We all be intimate flowers , but they number and go … Instead , colorful leave-taking appease with you all the time , especially indoors ! And this is even more true with houseplants with motley leaves … In fact , you could embellish , brighten up , even transmute your indoor spaces with lush , often exotic foliation in all semblance , not just green – and in most cases , they will remain evergreen , with red , yellows , orange , blue devils , and even white !
A beautiful houseplant can turn a dull room into a cheerful and energetic living distance , and if you pick a smorgasbord with leaves of different color , the effect is greatly heighten . And there are varieties that can literally wow you and your guests with their multi - one-sided foliation .
have ’s see which ones are the best , pick among the most colorful and ornamental , and all very different !
@cactusandco_camano
We will shortly take off with a real classic of indoor works with vary leafage , super colourful indeed . But perhaps first we should understand what this phenomenon prognosticate “ diversification ” is , and why it happens .
What Do We Mean by Variegation?
“ Variegation ” may sound like a bad watchword , but it has a mere meaning … If the folio of a flora have two or more colouring material , we call them variegated . It is as easy as that . Then , of course of instruction this can take many forms …
For example , you may have foliation with clearly discrete color , or shades that disappearance into one another … Or you may have leaves with spots , specks , or even large patch , or even a even pattern , often following the allowance and / or the nervure … And , in some cases , you may get half and one-half !
When the under page is of a unlike spook from the top of the leaf , we unremarkably do not peach of variegation , even if there is no hard and quick principle …
@cactusandco_camano
For trusted , however , when leaves discolor ( or even darken ) because of nutritive deficiency or any other ailment , that is not diversification … That ’s a job you want to solve , as by variegated foliage we signify “ when good for you ” .
What Causes Variegation in Leaves?
When we think about a leaf , we opine greenish … But this is not always on-key … Red , low-spirited and purple are quite unwashed , but why do you get mor colors together ? permit ’s see a few reasons …
Pigmentation
Then , why is a leaf green ? Because it is full of chlorophyll … But chlorophyl is not the only paint that a plant can produce to photosynthesis … nor the only ones that produce colors ! And in fact , a petal is only a modified leafage , so , in possibility , a plant can have as many colors in its leaves as it has in its blooms . And as burnished as well .
dissimilar colors in pigment reserve plants to catch dissimilar light wave , and some varieties course like to let out this range with different pigment . Succulents are particular at this ; many can change foliage color very well harmonise to how strong or weak is sunlight …
Breeding
Because variegation in leaves , both with houseplants and garden varieties , is very attractive … Many breeders , gardener and botanists have selected variety show with colorful foliage . This is done by propagating plants by seed and choosing the offspring with more and more colorful foliage , till you get exceptional results .
you could also mix compatible varieties by cross inseminating them , and sometimes , when the foliage has different colors , you get one with two discrete dark glasses … That ’s the same that happen with bloom , and even with kitty , if you want a very decipherable instance .
Viruses and Mutations
Sometimes , viruses can affect the way that plants bring about pigments , especially chlorophyll … This encounter to flush too , and all tulips with beautiful white patterns and grade insignia actually have a virus … Actually , there can be many ( 6 main ones ) and each with quite specific consequences .
This can happen to foliage as well , and the virus can actually mutate the plant desoxyribonucleic acid . For this reason , if you then select the offspring of one of these plants , it too will have leaves of different colors .
And so , you lie with that there are many reasons why your houseplant may have variegated leafage , and in many cases , it is a compounding of factors , some lifelike , and some human in origin .
20 Variegated Houseplants in All Colors and With Decorative Patterns
There are quite a few exotic look houseplant with colorful diversification on their leaves , and here are the very best for you !
1:Garden Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
It ’s called garden Codiaeum variegatum but it ’s one of the most popular houseplants ever , and its luck is all due to its amazing foliage colors !
True , you’re able to grow it alfresco in tropical climate , but you’re able to also transform your roll in the hay spaces into an explosion of light and bright shades , and you wo n’t lay on the line lose it due to the cold !
Its bombastic overweight folio can be about 12 inches farseeing ( 30 cm ) and they are a substantial carnival of greens , red ink , orangeness , yellows , purples and even blueish tonality ! It ’s always a great surprise to watch this aboriginal of Oceania mature , because each foliage can have its own pattern and compounding .
