When it comes to houseplants, there are a few varieties that really stand out from the rest – and one of those is the houseplant with variegated leaves. These plants have leaves of different colors, making them a beautiful addition to any room in your home. In this article, we will discuss 7 eye-catching houseplants with variegated leaves and what colors you can expect to see on their leaves. We’ll also take a look at why these plants have variegated leaves and what biological reasons cause them to be different colors.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
#1. Snake Plants
One of the most popular houseplants with variegated leaves is the snake plant, also known as the sansevieria. The leaves of this plant are usually green, but they can also have yellow or white stripes running through them. The reason for these different colors is that the snake plant has two types of chlorophyll in its leaves – one that is responsible for the green color, and one that is responsible for the yellow or white stripes. The reason for this is still unknown, but it is thought to be an adaptation that helps the plant absorb more light.
#2. Peperomia
Peperomia is a genus of over 1000 species of plants, most of which are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This means that peperomia plants are used to living in warm, humid environments – which is why they make such great houseplants! One of the most popular species of peperomia is the watermelon peperomia, which gets its name from the fact that its leaves look like watermelons. These leaves are usually green with white or yellow stripes, and they have a glossy texture.
#3. Calathea
Calathea is another genus of plants that is native to tropical regions of the world, and it contains some of the most beautiful houseplants available. One of the most popular Calathes is the zebra plant, which gets its name from the fact that its leaves are striped like a zebra. The leaves of this plant are usually green with white stripes, but they can also be yellow or pink.
#4. Philodendron
The philodendron is a genus of around 400 species of plants, most of which are native to tropical regions of the Americas. One of the most popular philodendrons is the heartleaf philodendron, which is easily recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves. These leaves are usually green, but they can also be yellow or white. The reason for this is that the philodendron has two types of chlorophyll in its leaves – one that is responsible for the green color, and one that is responsible for the yellow or white stripes.
#5. Monstera
The monstera is a genus of around 50 species of plants, most of which are native to tropical regions of the Americas. One of the most popular monsteras is the Swiss cheese plant, so named because its leaves have holes in them that look like Swiss cheese. These leaves are usually green with white or yellow spots, and they have a glossy texture.
#6. Pothos
The pothos is a genus of around 15 species of plants, most of which are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. One of the most popular pothos is the golden pothos, so named because its leaves are usually variegated with yellow or white. These leaves are usually green with yellow or white stripes, and they have a glossy texture.
#7. Dieffenbachia
The dieffenbachia is a genus of around 30 species of plants, most of which are native to tropical regions of the Americas. One of the most popular dieffenbachias is the dumb cane, so named because its leaves can cause temporary paralysis if ingested. These leaves are usually green with white spots, and they have a glossy texture.
As you can see, there are a variety of houseplants with variegated leaves available. Each one has its own unique pattern and colors, and they all have different reasons for why their leaves are variegated.
Do variegated houseplants need special care?
No, variegated houseplants do not need special care. In fact, they are often easier to care for than their non-variegated counterparts because they are more tolerant of different light conditions. However, it is important to note that variegated plants will usually require more light than their non-variegated counterparts. The reason is that the variegation in their leaves acts like sunscreen, which means that they need more light to photosynthesize. The color of the variegation can also affect how much light a plant needs. For example, plants with white or yellow variegation will need more light than those with green or brown variegation.
Meanwhile, white variegated leaves can indicate a lack of magnesium in the soil so be sure to fertilize accordingly!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of houseplants with variegated leaves, and each one is unique in its own way. These plants are not only beautiful, but they also have a fascinating history. If you are looking for a plant that will add some visual interest to your home, then be sure to check out some of the plants on this list! Thanks for reading!
Do you have a favorite houseplant with variegated leaves? Let us know in the comments below!
Gardening is my passion and growing plants indoors has always been a stress relief for me. Grow a banana tree in my apartment once (although failed to produce bananas).
