25 Indoor Plants with Variegated Leaves To Brighten Your Home
If you’re on the hunt for a flashy new plant or two, here are some of our favorite indoor plants with variegated leaves, as well as basic care tips and common pitfalls to avoid if you want variegated leaves to always look their best.
Variegated houseplants are some of the most sought-after plants around, and they’re a surefire way to add color and aesthetic appeal to any indoor plant collection. Caused by a genetic mutation, variegated plant leaves may display splashes or stripes of pink, white, or cream coloring. However, variegated plants can also produce completely white leaves that contrast dramatically against houseplants with dark green leaves and stems.
What Are Variegated Houseplants?
Normally, plant leaves contain lots of chlorophyll – a natural pigment that gives plants their characteristic green coloring. However, due to genetics, mutations, or environmental factors, variegated plants have an uneven distribution of chlorophyll and other pigments in their leaves. This results in “stable variegation” when the variegation is genetic, but may be temporary if the causes of variegation can be attributed to viral infections or other stressors.
You can find variegated indoor plants with a range of bright colors and unique patterns in their leaves. Stripes and speckles are common, although some variegated plants may have even larger splashes of color or leaves without any green at all.
Popular Indoor Plants With Variegated Leaves
While many common house plants are available in a variegated version, this list of our favorite indoor plants was specially selected just for you. These unique plants have all the vibrant colors and eye-catching leaf variegation you could want, but they’re also relatively easy to find at local plant nurseries and they’re low maintenance!
Golden Pothos
Pothos are always popular with plant collectors because they’re easy to keep and grow long, beautiful trails. Just one of several colorful pothos options, golden pothos has speckles of yellow variegation on its eye-catching leaves.
More info: Golden Pothos Plant Care, How To Grow Lush Full Pothos
‘Marble Queen’ Pothos
Similar to golden pothos, ‘Marble Queen’ has speckled leaves — but this pothos has creamy-white variegation.
More info: Marble Queen Pothos Care, How To Prune & Propagate Pothos
‘N’Joy’ Pothos
‘N’Joy’ pothos plants have even less chlorophyll than ‘Marble Queen’, and their light green leaves display large splotches of pure white.
More info: Pothos NJoy Plant Care, FAQS About Growing Pothos
Satin Pothos
Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) isn’t a true pothos, but it is a closely related plant. Grow this beauty in bright, indirect light to preserve the silvery spots on its leaves.
More info: Satin Pothos Propagation, Satin Pothos Repotting
Pink Aglaonema
One of the most colorful tropical plants you can find, pink aglaonema’s bubblegum pink leaves are accentuated with a dark green edge. However, that pink coloring is sensitive to bright light, so plant lovers should keep this plant in medium light and provide high humidity.
More info: Pink Aglaonema Care Tips
Red Aglaonema
Another thrilling option, red aglaonema’s leaves display shades of crimson and green and have the same basic care needs as the pink variety.
More info: Red Aglaonema Care Tips
Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’
If you prefer a subtler look, ‘Silver Bay’ aglaonema’s leaves are variegated in different shades of green. Aglaonema plants of any color are sometimes called Chinese evergreens.
More info: Agalonema Care
Variegated Spider Plant
Also known as Chlorophytum comosum, spider plants produce either solid green or variegated leaves with green and white or yellow stripes. These plants are always popular with plant enthusiasts and can grow without much light.
More info: Spider Plant Care, Growing Spider Plant FAQs
Dracaena ‘Lemon Lime’ or ‘Lemon Twist’
Regardless of what you call it, these dracaenas are sure to charm with its two-toned, lime and deep green leaves. ‘Lemon Twist’ grows in a fun, swirly form.
Dracaena Warneckii ‘White Stripe’ or ‘White Jewel’
Another striped dracaena, this option has darker leaves accentuated with bright white markings. For best results, keep dracaenas of any sort in bright, indirect light and allow their soil to dry out slightly in between waterings.
Rubber Plant ‘Tineke’
An alternative to solid green rubber plants, this colorful Ficus plant has variegated leaves with creamy white edges and pink accents. If you’re a fan of pink, check out the Ficus ‘Ruby.’ All are fast growing.
More info: Rubber Plant Care, Rubber Plant Repotting
Philodendron ‘Birkin’
‘Birkin’ makes a striking tabletop or floor plant and is especially prized for its leaves, which are dark green and ornamented with streaks of white and canary yellow.
More info: Phildodenron Birkin Care
Philodendron ‘Brasil’
Unlike ‘Birkin, philodendron ‘Brasil’ is a vining plant that looks best in a hanging basket or displayed on a high shelf. It’s also known as the heart-leaf philodendron and is famed for its heart-shaped leaves and flashy, yellow and lime green variegation.
More info: Philodendron Brasil Care, Phildodendron Brasil Propagation
Rattlesnake Plant
Rattlesnake plant is named for its colorful leaves, which have purple undersides and two-toned green variegation that resembles the scales of a snake’s skin. Like other calatheas, this plant moves with the light and turns upwards in the evening.
Monstera Deliciosa
Most monsteras have solid green leaves, but lovers of rare houseplants may want to try even more colorful, variegated monstera. ‘Monstera Albo Variegata’ or ‘Albo Borsigiana’ has bright white patches on its leaves, while ‘Thai Constellation’ is speckled with white – like the night sky!
More info: Monstera Care, Monstera Repotting
Hoya Carnosa ‘Variegata’
Also known as the variegated wax plant, this vining houseplant has creamy white and green leaves and low maintenance needs. In fact, it can survive short periods of drought thanks to the waxy coating on its leaves.
