By Justin Hancock, Costa Farms Horticulturist
Photographs courtesy of Costa Farms
Black plants have been a major trend outside. Bring the look inside with these four fabulous plants!
Geo
From the first new genus to be introduced into the mainstream houseplant world in decades, Geogenanthus ciliatus (aka Geo) sports paddle-shaped, purple-black leaves that doesn’t really look like anything else in your collection. From its high shine to bold texture, Geo definitely makes a statement.
Growing needs: Medium to bright light is best. It needs consistent moisture levels; never let Geo dry out. Prefers average to above-average relative humidity levels.
Raven® ZZ
Fashionable and super easy to grow, this plant shows off purple-black leaves that emerge a contrasting shade of lime green before maturing to their rich and deep, dark color. While it’s very slow growing, especially in low light, give it good conditions and patience, and you can eventually see your Raven® ZZ reach four feet tall or more!
Growing needs: Medium to bright light is best, but tolerates low light. It holds up to drying out if you forget to water, but never leave it in wet soil.
Dottie Calathea
There’s a wide variety of Calatheas (now botanically Goeppertia if you’re wanting to be up to date on botanical accuracy), and Dottie is a stunner. It shows off purple-black leaves highlighted by hot pink variegation. It’s definitely a charmer!
Growing needs: Medium to bright light is best. It likes to be consistently moist, but not saturated for extended periods. Prefers above-average relative humidity levels.
Rex Begonia
Like Calatheas, you have a lot of options with rex begonia. Several have leaves with black accents, including Etna, which features a wing-shaped black leaf studded with metallic red spots, and Red Kiss, which shows off burgundy-red foliage with a rich sparkly center.
Growing needs: Medium to bright light is best. It likes to be consistently moist, but not saturated for extended periods. Prefers above-average relative humidity levels.
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