Long Purple Leaved Plants
The purple foliage of plants is due to a higher concentration of a coloring substance present in the vacuoles of plant cells known as anthocyanin, which predominates over green pigmentation, which through a process breaks down to reveal additional shades, thus appearing the beautiful nuances of the existing vegetation, including purple, which when combined with other range of plantations generates a great contrast that makes gardens or any space in which it is incorporated as decorative natural elements shine.
General Tips on Purple Long Leaf Plants
For the correct maintenance of plants that have foliage of this tone, it is advisable to pay attention to the light factor, since most plants with purple leaves will require light to preserve their color and compact shape. If they are outdoors, they must be placed where indirect sunlight reaches them, and if they are indoors, they must be near a window so that they receive bright light, in any case if it is a somewhat closed space. a grow light can be used and set on an outlet timer.
As for watering, these plants require moderate watering, meaning neither too much nor too little, so as not to saturate or dry them out. For this purpose, you can use a water meter for plants, especially when they are kept indoors. You can also ensure additional humidity by placing a humidifier near the plants during the winter. Another condition is that they require soil that must be treated with mineral fertilizers during the spring and summer months.
Variety of plants with this hue
There is a wide range of plants that are distinguished by having their foliage pigmented in a purple tone, which require optimal conditions in terms of water, light, humidity, among others, so that they can grow healthy and keep their color all the time regardless. from the place of cultivation, hence we are interested in describing below a sample of the great variety of plants with long purple leaves that nature provides with its maximum splendor.
persian shield (Strobilanthes dyeranus)
They are beautiful plants with long purple leaves, with flowers that combine purple and silver, they stand out in any container as they reach almost a meter in height. Also called royal purple plant, when grown in partial shade it will collect light and reflect it off its leaves, but if kept indoors it will need bright light to maintain its purple color. It grows well in the neutral range of soil pH and can tolerate slightly acidic soil. The less water it receives, the more shade it will need.
Requiring warm temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius and moist air, they are usually most often grown indoors or as a summer annual in cooler climates. If planted in rich soil with high moisture, the Persian shield will only need a light feeding at the beginning of the season and again in mid-summer. Indoors in a container, keep the plant at a manageable size rather than letting it grow to full capacity. The best way to do this is to transplant the youngest plants each year until they reach full size, then transplant them every two years.
When you want more plants with lovely purple foliage, you can do so from seeds or cuttings, but keep in mind that the seeds require somewhat warm conditions between 12 and 18 degrees to germinate, while the cuttings will need to come from soft wood and apply a little heat on the bottom to prevent rotting before they take root. The best seasons for plant reproduction is during spring and early summer.
Since Persian shield is grown for its foliage and the flowers are not particularly showy, many gardeners like to frequently remove the leaves to create a bushier plant and thus control its growth. In this regard, it is advisable not to eliminate the withered leaves that develop immediately after flowering and although they seem sad, what they manifest is their state of winter inactivity and is going through a natural lethargy until it reactivates and grows again in the spring.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia Zebrina)
These are tropical perennials grown in the ground in a garden or in hanging containers to facilitate their vining growth. They can also be placed near sunny windows. It's important to note that they are not cold-tolerant and will die with the first hard frost if left outdoors. However, they can be brought indoors for winter care. This variety has leaves with olive and silver markings on the upper side and a dark violet color below, but there are other varieties that display a purple color on both leaf surfaces.
Tradescantia thrives well in medium to bright light soils. It is an easy plant to grow from stem cuttings submerged in water or stuck in moist potting soil. It is recommended that they be helped to climb by supporting them during their growth and allowing the soil to dry out between watering periods, keeping it evenly moist at all times, which can be verified using an indoor/outdoor moisture meter and sensor. When the humidity is too low, the leaves start to turn brown and die.
