Who says houseplants have to be bright green? As the days become darker and Halloween creeps closer, we're all about leaning into the darker side of the plant world. In our collection of over 10,000 plants it's the near-black leaves, deep purple velvet and plants that stop us in our tracks.
If you want your collection to have a bit of drama, here are our top six gothic houseplants which are a great place to start.
Anthurium Queen of Hearts
This is royalty with a dark streak. Anthurium Queen of Hearts has large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves that unfurl in rich bronze and red tones before deepening to a dark, moody green that can look almost black in low light.
Care at a glance:
- Bright, indirect light (keep it out of harsh sun)
- A chunky, airy aroid mix with bark and perlite
- Water when the top few centimetres feel dry
- Loves humidity, so a humidifier or pebble tray helps
Shop Anthurium Queen of Hearts →
Begonia Dark Mambo
If you're after a true black leaf, look no further. Begonia Dark Mambo has glossy, deep chocolate-black foliage with burgundy undersides that catch the light beautifully. It's compact, eye-catching and perfect for a shelf or desk.
Care at a glance:
- Bright, indirect light to keep its colour rich
- Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy
- Water at the base and avoid wetting the leaves
- Enjoys warmth and good humidity
Alocasia azlanii
A real jewel. This rare Alocasia from Borneo has metallic leaves that shift between deep purple, red and almost black, with shimmering pink-toned veins. Turn it in the light and it looks like it's been dipped in oil.
Care at a glance:
- Bright, indirect light
- High humidity is a must, so it's brilliant in a terrarium or plant cabinet
- Keep it warm and away from cold draughts
- Let the top layer of soil dry slightly between waterings
ZZ Raven
The easiest plant on this list and arguably the most striking. ZZ Raven pushes out bright lime-green new stems that slowly darken to a glossy jet black. It's tough, forgiving and happy in spots most plants would sulk in.
Care at a glance:
- Copes with low light, but grows best in medium to bright, indirect light
- Water only when the soil is completely dry
- Very drought tolerant, so perfect for busy plant parents
- Overwatering is the only real way to upset it
Gynura 'Purple Passion'
Also known as the velvet plant, Gynura Purple Passion is covered in soft purple hairs that make its leaves glow with a rich violet sheen. It has a lovely trailing habit, so it looks fantastic in a hanging pot.
Care at a glance:
- Bright light keeps the purple colour at its strongest
- Keep the soil evenly moist
- Pinch back the tips to keep it bushy
- Snip off any flowers, as they have a rather unpleasant smell (fitting for a gothic plant!)
Lithops sp.
Living stones are the oddballs of the plant world, and we love them for it. Lithops are tiny succulents that mimic pebbles to hide from hungry animals. Some varieties come in deep reds, purples and earthy browns, giving them a wonderfully eerie, otherworldly look.
Care at a glance:
- As much bright light as possible, ideally a sunny windowsill
- A very gritty, fast-draining mix
- Water sparingly in late summer and autumn when they're growing
- Stop watering through winter while the new leaves form inside the old pair
Ready to Go Dark?
Our gothic houseplants bring character, drama and a touch of mystery to any space. Browse our range and give your collection the dark makeover it deserves this spooky season.