Typically, house plants are calming and almost therapeutic.
Even better, some house plants, blue plants, not only look attractive, but enhance interior design as well.
They also have blue leaves and can create a beautiful visual effect. Certainly, blue house plants contain blue shades on either their leaves, flowers or stems.
There are many different species from a variety of originations and have different growth rates and growth patterns.
However, all blue houseplants share a common trait: they are easy to care for!
What to Expect? This article will feature a total of the five best blue plants that you can grow in your modest abode.
Why Are Some Plants Blue?
Most plants are green, so it is unusual for plants to have leaves or stems of any shade of dark blue.
The basic reason that some plants have blue leaves is that it puts them in a better position to absorb available light for the photosynthesis process.
This is particularly true when growing in shady areas.
In certain plants like Begonia pavonina, chloroplasts, the structures that absorb light, are in stacked formation creating crystals.
Usually, chloroplasts are randomly placed in the leaf of a plant.
In Begonia pavonina, these photonic crystals create the blue coloration of the plant’s leaves.
When a plant has blue coloration, it is essentially absorbing green and red light frequencies. This means that it is generally absorbing more light energy compared to plants that have green leaves.
5 Amazing Blue Plants
Here are five equally lovely blue plants that are perfect for growing indoors.
They are low owners. While all plants require some owner attention, these five plants do not require a lot of maintenance for them to thrive.
For the most part, their main requirements are:
- sufficient light
- water
- and containers with good drainage
1. Creeping Blue Sedum
Known as Sedum sieboldii, the creeping blue sedum is an excellent indoor houseplant.
Not only does it have lovely blue leaves, but it is also relatively easy to care for.
With ample sunlight and well-draining soil, the plant will grow very nicely.
So, it will help to keep it in close proximity to a window with sunlight and water it about once or twice a week.
The leaves of this beautiful plant are generally small, growing to about 6 inches to 12 inches tall. The leaves are blue in color, are succulent, and have jagged outer edges.
The edges also have a touch of pink lining. In winter, the plant blossoms small, but lovely pink flowers, which help to attract pollinators.
This plant can also handle drought, which is common for succulents.
So, if you went away for a week-long trip, your plant would still be thriving when you got home. It is also pest-resistant which adds to the low-maintenance factor.
To Consider – Most people have the creeping blue sedum in a pot and place it indoors or on their balcony. It enhances the appearance of your home.
2. Silver Sword Philodendron
The Philodendron hastatum, or the silver sword plant, originates from Brazil.
It is aesthetically pleasing, has a blue tint that often appears silver based on the angle of the leaf.
This quality alone has made it a great indoor plant because it elevates the look of a house.
As suggested by the name, this plant’s leaves are sword-shaped and broad. Indoors, they can grow to almost a meter long, whereas outdoors, they can grow as long as 3 meters.
Caring for a silver sword philodendron does not require a botany degree; it is very easy to take care of.
It only needs to be watered every 2-3 days, and it needs to be in indirect sunlight, but it tolerates low light levels.
The soil only needs to be lightly moist, not wet, so it is smart to get a pot with excellent drainage and aeration to keep the soil from being soaked and ruining it.
It is also good to repot the plant, so it has enough space as it grows larger.
3. Blue Agave
The blue agave is a native plant of Mexico.
It grows naturally in a number of Mexican towns, rising above sea level ranging between 3000 m and 6500 m.
Scientifically known as Agave tequilana, this blue-leafed plant can be grown indoors. In addition to providing oxygen for your home, it also adds aesthetic value to any atmosphere.
If you grow blue agave indoors, know that its leaves can naturally expand up to 5 feet in diameter so it is suggested to give your plants plenty of room to grow.
Additionally, the edges of the leaves have sharp spikes and a pointed needle point, which may cause injury if you are not careful.
The leaves themselves are also quite thick and clear, appearing blue because they have a blue waxy covering around them.
It is quite simply easy to take care of it:
- To start, it is important to have a pot that is wide but does not have to be deep. It would be best if the pot is ceramic.
- You also want to make sure your plant gets adequate light and fresh air.
- Just as with the Sedum sieboldii, the best place for the blue agave to live is right next to a window or out in the patio.
- The blue agave does not require too much water to survive, as watering it once a week should suffice. It is recommended to replant once every three years.
One interesting fact about this plant is that it is used to make tequila, which explains its scientific name.
4. Belosynapsis Ciliata
Unlike the blue agave plant, the belosynapsis ciliate has small leaves with flowers.
The leaves only reach six to eight inches tall, and 18-24 inches wide. Therefore, a small pot will probably be able to meet the plant’s needs.
This plant is native to Madagascar and it doesn’t take much for it to grow and flourish. Most often it thrives in warm climates.
It only needs good drainage and aeration so ensure the container is created for that purpose, while not giving too much sunlight.
If anything, partial shade would be just the right setting for the plant.
Moreover – The soil pH should be somewhat acidic to neutral with the ideal range set between 6.1 and 7.3.
This little plant has tiny blue flowers that make it so aesthetically pleasing; the flowers are less than an inch in size.
If you have a blue theme, the belosynapsis ciliate would apply to your interior designing decor into your home beautifully.
5. Crassula Ovata Plant
This native South African plant is so lovely that some people refer to it as the blue bird.
It grows like a bonsai and looks like a small tree. It is low-growing and succulent in nature with a bushy appearance.
The leaves twist and the edges are curly, which makes it look somewhat artistic. Others call it the curly crassula as well.
Also, another beneficial aspect of it is that they grow in dense clusters around the stem, stalk, and roots.
It does not take much effort to grow because, one, the crassula ovata plant can grow in every environment. Its main requirements are lots of light and enough water.
As such, you want to make sure it gets some direct light every day, and at least water it once a week or every two weeks.
Again, it is known to tolerate dry conditions, so if you go long periods of time without watering you should be okay.
The leaves are smooth and shiny and make up a thick fleshy part of the plant. They do have a blue-green tint to them, making them look somewhat appealing, especially for in the house.
Heads Up! And remember, it is disease resistant but it is toxic to cats and dogs, so you might consider the other ones we mentioned above!
Do Blue Houseplants Carry Out Photosynthesis?
Even though their color is blue, blue houseplants can photosynthesize.
Like all plants, they have a green pigment called chlorophyll, which is responsible for photosynthesis. The chlorophyll is within the leaves, just under the blue pigment.
In fact, most of them are green.
It’s just that they have a blue waxy layer on the leaves. Others just look blue. So yes, blue houseplae perform photosynthesis.
Final Words
Home is where we unwind. It helps when the home is comfortable and attractive.
Plants are a great addition for enhancing that homey feeling. Blue houseplants do more than that- they add vivid color and eye appeal.
They also don’t require a great deal of care, most of them are low maintenance.
A few of the delightful blue houseplants mentioned in this article include the creeping blue sedum, silver sword philodendron, blue agave, Belosynapsis ciliate, and crassula ovata plant.