24 Beautiful Ombre Houseplants that You Must Not Miss

Ralph Astley is a retired gardener from Philadelphia who specializes in outdoor plants and trees. With years of hands-on experience, Ralph not only cares for a diverse range of outdoor flora but also shares his extensive knowledge through well-written articles and social media posts. A trusted authority in arboriculture, he's committed to helping the community grow healthier, more robust gardens.
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Ombre Houseplants are the latest trend and if you want the best examples in your room, then this is a list you surely need to check out!

Say hello to Ombre Houseplants, the trending interior must-haves that are taking the plant world by storm! From their captivating gradient leaves to the subtle play of light and shade, these extraordinary plants promise to transform any space into a botanical wonderland.

Seasonal Houseplants that You Must Not Miss Growing


What Are Ombre Plants 

Ombre Houseplants are unique in the plant world due to their gradual transition of color, usually on their leaves or blooms. The term “ombre” is derived from the French word for “shadow,” and in design and fashion, it refers to the blending of one color hue into another, usually moving from light to dark. I

In the context of plants, ombre refers to a similar visual phenomenon where the color of the foliage or flowers subtly changes, offering a mesmerizing display of natural gradients.

Ombre plants often attract attention for their visual uniqueness and aesthetic appeal. Due to their unusual color patterns, they are often seen as symbols of transformation and change, mirroring the fluidity of life.

Their gradient hues can also symbolize harmony and balance, as the colors seamlessly transition without stark contrasts.


Foliage Based Ombre Houseplants

1. Calathea

Botanical Name: Calathea makoyana

Also known as Peacock Plant, Calathea Makoyana displays a mesmerizing ombre effect with its feather-like green leaves gradually shading to a lighter hue. The foliage features intriguing patterns that add a unique decorative element to any indoor setting.

Have a look at the most beautiful Calathea varieties here

2. Prayer Plant

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Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura

Famous for its nightly leaf movement, the Prayer Plant offers striking ombre hues. Its leaves typically feature green tones that subtly darken at the edges, giving it a sophisticated gradient look.

3. Dragon Tree

Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata

Also known as the Dragon Tree, the Dracaena Marginata showcases long, thin leaves with red edges. Its green foliage tends to transition into darker shades, providing a natural ombre effect that elevates its aesthetic appeal.

4. Chinese Evergreen

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Botanical Name: Aglaonema commutatum

A popular choice among Ombre houseplants, the Chinese Evergreen features leaves with varying shades of green that form a smooth ombre transition. Its resilience and stunning appearance make it a go-to option for both beginners and enthusiasts.

Check out our article on the best Aglaonema varieties here

5. Nerve Plant

Botanical Name: Fittonia albivenis

Commonly referred to as the Nerve Plant, Fittonia albivenis is characterized by its netted pattern of pink or white against a dark-to-light green backdrop. The contrast creates an ombre effect, adding a lively burst of color to any space.

6. Autumn Fern

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Botanical Name: Dryopteris erythrosora

The Autumn Fern are outdoor Ombre houseplants celebrated for their unique color transitions. The fronds change from a vibrant orange to a darker green as they mature, exemplifying the ombre trend in the plant world.

7. Wizard Coleus

Botanical Name: Coleus ‘Wizard’

A popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening, the Coleus ‘Wizard’ is known for its variegated foliage. Its leaves typically feature a vivid mix of colors that blend into one another, creating an eye-catching ombre effect.

Do not miss these amazing tricolor houseplants here


Flower-Based Ombre Houseplants

8. Moth Orchid

Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis amabilis

It displays a gradient of colors from the center of its flowers outward, creating a natural ombre effect. The central core often starts with a deep hue that fades into lighter shades, making these a breathtaking Ombre houseplants focal point.

9. Painter’s Palette

Botanical Name: Anthurium

Also called the Flamingo Flower, Anthurium Andraeanum captivates with its glossy, heart-shaped blooms. The vibrant red fades to a softer shade along the edges, manifesting an understated ombre charm that adds tropical flair to your space.

10. Apple Blossom Amaryllis

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Botanical Name: Hippeastrum ‘Apple Blossom’

The Amaryllis ‘Apple Blossom’ offers striking blossoms that transform from a strong pink at the core to softer shades at the petal tips. This gradient creates an ombre effect that brings elegance and aesthetic appeal to any room.