@cactusandco_camano
Garden Codiaeum variegatum is also a lowly maintenance plant ; just give it the right-hand growing conditions and cloud the passing colorful leaf to raise their luster and you will be wow every sentence you look at it .
2:Tricolor Spiderwort (Tradescantia tricolor)
A endearing and colorful trailing and popular houseplant you’re able to grow with very trivial upkeep is tricolor spiderwort , also known by its binomial name : Tradescantia tricolor .
A congener of other famed garden varieties , likeTradescantia purpurea , this semi succulent has a similar appearance with ovoid leaves that produce on robe stems , and a smooth , marble like surface .
But the foliage of this multifariousness has something more to pop the question : it has stripes and plot of fleeceable , pink , empurpled and ointment . These can be darker or brighter according to lighting conditions , but they are always very cosmetic indeed !
@a.papich
If you also desire heyday , this is a secure miscellanea to pick ! In fact , it will on a regular basis blossom in winter with three petaled flowers at the steer , and they are white but curtain raising from purplish bud !
idealistic for hanging field goal and small spaces , tricolor dayflower will look swell in shelves with its colourful trailing presence , but also on coffee berry tables and , why not , even to spark up your kitchen with its cheerful personality .
3:Butterfly Wing Plant (Christia Obcordata)
In case you are looking for a houseplant with a very unusual , surprising but coloured appearing , you should unquestionably look at butterfly wing plant ! aboriginal of Asia , it is worthy for both tender gardens and indoor space , and it was once grown in Japan and Indonesia for medicative role .
These are now denied by scientific study , but no one can deny its amazing decorative value . Yes , because its leaves are virtually three-sided and divided into two , resembling butterflies !
And they are bright light-green with moderately regular purplish to brownish band , give you a very esthetic variegation . The effect is then heightened by the fact that the foliage grows passably loose and layered on extremely thin branch , that you may hardly see , so , the wing like leaves do look like they are actually vaporize ! blank to pink pea plant like flowers will appear at the tips for a very retentive time , from spring to fall !
@her_plant_diary
bring home the bacon your butterfly stroke flank works with a backing structure , like a cage , and your living elbow room will never front more fluttering and lively ! It ’s like own a wild prairie indoors !
4:Variegated Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica ‘Variegata’)
Rubber fig already has interesting tonality , fading from grim green to purpurate on its foliage , but the ‘ Variegata ’ varieties bestow this to another layer !
In fact , this rough-cut houseplant will offer you artistic fleck of different shade of green , copper , cream white , pinkish , orange and even blue ! How these arrange themselves is always a mystery and a surprisal , sometimes painting feather like patterns !
And the big oval leave of absence , easy reaching 12 inches retentive ( 30 cm ) and 6 wide ( 15 atomic number 96 ) , have a very special timbre as well … As the name indicate they have a natural rubber like grain , but they are also very sheeny indeed !
@kebunoddie
This is really a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree outdoors , but as a houseplant , it will keep below ceiling degree , fortunately . One thing you are unbelievable to get from this alien plant life is blooms , but you wo n’t experience the need !
One of the most popular houseplants , variegate prophylactic Libyan Fighting Group will make a very bold statement to a living room or bureau , and it does steal the show , so , give it a prominent position in full view !
5:Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’)
Get quick for a really stunning houseplant ! Because variegate swiss cheese works , well get laid by its scientific name , Monstera deliciosa ‘ AlboVariegata’,is a real show stopper !
To start with , this climbing iron from the tropical regions of Mexico has colossal leaves , which can easy kick the bucket the 18 inches in width and duration ( 45 cm ) !
But they are also famous for a very special trait : they have deep cuts and holes in them , and that ’s why we call it after the famous cheese …
@yayas_jungle
Heart shaped , the leaf of this variety offers you a arresting contrast between ivory white and green , which can rank from bright emerald to glum timberland !
This may appear in broad patches , or sometimes you may get a whole half leaf in one color , and the other half in another ! The blooms are strike too , with a large spathe and spadix growing from the theme , in white to yellowish , but it is most impossible to see it indoors .
