Black house plants are a unique addition to any indoor garden. These plants have dark foliage that can range from deep green to almost black, making them a striking contrast to traditional green plants.
Black house plants are also known for their ability to purify the air, removing harmful toxins and pollutants. They thrive in low-light conditions and are easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners or those with busy schedules.
Some popular varieties of black house plants include the Black Velvet Alocasia, Black Magic Taro, and Black Star Elephant Ear. With their dramatic appearance and air-purifying benefits, black house plants are a must-have for any plant enthusiast.
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What are Black House Plants?
Black houseplants are indoor plants that exhibit dark shades of burgundy, purple, brown, or green in their foliage, giving them a near-black appearance. Some of the best black houseplants include the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), Black Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis), and Alocasia Reginula (Black Velvet).
These stunning plants are not much different from standard houseplants in their care requirements. They typically need sufficient sunlight, water, fertilizer, and well-draining soil to thrive. When paired with green plants, black houseplants can significantly enhance any room’s decor, providing an elegant and mysterious touch.
As you explore the world of black houseplants, remember that their higher levels of dark pigmentation result from either natural occurrences or the efforts of plant breeders. So, don’t hesitate to bring home one of these captivating indoor plants and see how it can transform your living space.
Aeonium ‘Black Rose’
Aeonium ‘Black Rose’, also known as Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’, is a striking houseplant belonging to the succulent family. Its distinct feature is the dark purple, almost black foliage that forms beautiful rosettes, resembling flowers.
This plant can add an element of drama and intrigue to your indoor space. When given ample sunlight, the leaves exhibit stunning ruby red highlights. It is essential to place this succulent near sunny windows for optimal growth.
In time, Aeonium ‘Black Rose’ can grow tall, resembling a palm tree. With proper care, this unique plant can flourish and become a conversation starter in your home, all while maintaining an easy-to-care-for and friendly demeanor.
Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’
Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ is an eye-catching houseplant known for its dark, heart-shaped leaves that feature striking white or silvery veins. Originating from tropical forests, these plants thrive in bright indirect sunlight, making them a popular choice for indoor spaces.
To care for an Alocasia Black Velvet, maintain a temperature range between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius) and an ideal humidity of around 65%. The soil should be well-draining but capable of retaining moisture. Water the plant lightly once a week when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
During warmer months, an Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ will experience faster growth, with a potential height of nearly a foot and a spread of around 18 inches. Note that the plant may enter dormancy in winter, resulting in possible foliage loss. By following appropriate care guidelines, you can enjoy the unique beauty of this stunning black houseplant in your space.
Alocasia Cuprea
Alocasia Cuprea is a unique houseplant known for its vibrant leaves, which can be red, green, or purple. The stiff, arrow-shaped leaves have a metallic or silver sheen, giving the plant a distinctive appearance. This eye-catching plant makes a great addition to any collection of tropical plants.
A well-draining, humus-rich potting mix is ideal for preventing overwatering and root rot. Combining peat moss and perlite achieves the right balance for Alocasia Cuprea. The plant flourishes indoors, and the attractive leaves can create a stunning focal point for any space.
Also known as African mask plant, the various Alocasia varieties offer various leaf colors, sizes, and shapes, making them versatile choices for houseplant enthusiasts. Careful attention to watering, lighting, and potting will ensure Alocasia Cuprea thrives, adding a touch of natural beauty to any home.
Alocasia Cuprea ‘Mythic Red Secret’
Alocasia Cuprea ‘Mythic Red Secret’ is a stunning houseplant with unique foliage. Originating from Borneo, this plant has adapted to a metallic appearance. Its leaves exhibit a captivating mix of coppery red, dark green, and plum hues, giving it an exotic, otherworldly presence.
This beautiful plant also boasts maroon undersides to its leaves, enhancing its visual appeal. Amazingly, the Alocasia Cuprea thrives in a range of indoor lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light. This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for plant enthusiasts.
When caring for Alocasia Cuprea, providing ample bright indirect light encourages active growth and leaf production. Proper care ensures that this remarkable black houseplant will enrich your indoor spaces with its fascinating foliage and striking charm.
Alocasia X Amazonica
Alocasia x Amazonica, also known as Amazonian Elephant Ear or African Mask Plant, is a popular choice among black house plants due to its stunning appearance.
This attractive, evergreen perennial features dark green, narrowly arrow-shaped leaves with wavy edges and bright creamy white markings on the ribs and margins. These leaves can grow up to 2 ft. long (60 cm) and are what make this plant so visually striking.
