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5 plants with velvety leaves to add texture to your home

Velvety-leaved plants introduce texture and depth to projects, creating more sensory and welcoming compositions

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Mar 27, 2026, 4:30 PM

08 min de leitura
5 plants with velvety leaves to add texture to your home

(Divulgação/Divulgação)

The velvet-leaved plants stand out for a feature that goes beyond traditional aesthetics: texture. Their soft, matte surfaces absorb light differently, creating a deeper, less reflective visual effect. This often subtle detail shifts the perception of the project and contributes to richer, more balanced compositions.

When you include velvet-leaved plants in decor, the space gains a sensory layer that dialogues with other materials, such as wood, natural fabrics, and ceramics. Instead of relying only on color or volume, these species introduce a tactile contrast that makes the project more welcoming and visually engaging.

Pinstripe calathea (Calathea ornata)


Among velvet-leaved plants, the pinstripe calathea draws attention for the delicate pattern on its leaves, marked by light-toned lines over a deep green background. The soft texture reinforces this contrast, creating a visual effect that combines graphic appeal and lightness.

Striped Maranta

Maranta-Riscada. (Flor de Camomyla/Divulgação)

Adapted to indoor projects, the species prefers indirect light and moderate humidity, which makes it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, and even well-lit bathrooms. Its presence helps create denser compositions without visually weighing down the space.

Begonia maculata


The Begonia maculata is one of the most recognizable velvet-leaved plants, mainly for the light spots that dot its dark leaves. The slightly velvety texture softens this contrast, creating a balance between prominence and delicacy.

Begonia maculata

Begônia. (Divulgação/Divulgação)

It works well as a focal element on shelves, console tables, or specific corners of the home. Its elongated form and vertical growth contribute to more dynamic compositions, especially in compact projects.

Peperomia caperata


Compact and versatile, Peperomia caperata joins the group of velvet-leaved plants with a more discreet proposal. Its small, slightly wavy leaves have a soft texture that stands out when observed up close.

Peperomia caperata

Peperômia caperata (Jerzy Opioła/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)

Ideal for tables, shelves, or smaller compositions, this species allows multiple combinations. Its reduced scale makes it easy to insert into different projects, acting as a point of balance in more loaded spaces.

Gloxinia


Gloxinia stands out among velvet-leaved plants for combining texture and intense flowering. Its soft leaves create a more contained base that contrasts with flowers in vibrant tones, such as purple, pink, or red.

Gloxinia

Gloxínia (Floricultura Flores e Flores/Divulgação)

This duality allows the plant to be used both in neutral projects and in more expressive compositions. The result is an element that adds color and texture without compromising the harmony of the space.

Goldfish plant


Known for the curious shape of its flowers, the goldfish plant also belongs to the group of velvet-leaved plants. Its small leaves, with a soft touch, create a delicate visual effect that stands out especially in hanging pots.

Goldfish plant

Columeia-peixinho (O Cultvador/Divulgação)

This species is interesting for vertical compositions, where volume develops more organically. As it trails gently, it creates movement and helps fill the project in a light way.

How to incorporate velvet leaves into decor


Incorporating velvet-leaved plants into decor involves observing the contrast between surfaces. In projects defined by smooth materials such as glass, stone, or metal, these plants work as a counterpoint that softens the composition and introduces more visual depth.

A pink kitchen, plants, and curves define the apartment designed by Ricardo Abreu. In the photo, a living room with a pink armchair, a rug, and plant pots.

Apartamento com projeto de arquitetura assinado por Ricardo Abreu. (Renato Navarro/Divulgação)

The choice of pots also influences the result. Natural materials, such as ceramic and clay, reinforce the tactile proposal, while neutral finishes allow the texture of the leaves to stand out more clearly. By balancing these elements, the project gains a more cohesive and interesting read. In addition, the placement of the plants in the space can explore different heights and volumes, creating visual layers.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.