When they don't get enough light, the hue of their foliage fades. If you choose to move it outside during the summer, be sure to keep it in partial shade where it will be protected from direct sunlight. On the other hand, this type of plant only needs to be fertilized from spring to summer and it is important to know that insects are not usually a problem when growing wandering beans outdoors. But mites, aphids and fungus gnats can damage them in domestic spaces and to recover the infected purple leaves you have to use a natural pesticide.
cercis canadensis
It is considered a small, multi-stemmed shrub, best placed at the back of a border or in a prominent position in the garden. In spring, its branches produce clusters of bright pink flowers, while its leaves emerge a glossy reddish-purple. In summer, these leaves darken to a beautiful burgundy color, before turning a striking mix of gold, orange, and crimson in autumn. It grows in sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil, reaching 8 meters in height within 20 years.
The leaves of this tree are alternate and simple, with entire edges less than 12 centimeters in length, and are broad, slender, and may have a slightly downy underside. Dark green above, in autumn they turn a bright, light yellow. In addition, it has a graceful irregular branching pattern, due to which its short trunk often splits close to the ground. The slender branches arch outward, giving the tree a dense, rounded shape. The bark is dark, reddish brown, smooth, later scaly with somewhat obvious ridges, sometimes with brown spots.
The fruits are flattened, dry, brown and measure about 10 centimeters, inside which they keep flat, elliptical seeds of about 5 or 6 millimeters, which ripen from mid-summer to mid-autumn. Specimens of these long, purple-leaved plants are easy to grow and are more cold tolerant than similar species. It is usually propagated by seeds sown half a centimeter deep or by rooted cuttings.
It is important to know that planting must be done in deep soil so that it can develop a long taproot within the first three years after propagation under normal growing conditions. Although tolerant of dry spells, Cercis canadensis does best when watered regularly during the dry summer season. Pruning is recommended to help it develop a strong structure, which can be done in late winter or early spring by removing any crossing branches.
sand cherry
Considered a medium-sized shrub, it has striking purple foliage, especially for decorating gardens from early spring to autumn, it is native to North America, it is characterized by rapid growth that varies from 1 to 3 meters in height. They can be planted in early spring and are relatively easy to grow, adapting well to a variety of soil and sun conditions. When the plant is young, it is oval in shape and will arch and open more from the center when it reaches maturity.
This is one of the long purple leafed plants that blooms each spring after the foliage emerges. The light pink and white flowers are soon replaced by black or purple fruits in mid-summer. The fruits are an important food source for many birds, including robins and cardinals. While purpleleaf sand cherry stems will be reddish-brown to dark gray in color and tend to ooze sap, a trait that is particularly noticeable if the plant develops fissure.
Soil drainage is important because their roots live near the surface and are susceptible to rot. Also, it needs to be watered regularly as it is also not drought tolerant. One watering per week is usually enough, but you may need more if you've recently transplanted, are going through a period of hot, dry weather, or are in their first growing season. On the other hand, it can be said to be all-weather resistant, able to withstand a wide range of temperatures in summer and winter, although plants grown in cooler climates may be smaller and produce fewer flowers.
In spring, additional nutrients can be supplied through fertilization. Pruning should be done as needed after the flowers appear in spring to maintain a tighter oval shape. To do this, begin by trimming the oldest stems first, removing about a third of the existing growth and leaving a few inches of trunk exposed at the base. Always remove damaged branches. If desired, you can prune more tightly to create an ornamental hedge.
The plant is susceptible to pests such as Japanese beetles, fall budworms, aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars, which can cause significant damage to its foliage, such as holes and purple leaf browning or wilting. It can also contract several diseases, including honey fungus, verticillium wilt, black knot, cankers, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and bacterial leaf scorch. Additionally, its branches are prone to frost. Both pest and disease problems can shorten the plant's life cycle, so it's important to act immediately to combat any infestation.
sweet carolina creeper
Also called the sweet potato vine, it grows very well outdoors or indoors, highly sought after for being suitable for container gardens, borders, flower beds and landscapes. The plant is prized primarily for its glossy foliage that is available in different colors, including purple. It is a plant that does not flower, but only with its extraordinary foliage it can be enjoyed throughout the year without having to wait for the flowers to appear. Sweet potato vine does best in moist, well-drained soil, plus this is a variety that is quite flexible with regard to light requirements.
These ornamental plants typically grow in sun or partial shade; however, the sunnier the conditions, the better the leaf color. They are drought-tolerant, though they will grow vigorously with frequent watering. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not too moist, as the leaves may wilt. Fertilizing sweet potato vines is usually optional and depends on how much you want them to grow. However, a weekly feeding during the growing season will be adequate. However, given their naturally robust habit, additional nutrients may also increase the need for trimming.
