sunlight.
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Prefers high humidity and temperatures of at least 70°F. Keep away from cool drafts and dry heat vents.
WATERING:
Prefers evenly moist – never soggy – soil. Indoors, water once or twice a week and more frequently in warm or dry environments.
FEEDING:
Provide a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
GROWTH:
Can reach up to 3 feet tall and wide
TOXICITY:
Toxic to people and pets

Bloodleaf Plant
(Iresine)
Iresine is a genus of flowering plants that contains about 30 species—also called bloodleaf plants, beefsteak plants, and chicken gizzard plants, likely due to their bright colors and unusual leaf markings.
Every part of these amazing red houseplants is so vibrantly colored that it almost looks spray-painted. Different species’ colors range from vibrant violets and pinks that look like they would glow under a black light to deep ruby and blood-red.
GENERAL CARE:
Moderate care needed
SOIL:
Slightly acidic (5.6 to 5.9) loamy soil
LIGHT:
Partial sun to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Prefer warm, humid indoor environments. Place near a bathroom or in a window away from cold drafts. Expose to temperatures no lower than 50°F.
WATERING:
Keep the soil constantly moist without allowing the plant to sit in standing water. Water weekly in spring and summer and less frequently during winter.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer feed weekly with a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
GROWTH:
12 to 18-inches tall at indoor maturity
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to pets and people
(Iresine)
Iresine is a genus of flowering plants that contains about 30 species—also called bloodleaf plants, beefsteak plants, and chicken gizzard plants, likely due to their bright colors and unusual leaf markings.
Every part of these amazing red houseplants is so vibrantly colored that it almost looks spray-painted. Different species’ colors range from vibrant violets and pinks that look like they would glow under a black light to deep ruby and blood-red.
GENERAL CARE:
Moderate care needed
SOIL:
Slightly acidic (5.6 to 5.9) loamy soil
LIGHT:
Partial sun to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Prefer warm, humid indoor environments. Place near a bathroom or in a window away from cold drafts. Expose to temperatures no lower than 50°F.
WATERING:
Keep the soil constantly moist without allowing the plant to sit in standing water. Water weekly in spring and summer and less frequently during winter.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer feed weekly with a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
GROWTH:
12 to 18-inches tall at indoor maturity
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to pets and people

Kalanchoe
(Kalanchoideae)
About 125 species of these flowering tropical succulent plants grow natively in Madagascar and tropical parts of Africa. They feature broad, waxy, paddle-shaped leaves and bloom year-round with clusters of miniature flower blossoms in shades of red (of course), pink, orange, yellow, and white. The Kalanchoe pinnata is particularly well regarded for its small bell-shaped blooms and is also rich in meaning and symbolism. Fun fact: kalanchoe was one of the first plants ever sent to space.
GENERAL CARE:
Low-maintenance and easy to care for
SOIL:
Well-draining, acidic soil (50% cactus potting mix and 50% potting soil)
LIGHT:
Full sunlight to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Not too picky! Comfortable between 50°F to 80°F and thrives in just about any level of humidity
WATERING:
This plant is drought-tolerant. Saturate soil completely every couple of weeks and allow excess water to drain.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer, feed once a month with a well-balanced fertilizer. To encourage blooms, choose a fertilizer that contains potassium.
GROWTH:
1 to 1.5 feet tall and wide at maturity
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to people. Toxic to pets.
(Kalanchoideae)
About 125 species of these flowering tropical succulent plants grow natively in Madagascar and tropical parts of Africa. They feature broad, waxy, paddle-shaped leaves and bloom year-round with clusters of miniature flower blossoms in shades of red (of course), pink, orange, yellow, and white. The Kalanchoe pinnata is particularly well regarded for its small bell-shaped blooms and is also rich in meaning and symbolism. Fun fact: kalanchoe was one of the first plants ever sent to space.
GENERAL CARE:
Low-maintenance and easy to care for
SOIL:
Well-draining, acidic soil (50% cactus potting mix and 50% potting soil)
LIGHT:
Full sunlight to partial shade
TEMP & HUMIDITY:
Not too picky! Comfortable between 50°F to 80°F and thrives in just about any level of humidity
WATERING:
This plant is drought-tolerant. Saturate soil completely every couple of weeks and allow excess water to drain.
FEEDING:
Spring and summer, feed once a month with a well-balanced fertilizer. To encourage blooms, choose a fertilizer that contains potassium.
GROWTH:
1 to 1.5 feet tall and wide at maturity
TOXICITY:
Non-toxic to people. Toxic to pets.