“Blush plant” is a descriptive term for plants that display striking color changes, often in shades of pink, red, or purple, on their foliage, stems, or flowers. These plants bring vibrant hues beyond traditional green to indoor and outdoor spaces. The term highlights a plant’s aesthetic quality rather than a specific botanical classification.
Understanding the “Blush” Effect in Plants
The captivating “blush” effect in plants is primarily due to the presence of pigments called anthocyanins. These compounds are responsible for red, purple, and blue colors in various plant parts. Anthocyanins are produced by plants as a protective mechanism, often in response to environmental cues.
Light intensity plays a significant role in anthocyanin production. Bright, indirect light encourages the plant to produce more of these pigments, enhancing the vibrant coloration. This is because anthocyanins can act as a natural sunscreen, shielding plant tissues from excessive light and UV radiation.
Other environmental factors also influence blushing intensity. Temperature fluctuations, particularly cooler temperatures, can enhance anthocyanin accumulation, contributing to more vivid colors. Nutrient availability can also impact color, as plants may produce these pigments in response to certain nutrient conditions.
Popular Plants Known for Their “Blush”
Many popular plants exhibit a noticeable “blush,” making them sought-after. Goeppertia varieties, formerly known as Calathea, are well-known for their colorful foliage. For instance, Goeppertia majestica ‘White Star’ features pale green leaves with contrasting dark green stripes and a distinct pink blush, often with deep purple undersides. Their leaves often fold up at night, revealing the vibrant undersides.
Bromeliads, particularly Neoregelia, are another group famed for their central blushing. These plants form a rosette of leaves, and the central cup often deepens to a striking pinkish-red, especially as the plant prepares to bloom. This color change is a natural part of their life cycle and is often more striking than their actual flowers.
Succulents like Echeveria, Sedum, and Crassula varieties often develop intense stress colors, including reds, pinks, and purples, when exposed to conditions like increased light, cooler temperatures, or controlled drought. Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ is also popular for its distinct pink variegation, which appears as splashes or sections of bright pink on deep green leaves. While technically variegation rather than a uniform blush, its striking color contrast fits the aesthetic.
Cultivating and Caring for Blush Plants
Maintaining vibrant blush requires attention to several environmental factors. Adequate light is important for blush development. Most blush plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which stimulates pigment production. Too little light can diminish their vibrant hues, causing them to revert to greener tones, while excessive direct sunlight can scorch delicate leaves.
Proper watering practices are also important, though requirements vary by plant type. Tropical blush plants, such as many Goeppertia varieties, prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil. Succulents, conversely, require well-draining conditions and should be allowed to dry out significantly between waterings to prevent root rot and encourage stress colors. Overwatering is a common issue that can hinder overall plant health.
Humidity is an important consideration, especially for tropical blush plants. Many Goeppertia varieties, for example, originate from humid rainforest environments and benefit from higher humidity levels to prevent leaf edges from browning. Using pebble trays or humidifiers can help meet this need. Well-draining potting mixes are important for all blush plants to ensure proper aeration and prevent waterlogging, with specific mixes tailored to tropical plants or succulents.
Balanced fertilization supports healthy growth and color, but excessive nitrogen can reduce the intensity of colorful foliage. A general-purpose houseplant fertilizer applied during the growing season is sufficient. Temperature plays a role as well; most blush plants prefer stable, moderate temperatures, typically between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Cooler temperatures within their preferred range can enhance color, particularly for succulents.
Why Your Blush Plant Might Be Losing Its Color
If a blush plant loses its distinctive coloration, several factors could be at play. Insufficient light is the most common reason for color fading. When plants do not receive enough bright, indirect light, their colorful foliage may revert to green or become dull. Moving the plant closer to a suitable light source, such as a bright window or under a grow light, can re-intensify the colors.
Nutrient imbalances can also affect plant coloration. While some nutrients support overall health, an excess of nitrogen can lead to greener foliage by prioritizing vegetative growth over pigment production. Conversely, deficiencies in certain nutrients like phosphorus or magnesium can manifest as reddish or purplish tints, which might be mistaken for a natural blush but indicate a problem. A balanced fertilizer can help correct these issues.
For succulents, a loss of color may indicate a lack of “healthy stress.” These plants often display vibrant hues when subjected to controlled stressors like increased light, cooler temperatures, or less frequent watering. Reintroducing mild stressors can encourage color return.
The age or maturity of the plant can also influence color intensity; some plants naturally exhibit less intense blushing as they mature. Not all plants have the genetic predisposition to blush intensely. Even with ideal care, some individual plants may not develop the dramatic colors seen in others of the same variety due to their specific genetic makeup.