These long, purple-leaved plants are easy to grow from existing plants. Simply detach a branch with several leaf nodes and remove a few inches from the bottom. Submerge the stem in water for several days until roots emerge. This is a good way to overwinter sweet potato vines because they will last all winter in water and be ready to plant in spring. Another method of propagation is to use the tubers after digging them up before the first frost, letting them dry, and storing them over the winter in peat or vermiculite in a cool, dry place, such as a basement.
Pests that feed on these long, purple-leaved plants include the golden tortoise beetle, which bores into their leaves. They can also be attacked by leaf-munching caterpillars and the sweet potato whitefly, which can drain the plant of nutrients and slow its growth. These vines are also prone to foliar fungus, especially if planted in the same location for multiple seasons, so it's advisable to avoid this problem by varying planting spacing between seasons and applying natural insecticides as soon as you notice damage.
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Plants belonging to this genus have thorns and are tolerant and hardy by nature. Its reddish-purple leaves qualify as deciduous, with some variation during development, so the leaves on young shoots are more pinkish, giving a lovely effect when bushes are fringed by fuzzy new growth. They also bear bright yellow flowers in the summer and bright red berries in the fall. It grows well in all soils and its coloration stands out best in full sun. They are also used to cut topiary shapes in special landscaping designs.
These shrubs have a rounded habit, reach a height of five feet, and pale yellow flowers that bloom in mid-spring. They also have sharp spines and elongated red berries that endure well through the colder months and are therefore valued for the winter interest they provide. This shrub grows easily in medium soils. It can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, as long as there is good drainage. Soggy soil can lead to root rot.
In general, it is not necessary to fertilize Japanese barberries unless you have very poor soil. To improve the health and vigor of the plants, you can fertilize them in late winter or early spring before flowering begins with a slow-release shrub fertilizer. On the other hand, it doesn't require constant cutting either, unless you want to remove damaged or diseased parts as needed, or simply sculpt. This more extensive pruning should be done after the shrub blooms in spring or early summer.
To complete the general description of this plant, it can be noted that it has among its varieties the so-called Crimson Pygmy, which stands out for being a small tree up to one meter high and having showy reddish-purple foliage. There is also the Concorde type, with which this compact, rounded shrub is identified, which only reaches about 60 centimeters in height and sports dark purple foliage that becomes even more intense in the months of September to December.
Smoke Shrub (Cotinus Royal Purple)
The deep purple leaves of this smoke shrub will offset your borders, gardens, or containers with a dark background. The vigorous shrub produces leaves that will be larger if heavily pruned each year, especially in the spring. Cotins are tolerant plants that do well in sun or dappled shade and in most soils, but their color is brightest when grown in a sunny location. It can reach 8 meters in height. During the summer months, these plants are covered in a mist of feathery flowers, giving them their name.
They have multiple stems and purple leaves in some cultivars and can reach 40 to 70 centimeters in height. Another characteristic is that, depending on the variety, they turn yellow, orange or purplish-red in the fall, and its name is derived from the wavy hairs attached to the flower clusters that remain in place throughout the summer, changing from smoky-pink to purplish-pink as the season progresses. As for their care, young plants should be watered deeply and regularly until they are well established.
Once this occurs, smoke bush has a good tolerance for dry conditions. In its mature stage, plants thrive if watered moderately every 10 days during the active growing season. It's also important to cover the base of the plant at all times with wood chips or bark mulch to keep weeds out and the soil moist. In partial shade, foliage will be sparse, requiring regular pruning to keep the plants dense. Fertilizing is recommended for vigorous growth and leafy foliage, so nutrient-rich fertilization is essential.
