Variegated plants have multicolored leaves, and many plant species fall into this category, with each of them having their own unique patterns, colors, textures, and blooms.
On account of their striking designs, plants with variegation make excellent indoor plants and additions to outdoor gardens.
In this article, we take a look at what this category of plants is, how these patterns are caused, why plants lose variegation, and some of the most remarkable plants in this category.
If you are searching for your next house plant, this is exactly the all-in-one guide you need, so read on to find out more!
JUMP TO TOPIC
- List of the Best Variegated Plants
- 1. Variegated Monstera Albo
- 2. Stromanthe Triostar
- 3. White Fusion Calathea
- 4. Royal Variegated Banana
- 5. Orbifolia
- 6. Polka Dot Plant
- 7. Aglaonema
- 8. Mosaic Plant
- 9. Aluminum Plant
- 10. Prayer Plant
- 11. Painted Leaf Begonia
- 12. Crinkle Leaf Begonia
- 13. Balfour Aralia
- 14. Silver Inch Plant
- 15. Silver Satin Pothos
- 16. Moon Valley
- 17. Watermelon Peperomia
- 18. Swallowtail Plant
- 19. Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
- 20. Speckled Japanese Aralia
- 21. Fruit Salad Plant
- 22. Friendship Plant
- 23. Cryptanthus
- 24. Pearls and Jade Pothos
- 25. Variegated Jade Plant
- 26. Birkin
- 27. Silver Vase Plant
- 28. Philodendron Burle Marx
- 29. Flapjack
- 30. Variegated African Violet
- 31. Cleopatra Snake Plant
- 32. Agave Lophantha
- 33. Dwarf Jade Plant
- 34. Pin-Stripe Calathea
- 35. African Mask Plant
- 36. Tineke Rubber Plant
List of the Best Variegated Plants
Variegated plants is a category that encompasses plants with leaves that are multicolored and have unique patterns.
These patterns can look like anything from stripes to blotches, ribs to a marbled pattern and more. Plants with variegation in their leaves can be found in a plethora of bright vibrant colors that you would not expect on leaves. Examples include splashes of pink, white, silver, pale yellow, etc. against emerald green leaves.
Different kinds of variegated indoor plants offer unique patterns and bright, dynamic colors. The following is an expansive list of some of the most beautiful variegated plants.
1. Variegated Monstera Albo
This plant is also known by its botanical name Monstera borsigiana “albo variegata.”
While this list is in no particular order, we would not be surprised if this plant made it to number one on every list purely on account of the striking effect its blossoms of pure white have on the viewer.
2. Stromanthe Triostar
Also goes by its botanical name Stomanthe Sanguinea “Tricolor.”
If taken care of in medium, filtered light, this plant with its white and green foliage will leave every onlooker awestruck.
3. White Fusion Calathea
The botanical name of this plant is Calathea “Fusion White.”
This is a highly variegated plant; a mesmerizing sight with leaves that look painted with white splashes and lilac purple undersides.
4. Royal Variegated Banana
This plant is great for someone who is a fan of ornamental foliage that acts as a bold statement piece in your space.
5. Orbifolia
Calathea orbifolia is the botanical name of this plant.
Its large dark green leaves striped with light green shades add character to whichever space they are placed.
6. Polka Dot Plant
Botanical Name- Hypoestes phyllostachya.
This species is rather unique even among other types of variegated foliage thanks to its green leaves dotted with pink, lavender or rose-colored spots.
7. Aglaonema
This plant’s botanical name is Aglaonema pictum tricolor.
This is undoubtedly one of the best choices of houseplants, ideal for any living space that could use a touch of greenery.
8. Mosaic Plant
Botanical Name- Fittonia
This plant is also called the nerve plant, and it branches out into many breathtaking varieties, so no matter what colors or designs you prefer, you are likely to find one you will love!
9. Aluminum Plant
Also known by its botanical name Pilea cadierei.