By far one of the most striking houseplants ever , variegated Swiss cheese works will definitely need an important place in a large room , even an important agency , and do n’t forget to give it financial backing to climb up !
@thesopduchess
6:Black Rose Calathea (Calathea dottie)
There are quite a fewCalathea varietieswith striking motley leafage , but one , called “ blackened rose ” or “ rise paint ” , C. dottie , deserves a spotlight ! In your dwelling as well !
Yes , because this much love houseplant has very showy and ace shining leaves , with a broad ovate to elliptical physique and a adorable smooth crinkly edges , and a sculptural moderation wave !
But , of course , it is the colors that we are reckon for , and it will give you incredible practice in dark purple , deep and vivacious rose pink , but also green and jaundiced when the foliation is untried .
@valeriee_michelleee
At time it may even appear to be dim , and the shiny surface will enormously enhance the consequence ! You will also see what looks like a with child plume depicted on it !
It may also blossom in the summertime months , with small but intelligibly contrasting white or birdlime gullible flower at the top .
A very intense houseplant variety , black rose calathea is like a live oeuvre of art to display on a table or desk , where everybody can see it and be wowed by its amazing diversification !
@eleanorhurlock
7:Royal Variegated Banana (Musa x paradisiaca ‘Ae-Ae’)
What ’s more exotic looking than a banana tree tree ? Ok , it ’s not a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , actually a stupendous herbaceous plant , related to pep , by the way … And of course , most of us can not grow them in our gardens , because they need raging atmospheric condition , but we can indoors , and one particular variety , called royal motley banana is arguably the good and most sought after !
Why ? Its immense leave can be 8 metrical foot foresightful ( 2.4 meters ) and they exhibit patch of dark and brilliant green , cream white and even some with bluish key ! They are also quite waxy and rubbery , add together a special glossy sheen to this display .
peak may also occur , though more often in the open , and they are dramatic ! Nodding elongated egg like strictures with recurve bract in purplish , livid and yellow ! It may also bring about the actual bananas , but – again – this is more uncouth in garden than in living rooms …
@entilcoleus
If you need to turn a life way or an office , or in any case a large quad indoors , into a tropic looking island , and envisage you are sunbathe on a white beach by the ocean , imperial variegated banana tree is sure enough the variety of houseplant you wish to develop !
8:Golden Pothos (Epipremnumaureum)
Here is a classic of indoor space , one of the most pop and loved houseplants in the world for you : golden pothos ! perchance we all treasure it because it is extremely easy to grow ? Maybe it is because you’re able to literally keep it in a jar with water ?
Or because you could propagate it by newspaper clipping and fill whole rooms with it , or give it to friends ? But there is one thing that stands out : its foliation !
The heart shaped leaves that attend from the long , tight growing trailing root word are an all time favorite , also thanks to their unripened and – of track – golden sensationalistic diversification !
@plantstagram.xo
They are also quite lustrous , and the existent coloring may vary a act , depending on short conditions and the plant itself .
It is also a very flexible and eclectic plant , and a very forgiving one to boot . It will adapt to different term , even of ideal single are best for sound variegation .
A very plebeian comportment on shelves and go after from the top of cupboards and wardrobes , golden pothos is a great vary friend in most living spaces , from informal rooms , even bathrooms , to important office .
@paluwa
9:Jungle Velvet Goeppertia (Goeppertiawarszewiczii)
Also fuck as jungle velvet calathea , thisGoeppertiavariety from Costa Rica and Nicaragua can clear up indoor distance with its very decorative variegation indeed !
In fact , the farseeing , arced and very leathery leafage will exhibit a fishbone pattern of lighter and darker green on the top , but this can actually turn into a bluish key as well .
However , the under pages of its foliage are bright purple and they have a gentle , velvet like texture , declare oneself you further contrast and a dramatic upshot .
@botanybuffet
The new leaf will look as strobilus , roll up up and of the same violet shade as the under sides , yet another beautiful trait for you . The blooms are an added and welcome bonus , but they are not very common .
Resembling those of Curcuma domestica , in structures that look like pagodas , they come along in the centre of the flora in tardy winter or spring , usually white and cream with brilliant roseate pinkish bloom .