Another aspect worth highlighting is the ease with which the shrub can be propagated, whether through cuttings or seeds. If you propagate from a stem, make sure it's leafy and remove the lower leaves. Then, bury it in a substrate so it can easily form roots and grow a new plant. Conversely, if you propagate from seeds, they should be soaked in water for a day, dried, and then planted approximately 12 centimeters deep in sandy soil. After a while, it can be transplanted to a suitable location for further propagation. Finally, it's worth noting that this plant can be affected by pests such as the leafroller and the Verticillium fungus.
purple basil
Basil is a very popular herb with violet-hued foliage with a distinctive, medium-hardy to tender aroma used in a variety of food recipes, native to dry bushland in Africa and Asia. This plant requires a lot of heat to thrive, however there are many varieties to choose from, some of which have been planted to withstand colder conditions. They are prone to downy mildew and whitefly, which is why they usually accompany tomato fields to deter this last plague.
Basil Crimson King is a variety with strong, uniform purple leaves. They can be propagated by sowing the seeds indoors in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill, then moving the plant outside for the summer. It is essential to water them in moderation, preferably before noon so that the roots have time to dry before the temperatures drop at night, as well as to collect the leaves frequently and remove the flowers to concentrate the energy of the plant in the unique production of foliage.
As this is a moist plant, watering will depend on the time of year, generally once or twice a day to prevent wilting. It's also important to keep the substrate fertile, so it's recommended to fertilize it naturally every month and harvest the leaves frequently to stimulate growth. This variety of long-leaved purple plants reproduces very quickly, and you'll always have them available. To propagate it, you need to prepare the seedbeds; if you're using a tray, the seedbed should be at least 1 or 2 centimeters wide.
If you decide to use a pot, it should be about 12 centimeters in diameter to prevent the plants from germinating too close together. It's a good idea to use moistened vegetable mulch and one or two seeds per division, without compacting the soil. Then, cover the pot and place it next to a window or other location where it will receive sunlight, watering it daily. When the first leaves appear, remove the plastic and continue moistening until the plants have grown a few centimeters before transplanting. Cuttings can also be grown by placing them in a container of water until they develop roots and are ready to be transplanted into the final container or pot.
Ti plant (Cordyline Fruticosa)
A graceful purplish-red houseplant featuring flamboyantly colored oblong foliage, it is a perfect choice for adding a touch of colour, style and drama to a well-lit corner of the room. Most varieties have strip-shaped leaves variegated with brilliant stripes of different colors of hot pink, white, cream, or deeper shades of purple. Cordyline fruticosa is picky about sunlight and likes to be in a spot that gets partial sun.
Ti plants are primarily found indoors. There are many varieties in every combination of purple, black, lime, pink, and orange, as well as different shapes and sizes. Some have thin leaves, others have wide leaves, small leaves, and other attributes. This plant has the advantage of being adaptable to any planting scheme. They measure one to two meters tall and half a meter wide. These long-leaved purple plants produce roots that generally establish themselves quickly in gardens. They are grown in full shade on a free-flowing substrate.
After planting, cover with mulch and water regularly until established, then water sparingly. Cordylines are hardy and tolerate periods of full sun, although they prefer filtered light. Care requires removing faded foliage, with spring being the ideal time to do this or when they become infested with pests. Liquid fertilizers should also be applied after prolonged dry periods and every three months to enhance the purple foliage. Cutting all the foliage will allow the plant to regrow from the stem.
This plant is propagated by taking cuttings and then planting the extracted stems elsewhere in the garden or in pots for propagation. Just be sure to provide the plant with the vital liquid for the first 2 or 3 months and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. It's worth noting that its cut leaves have many uses, particularly in decoration and cooking, using them as centerpieces or room arrangements. The leaves can even be used as wrappers or garnishes for dishes, although they are not edible.
heuchera
They are generally found in gardens where they are noted for their variegated purple leaves combined with hot pink, but require measures when planted in containers to prevent vine weevil infection, however this can be a minor problem. concern when planted in open ground and the plants do well in sun or shade to add dramatic color to the garden, whose brilliant coloration shows best in spring. In addition to this, they require moist clayey soils that drain well.
Coral bells are native to the forests of North America. They tend to grow in dense clumps, have brightly colored foliage, which is why they are primarily cultivated, and their summer flowers enhance their appeal. They are a compact, mounding plant with glossy, violet-black leaves and are perfect for growing at the front of a shaded border or in vases on the patio. Their vibrant colors are further enhanced by the masses of small, creamy flowers borne on tall stems from June through September.
