For individuals of the artistic bent, one of the most sought-after requirements of decorating one’s place is to be different and unorthodox, yet aesthetic to the core. For such people, simply greening up the space is too mainstream.

They are always in the hunt for something different, unique to be precise: ranging from bonsai and dwarf trees, to cacti and adeniums. Many opt for plants with uniquely shaded coloured leaves, such as croton, coleus and aglaonemas. This column will focus on plants that sprout purple-coloured leaves.

The colour purple has its own significance and following. It is mostly associated with royalty and luxury. Usually, the colour purple in plants comes from the varying combinational balance of red, blue or violet colour pigments, known as anthocyanin.

It is the same pigment that gives blueberry, blackberry and cherries their colour. The Indigo Cherry Drops variety, which was discussed in this column a few months ago, falls in the same category. The leaves, in general, possess chlorophyll, from which they get their characteristic green colour.

The colour purple in plants comes from a varying combination balance of red, blue or violet colour pigaments, known as anthocyanin

In purple plants, however, the anthocyanin pigment takes over. That does not mean the plants with purple leaves do not have any chlorophyll. The plant needs to survive through a process called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is one of the key requirements of photosynthesis, without which a plant may cease to exist. It is only that in plants with purple leaves, the anthocyanins visually overpower the chlorophyll to give the leaf an overall purplish, royal look!

Just like green leaves, purple leaves can also be either decorative and non-edible or edible and can be used as topping and even in salads as well. One such example is the Purple Basil herb, which is widely grown and consumed mostly as seasoning to lend one’s food an enticing aroma.

These and other herbs will be discussed in future columns. This column will focus on two of the most common purple-coloured ornamental and decorative plants. The tips and tricks and related prerequisites to ensure optimal growth of the plant will be outlined in future columns.

PURPLE HEART

This is always my go-to plant whenever a new gardener asks me for a unique, easy-to-grow plant. Scientifically known as tradescantia pallida, the purple heart plants are fleshy, dark purple vines, with pink-coloured small flowers. The leaves of the purple heart vines are lance-shaped and around six inches in size.

The stems of the purple heart vines are somewhat crunchy and soft and easily breakable, which significantly aids in its propagation as well. Indeed, one can sow any part of the stem carrying a node, within the soil or keep it submerged under water, and roots will eventually start to grow from it.

Although it can be easily grown in any container, many purchase and prepare beautiful hangings of the purple heart plant. Some gardeners fill up their raised beds with purple heart vines. Such raised beds of purple heart vines can be spotted on pavements and in parks as well as gardens of different government buildings, hospitals and educational institutions.

INCH PLANT

This creeper is considered an invasive plant by many, because it spreads and occupies land surfaces very quickly. It is this tendency of the plant that is believed to be the reason for its previously well-known albeit controversial name, The Wandering Jew. However, this name is being systematically diluted over social media and other forums and being replaced with the likes of Inch plant. It is scientifically known as tradescantia zebrina, which is suggestive of the zebra-like stripes pattern on the leaves.

Alternating dark purple and light green stripes on the leaves is characteristic of this plant, which occasionally sprouts purple flowers as well. Its leaves are oval in shape, grasping the stem at the base and having a space of almost an inch in between the leaves — the property that resulted in its new name.

Other plants that produce leaves with a beautiful shade of purple include coleus, canna lily, purple basil, sweet potato vines and others, which will be discussed in future columns.

It warrants mention that one does not need to celebrate if their green-leaved plants start to show purple colouration (or more aptly discolouration) of the leaves. Usually, the common cause of green leaves turning purple is the deficiency of one of the key nutritional components of the plant food: phosphorus. One way to remedy the situation is to correct the phosphorus supply to the plant, which would help the plant restore its original colour and halt the progress of the unwanted condition.

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, September 22nd, 2024