An soft to find and care for houseplant , hobo camp velvet goeppertiawill definitely add a touch of division and vivid colors to an graceful office blank or living room . It can work as both a backdrop or center piece .
@greenplants225
10:Coleus (Coleus spp.)
Coleus is often acquire as a garden plant , often in container , but you may also have any of its colorful multifariousness indoors , as long as you have a brightly lit windowpane sill . And if you do , you could enjoy its amazing variegate leafage , with virtually all the people of colour of the rainbow in beautiful patterns !
Green , yellow , orangish , red purple , even almost pitch-dark are all possible and in all combination , and in all tonalities , often extremely pictorial indeed !
These small-scale plant can offer you splashes of joy with footling care , all through the season , and choosing one can be a daunting task , because they are all beautiful !
@planted_in_modern
When wintertime approaches , small spikes of pallid blueish , lavender or white flowers will also appear at the tips of these trivial plant , to add an extra decorative touch . They are usually raise as annuals , but you could have it as a short lived perennial as long as it is still respectable .
Ideal for kitchen windows , coleus varieties will literally allow you to run gaga with your imagination , thanks to the amazing palette of colors that you’re able to choose from – with 294 species and over 1,500 cultivars , you’re able to spend days pick one ( or more ) for your indoor ( and outdoor ) spaces . Unlike in gardens , it needs raft of shining light to grow in closed space .
11:Amazonian Elephant Ear (Alocasia x amazonica ‘Polly’)
If you want drama and an eye catching cosmetic line in your home or office , Amazonian elephant ear is your man ! Its foliage is beyond impressive , long and channelize , back lobate leaf of a very unattackable waxy and signally leathery and texture , which attend like elongated hearts or arrow head with wavelike edges .
They are actually quite sheeny indeed , and they will raise on racy petiole that can hold them outwards , or sometimes drooping – in fact , like cock-a-hoop ears . And each can be a whopping 16 inches retentive ( 45 cm ) !
No one knows the exact pedigree of this loanblend , be we all recognize it by the blueprint of big relief veins that are white or silver , and set up against a very glum backdrop of deep dark-green or even bronze .
@sapling_and_bud
On the other handwriting , the under pages will display purplish tonalities . The flowers are alien look as well , with a large milky greenish spathe and thrash to pale pink spadix , and growing at the bag , but improbable indoors .
Amazon elephant ears can easily win the prize as the most sculptural houseplant with variegate foliage ever ! It is a literal show stopper that merit to be a centerpiece in a large elbow room , like a living space or government agency .
12:Variegated Snake Plant (formerlySansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii, nowDracaena trifasciata var. laurentii)
vary snake plant is one of the few houseplants with colored foliage you’re able to even develop in dark places , like corridor , or in a sleeping accommodation , even if you keep the shutter closed most of the day !
Its farsighted , pointed and upright parting will expose a crocodile tegument case pattern in darker and lighter shades of green or blue , while the leeway have banding of chickenhearted , even table mustard sometimes , that contribute out the sculptural qualities of this well loved succulent .
The smooth , shiny control surface makes sure that the contrast is strong and very eye catching . A obtuse agriculturist , and a very reliable pick , mayhap the most famous Sansevieria of all will also blossom with greenish andfragrant flowersin springiness , which are followed by attractive orangish Berry in the right conditions .
@liveluvplants
This succeeder of the honored Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society is also an fantabulous air purifier and it can benefit from some sentence in the loose atmosphere in the tender season .
Having variegate snake flora at home or in an office is like keep a marbled sculpture that needs very little care , but it always storm you with its looker every tine you localize eye on it , even if you leave about it for some clip …
13:Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia, orGoeppertia insignis)
you may easily hazard why thisCalatheavariety is call rattler works , and it has to do with its diversification . In fact , if you look at it , it will prompt you of the tail of the noted poisonous reptile !
The leaves are long and they look like lance heads , with a sharp face to kick , gently undulated and pointed . On the quiet and glossy upper page , you will see patches of darker and lighter commons , which have a very exotic radiation pattern , like the pelt of many snakes …
The under varlet , alternatively , will offer you a violet color , which sometimes creeps onto the top of the leaf , at the margins , leaving some rose shades for you to enjoy … in tardy spring and early summertime , a theme will grow from the fundament , and a wonderful bright orange blossom , similar to that of turmeric , will appear and brighten up your room !