They do best in part shade, especially in warmer climates. The color can fade in direct sunlight, with the consequence that too much heat and light can burn the leaves, but this can be avoided by watering the plant regularly, especially as the shallow roots will need extra moisture on hot sunny days. On the other hand, it is important to know that bell corals planted in damp shade can be prone to fungal diseases. If your plants start to have problems, it is best to move them to a drier site.
Purple Knight
This dark tropical foliage plant is best adapted to heat and suitable for edging, as an annual groundcover or in a formal knot garden, importantly its deep purple leaves can contrast with brightly colored flowers or foliage anywhere. The Alternanthera are native to tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, their flowers are generally an afterthought. Its ruby-purple foliage, which is almost black, performs well in high temperatures, where its color deepens and becomes shinier.
This genus is easy to grow from seed, taking care to plant it after the frost season in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to ensure more colour, or they can be grown in partial shade. The seeds should be sown at a temperature of 12 to 18 degrees as soon as they are ripe or in the spring so that the seedlings can vary in color. To multiply it, this can also be done by separating the cuttings at the end of summer. Another aspect to consider is that for this annual plant, mites and Fusarium wilt represent a great risk that must be combated as soon as they are detected to avoid further damage.
Bark of nine (Physocarpus opulifolius)
As a versatile deciduous flowering shrub, it is widely used in landscaping. It gets its name from its bark, which can be separated into nine thin layers. It has purple leaves in some of its versions, as well as the traditional dark green or reddish green in other presentations. It blooms in late spring with clusters of white or pink flowers, and produces red berries in late summer and fall that often attract birds. It is available in many sizes, with a mature height ranging from 1,5 to 3 meters tall. There are also dwarf varieties that reach less than a meter in height.
For planting, the roots are placed as far as the soil level, filling and compacting the alkaline or acidic soil with good drainage. Mulch is necessary to retain moisture and control weeds. Because its natural habitat includes streambanks, hillsides, and moist scrublands, it tolerates loamy and clay soils, as well as shallow rocky soils. It is one of the long-leaved, purple-leaved plants that require little water.
Between March and June, it is the best period to lightly fertilize a shrub of this type with compost and organic fertilizer prepared for this type of vegetation. Apply the fertilizer to the soil starting a few inches from its trunk and toward the end of its branches. On the other hand, cut after flowering or before mid-August to keep the shape and thin the branches. Older shrubs can be pruned close to the ground during the winter to renew the plant and promote more leaf and flower growth.
In this type of woody propagating plant, cuttings should be taken when the plant is dormant, following the steps below: First cut several pieces of hardwood branch in late fall or early summer. Winter, about 1 centimeter thick and 10 to 15 centimeters long. Each cut should have at least 2 knots, to cut below and above these overhanging branches. Then dip the bottom of each cutting in rooting hormone, collect the cuttings, and secure with a rubber band.
Arce Street Japanese (Acer palmatum)
The well-known Japanese maple, among its various varieties, includes a purple one, called Acer palmatum Wolff, or Emperor I, which can be grown in a semi-shaded, wind-protected location. From September to December, the leaves turn a dazzling shade of purplish red before falling and carpeting the ground with a gorgeous color. These are slow-growing plants suitable for smaller gardens and containers.
It can vary from shrub to small tree, its average size is 4-7 meters in height and its shape is usually round. They are grown in partial shade and in moist, well-drained clay soil, which prevents the substrate from having high alkalinity. The easiest way to regulate the moisture level of the soil surrounding a Japanese Maple tree is to apply mulch, and it should be watered whenever the soil is dry, especially when there hasn't been much rain. For its part, fertilization is carried out at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring after one year of age. You can also re-feed it in the summer if necessary.
They can be propagated through seeds or softwood cuttings. These plants with long purple leaves do not require a lot of pruning, just remove the branches that have crossed to improve appearance and those that are damaged to activate their growth. On the other hand, they can face problems caused by pests such as aphids, scales and beetles, in addition, they can present burns, bark cutting, verticillium wilt, leaf spots and manganese deficiency, among others.
velvet plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
It is a fast-growing perennial herb, so soon after planting it develops into a beautiful bushy plant with hairy, purple leaves up to six inches long. When flowering, the red and yellow flowers should be removed as they give off a strong odor that many find unpleasant. Its maintenance is very simple; all you need is a sunny spot, plenty of water, and a regular diet. To maintain its beautiful color, the substrate must be well-drained; the leaves should not be sprayed, as the smooth surface will retain water and increase the risk of fungal infection.
