As indoor plant enthusiasts, we’re well aware that the color palette of our beloved houseplant leaves are generally shades of green, with a few splashes of red, purple and white. While there’s no shortage of greenery to admire, it can be exciting to have an unusual colored leaf, like blue leaves or plants! In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some blue house plants that are sure to give your collection a one-of-a-kind vibe.
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Keep in mind, that truly blue plants are extremely rare, so so some of these might only appear blue in certain circumstances or have slight blue tones. With that said, let’s dive into the world of blue houseplants!
Blue Is A Rare Color To See In Plants
There are hardly any truly blue plants in nature, as blue is one of the rarest colors to appear in the environment! This is because blue is only seen when red is absorbed by plants, and red is one of the largest energy particles, which is hard for many plants to absorb. (Keep reading about this on Live Science)
When blue is found, it’s more likely in flowers rather than leaves. But there are a few plants with blue leaves! Most commonly, blue appears in succulents or cacti, which have adapted to store water in their leaves. This gives their foliage a fleshy and thick consistency, allowing them to exhibit bluer shades. Now, let’s explore some blue indoor plants that can add a touch of blue magic to your home.
Cacti & Succulents
1. Blue Myrtle Cactus
The Blue Myrtle Cactus is the nickname for the Myrtillocactus geometrizans. This is a slow-growing cactus that gets its name from the blue-green stems on this naturally desert dwelling plant.
The Blue Myrtle provides a striking pop of blue in your collection, serving as a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your indoor display.
Care Suggestions: While this is a cactus, it prefers colder climates (pick the coldest area of your home to grow this!). And be sure if you choose this plant to have good gardening gloves so you can handle the plant with ease.
2. Echeveria ‘Blue Bird’
Echeverias come in various forms and colors, but the blue varieties, like Echeveria ‘Blue Bird’, Echeveria glauca and Echeveria peacockii, have a powdery blue hue that’s incredibly eye-catching. Add these small, rosette-shaped succulents to your collection for a touch of blue elegance.
Care Suggestions: Succulents don’t need too much water, but be sure to check in on them once in a while and give them a thorough soak! You may also notice that the blue becomes more visible in certain lighting conditions compared to others.
3. Blue Agave
The Blue Agave, otherwise known as Agave tequilana, is another great addition to your collection. This agave has a distinct blue hue and can grow over two feet tall! The blue color of this plant will vary depending on the amount of light it receives.
Care Suggestions: This plant needs warmer temperatures to thrive, so try to keep it in a warmer, less drafty part of your home. Also, grow it in a sand-based soil for best results!
Pothos Plants
4. Cebu Blue Pothos
The Cebu Blue Pothos, or Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’ is a rare variety of pothos that boasts a stunning bluish-silver hue. This trailing plant is an excellent choice for growing upwards on a trellis or a post for support. As the Cebu Blue matures, it loses some of it’s blue for a more green leaf, but also develops fenestrations, or holes in the leaves, which adds to its unique charm.
Care Suggestions: Grow this blue house plant in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. And keep this plant away from pets, as it is toxic to them!
5. Satin Pothos
The Satin Pothos, or Scindapsus pictus, is appreciated for its dark green leaves with blue-silver speckles. Though not entirely blue, the foliage’s mesmerizing silver shimmer can create an enchanting blue illusion when placed in the right lighting conditions.
Care Suggestions: This is an easy to care for plant that loves to grow up a pole or anything else it’s given to wrap around. Grow in bright, indirect lighting for the most vibrant blueish hue.
Other House Plants With Blue Leaves
6. Blue Star Fern
The Blue Star Fern, or Phlebodium aureum, will catch your attention with its elongated blue-green fronds. The subtle blue tint of this fern adds an unexpected dash of color to your fern collection and blends beautifully with other woodland plants.
Care Suggestions: Keep this fern in medium to bright indirect light and water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Try to be careful to not accidentally get water on the new plant growth, as this will stunt it’s growth.
7. Blue Begonia
Check out pictures of this rare begonia here
The Blue Begonia (Peacock Begonia), or Begonia pavonina is an evergreen perennial that has bright blue foliage. This is one of the only plants with bright blue leaves that are found in nature.
The color of these leaves will vary depending on the amount of sunlight it’s exposed to and its overall care. This is not a common plant to find.
Care Suggestions: This plant is difficult to care for, as it’s so rare due to it’s natural living conditions. It prefers a slightly cooler than room temperature and over 50% humidity environment. Get the best blue from subjecting it to colder temperatures at night and having occasional bright, indirect sunlight.
8. Blue Hosta
There isn’t a specific Hosta to mention in this section. Hostas are one of the plants that you’re most likely (outside of succulents/cacti) to find with blue leaves. With proper care, these can grow to giant sizes.
Care Suggestions: Water your Hosta regularly, avoiding getting the leaves wet. This is more commonly an outdoor garden plant, but can just as easily be grown indoors. Too much sunlight can harm the plant and lose some of the blue tint to the leaves.
Looking for a rainbow of plant colors? Check out these purple indoor plants or black succulents
Blue Indoor Plants: In Summary
Whether you’re looking for a giant houseplant, a small succulent, or something in-between with trailing plants, there are some beautiful blue plants on this list.
And don’t let the color fool you – while some of these plants may look delicate and exotic, most of them are quite hardy and easy to take care of. As long as you keep their specific needs in mind, they should thrive in your home! So go ahead and explore the shades of blue available for house plants – you won’t be disappointed. Good luck and happy gardening!
