You may have been wondering, “what is variegated plants?” when looking at different striped and spotted plants. They have lighter spots of green on the foliage, sometimes even white.
Variegated plants have long been popular with gardeners and plant geeks for their distinct appearance. This article will list all types you need in your home this season!
Contents
What Are Variegated Plants and Why Are They Special?
Variegated plants are special because they have distinct colored zones on leaves, stems, fruit, or flowers. As a result, variegation appears two-toned or multi-tonal. Variegated leaves of a plant can be in the form of stripes, dots, circles, borders, or other shapes.
Some plants have variegated portions, while others may have some blending between sections, making their variegations appear more subtle, or they may take over the entire appearance of the leaf. Variegations can come in a variety of colors, not just green!
Some plant cells’ absence of chlorophyll (the green pigment) causes variegation. A variegated snake plant is among such variegated leaves examples. Other primary pigments in these plants include carotenoids, which seem yellow to orange, and anthocyanins, which appear red to purple.
Natural variation is uncommon, but can be done. Most plants with variegations found in garden stores and nurseries were chosen for their individuality and kept as indoor plants. Variegation could be less than beneficial to a plant in the wild. After all, a loss of chlorophyll equals less energy.
Variegations can be uniform (also known as pattern-gene or natural) if they occur the same way across an entire plant. Variegations can also be random (called ‘chimeral variegation‘), and chimeras can be challenging to reproduce.
– Variation in Viral Strains
Viral infections can also induce natural plant variegation. The mosaic virus, for example, generates mosaic-like patterns on the leaves of certain plants.
– Blister or Variegation in Reflection
This type of Variegation occurs when tiny air pockets grow between the layers of the plant’s leaves. As light strikes these air pockets, they become reflecting and appear silvery, giving the look of a plant variegated string. Variegated houseplants should not require any particular care.
For example, if you obtain a highly trendy variegated Monstera adansonii, you should be able to care for it like any other Monstera, just like a prayer plant.
– Natural Causes of Variegation in Plants
Natural variegation in plants occurs due to random mutations resulting in a lack of chloroplasts and chlorophyll (or no chlorophyll) synthesis. Viruses, as well as chemical and radiation exposure, are other sources of variegation.
What Are Some Rare Variegated Plants?
Some rare variegated plants are agave iophantha, begonia rex, calathea “white fusion”, ficus triagularis, monstero deliciosa “Albo Variegata,” peperomia, philodendrons and satin pothos. They all carry the distinctive variegation that you are looking for although some are easier to find than others.
– Agave lophantha “Quadricolor”
This succulent features a unique sort of variegation in its leaf patterns, with four distinct hues. The middle of the leaf has a faint yellow stripe, followed by pale green stripes, dark green stripes, and a red leaf edge. This agave grows about one foot wide and one foot tall, and it enjoys sunny locations with well-draining soil.
– Begonia Rex
These plants have leaf designs that might be striped, veined, or spiralled. Begonia rex ‘Rumba,’ which has bright red and silver Variegation, and Begonia rex ‘Flamenco,’ which has green leaves with red veins, are two common varieties. While direct sunlight might harm the variegated foliage of these plants, bright indirect light is preferable for optimal growth.
– Calathea “White Fusion”
A beautiful plant with a mix of white and dark green leaves. The white streaks in the calathea leaves look to be painted with broad strokes of color. This calathea enjoys direct sunlight and dry soil.
– Ficus Triangularis
A healthy plant with thick, waxy leaves. Because the little plant will eventually grow into a blossoming tree, this variegated plant is best suited for bigger outdoor spaces. It also requires little maintenance because it requires little water and does not require pruning.
– Monstera Deliciosa “Albo Variegata”
The variegated species, often known as the Swiss cheese plant, is endemic to Mexico and Panama. It’s an excellent choice for large variegated indoor plants. Provide indirect sunshine to this variegated plant to keep it healthy.
– Peperomia
Peperomia produces leaves in various colors, ranging from red to purple. White flowers grow among the variegated leaves of some peperomia kinds, such as Peperomia caperata. Peperomias are slow-growing plant species that require little attention.
Put Peperomia in a pot with plenty of drainage holes and orchid potting mix, then place in bright indirect light. Peperomia plants take very little upkeep, and you should only water them when the soil is dry. Plant food and fertilizer are rarely required.
– Philodendrons
Philodendrons exhibit distinctive reflecting variegation. Reflective variegation, also known as blister variegation, occurs when air pockets form on the leaf, preventing chlorophyll formation in some locations and resulting in white reflective streaks.
Philodendrons make excellent houseplants due to their ease of propagation and upkeep. Place your philodendron in a pot with well-draining soil and moderate sunshine and watch it thrive.
– Satin Pothos
Satin pothos is a simple variegated grower with vivid green foliage and white splotches. Its heart-shaped leaves and long, vine-like growth make it an ideal choice for hanging basket arrangements.
Like other variegated plants, Satin pothos variants grow best in bright indirect light, while direct sunlight can damage the leaves. So it is recommended to keep these guidelines in mind when planting satin pothos at home.
How Does the White Color Appear in Variegation?
The white color in leaves appears when there is a decrease of pigment in the chloroplast, and reactions at several plant chloroplast production stages cause this mutation. Variegated plants require more sunshine than solid green plants because they lack chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight.
If you’re planting a variegated palnt, place it near a sunny window or in a sunny position on your property. This is to ensure it gets adequate sunlight levels.
How Do You Variegate Plants at Home?
To variegate at home is challenging to produce but can be done. It is not recommended, though. It is best to obtain a variegated plant cutting from a friend or pass yours on to keep the variegated “blood line” going.
The more traditional and permanent method of achieving variegation is to take cuttings from branches variegation in the leaf that is blotchy rather than all white (which has no chlorophyll) and increase the number of plants.
If you are determined to force variegation in your plants, you can do so. Nonetheless, the technique could be hazardous to the plant and its owner. A mutation or virus must be introduced into the plant to force variegation.
Suppose you are determined to propagate a variegated plant. In that case, it is recommended to propagate a genetically variegated plant or sections of a plant with mutant plant cells that lack green pigment.
Furthermore, the only way to stimulate variegation in a non-mutated plant is to subject it to chlorophyll degradation using specific herbicides, which is not recommended and will almost certainly kill the plant.
Conclusion
Variegation looks beautiful, and there are ways to achieve it because variegated plants lack chlorophyll and require more sunlight than plain green plants. Therefore, to achieve it, here is what you can do to boost the process.
- If you’re cultivating variegation, place it near a sunny window or in a sunny position on your property to ensure adequate sunlight.
- The more traditional and permanent method of achieving Variegation is to take cuttings from branches with more blotchy Variegation in the leaf rather than the all-white form.
- Volume production takes much longer with this technique.
Equipped with this knowledge, most homeowners will be well-versed in keeping variegation and showing it off.
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