Variegated Houseplants; The Lowest Maintenance, Yet Beautiful
There is no doubt that variegated houseplants are beautiful.
To me, the colours and, both the symmetrical and random patterns of variegated leaves are stunning works of art. They make me pause and start wondering HOW is this “natural” and un-intentional composition of colours even possible.
Variegated houseplants have been in demand for years, especially those rare and hard to find cultivars of Monsteras.
Do you know why they are rare and hard to find? Because they are genetic mutations that often cannot be reproduced “true to type” .
But not all variegated houseplants are like that!
I’d like to tell you a little more about plant’s variegation and what is the cause of their variegation. It is actually very fascinating.
Understanding what is behind some plants’ variegations will help you understand why certain cultivars are hard to find, or simply hard to grow.
My goal for this blog post is to explain to you what variegated houseplants really are, and which ones are low maintenance, yet beautiful to have in your home!
So, read along.
definition of variegation
I’d like to quote three different definitions of “variegation” in biology because I noticed there is a bit of mis-use of the term “variegation”.
- From the Oxford Reference; ” The occurrence of differently colored patches, spots, or streaks in plant leaves, petals or other parts, due to the absence of pigment or different combinations of pigment in the affected area of the part.”
- From Wikipedia; “Variegation is the appearance of differently coloured zones in the leaves and sometimes the stems, and fruit of the plants.”
- From Merriam-Webster; “It is used in botany to describe the presence of two or ore colors in the leaves, petals, or other parts of the plants…”
It’s important to understand that some plants are found variegated in the wild, while others are either genetically mutated, or infested by virus.
A plant’s scientific name is generally a good indication to whether that particular species is a cultivar (genetically modified) or found variegated in the wild as such.
- If the second latin name of a plant is variegata (italicized, all lower case), it means that plant was found variegated in the wild. (i.e. Aloe variegata).
- If the second latin name of a plant is ‘Variegated’ (with capital V and single quotations), it means that is a cultivar and was genetically modified. (i.e. Monstera Deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’).
different types of variegations
There are so many beautiful variegated houseplants to choose from, that is hard to resist the temptation to buy them all!
We all tend to fall for the looks, it’s human nature!
However, it is really important to understand what’s behind their variegation to figure out what is the best variegated houseplant for us. Not all variegated houseplants are easy to care for.
Let’s dig a little deeper!
Technically, there are quite a few different types of variegations, but for the sake of this Blog post, let’s keep it simple and narrow them down to four;
1. genetic mutation - chimeral variegation
This is the most common among variegated houseplants.
It is a natural genetic mutation where one single plant has two different chromosomal make-ups.
In this particular case, some tissue is able to produce chlorophyll, (which is the green pigment in the plant cells), while other is not. The result is a plant with white or yellow areas, mixed with solid green.
This type of plant is called a Chimera.
Chimeras are unpredictable in their variegation; some plants may display consistent symmetrical leaf patterns, others can have “splatters” throughout the plant, and others may have leaves that are entirely white or entirely green.
Because this is a natural genetic mutation, and it cannot be manipulated, this type of variegation if often unstable.
When a variegation is unstable it means that the leaves may revert to solid green. This changes from species to species, and also depending on their needs.
Most often, the lack of proper light exposure is the cause of this reversion.
Chimeras are also considered unstable because they cannot be reproduced “true to type”. In-fact, when propagated, the new plants may have a completely different propagation pattern from the mother plant, or even completely revert to green!
It is also important to understand that many variegated plants can be more frail, especially those ones with completely white leaves. The lack of chlorophyll prevents proper photosynthesis, making those leaves decay much faster!
I am sure you can now understand why certain varieties of plants are hard to find, expensive to buy and heartbreaking to kill!!!
But not all Chimeras are hard to care for! Here are two examples of the easiest ones to maintain!
Marble Queen Pothos
Philodendron Brasil
2. natural variegation - pattern-gene variegation
This variegation is also known as Pigmented Variegation.
As the name says it, it’s a natural variegation.
Some plants are patterned naturally, (and that is why I struggled calling these plants variegated. To me, a variegation is simply the modification of a plant that is otherwise solid green. The plants that belong in this category, to me, are not variegated as they do not come in solid green. But that is a story for another day!).
Their pattern is written in their DNA and passed down to the next generation.
Here are two examples of Pattern-Gene Variegated plants.
Lemon Lime Maranta
Medallion Calathea
3. blister or reflective variegation
This type of variegated houseplants are very fascinating to me. Mostly because until recently, I never truly understood their variegation and what caused it!
