If you have recently become a plant parent, you know how overwhelming it can be: all of a sudden, you are introduced to new notions you’ve never heard before. Don’t worry, we’re here to clear up any confusion and provide you with all the information you need to become a true plant expert. Today, we will answer a popular question: “What are variegated plants?”
What Is Variegation?
The word “variegation” has its origins in Latin: it comes from the verb “variegare,” meaning “to make of various kinds of colors.” This should give you a good idea of what variegation is: this word is used to describe plants with multicolored leaves and flowers. Most variegated plants combine 2 colors, such as green and white, silvery, or pink. However, you can come across some specimens with 3 and even 4 colors, the most well-known being Agave lophantha ‘Quadricolor.’
Types of Variegation
No two plants are the same, and that’s especially true of variegated ones. Different types of variegation manifest themselves in various ways. Here are the most prevalent types of variegation:
- Pigmented variegation is present in plants that are naturally patterned. Prayer plants and pink rubber plants are the most well-known representatives of this group.
- Chimeral variegation stems from genetic mutations: some plant tissue loses the ability to produce chlorophyll, resulting in white splotches and streaks on the foliage. While highly attractive, these plants tend to grow slower than their non-variegated counterparts since the lack of chlorophyll stunts photosynthesis. Variegated Alocasia plants belong to this group.
- Reflective variegation happens when blisters form between the different-colored layers of the foliage. If you own a Scindapsus pictus, you know what reflective variegation looks like: it’s responsible for this plant’s signature silvery spots.
Variegated Plants
If you spend a lot of time on Instagram, you’re familiar with the famous variegated monstera: its peculiar foliage has won the hearts of millions of plant owners all over the world. However, few of them were lucky to get their hands on this beauty. The variegated monstera (or Monstera deliciosa ‘Variegata’) is very difficult to find on the market, and due to high demand, it costs way more than your usual Monstera deliciosa, with some varieties being sold for as much as thousands of dollars! However, when it comes to expensive variegated plants, the variegated Rhaphidophora tetrasperma takes the cake: in 2020, this specimen was sold at an auction for US$5,300. Other rare variegated plants include Hoya carnosa ‘Compacta’, Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’, and Aglaonema pictum ‘Tricolor.’
Not ready to splurge on rare plants? No problem! There’re plenty of cheap and common variegated houseplants that will liven up any house. Here are some options you can look into: Hoya tricolor, Hedera helix, Hosta, Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ and ‘Ruby’, Epipremnum aureum, as well as various cultivars of Philodendron.
Variegated Plant Care
As a rule, variegated plants have similar care requirements to those of non-variegated ones. The only difference is light conditions: your plant is more likely to maintain its colors if provided with bright indirect light. Some plants may revert to their original green color. In this case, prune the new green foliage to encourage variegated leaves.
Now when someone asks you “What are variegated plants all about?”, you’ll know what to say. And if you haven’t tried growing these fascinating specimens yet, give it a try!