More info: Hoya Plant Care
Watermelon Peperomia
One of the most unusual-looking houseplants you can find is watermelon peperomia, whose rounded leaves are striped like the rind of a watermelon.
More info: Watemelon Peperomia Care
Variegated Baby Rubber Plant
Despite the name, baby rubber plants are actually peperomias and not rubber plants. Either way, this plant’s variegated, white and green leaves look attractive in any collection.
More info: Baby Rubber Plant Care, Pruning & Propagating Baby Rubber Plant
Arrowhead Plant ‘Bold Allusion’
Arrowheads are some of the best indoor plants for beginners because they don’t need much light or fuss. They also come in lots of fun varieties — like ‘Bold Allusion,’ which features pale green leaves with pink veining.
More info: Arrowhead Plant Care, How To Keep An Arrowhead Plant Bushy
Arrowhead Plant ‘White Butterfly’
Every bit as pretty as ‘Bold Allusion, ‘White Butterfly’ arrowheads have light green leaves with even lighter veining. If you’re lucky, these plants can produce leaves that are so pale they appear white in most lighting.
More info: Arrowhead Plant Propagation, Arrowhead Plant Repotting
Cryptanthus
Pretty in pink, cryptanthus is a type of bromeliad with bright pink and brownish-green stripes on its leaves. They also come in red and burgundy as seen above. For best results, keep these plants in evenly moist soil and indirect sun, and avoid directly watering the center of the plant.
More info: Cryptanthus Care
Variegated Schefflera Arboricola
Also known as the variegated umbrella plant, scheffleras have fan-shaped leaves that are ideal for adding texture and movement to an indoor garden.
Sansevieria Laurentii
There are many snake plants to choose from, but Laurentii is an especially colorful option with bright yellow striping on its upright leaves. These succulents can handle brighter light than many other variegated plants, but they should be sheltered from direct sunlight, which can cause sunburned leaves.
More info: Snake Plant Care, Snake Plant FAQs
Sansevieria ‘Golden Hahnii’
Like Laurentii, ‘Golden Hahnii’ snake plants have yellow variegation on their leaves. However, these plants are smaller and are a better choice for small spaces and tabletop displays.
More info: 5 Awesome Types Of Snake Plants, Repotting Snake Plants
Zebra Plant
Several houseplants are nicknamed “zebra plants,” but Aphelandra squarrosa is the most famous “zebra plant” that you can find. Like a zebra’s fur, this plant’s dark leaves are striped with bright white veining, making a big impact in any indoor space!
4 Key Care Tips
Every houseplant has its own unique care requirements, so it’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on new plants before bringing them into your home. However, if you’re plan to add variegated plants to your collection, here are a few ways to boost their health and coloring!
- Lighting. Most variegated plants grow best in bright, indirect light, while intensely bright sunlight can cause sun scorch and browning leaves. If your plants are losing their color, try increasing lighting a bit, but don’t overdo it!
- Watering. Some plants may need more or less water, but most tropical houseplants require about 1 inch of water per week. That means you should water your plants when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can turn variegated plants green and make them lose their unique leaf pattern. To avoid this, choose liquid organic fertilizers, follow the fertilizer instructions carefully, and always dilute fertilizers with water before application.
- Humidity. Boosting indoor humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier keeps variegated plant leaves healthy and vibrant. Low indoor humidity is one of the leading causes of brown and crispy leaves.
Most Common Issues with Variegated Houseplants
Due to the lack of chlorophyll in their leaves, variegated houseplants are a bit more delicate than houseplants with standard green leaves. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly if you see any signs of these common plant problems.
- Loss of variegation. Variegated plants may revert to solid green if they don’t receive enough light or if they’re overfertilized.
- Sunburn or browning leaves. Brown or crispy leaves are usually caused by too much direct sun, but they can result from underwatering as well.
- Overwatering. Too much water can cause plants to droop, develop dark splotches on their leaves, and even lead to root rot and plant death!
Our No-Nonsense Indoor Plant Care Guide
Even if you’re a serial plant killer, this ebook aims to turn your brown thumb green! Get a multitude of practical plant care tips. Some of the 33 plants included in this book are Pothos, Agalonema, Spider Plant, Kentia Palm, a variety of Dracaenas, some succulents, plus many more.
FAQ’s
Leaf variegation can be genetic, the result of a random mutation, or caused by environmental influences. The best way to increase variegation is to provide plants with plenty of bright, indirect light!
Variegated leaves should not be exposed to direct sun, which can cause leaf damage. However, these plants still need lots of bright, indirect light to maximize leaf coloring.
Variegated plants can be a little more delicate than non-variegated plants, but they aren’t necessarily harder to grow. Just be sure to protect their delicate leaves from direct sun.
Conclusion
With their brightly colored and fantastically patterned leaves, it’s no wonder why variegated plants are the stars of houseplant collections. These unique beauties are ideal for brightening up drab corners, accentuating solid green plants, or adding an unexpected pop of color to a shelf, tabletop, or hanging basket. And the best part is that most variegated plants don’t have special care requirements and will thrive in most indoor spaces as long as they receive the right balance of light and water!
Happy gardening,
-Lauren
Lauren Landers is a Master Gardener and gardening writer living in Maine. After running a small organic farm in New England for several years, Lauren transitioned to freelance writing and loves helping others discover the beauty of organic and pollinator gardening!
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