8 Variegated Plants: Examples of Unique Leaf Variegation

Variegated plants are a category of plants that have multicolored leaves, creating striped, blotched, or bordered leaf patterns. These types of plants come in a wide range of colors and designs, from bright pink to pale white splashes of color against dark green leaves. Bicolored variegation is the most common leaf pattern—plant species with this type of variegation have a lighter color mixed into green foliage. Other types of variegation include tricolor and quadricolor, and these types of variegated plants contain either three or four different colors within the leaf.

The colors and patterns of variegated plants can change throughout the season depending on the species. For example, Lysimachia punctata is a type of variegated plant that produces pink and green leaf patterns in the spring but white and green leaf patterns in the summer.

There are three main ways plants become variegated:

• Genetic mutation: The most common way plants become variegated is through genetic mutation. This results in leaf tissues that are unable to produce chlorophyll, a green pigment in plants. Thus, while some of the plant cells produce chlorophyll, other areas do not produce the green pigment, creating the variegated coloring in the plant. “Chimeral variegation” is the term for a genetic mutation that causes variegation, and “chimera” is the term for mutated, variegated plants.
  
• Natural variegation: Naturally variegated plants are known as pigmented or natural variegated plants, and these species produce variegated leaf colors due to a pattern-gene in the plant’s DNA. Calathea lancifolia, or the rattlesnake plant, is an example of a naturally variegated plant.
• Viral infection: Variegation can also be a sign of infection, as certain viruses cause plant leaves to develop spots and discoloration. For instance, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) causes plants to develop discolored spotting that resembles the pattern of a mosaic. To treat plants with TMV, you must remove damaged leaves to prevent the virus from spreading. Nutrient deficiencies might also result in variegated plant discoloration, specifically deficiencies in iron or magnesium.

Variegated plants either fall under stable or unstable due to their ability to revert to their natural solid green state. Thus, plants lose variegation when they change to their natural, green coloring. Stable variegated plants refer to cultivars that remain variegated and do not revert to their solid green coloring; whereas, unstable variegated plants can revert to a solid green leaf. Variegation reverts for varying reasons; however, plants commonly revert to a solid green state to better capture sunlight for photosynthesis, as chlorophyll helps absorb light.

Different types of variegated plants offer distinctive leaf patterns and vibrant colors.

1. 1. Agave lophantha ‘Quadricolor’: This succulent has a unique type of variegation with four distinct colors in its leaf patterns. A pale yellow stripe runs down the middle of the leaf, followed by pale green stripes, dark green stripes, and a red leaf edging. This agave grows about one foot wide and one foot tall and prefers sunny spots with well-draining soil.
2. 2. Begonia rex: These plants can grow streaked, veined, or spiraled leaf patterns. Common types include Begonia rex ‘Rumba’, which produces bright red and silver variegation, and Begonia rex ‘Flamenco’, which grows green leaves adorned with red veins. Direct sunlight can damage the foliage of these plants, so bright indirect light is best for optimal growth.
3. 3. Calathea ‘White Fusion’: This species is an elegant plant with a blend of white and dark green leaves. The white streaks in the calathea’s leaves appear as if they’re painted, resembling thick strokes of color. This calathea prefers bright indirect sunlight with dry soil.
4. 4. Ficus triangularis: With thick, waxy leaves, this species is a sturdy variegated plant. Over time, the small plant will grow into a blooming tree, so this variegated plant is optimal for larger outdoor spaces. It also requires minimal maintenance, as it needs little water and doesn’t require pruning.
5. 5. Monstera deliciosa ‘Albo Variegata’: Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, the variegated species is a tropical plant native to regions in Mexico and Panama. This type of variegated plant produces large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow thirty inches long. It’s a great option for a large indoor plant. To keep this variegated plant healthy, provide indirect sunlight.
6. 6. Peperomia: Peperomia produce leaves in a wide range of colors, from red to purple. Some varieties of peperomia, such as Peperomia caperata, bloom white flowers among their variegated leaves. While peperomias are slow-growing plant species, they require minimal care.
7. 7. Philodendron: Philodendrons have unique reflective variegation. Also known as blister variegation, reflective variegation occurs when air pockets form on the leaf, blocking chlorophyll production in some areas and resulting in white reflective streaks. Philodendrons also make great houseplants due to their easy propagation and care instructions. Simply set your philodendron plant in a pot with well-draining soil and partial light to watch it thrive.
8. 8. Satin pothos: The satin pothos is an easy variegated grower with bright green leaves and white splotches. It’s heart-shaped leaves and long, vine-like growth make it a beautiful arrangement for hanging basket displays. Like other variegated plants, satin pothos varieties grow best in bright indirect light, as direct sunlight can damage the leaves.

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