A Comprehensive Guide to Variegated Plants
Variegated plants are gorgeous additions to any garden or home décor. Their striking foliage patterned with contrasting colors truly stands out. But beyond their aesthetics, variegated plants have some unique growth habits and care needs. This article explores all you need to know about these beauties through answers to common questions.
What Makes a Plant Variegated?
A variegated plant displays two or more colors on its leaves due to a genetic mutation. The most common variegation involves shades of green interspersed with white or yellow. This coloring occurs when chloroplasts, the plant’s food producers, are lacking in certain leaf cells. Without chloroplasts, those leaf areas cannot photosynthesize and remain a lighter hue.
Popular Variegated Plant Types
- Orchids
- Peperomia
- Philodendron
- Monstera
- Pothos
From my experience caring for variegated plants, peace lilies and Chinese evergreen are also widely grown for their dramatic patterns. Variegation can occur in any plant type though tree ferns, calatheas and ficus are other common varieties displaying this trait.
Do Variegated Plants Grow Slower?
Unfortunately, the mutation causing variegation also hinders growth. Without full chloroplast function, variegated plants struggle to photosynthesize as efficiently. So they typically spread and increase in size at a snail’s pace compared to their solid green counterparts. But their slow growth is worthwhile considering their incredible beauty!
What Care Do Variegated Plants Need?
Due to their limitation in food production, variegated specimens have increased care needs:
- Bright, indirect light: Strong sun may burn variegated portions unable to photosynthesize properly.
- Frequent watering: Their sluggish growth leaves little energy for water absorption.
- Rich, moisture-retentive soil: Extra nutrients compensate for reduced chloroplast function.
- Protection from drafty spots: Variegated areas more vulnerable to cold damage.
I find variegated plants especially thrive in minimal potting mediums like orchid bark or leca which dry out slowly, allowing frequent waterings without sogginess. Regular fertilizer applications also boost their growth.
Do Variegated Plants Revert?
A major concern with variegated plants is they may lose their colorful patterning over time – a process called reverting. The non-green parts gradually transform back to solid green as the mutation weakens. However, reversion chances depend on the specific plant and cultivar.
I’ve had better luck with hybrids vs species varieties staying true. Providing optimal care also seems to lessen reversion odds. Regularly prunning away all-green shoots training the plant to retain its variegation can help too.
So in summary, variegation brings stunning visual appeal but requires extra maintenance. Still, the payoff is totally worth it in my opinion!
Are Variegated Plants Poisonous?
While their stunning looks entice handling, many variegated houseplants contain toxins potentially harmful if ingested by humans or pets. The prevailing sap or parts of Peace Lilies, Chinese Evergreens, Pothos and Philodendrons can cause nausea, vomiting or even skin irritation upon contact.
I always position mine up high or behind barriers where young children and pets can’t access. Prompt medical help should be sought if accidental exposure occurs. However, when grown safely as decor pieces, their beauty far outweighs any risks in my view.
Do Variegated Plants Hold Their Value?
Variegated cultivars tend to command higher prices than plain green counterparts due to their visual drama and collector appeal. Rare or uniquely patterned specimens can be resold or traded amongst plant hobbyists for significant profits.
From my experience propagating variegated cuttings to share or sell, their market demand remains consistent. If properly cared for to retain their variegation over years, rare cultivars become highly valuable plants cherished by serious collectors. With correct ID documentation, sought after specimens have even been known to fetch thousands!
In conclusion, while variegated plants present unique growing challenges, their stunning foliage patterns make all the extra effort worthwhile. With optimized care, one can enjoy these living works of art indoors for long-lasting natural décor. I hope this guide has answered all your questions about selecting, caring for and maximizing enjoyment of these gorgeous plants!
Variegated Plants and Their Care Requirements
| Plant | Color | Light Needs | Watering | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Green and white variegated leaves | Low to medium | Let soil dry out between waterings | Tolerates low light, propagate in water |
| Philodendron | Green with cream or yellow edges | Medium to bright indirect | Water when top inch of soil is dry | Prune leggy growth, tolerate low light |
| Chinese Evergreen | Green with red or pink edges | Medium to bright indirect | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings | Tolerates low humidity, prune as needed |
| Peperomia | Variety of patterns and colors | Medium to bright indirect | Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings | Trim off leggy growth, propagate stems |
| ZZ Plant | Green and white variegated waxy leaves | Low to bright indirect | Let soil dry completely between waterings | Tolerates neglect, place in bright spot for vibrant color |
FAQ
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What are variegated plants?
Variegated plants are plants that have leaves or stems marked with contrasts of color other than the usual green. The variegation is usually white, cream or yellow but can also include other colors like pink or red.
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What causes variegation in plants?
Variegation in plants is caused by a genetic mutation that inhibits chloroplast development in some plant cells. The genetic mutation means those plant cells are unable to produce enough chlorophyll to appear green.
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How do variegated plants survive if some of their leaves aren’t green?
Even though some of the leaves lack green, variegated plants can still survive because the green parts are able to photosynthesize enough to keep the whole plant alive. However, variegated plants may grow somewhat slower than their all-green counterparts.
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Is variegation permanent or will it change over time?
Usually variegation is stable and won’t change much over time. However, sometimes a variegated plant that’s growing in low-light conditions will produce more green as it struggles to photosynthesize. In bright light the variegation will be more prominent. Cuttings or new growth may show more or less variegation than the parent plant too.
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Are all variegated plants valuable or just some types?
Some variegated plants are more valuable than others. Rare or unusual variegation patterns tend to increase a plant’s value. Common plants need dramatic variegation to have higher value. Variegated monocots, like variegated palm trees, are often most collectible. Nevertheless, many homeowners enjoy adding any variegated plant as an interesting accent for their garden or home.
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Why would someone want a variegated plant over a solid green one?
Variegated plants offer a different kind of visual interest compared to an all-green plant. The splashes of white or cream Provide streaks of light that can brighten a dark corner. Moreover, some variegated forms have a statelier or more ornamental appearance. At the same time, low-maintenance variegated plants that thrive in shade provide homeowners with garden color options where few green plants would succeed. Overall, variegated plants basically mix it up and sort of jazz up a landscape or indoor collection.
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What are some commonly grown variegated houseplants?
Some popular variegated houseplants include Chinese evergreen, spider plant, pothos, philodendron, snake plant, peace lily and nerve plant. The white or yellow variegation of these plants looks amazing indoors and adds an artistic vibe to any home. However, some folks warn that variegated houseplants could lose their variegation if they don’t get enough sunlight, so it’s wise to place them in a bright spot.