Small air pockets are formed between the fully pigmented lower and the completely un-pigmented upper layers of the leaves. When the light hits these transparent air pockets, it reflects it, causing that silvery appearance of the leaves.
Pretty cool, uh?
Reflective variegations can be random, (Silver Philodendron), or more symmetrical, (Watermelon Peperomia), or even run along the veins on the leaves, like in certain Alocasias.
Watermelon Peperomia
4. viral variegation
This type of variegation is not common among houseplants.
The Mosaic Virus causes such a desirable variegation in Hosta cultivars that it can actually be reproduced!
This is just the basics on variegation.
The science behind variegation is way more complex than this.
I am no botanist, and don’t pretend to fool you. But I believe this is enough information for you to understand why certain variegated houseplants are harder to find and more expensive, as well as why they can be harder to maintain and care for, which is the main goal of this Blog post.
And now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best, lowest maintenance, yet beautiful variegated houseplants!!!
the easiest, yet beautiful, variegated houseplants
1. philodendron brasil, (Philodendron hederaceum 'brasil')
The Philodendron Brasil is one of my favourite variegated houseplants.
It is simply gorgeous, and incredibly easy to care for.
I love it so much that I propagated it to make sure I had a second one in hand in case something happened to it.
This plant is a Chimera, and as such an unstable, genetic mutation. This means that its variegation can revert to solid green and that its propagation may not be “true to type”.
I was lucky enough with the propagation, and I ended up with a very similarly variegated plant.
However, it is true that this plant requires a lot of bright, indirect light in order to maintain its variegation. In-fact, if left in areas with even medium light, its new leaves tend to revert to solid green.
Like for all other unstable variegated plants, the cure to reversion is exposure to plenty of indirect, bright light. At the same time it is important to know that exposure to direct sunlight it’s damaging to these plants as it will scorch their beautiful leaves.
Water the Philodendron Brasil when the soil feels dry to the touch as too much water will lead to root rot.
Do not rush to repot this plant. The Philodendron Brasil roots don’t grow as fast as its stems. Only repot it when you notice the roots growing out of the drainage holes, or when there are more roots than soil left in the pot!
To propagate the Philodendron Brasil, simply cut the stems between the nodes and place them in water to root for a few weeks before planting them in a pot of soil.
I keep my precious Philodendron Brasil in the Bathroom as it thrives in high humidity.
2. marble queen pothos, (epipremnum aureum 'Marble queen')
The Marble Queen Pothos is another classic among the variegated houseplants.
It’s beautiful and low maintenance.
I had one that I used to build a Kokedama Moss Ball with, and eventually propagated several times. I now have a few, gorgeous Marble Queen Pothos trailing around the house.
And they all look different because this plant is a Chimera.
Its variegation is a genetic mutation, hence it’s unstable and unpredictable.
As mentioned, I propagated a few of this plants. I propagated them all by cutting. While the majority of the plants ended up being beautiful variegated plants, one turned out solid green.
The variegations are all different too.
This is the one plant that truly taught me how much of a difference light exposure can make on variegated plants.
I had the original plant over the upper counter in the Kitchen, where the light is moderate. Its variegation was washed out and the colours were yellow and green.
The moment I moved the same plant to a North facing window sill, the leaves started turning colours; the contrast become sharper and the yellow became white.
So, keep your Marble Queen Pothos in plenty of indirect bright light if you want to maintain a gorgeous variegation!
Water it only when the soil feels dry to the touch. (I water mine every two weeks).
Click here for more on the Marble Queen Pothos.
My first and original Marble Queen Pothos that has originated all others in our home.
3. ficus tineke, (ficus elastica 'tineke')
The Ficus Tineke is a beautiful variegated houseplant.
The random variegation of its leaves always captures my attention and leaves me wondering.
This plant has never been found growing in the wild. It is an actual hybrid of the more common Rubber Tree. Its leaves can revert to solid green if not exposed to sufficient sunlight.
I’ve had this plant for over four years and it has been quite slow in its grow. It has just boosted its growth lately. I am sure it has a lot to do with its new draining pot. (It is critical for any plant’s health to have proper drainage).
This plant will maintain its beautiful variegation, and will also reward you with gorgeous pink hues if you provide enough bright, indirect light to it.
But remember, direct sunlight, (unless it’s very few hours of morning sunlight), can scorch its leaves.
Water it when the top 2″ of soil feels dry to touch without letting it dry out completely.
