Beautiful Black Houseplant Varieties
A black leaf plant is truly unique, but there are enough varieties to choose from that you can build a dark indoor garden. Black indoor plants are great for creating a moody atmosphere and contrast with lighter-colored foliage.
About Black Foliage Plants
Of course, most plants are green because of the chlorophyll that allows them to photosynthesize. Plants with black leaves aren’t truly black and still have chlorophyll.
Why some plants develop this coloration isn’t well understood, but it might confer some kind of protection in certain environments. For plant enthusiasts, what matters is the unique look of these black-leaved varieties.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Dowon’
This variety of Z. zamiifolia is a striking black beauty that is also known as the black 'Raven' ZZ plant. It’s a tropical succulent with bright green early foliage that turns deep purple-black as it ages.
'Raven' ZZ makes a good houseplant, even with lowlight conditions. It can grow up to 3 feet (1 m.) tall and wide and does well in containers. You can leave it outdoors until temperatures get below 60 degrees F. (16 C.).
Black Elephant Ear Plants
Elephant ear is a large group of tropical perennials with large leaves. They are popular houseplants because of the striking foliage, but they are also an edible food staple in tropical regions.
A few varieties have black foliage. ‘Black Coral’ has very large, glossy, corrugated leaves. The leaves on ‘Black Magic’ are deep purple-black with a dusty texture. ‘Jet Black’ leaves are black with lime green veins.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Abidjan Rubber Plant
This is a cultivar of rubber plant, a type of ficus that grows in tropical Asia. It can grow up to 6 feet (2 m.) and makes a good houseplant with filtered sunlight and plenty of humidity.
The fleshy leaves of the ‘Abidjan’ cultivar are glossy and deep greenish black. The new foliage emerges from a bright red sheath that contrasts against the dark leaves.
Black Prince Echeveria
Echeveria is a group of succulents that are easy to grow as houseplants. ‘Black Prince’ is a small variety that only grows up to 10 inches (25 cm.) and often stays even smaller. The deep reddish black leaves make a nice contrast with pastel, dusty colored succulents.
Black Cardinal Philodendron
Philodendron is a classic houseplant, a large group of tropical plants that tolerates neglect and other indoor conditions. It comes in many different varieties, including the dark ‘Black Cardinal.’
The leaves of ‘Black Cardinal’ begin reddish in color and turn much darker, nearly black as they age. Each leaf can grow as long as 10 inches (25 cm.).
Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.
-
8 Plants You Should Prune In October – Don't Miss The Fall Trimming Window
Prune these plants before the frost hits to avoid pests and diseases, and to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms next year.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Climate Change And Pests: Do Warmer Winters Mean More Pests?
Warmer climates can result in an increase of some pests and decrease of others, which isn’t always a good thing. Here's how to protect your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
8 Easy Care Houseplants That Live A Long Time
Click here to learn about our 8 favorite low maintenance houseplants that can, with proper care, live a long time.
By Amy Grant
-
How Often Should You Repot Plants?
Escaping roots and shrinking leaves may mean your plant wants a new pot, but some like staying cramped and cozy.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Orange Flowering Houseplant Varieties With Tropical Flair
Click here to learn about some cheerful orange-blooming houseplants you can try growing.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Variegated Houseplants With Lovely Leaves
What are some of the best variegated houseplants to add to your collection? Click here to find out.
By Amy Grant
-
Lovely, Lacy Indoor Foliage Plants
Click here to learn about some houseplants with lacy foliage to add to your collection.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Best Christmas Houseplants And Plants For Winter Holidays
Click here for an idea of the best houseplants to use for holiday décor for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s.
By Laura Miller
-
Best Big Houseplants To Create An Indoor Oasis
If you have the space you may want to grow some large houseplants. Here are some ideas.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Relaxing Plants To Grow Indoors For A Calmer Mind
Are there houseplants that can help you to relax? Click here to find out.
By Laura Miller