This is another of the plants with long purple leaves that offer the possibility of multiplying easily through their stem cuttings, which must measure 7 centimeters with several leaf nodes, then they will be inserted in the potting soil and will remain covered to guarantee adequate humidity. and the successful rooting to proceed once the seedlings are born to the due transplant so that the new velvety plants develop.
Another element to pay attention to in the evolution of this plant is that they are susceptible to aphids that are attracted to the stems, mites and scales, which can be treated with a good pesticide in serious infestations or simply cleaned with a damp cloth if you manage to catch them early.
Rex begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)
Within the classification of long-leaved purple plants, this variety is one of the best adapted to indoor cultivation, although its flowering and flower size are not as striking as its leaves. But its appeal lies precisely in its lush foliage, which features serrated, lobed, and jagged edges in colors ranging from violet, green, red, and even pink, accompanied by silvery tones and blended together in various ways. Among the various types available, Begonia rex is one of the most beautiful plants; they are also called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, growing up to 15 centimeters long.
Since it is a leafy plant, careful cultivation is important to bring out all its beauty. You can do this by using porous potting soil in a relatively shallow container and feeding it regularly. Take care to keep the plant moist and avoid overwatering. Be careful not to spray the leaves directly, as standing water will promote powdery mildew, which is a problem for a plant grown for its beautiful foliage. Another of the suitable conditions for the best coloration is that they have daytime temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius and night temperatures around 15 degrees.
Provide the plant with indirect sunlight and rotate it frequently to expose it to even light from all sides. It's important to note that they don't tolerate very cold climates, and in winter, this leads to a dormant period and they may lose their leaves; if the plant is healthy, it will recover quickly. They can also be propagated very easily by dividing the rhizome during the summer. For these cuttings to work, they must have at least one main vein; these must be placed in the substrate for new plants to grow.
Subsequently, it is best to transplant it into large, relatively shallow pots to give the rhizome room to spread. However, when the rhizome begins to overflow the sides of the pot, it's time to repeat the process of transplanting it into a new container with fresh soil to increase your plant stock. As with all begonias, do not overwater the soil of newly potted plants, but keep it slightly moist and warm.
This type of long purple leafed plants can also be propagated by fixing a leaf to the bedding mixture and making small incisions in the veins of the leaves or by inserting a leaf with a petiole directly into the soil, i.e. the petiole is the stem. that attaches the leaf blade to the stem of the plant. Also, these plants are often affected by pests such as fungal botrytis. A systemic fungicide can help combat it. It is also important that you remove dead leaves promptly and ensure good air circulation. Similarly, mealybugs become a common problem, so they must be prevented by pruning the plant well.
Waffles (Hemigraphis colorata)
This herbaceous plant originates from Southeast Asia and has oval, pointed leaves about 4 to 6 cm long with serrated edges and a fantastic violet color on the back and purple-green on the front. Roots emerge from the lower nodes. They can be planted in gardens or containers to give their purple foliage a cascading color, perfect for mixed landscape designers. This plant, also known as red ivy, grows easily indoors under the right growing conditions. In principle, the plant requires light, but direct sunlight should not reach the foliage, as this can damage it by discoloring or burning the leaves.
Another necessary condition is having evenly moist soil, with consistent and well-drained watering, to promote the plant's growth and well-being. High humidity is an integral part of ivy plant care. Mist the plant regularly and use a pebble tray to provide it. Propagate regularly using stem cuttings; this involves choosing 10- to 15-centimeter pieces of stem, removing all but the topmost leaves, and placing them in small containers with moist potting soil.
Fertilize long purple leafed plants with a liquid houseplant food or granular fertilizer. Water as needed to keep the soil moist, with this process you will have rooted cuttings ready to transplant in 7-10 days. Once the plant is established it should be pruned frequently as it grows quickly. Diseased, weak, or dry stems are cut with pruning shears that have been disinfected with alcohol in late winter or fall to control their growth.