Fertilize it once a month with liquid plant food from Spring to Fall only.
Only repot it when you see roots growing out of the drainage hole or when you see more roots than soil in its pot.
Ficus Tineke showing some pretty pink hues.
4. peace lily domino, (spathiphyllum vallisii 'domino')
The Peace Lily Domino is relatively new among the variegated houseplants.
A hybrid of the Peace Lily, it can revert its leaves to solid green if not properly cared for.
I definitely noticed the difference when I moved this plant from a moderately bright spot, to a much brighter spot. It started unfurling more new leaves and producing new specialized leaves, (their gorgeous white flower called spathe).
The Domino cultivar thrives in plenty of bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the beautiful, variegated leaves. Moderate or low light conditions will encourage reversion to solid green.
Water it so that the soil remains evenly moist but not too soggy. It’s better to under-water than over-water this plant.
It is critical that your Peace Lily Domino is planted in a draining pot with well draining soil.
Fertilize it once a month with a liquid plant food from Spring to Fall only.
Don’t rush repotting your plant as it enjoys being pot-bound and having its roots slightly crammed inside the pot. You know it’s time to repot your Lily when you remove it from the pot and you see more roots than soil!
The stunning variegation of the Peace Lily ‘Domino’ leaves.
5. variegated baby rubber plant, (peperomia obtusifolia 'variegata')
The Variegated Peperomia is a relatively easy plant. However, its variegation can revert to green if not properly cared for.
It starts as an upright plant, until it grows so tall that it will eventually topple over and starts trailing.
These plants tend to do well in moderate light conditions, however, to be successful with its variegation, it’s important to keep it in plenty of bright, indirect light. No direct exposure though!
Bright light will also prevent leggy growth of its trailing stems.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings as the Variegated Peperomia stores water in its leaves, making it a drought tolerant plant.
Fertilize it once a month with a liquid plant food from Spring to Fall only.
Because this plant is an epiphytes, which means it grows on other plants and trees in the wild, it doesn’t have an extensive root system, so it does not require frequent repotting.
It is quite important thought that it is kept in a draining pot with well draining soil.
In order to keep your plant bushy and to prevent leggy stems, it is beneficial to prune its long stems every Spring.
Photo Credit; Canva
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6. variegated jade, (crassula Ovata 'Tricolor')
The Variegated Jade is the first succulent in this list of variegated houseplants.
This plant can grow variegated from seed.
I have to say, it’s not as easy to care for as the regular Jade Plant, but it’s not a Calathea either!
This Jade cultivar thrives in a few hours of morning sunlight that won’t scorch its leaves. A South facing window is the ideal location for it. Morning sun and afternoon bright light without direct exposure.
Proper drainage is critical for this plant, so make sure it is planted in a draining pot with well draining soil.
Do not over-water it. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilize it once a month with liquid plant food from Spring to Fall only.
Repot your Variegated Jade when the roots start growing out of the drainage hole.
This plant is quite easy to propagate by leaf or stem cutting.
Click here to learn more about propagating succulents.
Variegated Jade Plant.
7. variegated wax plant, (hoya carnosa albomarginata)
This beautiful variety of Hoya Carnosa is a new addition to my plant family, and a wonderful choice when picking variegated houseplants.
I was amazed by how quickly it perked up after I moved it from a moderately bright shelf to a very bright North facing window sill. It went from droopy with stagnant soil to bright with new growth in just a month.
Light is everything!
While a solid green Hoya Carnosa can tolerate moderate light conditions, the Albomarginata varieties thrive in plenty of bright, indirect light.
You’ve guessed it, the more light you give your plant, the more variegation and better colours you’ll get!
In general, Hoya Carnosas don’t need much water to thrive. The same goes for the Albomarginata varieties. It is important that the roots have excellent drainage and that at least the top 2″ of soil dries out completely before watering.
Fertilize it once a month with a liquid plant food from Spring to Fall.
This plant enjoys being pot bound and having its roots tight into the pot. It is a good way to induce blooming too. Repot only when the roots grow out of the draining hole.
You can propagate the Hoya Carnosa Albomarginata by stem cutting. Simply cut the stems, making sure you place the nodes in water to root for a few weeks before planting them in a pot of soil.
My new and recovered Hoya Carnosa Albomarginata.
8. variegated english ivy, (Hedera helix variegata)
Did you ever expect to see English Ivies as variegated houseplants?