As the name hints, this gorgeous plant has silver patterns that remind you of aluminum against striking shades of dark green. They are truly a sight to behold.
10. Prayer Plant
Often referred to by its botanical name Maranta leuconeura.
The leaves of this plant are velvety dark green spotted with yellow dots. They are called prayer-plants because they fold up like hands in prayer in the absence of light.
11. Painted Leaf Begonia
Botanical Name- Begonia rex-cultorum
It’s easy to see why people fall in love with this plant because of its captivating patterns and a variety of colors and textures.
12. Crinkle Leaf Begonia
The plant may be modest, but its deeply veined crinkled leaf with rich maroon undersides never fails to make a strong statement.
13. Balfour Aralia
Botanical Name- Polyscias Scutellaria “Balfourii”
Ming aralia, with its deeply cut leaves, or Parsley aralia, with its dense curly leaves, create breathtaking textures indoors.
14. Silver Inch Plant
This plant’s botanical name is Tradescantia tricolor.
Beautiful oval-shaped leaves with hints of red, purple, and white adorn this popular trailing plant.
15. Silver Satin Pothos
This is an easy-to-manage houseplant with silver reflective variegation on velvety heart-shaped leaves that are soft to the touch.
16. Moon Valley
Pilea involucrata” Moon Valley” is the botanical name of this plant.
With leaves like waffles, the color and texture are standout characteristics of this plant. When exposed to bright light, it also produces creamy white blooms.
17. Watermelon Peperomia
Botanical Name- Peperomia argyreia
This plant’s leaves look very similar to a watermelon! This small plant is ideal for decorating tables and shelves.
18. Swallowtail Plant
This fascinating plant has gorgeous mahogany stripes on wing-like leaves that resemble a butterfly.
19. Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant
With its eye-catching gigantic leaves of white and green, this plant takes variegated to a whole new level!
20. Speckled Japanese Aralia
This plant’s foliage is patterned with white tones that blend in wonderfully with the green tint. Seasons and the age of the plant influence the variegation.
21. Fruit Salad Plant
Botanical Name- Monstera “Thai Constellation”
One of the most attractive plants with patterns, as well as one of the most expensive.
22. Friendship Plant
The red-green leaves of this beautiful bromeliad are covered with white splotches, giving it the appearance of being splattered with colors.
23. Cryptanthus
Botanical Name- Cryptanthus zonatus
The burgundy to a dark shade of green of this rose plant is accented by infrequent white cross bands. A true show-stopper!
24. Pearls and Jade Pothos
Also known as Epipremnum aureum” Pearls and Jade.”
This is a trademarked species developed by the University of Florida, and it is one of the most gorgeous pothos varieties available, featuring white and silver variegation on the foliage!
25. Variegated Jade Plant
This plant’s botanical name is Crassula ovata “Tricolor.”
This variant is more attractive than conventional jade plants, and it’s also quite easy to grow.
26. Birkin
Also known by its botanical name Philodendron “Birkin.”
The philodendron is among the few plants having patterns with deep leaves mixed with pale yellow markings that resemble a fine artist’s sketch.
27. Silver Vase Plant
Botanical Name- Aechmea fasciata
With rubbery curved leaves, it is often known as an “urn plant,” and is speckled in silver and sea green. It mixes nicely with the pink flower bracts and blue flowers of this plant.
28. Philodendron Burle Marx
Botanical Name- Philodendron Burle Marx albo
Its long, thin leaves are highly varied, with hues ranging from speckled pink to green to yellow.
29. Flapjack
This plant’s botanical name is Kalanchoe thyrsiflora.
The plant is known for its leaves, which are a unique blend of giant paddle-shaped foliage in green, red, orange and yellow colors that can change depending on the light.
30. Variegated African Violet
Botanical Name- Saintpaulia Ionantha “Modesty”
The simplest description of this plant is that it is the African violet’s prettier cousin!
