When it comes to indoor plant collection, variegated plants can add so much character to it. Some varieties of variegated plants are also highly sought after due to the rarity of the species and their unique looks.
Variegation refers to the occurrence of different colors in plant leaves, resulting in striking patterns that can range from subtle speckles to bold stripes. This remarkable phenomenon is a result of genetic mutations or variations in chlorophyll production, leading to patches or streaks of pigmentation in the leaves. The result is a visually captivating display that adds depth and character to any plant collection.
They feature varying shades of greens, whites, reds, yellows, and other colors that will leave you in awe. While some of the rare variegated plants can be considered collector’s plants, there are plenty that are budget-friendly and can add plenty of intrigue to your indoor garden. Many variegated houseplants are also low maintenance, making them a great option for new houseplant owners.
Here are 10 variegated plants that you might want to consider adding to your plant collection.
1. Philodendron Ring of Fire
This stunning Philodendron Ring of Fire features jagged-edged foliage that
comes in multiple colors including red, orange, dark green, light green, white, and cream. The leaves resemble a fiery ring and may grow up to 16 inches in width and up to 24 inches in length. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in various lighting conditions. The variegation seems very stable compared with its cousin Philodendron Caramel Marble.
2. Monstera Albo Borsigiana
Monstera Albo is a rare and elusive plant that many plant collectors love and adore. This variegated Monstera is at the top of many wish lists around the world’s plant collectors thanks to its stunning foliage with its brilliant bright white variegation, fenestration (holes) when matured, and long striped stems. As beautiful as it sounds, however, the variegation of the Monstera Albo is not very stable, it’s hardly reverted but can be very different from one leaf to another in the same plants.
3. Monstera Aurea
The yellow, light-green, and dark-green variegation occurs in a similar pattern to what you’d expect to find on Monstera Aurea, with blocks and splashes of variegation and some leaves that are solidly half and half. The Monstera Aurea are harder to find than white-and-green variegated monsteras. Variegation is a spontaneous mutation that only occurs in some plants, so you cannot grow a variegated monstera, including Monstera Aurea, from seed. All Monstera Aurea plants are grown from cuttings or tissue cultures of other variegated plants.
However, you may have success propagating this plant with a cutting, as it’s said to root more readily than other variegated monstera varieties and almost always continues to produce variegation on new leaves.
4. Monstera Thai Constellation
This stunning yellow-to-white variegated Monstera Deliciosa was created in a lab. It was specifically created in a tissue culture laboratory in Thailand. This is the reason why it has ‘Thai’ in its name. This magnificent plant stands out in any indoor garden thanks to its distinctive variegation, which includes bright white or cream splotches and splashes on its dark green leaves. And thanks to its origins, the Monstera Thai Constellation also cannot be grown with seeds.
5. Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated
Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated has striking variegated leaves in cream and yellow hues. The leaves are an elongated heart shape, each one with unique and beautiful variegation. Variegated Burle Marx is a beautiful plant that requires bright, indirect light to thrive. While it can tolerate lower light levels, doing so for an extended period can cause the plant's variegation to revert. So, it's essential to choose a bright corner in a room that receives plenty of sunlight but not direct light
6. Philodendron Florida Beauty
The Philodendron Florida Beauty is a hybrid variety with attractive dark-green leaves and red-gnarled stems. These plants get very big and are climbers that can be grown against a moss pole.
It’s essential to get the lighting right when growing a Florida Beauty. If the light levels are too low, the plant will turn green and lose its variation. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. In ideal conditions, your plant will grow leaves with a lush green color with a cream variation.
Philodendron Florida Beauty thrives in moist soil. The topsoil should be left to dry out between watering provides around 60% to 90% humidity.
7. Philodendron Ilsemanii
Philodendron Ilsemanii is a highly sought-after plant known for its unique leaf structure and coloration. While its price tag may seem steep compared to other plants, the Philodendron Ilsemanii is worth the investment for any plant enthusiast.
One of the reasons why Philodendron Ilsemanii is expensive is because of its rarity. This plant is native to a small region in Ecuador, and it's not widely available in nurseries or plant stores. This makes it a highly coveted item for plant collectors, and as demand increases, so does its price. Additionally, the plant requires specialized care, making it even more difficult to propagate and
grow in large quantities. Another reason for the high price of Philodendron Ilsemanii is that the plant's unique and striking appearance. The leaves are a deep green color with prominent silver veins that create an intricate pattern.
8. Syngonium Pink Splash
The Syngonium Pink Splash is a charming houseplant, easily identifiable by its arrow-shaped leaves, with a pointed front end and a broader, lobed stem end. This fast-growing species is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Ecuador, and the West Indies, with deep green leaves and a paint-like pink “splash,” hence the name. These spots are known as variegation, meaning some of the plant cells have less chlorophyll, and therefore, the whole leaf is not solid green but rather exhibits a pattern or variation in color.
9. Syngonium Mojito
Syngonium Mojito is a fascinating plant with arrow-shaped leaves that showcase an array of colors. Its leaves display a unique mixture of cream, green, and white hues, resembling the look of a marbled Mojito cocktail, hence its name. It has become increasingly popular among indoor plant enthusiasts. With its distinctive leaf patterns and vibrant color splashes, it adds a touch of tropics to any space.
10. Stromanthe TrioStar
With its pink, cream, and green variegated leaves, the Stromanthe TrioStar adds a touch of tropical elegance to your collection.
Stromanthe Triostar care can be a challenge, but it will reward you with its impressive, full variegate foliage with vibrant shades of pink and green. A member of the prayer plant family, the Triostar folds its leaves up at night, and it can often be confused with the similar calathea plant. Triostars grow best in warm, humid conditions. Keeping the soil constantly moist, but not waterlogged, is preferable.
While variegated plants are undeniably beautiful, they do require specific care to thrive indoors.
Here are some general tips to ensure the well-being of your variegated companions.
Light: Variegated plants often prefer bright, indirect light. Due to a lack of chlorophyll, the variegated plants will need more sunlight to convert into energy through the process of photosynthesis. Also, the lack of chlorophyll means that the leaves will be more photosensitive and prone to scorching. If you aren’t able to provide enough natural sunlight, a full-spectrum grow light can help. Make sure your plants get at least 8 hours of bright light per day.
Watering: Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering, and adjust the frequency based on the plant's requirements
Humidity: These are tropical plants that make their home in the rainforest, so they do best in fairly warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature would be from 18oC to 24oC. Humidity maintains from 60% to 90%.
Soil: These plants love in well-drain soil mix. You can make your potting mix from scratch including orchid bark, coir, perlite, activated charcoal, and worm castings.
Fertilizer: Feed the plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during growing seasons.
Incorporating variegated plants into your indoor spaces is a delightful way to connect with nature and elevate the aesthetics of your home. These plants not only serve as decorative elements but also contribute to a healthier and more vibrant living environment. As you embark on your indoor gardening journey, explore the diverse world of variegated plants, and let their unique patterns and colors breathe life into your home.