What Are Variegated Plants?
Variegated plants have leaves with multiple colors, often showing one main color, such as green, plus areas of another “accent” color. This can include contrasting shades of green, yellow, pink, red, purple and white that can come in random sections, stripes, blotches, spots or borders. These color combos might change depending on the light exposure and time of year. A variegation pattern may be more pronounced or even disappear during winter months when available daylight is limited.
Variegated plants are popular houseplants because they act as natural accent pieces that provide extra pizzazz to an otherwise dull area. When selecting a variegated plant for your home interior consider their mature size and how exposed to sunlight they will get. Variegation patterns may become less pronounced or temporarily absent in settings that lack adequate brightness. For best results grow in well- draining soil with bright but indirect light for most parts of the day for optimum vibrancy.
What Causes Variegation?
Variegation occurs in plants when they have an unequal distribution of pigmented cells, resulting in some parts of the leaf being lighter than the other. This phenomenon can be caused by a variety of different factors, but is primarily the result of two key causes: genetic mutation and viral infection.
Genetic mutation is the most common cause for variegation and occurs when there is a change in one gene that affects this pigment development. This can be via a random mutation known as chimeric gene, which can result in solid colors such as red or purple being present on the plant’s foliage, or it could indicate that all subsequent generations will carry this mutated trait, thus making them variegated. Chimeric mutations are unstable however, meaning each new cutting taken from a variegated one may not propagate this trait.
Viral infections are another factor which can cause variegation; with many plant viruses attacking photosynthesis; leading to the yellowing or mottling seen on some leaves.
Why Plants Lose Their Variegation
Variegated plants with a stable mutation have branches and offshoots that maintain their unique characteristics of different colors, sometimes differing shades of green or yellow. However, in some cases, especially among fast-growing houseplants, they can sometimes revert to all one color. This usually happens if the plant is not getting enough light as part of its photosynthesis process. To be able to survive, a plant will switch back from having multiple colors in its leaves to one solid color so it can absorb the extra sunlight it needs to keep growing.
Variegated plants with an unstable mutation often do not survived for long periods of time as these tend to be rather rare occurrences in nature. As such, when compared against other individuals that are solid-colored, their lack of chlorophyll makes their survival rate much lower than those that are fully green. Similarly, this technique is also used by plants if they are not receiving enough light and need a quick source of chlorophyll until they can find more the amount of light they require
Tips for Caring for Variegated Plants
Variegated plants are beautiful and can add vibrant color to any environment. However, many of these delicate specimens come from tropical climates and need optimal light, temperature and humidity levels to remain healthy. If you’re looking for a way to keep your variegated plants happy without a greenhouse, there are some tips you can follow.
First and foremost, indoor variegated plants need bright, indirect lighting to maintain their colorful hues. Supplement the natural light in your home with grow lights if the room lacks enough indirect light for your plant’s needs, especially during winter months. Additionally, a lack of sunlight can cause a plant’s variegation to fade as it tries to produce more chlorophyll-absorbing cells. It is important to note that most variegated plants cannot tolerate direct sun or they may suffer scorch damage.
Finally, indoor variegated plants require adequate humidity levels which might not be provided by your air conditioning unit or dry heaters alone. To ensure that your plant is receiving sufficient moisture use a hand mister or consider investing in a humidifier for the room where it resides. With these few simple steps you can help ensure that your beautiful indoor variegated plant
1. Variegated String of Hearts
The Variegated String of Hearts is a unique and attractive creeping vine with tiny heart-shaped leaves that line its variegated green stems. This plant, also known as Rosary Vine, has silvery veins and edges that can be tinged pink or purple giving it an interesting look. Its semi-succulent characteristic makes it best to letting it dry out completely between waterings so too much moisture won’t do it any good. This gorgeous plant is not only pretty but blooms in the summer and fall up right tubular pink flowers making it even more standout within your home environment.
The Variegated String of Hearts thrives in bright indirect light which is why many like to display them on bookcases around windowsills so that its vines can sprawl and wrap around whatever object stands in its way for support. The leaves love humidity but take caution as overwatering should be avoided especially considering most homes lack the proper air flow that could help balance the climate of this delicate ivy. These plants are low maintenance but require a happy medium when taking care of them depending on your climate and household conditions.
2. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, more recently renamed the Dracaena trifasciata, is a compact and hardy houseplant that can be seen in the homes of many due to its extreme ease of care. Although a low light conditions will suit it perfectly, well-lit areas are also tolerated nicely. It requires very little water and is thus one of those rare plants that doesn’t require you to remember to water them often—a thorough watering once or twice a month is enough.
It is quite the eye catcher with its glossy green leaves striped by thin yellowish lines running along their edges. The sense of satisfaction you get from having this plant in your home is heightened further as it actually helps purify the air you breathe every day. As an added bonus, it’s unlikely to cause allergies unlike some more complex varieties of houseplants which often trigger sneezing and wheezing in those who suffer from such reactions.
