Most houseplants have rich green leaves. However, there are some that follow a different set of standards. These plants lack the rich green pigment due to strange genetic abnormalities that result in delayed development but unexpected color palettes and patterns.

Variegation brings brilliance and pizazz to potted plant collections. Motley potted plants come in a variety of colors, including cream, yellow, light green, pink, purple and red to name a few. Some plants even have a striking white variety that makes them stand out.

We have compiled a list of seven variegated houseplants to consider if you want to add a little distinct brightness to your home!

Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata

Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata is distinctive with its white variety. This potted plant is more sensitive than plants with green variety. They photosynthesize less, and as a result, they produce much less chlorophyll.

The leaves of a motley Monstera Borsigiana are green with off-white or white streaks. In some cases the white stripes on the leaves create a marbling effect, and in others the leaves are covered with large white blocks, crescents, or the whole leaf may look white. This is because the variations are created by spontaneous cell mutations in the leaf that cause some of the plant’s leaves to turn green while others either create the popular white streaks or make the leaves completely white. No two leaves will ever be identical with each other.

Monstera Borsigiana Albo Variegata plants require minimal maintenance and care. Just make sure it gets very indirectly strong light and place it in a room with a humidity of 60% or more. This potted plant thrives in warmer temperatures, so be sure to keep it in a room that maintains a temperature between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit or between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

You should also avoid placing this potted plant in too hot, cold or draughty spaces such as near fireplaces, radiators or air vents as a sudden fall or temperature rise can create a stressful environment for your plant.

2. Hypoestes Phyllostachya

Hypoestes phyllostachya, or “spotted plants,” are popular houseplants that have colorful foliage. They are herbaceous perennial shrubs that have been extensively modified to produce a wide range of shades and mottled leaf patterns.

Pink spotted plants are a must for all indoor plants. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also easy to grow and maintain. You need to be patient with this potted plant as it takes a while to get used to the indoor climate. But with proper care, a Hypoestes phyllostachya plant can thrive.

Pink spotted plants grow best in bright, indirect light. Although they require constant moisture, spotted plants are prone to root rot if given too much water. To avoid this, only add water after the top 12 – 14 inches of soil has dried out. Also keep in mind that it will dry out faster if its container is too small, so make sure its roots have plenty of room to grow.

Spotted plants thrive in humid environments at temperatures of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You can create additional humidity for your plant by placing your indoor plants close together and spraying them with water throughout the day.

3. Polyscias Scutellaria ‘Balfourii’

Polyscias scutellaria ‘Balfourii’ is also known as the “food plate plant” due to its glossy, thick, pointed leaves. This tree-like variegated plant is often found in households and if the conditions are favorable it can give green-yellow flowers during the summer months.

Balfourii thrives in very humid environments, so it is a good idea to increase the humidity in the room by placing its pot on a stone tray in a room or space that is left at or around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Expect the plant to lose many leaves when you first bring your Balfourii plant indoors and let the plant have plenty of time to adapt to its new surroundings, light and humidity conditions. These are wonderful houseplants when they have become accustomed to their new surroundings.

4. Tradescantia Tricolor Fluminensis

Tradescantia tricolor fluminensis has several other names, including Inch plant, the Wandering Jew and Spiderweed. This plant spreads quickly and wildly, and its variegated leaves can be a deep purple color or a rich green. This plant also adds lush greenery or a subtle splash of color in outdoor flower beds, flower pots and hanging flower baskets, but they are even more attractive indoors.

Make sure your plant gets enough indirect strong light to retain its color and flower. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the fragile leaves of the plant. Placing tradescantias in a window that receives indirect sunlight throughout the day should be enough to help this plant thrive.

Tradescantia fluminensis plants are one of the easiest Tradescantia species to care for, especially if you live in a tropical climate, as this plant grows best in humid environments. Do not allow the soil of the plant to remain dry for too long. Add enough water to moisten the soil but be careful not to overwater.

For best results, use quick-draining soil and a container with drainage holes. Wet crowns are harmful to Tradescantia plants, so pour water directly on the soil instead of the top of the plant.

5. Peperomia Argyreia

Peperomia The Argyreia plant is also called “Watermelon Peperomia” because of its resemblance to a watermelon peel. The plant’s large peltatic (centrally interconnected stems) leaves are large and oval with eye-catching green and silver stripes and connected to crimson stems. Watermelon Peperomia plants are ideal to group with other indoor plants because they are compact despite their bushy rosette appearance. They are also good for table tops and shelves.

This plant is quite easy to maintain, making it ideal for a beginner in the garden. All it needs is light, minimal watering and living in an environment with temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When caring for a Watemelon Peperomia, allow the soil to dry to the touch before watering. Overwatering can cause root decay and underwatering can cause withering.

Also make sure that the plant is placed in a room with sufficient humidity. If the air where you live is dry during the summer months, spray the leaves from time to time to increase the humidity. Having other indoor plants is a plus because they help increase indoor humidity. Make sure that the plant does not receive direct sunlight to best mimic its normal habitat.

6. Calathea Warscewiczii

Calathea Warscewiczii, or “bean plants,” are evergreen herbaceous perennials with variegated lanceolate leaves that have a lively reddish-brown-purple underside. This plant can grow to between 20 – 40 inches long and 20 – 40 inches wide, making it a very attractive and popular Calathea. It also has magnificent white cone-like inflorescences that turn yellow or pink as they mature.

Prayer Plants like strong, indirect sunshine or filtered light with intermittent shade. Avoid putting this plant in direct sunlight as it can burn the plant’s leaves and impair its distinctive color. In addition, make sure that the room temperature remains between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round and that it is planted in well-drained organic soil with a sand mixture, which helps maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil while avoiding water deterioration. Water often, especially during the growing season, but remember to overwater. Only add water when the top inch of soil dries out, especially during colder winter months.

Calathea Warscewiczii should be planted every two years in the spring. A peat-based pot mixture helps the plant retain moisture and moisture. It is easy to propagate the plant once it has been replanted.

7. Philodendron Erubescens

Philodendron Erubescen’s plants are known for their large, shiny, reddish leaves with multicolored undersides. In its original environment, this plant can grow up to 60 feet. But as a houseplant, your plant will probably only grow to 12 feet tall or less.

Philodendron Erubescens is a fairly simple potted plant to grow and maintain because it does not need direct sunlight. In fact, this plant loves shade and should not be placed outdoors. Minimize the amount of sun that the plant receives. Let sunlight pass through the foliage, but if parts of the leaves turn yellow, it is an indication that the plant may be getting too much light.

This type of plant is drought tolerant, so water only when its surface soil is dry. As with other plants, overwatering can result in root rot and yellow leaves. They also need a lot of humidity and temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to grow.