Dive into Variegation: 5 Easy-Care Beauties to Brighten Your Home!
Houseplants have stolen our hearts, and the latest trend is all about dazzling variegation! Lush green leaves splashed with vibrant creams, whites, and even pinks are taking center stage, adding a touch of the unexpected to any space. But with so many stunning options, where do you start? Fear not, fellow plant enthusiasts, here are five easy-care variegated houseplants that will thrive in your home, no matter your skill level. Search for more new plants here.
1. Cool Beauty Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia have been favorites of indoor gardeners for decades because they’re so easy to grow and most offer leaves streaked, splashed, or shaded with creamy white.
Cool Beauty Dieffenbachia is a brand-new variety discovered in Japan that features creamy-yellow leaves that have a green band and crips white outer edge. The look is unlike any other Dieffenbachia available, but happily, the care is the same.
2. Lemon Meringue (Epipremnum aureum ‘Lemon Meringue’)
A stunning newer selection, Lemon Meringue (Epipremnum aureum ‘Lemon Meringue’)earned its name because the new growth features bright golden-yellow edges.
These edges eventually mature to light green, but there’s still plenty of contrast with the mid-green leaf centers. Like other Pothos, it’s tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions so it’s perfect for plant aficionados and beginners alike.
3. Painted Lady Philodendron
Brighten any spot in your home (or office!) with the beauty of Painted Lady Philodendron. This vining plant features chartreuse leaves variegated with golden-yellow streaks. Cute pinkish-red petioles add even more interest.
Like most other plants, you get better variegation with more light. Despite its flashy looks, it’s really forgiving if you forget to water it from time to time.
4. White Aspen Dracaena
Corn Plant, also known as Mass Cane or Dracaena fragrans, is an excellent choice for beginners because it survives a wide variety of lighting conditions and forgives missed waterings.
White Aspen Dracaena is a newer selection that shows off green leaves fabulously edged in creamy white. It’s a little slower growing than its more common cousin (which may be welcomed if you grow in a small space), but it’s just as easy to care for.
5. Siam Aurora Aglaonema
One of the top-three most resilient indoor plants you can grow, Aglaonemas are both bulletproof and fabulous.Siam Aurora Aglaonema is a stunner that bears green leaves stippled in gold and edged in reddish pink.
It adds a splash of color to your favorite desk or tabletop, and makes for either an elegant specimen plant or accent to other indoor plants you may have. While no houseplant truly thrives on neglect, this comes as close as just about any houseplant I’ve grown.
So, which new variegated plant stole your heart?
Written By: Justin Hancock, Horticulturist
NGB Member: Costa Farms
“This post is provided as an educational/inspirational service of the National Garden Bureau and our members. Please credit and link to National Garden Bureau and author member when using all or parts of this article.”