Ideally, Alocasia x Amazonica should be grown in part shade, filtered sun, or bright indirect light. It thrives in consistently moist, organically rich, well-drained soils with high humidity and protection from strong winds. Keep air temperatures above 60°F to maintain its health.
A few Alocasia variations also sport darker foliage, such as Alocasia infernalis, dubbed “black magic” due to its shimmery purple-black leaves. These captivating plants offer an exotic touch to your home or office space, embracing their dark hues while showcasing their bold, distinct leaf shapes and patterns.
Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’
The Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ is a hybrid plant with unknown origins, boasting stunning dark green and velvety leaves that undergo color changes as they mature.
This trailing herbaceous plant is perfect for indoor environments and highly sought after by plant collectors. These plants require little effort to grow, making them a great choice even for novice growers.
When caring for the Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’, it’s important to maintain a humid environment and proper water levels. Since these plants are relatively fast-growing, they are perfect for those looking for a quick addition to their indoor garden.
Purchasing an Anthurium ‘Ace of Spades’ is easy. They can be found from reputable online retailers such as Etsy, with various size options and prices available. This unique addition to your collection is sure to draw attention and impress guests.
Anthurium Clarinervium
Anthurium Clarinervium is an eye-catching houseplant that boasts dark green, heart-shaped leaves with a velvety texture. As a member of the Araceae family, it thrives as an epiphytic plant, growing on other plants and trees in its natural habitat.
When it comes to light requirements, Anthurium Clarinervium does best in bright, indirect light. This helps the plant not only survive but also produce its stunning, unique flowers. For optimal growth, maintain a humidity level between 65% and 80%, with levels never dropping below 50%.
To keep humidity levels up, consider misting the plant daily with room temperature water, or utilize a pebble tray or group the plant with others. Enjoy the dramatic contrast and beauty Anthurium Clarinervium brings to any indoor space!
Begonia 'Black Fancy'
Begonia ‘Black Fancy’ is a unique and eye-catching houseplant known for its dark, near-black foliage. Its compact growth makes it an ideal choice for adding a touch of elegance to your indoor garden or even window boxes in light shade areas.
The plant features dark-green mottled leaves with burgundy undersides which eventually mature to a near-black hue. It is primarily grown for its striking foliage, but it also produces subtle pink flowers. The fancy black begonia is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in a humid environment and bright, indirect light.
In order to maintain its health and appearance, be sure to give your Begonia ‘Black Fancy’ enough light and humidity. It benefits from a weak, weekly feeding during its active growth period which usually spans from spring to fall. Keep in mind, overwintering this rhizomatous type may require some care adjustments such as reduced feeding.
Begonia ‘Jurassic Silver Swirl’
The Begonia ‘Jurassic Silver Swirl’ is a rex cultivar known for its unique silver-and-black, spiral-shaped leaves. Its thick, reddish petioles are slightly hairy, adding intrigue to this bold and visually striking houseplant. Unusual and eye-catching, this begonia variety is an excellent addition to any black-themed plant collection.
Growing best in rich, organic, well-drained soils, the Jurassic Silver Swirl thrives in dappled sun or bright shade. However, it dislikes high heat and humidity, making it a perfect choice for cool summer climates. Providing adequate light and a suitable environment allows this plant to flourish and maintain its dramatic appearance.
Not only is this begonia captivating, it’s also low maintenance and drought-tolerant. As long as the plant is cared for appropriately and not exposed to extreme conditions, it’s sure to stand out as a lively, friendly, and versatile addition to any household or indoor space.
Colocasia ‘Black Magic’
The Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ is a unique variety of the elephant ear plant, known for its striking foliage. Originating in Eastern Asia, this frost-tender perennial showcases smoky purplish-black leaves reaching up to 2 feet long. Grown primarily for its visual appeal, the Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ adds a dramatic touch to any indoor garden setting.
To ensure healthy growth, it’s essential to use well-draining soil for Colocasia ‘Black Magic’. Suitable options include sand, loam, or clay. These exotic plants grow best in sun to part sun settings, reaching heights of about 60 inches. Proper care and attention to the ideal environment will allow your Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ to flourish, creating a stunning focal point in your home.
As you nurture and display your Colocasia ‘Black Magic’, let its captivating and friendly presence contribute to the ambiance of your indoor garden or living space.