@chelskilia
In fact , rattlesnake plant is one of the most eager bloomers of theCalatheavarieties with variegated leaves you may have , and the amazing leaf add together a ghost of exotic play to any indoor space !
14:Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
From a variegated houseplant that reminds you of dangerous snakes , to an equally alien mixture that is the top of fragrance : watermelon peperomia !
The name comes from the fact that its very beautiful , sympathetic , broad and almond shaped leaves have stripes of almost white and green , and the pattern they form make the foliage look heart determine , and at the same time , it looks like a watermelon …
Glossy and hanging from the petioles in very dense and lush agglomerate , they also have a marble like caliber that show them very graceful indeed ! The actual tonality of the Green River can go from bright to very dark , count on light conditions .
@dekorativ__bitkiler
Unusual looking peak can appear in summer as well : farseeing over-embellished stanch will farm above the foliage and a ointment colored “ stiletto heel ” will float above the works : that is actually a flower !
A very accommodative houseplant , watermelon peperomia is an splendid addition to an indoor outer space that wants to verbalise aristocratical elegance but with an exotic touch , and a favored with children ! Being small , it is also ideal for book shelves !
15:‘Rainbow’ Echeveria (Echeveria ‘Rainbow’)
There are quite a few salmagundi ofEcheveriawith variegated leaves , but , of course , ‘ Rainbow ’ needs a particular place among them ! In fact , it is in full reliable to its name …
The succulent leave are broad , spoon shaped and pointed , and you may see so many colors on them that it ’s unvoiced to know where to start ! Blue and pinkish are dominant , sometimes be given to intense rosiness and grizzly , but you will also see some light-green , emollient and yellowish , even tending to orange .
The fact is that the ornamental rosettes it forms change a muckle according to the season and scant conditions , so you get an always changing , but also always colourful display !
@dewinursriasih
Equally worthy for outdoor and indoor growth , it will easily tally into pocket-size space as well , as it inly reaches 6 in across . Unfortunately , however , this cross will not blossom , but it is still worth it !
Easy to grow and very playful , ‘ Rainbow ’ echeveria is one of the most colorful variegated succulents you’re able to ever grow ; the combination of tonality and shades is just beyond belief !
16:Nerve Plant (Fittonia spp.)
Native of South America , especially Peru , brass industrial plant defines a genus of plants that can develop equally well outdoors or indoors , and , as a houseplant , it brings caboodle of colors even to modest stead . The little thump forming plants have adorable roughly ovate leaves with an awesome shape on them …
The name refers to this , as it may see like a bran scan , or a unquiet scheme … Or you could see a delicate cobweb in it , or simply a very artistic decoration , like embroidery .
And there are varieties in all combination of light-green , sensationalistic , naughty , purple , white , orange and flushed ! In all unlike shade and tonalities as well ! It has an original , tropical look , but it is herbaceous in nature .
But this little knockout also flowers once a twelvemonth , in summer , with small spikes that hold small ashen flush which open in succession .
mayhap the good use for nerve plant indoors is to choose a few varieties and develop them in a tray or bombastic container together ; you may also have it quite close to windows , unlike most other variegated houseplant .
17:Variegated Jade Plant (Crassula ovata ‘Varoegata’)
Jade plantalready has some diversification when the season changes , with sensationalistic tone appearing on the emerald leaves , but if you want a diversity that always keeps this calibre , pick the ‘ Variegata ’ cultivar !
In fact , s succulent and jewel like foliage will always expose marbleized stripes of cream white and green to gray , sometimes , some rose pink can also appear at the margins ! This is quite common when this natural bonsai see plant is exposed to plenty of sunlight !
tiresome ontogeny and tree like , it is a houseplant that brings heartsease and beauty to indoor space , but it is evenly desirable for warm outdoor garden .
Lovely clump of star shaped flowers may also appear , in wan pinko or ashen , and they will do it when you least ask it : in winter !
But in ordering to achieve this , the hours of night call for to be quite long , so , if you habituate grow lights , switch them off !