3. Red Congo Philodendron
The Red Congo Philodendron is a must-have addition to any home or office décor. With its stunning, vibrant leaves, this philodendron can be the true centerpiece of any room. The leaves are long and beautifully variegated with deep emerald greens, contrasted with shades of white, pink and even reddish-orange. The stems of this particular philodendron variety are a stunning deep red color which adds to the overall beauty of the plant.
This plant doesn’t require too much maintenance; it simply needs regular watering and consistent humidity levels within the environment it’s growing in. Furthermore, Red Congo Philodendrons thrive best when placed in bright light and even some morning sunlight. Generally speaking, these plants grow well indoors in cooler temperatures but are not recommended for outdoors as extreme temperatures could harm them. By following these user-friendly care tips you can have a beautiful Red Congo Philodendron that will surprise everyone who takes notice!
4. Variegated Monstera
Variegated Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) add a unique touch of beauty to any indoor space. With an array of bright colors, these popular plants are a far cry from their typically green counterparts. Variegated monsteras usually feature variegation in shades of green, white, and yellow. One of the most reliable varieties is ‘Thai Constellation’, with its subtle white and pale yellow patterns on nearly every leaf. A slightly brighter version can be found in the Aurea variety with similar patterns but more pronounced yellow streaks.
It is worth noting that true Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’ is rarely sold and can only be found on rare occasions. This variety has resulted from a genetic mutation which unfortunately means that it can easily revert back to its standard green form at any time. Despite this setback, caring for these plants isn’t overly difficult as all varieties prefer bright light, humidity and warm indoor temperatures to thrive. As an added bonus, variegated monsteras are mostly pest-free so you have minimal worries about pesky critters!
5. Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) is a delightful houseplant with a unique personality and variegation that makes it stand out. It is named for its habit of folding its leaves at night like hands in prayer, making it something of a conversation starter. Additionally, its standout visual qualities make it an interesting addition to any home decor.
The Prayer Plant features two-tone green leaves with white veins that pop against the deep purple underside of the plant. With age and maturity, the plant begins to vine, making it optimal for a hanging basket or trellis situation. To keep your Prayer Plant alive and healthy, place it in indirect bright light but avoid direct sun exposure as this can dry out the leaves. Give this hardy species regular waterings and plenty of humidity for best results. Its options for styling are further elevated due to its vibrant coloration, easily blending into multiple decor schemes should you decide to spruce up your space!
6. Watermelon Peperomia
The Watermelon Pepperomia is a gorgeous houseplant boasting of lusciously colored leaves. Its unique name comes from its unique pattern – with dark green lines slashed across bright green circles, the leaves look almost like a watermelon. Its care needs are modest; this cutie likes medium light, regular watering, and prefers some humidity. With its radiating hues, the Watermelon Peperomia can be used in many creative arrangements – whether it’s planted on its own or grouped with other houseplants as an eye-catching display. Plus, this Peperomia is known to be low maintenance since it rarely needs repotting due to its love of being tucked in tight.
Watermelon Peperomia is the perfect addition to any indoor setting; from living rooms to bathrooms to bedrooms and beyond! It’s not a fussy plant and can even thrive under fluorescent lighting if exposed for long periods throughout the day. Of course,it would highly benefit from added humidity too but it’s not essential as this small perennial takes well to drying out from time-to-time if needed. This delicate charmer lives up to its namesake due to its beauty and vibrant tinted
7. Variegated String of Pearls
The Variegated String of Pearls is an attractive and rather rare trailing houseplant for the plant enthusiast. If you are looking for something that no one else has, this is a great choice as every plant has its own individual look. Formerly known as Senecio rowleyanus, this string of pearls can come in vibrant purples and pinks with speckles of white or have a more subtle swirling pattern of cream and beige. It requires indirect light or early morning sun and should only be watered when completely dry to the touch – otherwise it can easily suffer from root rot. As many variegated plants do, this species grows slower than their nonvariegated relatives so don’t expect too much too soon.
This impressive little trailing plant may be harder to find than your average succulent but makes up for that with its unique appearance and show-stopping display when given the right care. It looks great in hanging pots around windows or in other bright spots throughout your home or office for an injection of green into everyday life. Boasting distinct coloring that often makes these plants stand out from other strings of pearl varieties, it’s a fantastic selection for those wanting something out of the
8. Rattlesnake Plant
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The Rattlesnake Plant (Goeppertia insignis) is a unique and undeniably beautiful houseplant. Once known as a calathea, its unique habit of raising and lowering its leaves from day to night has earned it the common name of ‘prayer plant’. It features long, narrow lime-colored leaves with deep green spots that give it an exotic appearance.
Caring for this striking beauty couldn’t be easier; Rattlesnake plants thrive best in bright, indirect light, regular watering and a bit of extra humidity. In addition to its easy care routine, it will certainly add a touch of intriguing beauty to any home due to its captivating foliage. While this is not an ideal choice for those new to houseplants due to some basic light, watering and humidity requirements necessary for it to propagate robustly, it is certainly worth the minimal effort required.