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is a striking succulent plant admired for its dark purple leaves that are so deep in color they may appear black. This slow-growing plant can add a unique touch to landscapes and container gardens alike. It is a hybrid of two plants: Echeveria shaviana and Echeveria affinis, and originates from Mexico.
This easy-care plant can grow up to 6 inches in height and spread up to 8 inches wide, making it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening. The wide and pointed black leaves form spectacular rosettes, giving this small succulent a lot of personality.
Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is drought-tolerant and requires occasional watering. It is perfect for rock gardens or containers and is resistant to deer. While it is virtually disease-free, gardeners should watch for mealybugs, vine weevils, and aphids. With its dark foliage and minimal maintenance requirements, Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ is certainly a captivating addition to any houseplant collection.
Ficus Elastica 'Burgundy'
Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’, also known as the Burgundy Rubber Plant, is a beautiful evergreen perennial cultivar of the Ficus Elastica Rubber tree. Belonging to the Moraceae family and the Ficus genus, this stunning houseplant has dark green leaves with a glossy sheen and deep reddish variegation.
The Burgundy Rubber Plant is not only an attractive addition to any interior space but also offers several benefits. In terms of care, this exotic plant prefers bright indirect light and thrives in a well-draining soil environment. It’s essential to water it only when 50%-75% of the soil is dry, as overwatering can cause root rot issues.
When properly cared for, the Ficus Elastica ‘Burgundy’ can adapt well to indoor environments and adds a unique charm to living spaces with its striking foliage. Just be sure to provide the right light, water, and soil conditions to enjoy this plant’s full beauty.
Lithops Black Succulents (Stone Plants)
Lithops, also known as living stone plants, are unique and intriguing succulents. These small plants resemble stones, with padded leaves that store moisture, allowing them to survive in various conditions. They rarely grow more than an inch above the soil and typically have only two leaves.
Black succulent varieties of Lithops, although rare, can add an interesting twist to your indoor or outdoor garden. These fascinating plants require little maintenance and can thrive even with minimal watering. They also make great conversation starters due to their unusual appearance.
To care for your black Lithops succulents, provide them with well-draining soil and place them in a spot that receives ample, indirect sunlight. Water sparingly, as their leaves store moisture for extended periods, helping them survive even in the absence of rainfall for years.
Black Lithops, like any other living and growing plant, may change shades depending on factors such as light intensity, water schedule, and temperature. So, it is essential to monitor your plants and adjust their environment accordingly to maintain their dark, striking hues.
Marcgravia Azreal
Marcgravia Azreal, also known as Shingling Vine, is a rare and unique houseplant with dark green to purple iridescent leaves. It is native to Central and South America and prefers warm growing conditions. This plant is perfect for those looking to add a touch of gothic or dark chic to their indoor plant collection.
In its natural habitat, Marcgravia Azreal thrives in high humidity and medium to bright light. As an epiphytic plant commonly found in tropical rainforests, it is used to climbing on trees with its flat-leaved vines and aerial roots. To successfully grow Marcgravia Azreal indoors, mimic these conditions by maintaining high humidity and providing filtered light.
Although Marcgravia Azreal can be slow-growing and has delicate leaves, it is relatively easy to propagate. Simply cut a section of the plant and place it in a moist area, such as sphagnum moss or a similar medium. With the right conditions, you’ll soon have an attractive and eye-catching addition to your indoor plant collection.
Peperomia Caperata 'Burgundy Ripple’
Peperomia Caperata, also known as Ripple Peperomia, is a popular houseplant species with over 1,000 varieties. The ‘Burgundy Ripple’ is one of those varieties, characterized by its deeply ridged, heart-shaped leaves that come in shades of dark green to burgundy. This houseplant is easy to care for and requires only moderate amounts of sunlight and water.
The ‘Burgundy Ripple’ is slow-growing and typically does not grow taller than 8 inches (20 cm). Belonging to the Piperaceae family, this tropical plant is an evergreen herbaceous groundcover and can be used as a houseplant in temperate climates.
A friendly reminder that Peperomia Caperata is not only an attractive addition to your home but also a low-maintenance plant. The beautiful burgundy hue of its leaves makes it a unique choice when looking for black houseplants. With the right care and attention, your ‘Burgundy Ripple’ will thrive and provide a wonderful aesthetic touch to your space.
Peperomia Metallica
Peperomia Metallica is a captivating black houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space. This plant is known for its shiny greenish-black foliage with hints of red, a color palette that is rare among houseplants.