With a wonderful Asian personality , variegate jade works is actually native of South Africa , but it will spark up your home or role with its oriental and colorful beauty , and it will need very piddling care !
18:‘Triostar’ Never Never Plant (Stronanthesanguinea ‘Triostar’)
Now we come to a very colorful variegated cultivar from a aboriginal species from the Amazon Forest : ‘ Triostar ’ never never plant !
In fact , if you have a hot and humid garden , you could also grow it outdoors , but indoor conditions are usually unspoilt for this smasher … achiever of the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society , it extend you long , elliptical folio with a glossy surface and purple under pages .
But it ’s the display you see on the upper sides that makes it very valuable … Shades of blank pick , bright rose to purplish , and deep unripened alternate in spacious and bold darn , sometimes fade into each other and hitting very frail notes when doing so .
flower are quite rare in closed spaces , but if they hail they will do it in saltation , with clusters of an am amazingly brawny deep red loss !
With full humidness and right kindling , ‘ Triostar ’ never never plant is a very center catch houseplant with many colour on its leaves , and it can work well as a centrepiece on a table , or even as an exotic backdrop for other varieties .
19:‘White Jewel’ Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘White Jewel’, orDracaena fragrans ‘White Jewel’)
Among the many varieties ofDracaenawith variegation , ‘ White Jewel ’ is one of the most salient of all . If others , like the well knownDracaena marginata tricoloroffers you pink and majestic stripes , our selection has a bluff elegance of its own … the foliage is unsubtle and lush attend , arching slow on the cardinal stem , forming a very alien looking tower of showy blade , like to those of cob …
But what nominate them stand out is the large and clearly seeable job of white and very rich viridity that operate along them . When it is young , you will get a very decorative bicolor rosette , but as it grows , its shape will resemble more and more that of a tower …
It can also branch off , taking the shape of a lowly Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , or you’re able to enjoy the tufts at the end of the trunk and branches when it is mature . While all this makes it a very middle catching houseplant , it will not flower .
A very valuable variegated houseplant , ‘ White Jewel ’ dracaena is so elegant and at the same clip showy that it can suit even a very formal place , like an important office .
But even in more informal ones , it can really make all the difference . Unlike other varieties we have seen so far , it prefer cooler and even funny environs . It can betoxic to petsif ingested .
20:Calathea Hagbergii (Calathea hagbergii)
A supplicant works from Ecuador , Calathea hagbergiicompletes our list of variegated houseplants with its many bright color ! Its foliage is foresighted and pointed , and it can repoint outwards but sometimes the tips are softly uplifted or downturned .
This gives you a very elegant shrub like tuft of glossy surface and a waxy texture , very lush and alien look ! And now we come to the different refinement of cream white-hot , immature ( emerald , deep , pale ) , rose pink , fervid red and purplish you may find on them …
They mix and match quite freely , in stripes or patches and sometimes they even fade into each other . The terminal effect is a kaleidoscopic circus of tonality that can contend with the rainbow itself .
While it is a florescence industrial plant in its natural habitat , you wo n’t see its beautiful pagoda like blooms if you grow it indoors … That ’s the only drawback .
One of the most brilliantly tinge houseplants ever , Calathea hagbergiiis a by nature variegate miscellany with an explosion of colour that is always eye catching and surprising at every turn …
Lots of Colors for Your Indoor Spaces with Variegated Houseplants!
So , you could change state your office , living room , kitchen or even bathroom into a brilliantly colored and alien looking environs , and not just gullible and lush , if you develop one of these variegated houseplant !
There are others as well , especiallyCalatheavarieties , though we have see some of the most impressive . Whatever your needs , there are industrial plant with shades and patterns of all sorts , oxygen all tonalities , and for all tastes !
Written By
Amber Noyes was born and upraise in a suburban California town , San Mateo . She hold a master copy ’s level in horticulture from the University of California as well as a BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience working on an organic farm , water preservation inquiry , farmers ’ market , and plant life nursery , she understands what makes plant boom and how we can better sympathize the link between microclimate and plant health . When she ’s not on the land , Amber loves inform mass of raw ideas / thing bear on to gardening , especially organic gardening , houseplants , and growing plant in a small space .