31. Cleopatra Snake Plant
This is a species with beautiful designs on delicate foliage that make a gorgeous rosette that can provide a bit of charm.
32. Agave Lophantha
Except for its small size, this one is no exception to the beauty of all agaves. To get the most out of it, place it in a bright location on a balcony or deck.
33. Dwarf Jade Plant
Botanical Name- Portulacaria afra variegata
This plant is the perfect variety for bonsai.
34. Pin-Stripe Calathea
This plant’s botanical name is Calathea ornata.
What could be more appealing than a real plant as a centerpiece? A good example is this calathea variety.
35. African Mask Plant
Also known by its botanical name Alocasia amazonica.
The plant’s brilliant green foliage, which is complemented by pale green veins, takes center stage. The texture is smooth and glossy, and the shape resembles sharp arrowheads.
36. Tineke Rubber Plant
Botanical Name- Ficus Elastica “Tineke”
The broad foliage of the variegated rubber species has yellow, white, pink or red patterns. Some use a combination of all four colors to create the impression of a rainbow.
| Flower | Distinguishing Qualities |
| Variegated Monstera Albo | Beautiful green leaves with white splatters |
| Stromanthe Triostar | Awe-inspiring white and green foliage |
| White Fusion Calathea | Mesmerizing leaves with white splashes and purple undersides |
| Royal Variegated Banana | Bold ornamental foliage |
| Orbifolia | Dark green leaves striped with light green shades |
| Polka Dot Plant | Green leaves dotted with pink, lavender, or rose spots |
| Aglaonema | Vibrant green decorative plant |
| Mosaic Plant | Available in many colorful varieties |
| Aluminum Plant | Silver patterns against striking shades of dark green |
| Prayer Plant | Velvety dark green leaves spotted with yellow |
| Painted Leaf Begonia | Comes in many colors and captivating patterns |
| Crinkle Leaf Begonia | Deeply veined leaf with rich maroon undersides |
| Balfour Aralia | Comes in two varieties, with either deeply cut leaves or dense curly leaves |
| Silver Inch Plant | Oval-shaped leaves with hints of red, purple, and white |
| Silver Satin Pothos | Silver patterns on velvety heart-shaped leaves |
| Moon Valley | Waffle-like leaves that turn creamy white in good sunlight |
| Watermelon Peperomia | Leaves look like watermelon |
| Swallowtail Plant | Mahogany stripes on wing-like leaves |
| Variegated Swiss Cheese Plant | Gigantic leaves of white and green |
| Speckled Japanese Aralia | White tones blending with a green tint |
| Fruit Salad Plant | The most attractive and expensive variegated plant |
| Friendship Plant | Red-green leaves with white splotches |
| Cryptanthus | Burgundy rose plant with white cross bands |
| Pearls and Jade Pothos | Leaves with white and silver variegation |
| Variegated Jade Plant | Prettier than the traditional jade and easier to grow |
| Birkin | Deep green leaves with pale yellow markings |
| Silver Vase Plant | Silver and sea green variegation on leaves |
| Philodendron Burle Marx | Speckled pink, green, and yellow leaves |
| Flapjack | Giant paddle-shaped green, red, orange, and yellow foliage |
| Variegated African Violet | The African violet’s prettier cousin |
| Cleopatra Snake Plant | Beautifully delicate foliage |
| Agave Lophantha | A smaller magnificent plant from the agave family |
| Dwarf Jade Plant | The perfect bonsai variety |
| Pin-Stripe Calathea | Gorgeous white stripes on lavishly green leaves |
| African Mask Plant | Green foliage, with pale green veins, and a smooth and glossy texture |
| Tineke Rubber Plant | Broad leaves with yellow, white, pink, or red patterns |
Final note:
From all the examples illustrated in this list, by now you know that there is an array of stunning and unique variegated plants out there, and all you have to do is a cursory search to find out which pattern and plant fit your personality and taste the best.