Blue House Plants

If you want to add a cool and vibrant pop of color to your home, few things are better than blue house plants. They bring a sense of calm and a unique visual interest that green plants alone sometimes can’t match. This guide will help you find and care for the best blue-toned foliage and flowers for your indoor spaces.

You might be surprised by the options. From silvery-blue succulents to plants with stunning blue blooms, there’s a variety to suit different light levels and care routines. Let’s look at how you can incorporate these beautiful plants into your decor.

True blue is rare in the plant world, making these specimens extra special. Most “blue” house plants get their color from a natural, waxy coating or unique leaf structure that reflects blue light. Others offer gorgeous blue flowers that can last for weeks. Here are some top choices to consider for your collection.

Top Picks for Blue Foliage

These plants are prized for their leaves, which provide blue color all year round.

Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium aureum): This easy-care fern has beautiful, blue-green fronds that have a dusty, shimmering apperance. It’s more forgiving with humidity than other ferns.
Blue Echeveria (Echeveria secunda): A classic succulent that forms tight rosettes in a powdery blue hue. It needs plenty of sun to maintain its compact shape and color.
Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Sticks): Though often grown outdoors, it makes a striking trailing house plant. Its finger-like leaves are a vivid blue-gray.
Pilea glauca ‘Blue Tears’: A delicate trailing plant with tiny, round leaves that look like blue-green beads. It’s perfect for a small hanging basket.

Stunning Blue-Flowering Plants

These plants provide spectacular seasonal shows of blue blooms.

African Violet (Saintpaulia): Certain cultivars produce masses of soft periwinkle to deep navy flowers. They bloom repeatedly on your windowsill with consistent care.
Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose): Similar to African Violets but with longer, trumpet-shaped flowers. The ‘Blue Frills’ variety is a particulary lovely option.
Hoyas with Blue Blooms: Some Hoya species, like Hoya pubera, have flowers that shift to a slate blue as they age. The blooms are also wonderfully fragrant.
Forced Bulbs: In spring, you can often find pre-chilled bulbs like Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) or certain Hyacinths in pots. They offer a vibrant, temporary display of blue.

Caring for Your Blue Plants

The right care ensures your plants stay healthy and colorful. While needs vary, here are some general guidelines.

Light Requirements

Most blue-foliage plants, especially succulents, need bright, indirect light or even some direct sun to thrive. The blue coating can actually help protect them from sun intensity. Flowering plants need ample bright, indirect light to produce their best blooms. A south or east-facing window is often ideal.

Watering and Humidity

This is where plants differ most. Succulents prefer to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the quickest way to harm them. Ferns and tropicals like the Blue Star Fern prefer consistently moist (not soggy) soil and appreciate higher humidity. Always check the soil with your finger before watering.

Soil and Fertilizing

Use a well-draining potting mix. For succulents and cacti, a specialized gritty mix is best. For tropical plants, a standard indoor potting mix works well. Feed your plants during their active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted fertilizer. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.

Design Tips for Vibrant Spaces

Blue plants work wonderfully in modern, coastal, or minimalist decors. Their cool tone can make a room feel more spacious and serene.

Create a Monochromatic Scheme: Group several blue-toned plants together on a shelf or side table. Mix textures and shapes for depth.
Use as a Focal Point: A large Blue Star Fern or a striking blue Echeveria arrangement can be a living centerpiece.
Complement Warm Colors: Pair blue plants with terracotta pots, warm wood tones, or even plants with orange or pink flowers for a vibrant, complementary contrast.
Highlight in Cool Spaces: Place them in a bathroom with good light; the blue tones enhance a cool, relaxing atmosphere.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Loss of Blue Color: If a succulent is turning green, it likely needs more light. Gradually move it to a brighter spot. For ferns, dull color can mean too much direct sun.
Leggy Growth: This is almost always a sign of insufficient light. Prune back the leggy stems and provide more brightness.
Brown Leaf Tips: Often a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, and check your watering schedule.
Pests: Watch for mealybugs (cottony masses) or aphids. Wipe them off with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap spray, especially under the leaves.

Propagating Your Favorites

Sharing your blue plants is easy. Many can be propagated from cuttings or offsets.

For succulents like Echeveria: Gently twist off a healthy leaf or cut a stem. Let it callous over for a few days, then place it on top of dry soil. Mist occasionally until roots form.
For trailing plants like Pilea glauca: Snip a stem cutting just below a node (where leaves emerge). Place the cutting in water or directly into moist soil. Roots should develop in a few weeks.
For ferns: The easiest method is division. When you repot, gently pull or cut the root ball into seperate sections, ensuring each has roots and fronds. Pot each division individually.

FAQ About Blue Indoor Plants

Q: Are there any truly blue house plants?
A: Pure blue pigments are extremely rare. Most plants achieve their blue look from a waxy coating (bloom) or structural qualities in their leaves that reflect blue light. Blue flowers are more common than truly blue leaves.

Q: Which blue plant is the easiest for beginners?
A: Blue Echeveria or other blue succulents are great starts. They are drought-tolerant and need lots of light, making their care routine simple and straightforward.

Q: Why is my blue succulent turning green?
A: This is usually due to not enough light. The blue coating develops as protection from sun. Gradually introduce it to brighter light to encourage the color to return.

Q: Can I keep a blue flowering plant in low light?
A: Most plants that produce blue flowers need bright, indirect light to bloom. In low light, they may survive but will likely not produce many, if any, flowers.

Q: How often should I water my blue fern?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. They also appreciate a boost in humidity from regular misting or a humidifier.

Adding blue house plants to your home is a fantastic way to introduce a unique and calming element. With so many choices availible, from low-maintenance succulents to stunning flowering varieties, you can easily find one that fits your space and skill level. Remember to match the plant to your home’s light conditions, and you’ll enjoy their vibrant color for years to come. The key is to start with a healthy plant and provide consistent care, adjusting as you learn its specific needs.