Generally, English Ivies make beautiful building facades, climbing on exterior walls. They also add gorgeous trailing accents to outdoor pots.
Rarely, English Ivies are kept indoors. Even more rarely, variegated English Ivies. They are beautiful though!
I understand that Ivies are considered noxious weeds in certain areas, and States. It is even illegal to sell them, buy them and transport them!
So, unless you live in these areas, Ivies are quite beautiful houseplants. And the beauty of growing them as a houseplants is that they cannot take over the yard!
I found mine by fluke, in a local, small town flower shop. I wasn’t looking for it, but when I saw it I found it quite dainty and charming!
A Variegated English Ivy needs a lot of bright, indirect light to maintain its gorgeous variegation. Poor lighting, will revert its leaves to solid green. Direct sunlight will burn its leaves.
Water your Variegated Ivy when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Variegated Ivies don’t need a lot of fertilization. Once or twice during the growing season is plenty!
Repot it when the roots grow out of the drainage holes, making sure you provide appropriate drainage to the plant.
You can prune its stems when they become too long and leggy and can even try to root those stems in water.
If you are growing your Ivy into a wall hanger like mine, make sure the stems are not going to start attaching their roots to the wall!
Because they tend to do that on your interior walls like they do on the exterior walls!! And removing those roots from the walls is not as easy as you may think it is. I’ve gone through that and it wasn’t fun!
Lovely and dainty Variegated English Ivy
9. aluminum plant, (pilea cadierei)
The Aluminum Plant is a very interesting plant.
I’ve always bought this plant for my Closed Terrariums as it thrives in high humidity and its variegation is so vibrant that it’s easy to distinguish it from other plants through the condensation in the glass walls.
The Aluminum Plant variegation is a Reflective type of variegation.
I’ve always grown this plant in a Closed Terrarium so I had to keep it away from too much light otherwise, I would have cooked it!
There is no risk that this plant reverts its leaves to solid green because of its variegation type.
However, it is best to keep it in bright, indirect light, far away from direct sunlight, which can brown its gorgeous leaves.
As mentioned, this plant needs abundant humidity, so it is as equally as important to keep its soil moist but not too soggy. It is a fine line, I know, but with time you’ll get used to it.
Spraying your plant at least twice a week or grouping it with other plants will help maintain its humidity levels up.
Fertilize it once a month with a liquid plant food from Spring to Fall only.
The Aluminum Plant roots have an aggressive growth, so be prepared to repot frequently! You’ll need a draining pot with a heavily organic soil capable of both retain moisture and drain at the same time.
The Aluminum Plant inside one of my Closed Terrarium cloches. You can find glass cloches for Closed Terrariums on Amazon.
10. philodendron birkin
And finally, to conclude this list of low maintenance, yet beautiful variegated houseplants; the Philodendron Birkin!
It’s like it has a positive and a negative version of the the green and white combination. Fascinating!
This plant is another case of unstable, genetic mutation variegation. Which, by now you know it means it can revert its leaves to solid green if not exposed to enough bright, indirect light.
It is also worth knowing that the Birkin needs to become a mature plant before it start showing its variegation in full. So, if you have a smaller plant, don’t panic when you don’t see much of a variegation.
You can even notice the difference in colour and pattern in the leaves in the picture below.
See how the top leaves that are fully exposed to the bright light are much more variegated compared to the bottom, almost solid green leaves that are shaded by the upper leaves?
It is important to rotate your plants periodically so that every side is exposed to the same amount of light. I do that every time I water them. It’s easy to do this with up-right plants.
The Philodendron Birkin doesn’t require a lot of watering. In-fact, it is important to not over-water this plant. Allow the top few inches to dry out between waterings as it is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilize it once a month with a liquid plant food from Spring to Fall.
Like other Philodendrons, the Philodendron Birkin’s roots don’t grow too fast, so you don’t need to upsize its pot every year.
However, it is always a good habit to replace the nutrients depleted soil of all your plants once a year, (I sincerely hope you don’t have 100+ plants like I do!😆).
Click here to learn everything you need to know about repotting plants the right way!
When you repot your Philodendron Birkin, make sure to use a draining pot with a well draining mix.
My young(ish) Philodendron Brasil. I can’t wait to see what it will become!
This concludes my Blog on Variegated Houseplants.
I am curious to know if you have any of these plants and what do you think of them.
Or perhaps, you may have other awesome and low maintenance variegated houseplants you’d like to share with me?
If that’s the case, feel free to write a few lines in the comments below!
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