Ivy pests are varied, including green aphids, which feed on sap and stems and can also attack flowers. Yellow chromatic traps can be used because the color attracts their attention, and they become trapped there. There are also red spider mites, which are small mites that feed on the plant's cells. These are evident by the webs that form between the leaves, but they can be easily eliminated with insecticides.
Caladium (Caladium X hortulanum)
Caladiums are tropical perennials with showy foliage that can be planted indoors or outdoors; regardless of location, they require a minimum of three to four hours of filtered light each day. They have large, thin leaves that resemble arrows and hearts and come in a striking array of colors and patterns in purple, red, pink, and cream that are mottled, veined, and striped. They can easily give you the visual impact of flowers while remaining foliage plants only.
It's important to note that this plant has tuberous roots and its foliage grows from spring to fall. They also require very high humidity, are intolerant of cold, and are toxic to animals and humans. They are also seasonal plants, even in the tropics, where gardeners plant them in the spring and summer months so they thrive in warmth and humidity. When grown indoors, they do best with plenty of warmth, bright but indirect light, and high humidity. Even under the best conditions, the leaves last only a few months before they begin to die back and the plant goes dormant again; when this happens, you can save the tubers in a bag and replant them next year.
While these long-leaved purple plants are grown for their foliage, they also produce flowers, which begin as spathes or spikes. These are usually removed as soon as they appear to ensure that all of the plant's energy is concentrated on developing its remarkable leaves. It's also good to know that the narrower the leaves, the more sun they can withstand, and growing them outdoors in containers gives you more control over lighting conditions. Plant caladium in a rich, well-draining potting mix, such as a moist mix of soil and peat.
Garden soil should also be rich and well-draining, with an ideal slightly acidic pH of 5,5 to 6,2. When leaves appear on the plant, water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist and prevent the plant from drying out. In the event that the leaves begin to wither, it will be necessary to stop watering the plant and resume it when the foliage appears again the following season. In turn, it is advisable to fertilize the plant weekly during the growing season, either in liquid or in slow-release granules.
The warmer the temperature, the better for indoor plants, it is recommended that it be at 21 degrees Celsius, because at this level the tubers begin to grow. Also, the humidity should be kept as high as possible. When planting outdoors, you can transplant the tubers into pots or transfer them to peat pots at the end of the last frost date. Plants grown this way should be started indoors four to six weeks before transplanting.
In this way, mature tubers can then be divided, ensuring that each new section of tubers has at least one growing site. Indoors or outdoors, these long-leaved purple plants are seasonal, with foliage in summer and a rest period in fall or winter. Their rest period is not determined by temperature or light cycle, but by how long the plant has been growing. After the leaves begin to die back in the fall, keep the tubers in the same pot or remove them, clean them, and place them in sawdust or sand for storage. Store them above 12 degrees Celsius to minimize the loss of healthy specimens. Plant them again when the next growing season begins.
Purple leaves on other crops due to nutrient deficiencies
Some experts point out that the purplish foliage that some cornfields have is due to dry soils, low temperatures and insufficient levels of phosphorus in the soil during their growth. Therefore, knowing that said coloration is determined by the pigment that is formed when there are more sugars in the leaves than the plants can use, then a low concentration of the reference nutrient makes it difficult for the sugars to move out of the leaves. In addition, it can be caused because in a dry and cold soil the roots stop growing and the transfer of carbohydrates to the root system stops, so both conditions cause the leaves to acquire a purple color.
In this sense, the care that must be given to the soil is of great interest, since during planting, if it is not handled properly, it can become compacted and compromise root growth. And if there is excess watering, this process will need to be reversed so that they return to their normal greenness, allowing the soil with excess moisture to begin to dry out. But if it is a genetic strain that naturally produces this purple pigmentation, crop yield will not be affected.
On the other hand, it should be noted that some plantations may show discoloration of the green color of their leaves due to various factors such as poor soil, poor drainage, insect and disease damage, or due to nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and nitrogen deficiencies, among others, to which the plants react in various ways, displaying purple spots on their foliage. Foliar problems of this type are common and can cause stunted growth and presentation.
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