Thriving in peat-based soil with good drainage and aeration, the Peperomia Metallica is an easy-to-care-for plant. To create the ideal potting mix, combine 1 part perlite or sand with 2 parts peat. If planting outdoors, choose a well-draining soil with partial shade.
Surprisingly low-maintenance and visually striking, Peperomia Metallica, or “Red Tree Peperomias,” is a fantastic addition to any home or office setting. Its nearly dark black-green leaves and beautiful reddish underside create a unique contrast that adds personality to any space.
Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’
Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’ is a stunning house plant that offers a unique blend of colors to your home décor. This variety is compact, growing up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall and 1.5 feet (45.7 cm) wide. Its foliage starts with a bronze or burgundy hue before darkening to a rich, blackish-green shade. The large, oval leaves can grow to be 1 foot (30.4 cm) long and 8 inches (20.3 cm) wide.
This adaptable plant is well-suited for all levels of houseplant enthusiasts. It thrives in medium humidity environments above 40%, making it suitable for indoor locations like living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. The Philodendron Black Cardinal also fares well in greenhouses for better environmental control.
To ensure your Black Cardinal stays healthy, follow a simple care routine that includes maintaining a medium humidity, providing adequate lighting, and keeping the soil moist but not overly wet. By doing so, this beautiful tropical plant will make a dazzling addition to your collection of houseplants.
Sinocrassula Yunnanensis
Sinocrassula yunnanensis, also known as hedgehog succulent or Chinese crassula jade, is a small perennial succulent native to China. This unique plant grows in a clump-like shape, with a diameter reaching up to 10 cm (about 4 inches). Its fascinating dark green – almost black – rosettes make it a perfect addition to a gothic or dark-inspired garden.
These plants have fleshy, velvety leaves that can grow as long as 3.5 centimeters. The leaves are round near the base, flattening outwards, and ending with a pointy tip. They exhibit fine hairs all over their surface, adding to their distinct appearance.
Sinocrassula yunnanensis is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun or partial shade. It is important to use a well-drained planter to ensure its healthy and proper growth. This adaptable plant thrives not only in subtropics, Mediterranean, and desert climates but also can be grown indoors as a houseplant.
Syngonium Erythrophyllum ‘Red Arrow’
Syngonium Erythrophyllum, also known as the “Red Arrow,” is a rare and unique tropical aroid houseplant. It boasts stunning arrow-shaped foliage with a deep red hue, earning itself the nickname “Arrowhead Plant.” Native to the West Indies, Southern Mexico, and South America, this plant has become a popular choice for black houseplant enthusiasts due to its distinctive appearance.
Being a tropical plant, Syngonium Erythrophyllum thrives in warm environments and cannot survive freezing temperatures. It is well-suited for hanging baskets or pots with support, such as a totem, as it enjoys growing around a structure.
Caring for Syngonium Erythrophyllum is quite straightforward. Propagate the plant by taking a cutting from a healthy stem just below a node and placing it in moist compost or water. Ensure the node is submerged, as new roots will appear within two weeks. With the right care, the Red Arrow can be a stunning addition to any collection of black houseplants.
Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis Alternata)
The Waffle Plant, also known as Hemigraphis Alternata, is an attractive houseplant celebrated for its unique and eye-catching foliage. Native to Java, its rumpled leaves resemble Belgian waffles, with bright green on the top and a rich purple hue underneath.
This tropical plant, often referred to as red ivy or red flame ivy, thrives indoors when given the right growing conditions. Being a slow-growing groundcover, the Waffle Plant requires only moderate care to maintain its lush appearance. Keep the plant in a well-lit area with bright, indirect sunlight.
To ensure the Waffle Plant’s healthy growth, it’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, maintaining a high humidity level can be beneficial for the plant. Boost humidity by placing the plant on a tray with pebbles and water, or with a regular misting routine.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia ‘Raven’
The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia ‘Raven’, also known as the Raven ZZ plant, belongs to the Araceae family and has gained popularity for its striking deep black color. As a low-maintenance houseplant, it thrives in a range of lighting conditions and is drought-tolerant due to its thick rhizomes.
Raven ZZ plants can grow between 1 ½ to 3 feet (45-90 cm) and should be placed in well-draining soil mix. Since these plants are succulent in nature, they store water in their stems and roots. It’s important to maintain moist, but well-draining soil to avoid root rot and soil compaction.
With its purple-black shiny leaves and easy-care requirements, the Raven ZZ plant adds an exotic touch to home interiors and fits well in various lighting conditions.
