Indoor house plants always bring extra elegance and sophistication to any home. It can instantly brighten and liven up any space, regardless of the plant’s size or type.
The added greenery (or a splash of color) can make any room feel more inviting and homey. But if you’re feeling a little extra adventurous, why not go for a variegated house plant?
What are Variegated House Plants?
Variegated house plants are simply indoor plants that have more than one color on their leaves. This can be anything from light and dark green stripes to yellow and green patches or red and green edges. It’s not unusual to spot patterns and color combinations on variegated plants you’ve never seen before.
Not only do they add an extra pop of color and interest to your indoor space, but variegated house plants are also ideal as indoor plants because they’re often more tolerant to lower light levels than other house plants.
However, this also means that their lack of chlorophyll often prevents them from growing as vigorously as their unvariegated counterparts.
Perfect Variegated House Plants for Your Home
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous variegated house plants that would make a stunning addition to any home:
Marble Queen Pothos
This fast-growing trailing vine is probably one of the most popular house plants around, and for a good reason. It’s easy to care for and is very tolerant of neglect, making it an ideal plant for beginner plant parents.
At one point or another, we’ve all probably owned a Marble Queen Pothos. It’s easily recognizable with its heart-shaped variegated leaves splashed with white and creamy yellow, set against a background of deep green foliage.
Orbifolia Croton
The Orbifolia Croton is a statement plant that will definitely turn heads. Its large, glossy leaves are striped with different shades of green and yellow, and its compact growth habit makes it an ideal plant for tabletops and shelves.
Although its leaves are fairly huge, the Orbifolia Croton is a slow-growing plant, so you won’t have to worry about it outgrowing its pot anytime soon.
Dwarf Variegated Snake Plant
This small, compact snake plant is perfect for small spaces. It has slender, upright leaves that are variegated with yellow and green stripes. Similar to other snake plant varieties, this plant is forgiving and won’t mind if you forget to water it for a week or two.
Mosaic Plant
You may also know this from the name nerve plant due to the mosaic-like patterns on its leaves that resemble a nerve cell. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, with a network of pink or red veins against a background of deep green foliage.
The Mosaic Plant is a low-growing plant that’s perfect for terrariums or as an underplanting for taller house plants.
Variegated Monstera
Monstera plants are already a popular choice as a house plant, and the variegated version is no different. If not, it’s more popular because it’s even more striking, with its large, glossy leaves that are splashed with creamy white.
It’s a fast-growing indoor plant that does well in bright, indirect light. However, it’s important to note that variegated Monstera plants are more sensitive to light and water conditions changes than their green counterparts. So if you’re thinking of getting one, be prepared to give it a little extra care and attention.
Crinkle Leaf Begonia
This Begonia variety is easily recognizable with its large, crinkly leaves that are variegated with shades of plum, pink, and green. The textured leaves are what make this plant so unique and interesting to look at.
The Crinkle Leaf Begonia is a slow-growing plant that does best in partial shade. It’s also one of the begonias that are tolerant of lower light levels, making it an ideal house plant.
Stromanthe Triostar
You can never go wrong with a Stromanthe Triostar. Its green and white variegated leaves are absolutely stunning, along with its elongated, oval-shaped leaves.
Place it in a beautiful vase, and this plant instantly becomes a work of art. It’s definitely a plant that will make a statement in any room.
Watermelon Peperomia
If you’re not a fan of large houseplants, and if you’re looking for something similar to pothos, then you’ll love the Watermelon Peperomia. It’s a small, compact plant with variegated leaves similar to watermelons!
Because they’re more compact than other peperomia varieties, they’re perfect for growing in terrariums or as desk plants.
Pinstripe Calathea
Prized for its beautiful, variegated leaves, the Pinstripe Calathea is a must-have for any plant enthusiast. Its leaves are dark green with light green stripes running down the center, giving it a striking pinstripe pattern.
This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, so it loves humid environments. It’s also a fairly delicate plant, so it’s important to take extra care when watering and handling it.
Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant is a popular house plant because of its beautiful variegated leaves. Its leaves are green with dark purple or maroon stripes running down the center, giving it a stunning color contrast.
This plant gets its name from the way its leaves fold up at night, resembling praying hands.
Variegated house plants: Final Thoughts
While all these plants are beautiful and will definitely add some wow factor to your indoor space, always consider your own personal style and preference when choosing which plants to buy.
And of course, don’t forget that some plants are more high-maintenance than others, so be prepared to give them the care and attention they need. Understand your own level of commitment before taking the plunge.