Your Guide to the Many Benefits of Variegated Indoor Plants
If you’re looking for some low-maintenance green companions to liven up your home, variegated indoor plants may be just what you need. With their colorful foliage patterns, these plants offer aesthetic appeal as well as numerous other perks. In this article, we’ll explore the top varieties available, their care requirements, and why they can enhance your indoor spaces.
What are Variegated Plants?
Variegated plants have leaves with irregular splotches, streaks or edges of a different color than the rest of the leaf, usually white, yellow or pink on a green background. This colorful patterning occurs naturally through genetic mutations. From an evolutionary standpoint, variegation may help attract pollinators or deter plant-eating pests confused by the contrasting colors. For humans, it makes for an eye-catching design element in decor.
Low-Maintenance Appeal
One big advantage of variegated indoor plants is that many types are very tolerant of a wide range of care. Their variegated leaves tend to photosynthesize more slowly than solid green leaves, so they can handle lower light conditions better. They also transpire less water through their leaves, so their soil tends to stay moist longer between waterings. This makes them great for busy schedules or forgetful plant parents. Just give them a drink when the top inch of soil is dry.
Popular Varieties to Consider
- ZZ Plant: With waxy, streaky leaves that can grow over 3 feet tall, ZZ plants are practically unkillable. They thrive in low light and like to be slightly pot-bound.
- Philodendron: Heartleaf, brasil and selloum philodendrons have lovely variegated forms. They’re vines great for draping over bookshelves or trailing from hanging baskets.
- Pothos: The golden, marble queen and jade varieties of this vining plant are supermarket staples for good reason. They’re cheap, nearly impossible to damage and purify indoor air.
- Peperomia: With round or heart-shaped leaves and compact habits, peperomias like ruby cascade add colorful texture. They’re very tolerant of low light.
- Chinese Evergreens: With their broad, shiny leaves striped in shades of cream, pinks and greens, aglaonemas are elegant additions for any room.
A POP of Color Where You Need It
Beyond their delightful patterns, variegated plants provide a visual POP that can instantly energize a space. Their colorful foliage makes a big impact for smaller plant footprints. Use them to anchor a feature wall, dress up an office desk or lighting, or provide a focal point in your living room or entryway. This lets you achieve bold style without committing to large ornamental foliage.
Variegated plants’ low light requirements also make them great for areas that get less sunlight like north-facing windows, indoor patios and porches, covered balconies, or under overhangs outdoors. Their versatility gives you options to display greenery anywhere in or around your home. Create spaces beautifully accessorized with the natural charm of variegated leaf patterns.
Benefits for Your Health and Well-being
Beyond their decorative qualities, research shows that plants provide numerous benefits for human well-being. Just having plants in your environment has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved moods. Variegated plants are especially able to uplift spirits with their cheerful leaf designs that offer something visually satisfying to focus on. Their soothing presence brings a feeling of calm.
Variegated indoor plants can also help clean the air indoors by absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene that are emitted from sources like new fabrics, carpeting, adhesives and cleaning products. These toxins can accumulate indoors and potentially cause health issues over time. Letting variegated houseplants like pothos, snake plants and peace lilies naturally purify your indoor air makes them all the more worthwhile to have around.
Easy Houseplant Care
Rest assured that with their lowered moisture and light demands, variegated indoor plants deliver style effortlessly without a green thumb. Here are some general care tips to keep them thriving:
- Water when the top soil is dry to the touch, usually every 1-2 weeks.
- Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer with a diluted, water-soluble houseplant food.
- Rotate plants occasionally so all sides receive even exposure to mature new growth patterns in their leaves.
- Repot only when their roots begin circling the soil surface or it’s very packed, using a pot just 1-2 inches larger.
- Cut off any leggy vines and propagate new plants from stem cuttings for an expanding collection.
- Dust leaves occasionally with a soft cloth or paper towel to remove dust and keep them visually striking.
With their striking leaf patterns and ease of care, variegated indoor plants bring natural style and wellness advantages effortlessly into your home. Why not peruse your options locally or online today and start enjoying the benefits these beauties have to offer?
Popular Variegated Indoor Plants
| Plant | Variety | Care Level | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Marble Queen | Low | $10-15 |
| Philodendron | Brasil | Low | $15-25 |
| Peperomia | Pepperface | Low | $8-12 |
| Spider Plant | Golden | Low | $12-18 |
| Chinese Evergrreen | Variegated | Low | $15-25 |
| Dieffenbachia | Tiki | Low | $20-30 |
| ZZ Plant | Variegated | Low | $15-25 |
FAQ
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What kinds of variegated indoor plants are available for sale?
There are lots of sorts of plants with colorful leaves available. Some popular varieties include peace lilies, philodendrons, pothos, Chinese evergreens and snake plants. At the same time, you might discover some more unusual options like calatheas, varigated monsteras or fittonias.
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How much do variegated indoor plants typically cost?
The prices change depending on the type and size of plant. Smaller plants tend to be less expensive than big ones. You can find some for under $10 or up to around $50. However, rare kinds may cost over $100. Keep in mind plant prices also rely on how popular or difficult the variety is to cultivate. Overall, expect to spend anywhere from basically nothing to over $100 for an unusual plant.
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What kind of care do variegated plants need?
Most variegated indoor plants like average home conditions. They prefer medium to bright light, although not direct sun. Once weekly watering generally works as long as the soil isn’t soggy. Fertilize monthly in the growing season. Removed any wilted or yellowing leaves. That said, check care details for particular types since light and water demands can differ.
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Is it hard to care for variegated plants?
Not necessarily. Many variegated types are basically as easy to care for as their solid green versions. They want the same light, water, fertilizer and temperature. The main difference is variegated plants tend to stress and drop leaves more readily if conditions change. So you need to be kindof attentive to their needs. Nevertheless, as long as you meet their care requirements, variegated plants shouldn’t give you too much trouble. It’s quite rewarding seeing their colorful patterns.
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How long will a variegated indoor plant last?
This relies on the plant. Annuals purchased as blooming plants will only last one season. However, perennials can endure for years with proper care. Some varieties may live indefinitely if repotted occasionally as their roots fill the container. At the same time, older plants or those stressed by issues like overwatering could decline faster. In general, indoor variegated perennials often make it 3-5 years. But plant lifespans also depend on care conditions and individual plant vigor. With luck, some survivors may remain for a decade or more!
What’s the best way to display variegated indoor plants?
You have lots of options for showing off variegated foliage patterns. Single plants look beautiful on their own, while groupings create an amazing scene. Despite this, hanging baskets or pots raise plants to eye level for admiring. You might also put a colorful plant on a table as a stunning centerpiece. On the other hand, placing plants in front of a contrasting wall really makes leaf patterns pop. No matter how you set up variegated indoor greenery, their design is certain to brighten any room.