Growing Amaryllis Indoors | How to Grow Amaryllis in Pots

11. Cajun’s Flamboyant Mistress

Botanical Name: Streptocarpus ‘Cajun’s Flamboyant Mistress’

This unique African Violet variety showcases leaves that are a brilliant mix of dark and light green and flowers that transition from deep purple to almost white at the edges. This characteristic makes it standout from all indoor Ombre houseplants.

How to Force African Violets to Bloom Better and Fuller

12. Hibiscus

Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

It features large, vivid flowers that often display a color gradient from the center outwards. This gradient or ombre effect enhances its exotic allure.

13. Christmas Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera bridgesii

Known for its holiday blooms, the Christmas Cactus has segmented leaves that exhibit subtle shades of green, with darker hues along the edges transitioning into lighter ones. This offers a subtle ombre effect that adds depth to its appearance.

14. Lipstick Plant

Botanical Name: Aeschynanthus radicans

Commonly known as the Lipstick Plant, these Ombre houseplants produce tubular flowers with an ombre tone. The red-orange color darkens as it nears the tips, adding a gradient quality that complements its trailing vines.

23 Different Types of Lipstick Plant Varieties

15. Florist’s Cyclamen

Botanical Name: Cyclamen persicum

This winter-blooming plant is well-known for its heart-shaped leaves and upturned flowers. The blossoms typically exhibit an ombre pattern, transitioning from a darker shade at the base to lighter hues at the petal tips.


Cacti and Succulents Ombre Houseplants

16. Rainbow Echeveria

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Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Rainbow’

This striking succulent is well-known for its multi-colored leaves that display an ombre transition from green to pink to purple. The rosette shape accentuates the gradient, making it a vibrant addition to any collection.

17. Pearl of Nurnberg

Botanical Name: Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’

One of the most popular Ombre houseplants, the ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ showcases a mesmerizing ombre effect with its lavender-gray leaves transitioning to pinkish edges. The contrast creates a distinct and elegant aesthetic.

 Best Echeveria Types | Echeveria Succulent Varieties

18. Beautiful Graptopetalum

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Botanical Name: Graptopetalum ‘Superbum’

This unique succulent features rosettes of fleshy leaves that display a gradient of colors from blue-gray to pinkish-purple, particularly when exposed to full sun. The ombre effect adds complexity and visual interest to this plant.

Here are the best succulents that look like roses

19. Red Pagoda

Botanical Name: Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’

Living up to Ombre houseplants, this one exhibits leaves that transition from green to fiery red when stressed, creating a dramatic ombre effect. The color gradient makes it an eye-catching addition to succulent arrangements.

20. Gollum Jade Plant

Botanical Name: Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’

This jade plant variant has curled leaves that transition from dark green at the base to lighter shades towards the tips. The subtle ombre quality adds an element of depth to this otherwise straightforward plant.

21. Paddle Plant

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Botanical Name: Kalanchoe luciae ‘Flapjack’

Also known as the Paddle Plant, this succulent boasts large, fleshy leaves that display an ombre effect when stressed, transitioning from green to a stunning red or orange. The gradient adds to its architectural appeal.

How to Grow Flowering Kalanchoe Indoors | Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Care

22. Firestorm Sedum Plant

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Botanical Name: Sedum adolphii ‘Firestorm’

Characterized by its golden-yellow leaves that darken to red at the tips, the ‘Firestorm’ variety of Sedum adolphii presents a vivid ombre effect. This color transition intensifies with increased light exposure.

23. Christmas Aloe

Botanical Name: Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’

This small Aloe hybrid features green leaves adorned with red spikes. A gradual ombre effect occurs as the leaves go from deep green at the base to a lighter shade, tipped with vibrant red, giving it a festive appearance.

Pro Tips on How to Get Aloe Vera To Flower

24. Zebra Haworthia

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Botanical Name: Haworthia attenuata ‘Zebra Plant’

Known for its striking white stripes against a backdrop of dark green, the Zebra Plant exhibits a subtle effect as the green base of each leaf gradually lightens toward the tips. The pattern adds to its intriguing look, earning it a place in the best Ombre houseplants.


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