A Look Among Variegated Houseplants

When it comes to color, variegated houseplants are amazing. Each leaf tells a unique story, and the details can change depending on how you look at it.

Over on @bowtiqueplants it’s pointless to resist the eye-catching variegation of Begonia Negrosensis x Darthvaderiana. Dark green leaves are outlined in bright red with plenty of fiery polka dots to match. A very full, healthy looking plant, it elicited comments such as, “Wow, so bushy,” from @greennook, and “Beautiful. That red is so bold,” from @succulentarmi.

Explore some intricate pink variegation up close on four different alocasias in the post titled Pink Plants by @bowtiqueplants. It’s a trip through a living art gallery, with abstract patterns painted on curious, fascinating leaf forms. Stunning is the operative word in the comments.

Dragon Scale Aurea is an alocasia of a different color—chartreuse with purple variegation. Yes, they’re leaves, but they look like quilted pot holders in a funky boho cafe. You don’t see that every day, and it turns out there’s a reason why. “How did you get purple variegation?” asks @downtheviolethole. “I didn’t do anything. I think it’s a reflection of light. I used red light,” is the reply. Note to self: if buying this plant, invest in red lighting.

There’s a similar situation unfolding around Alocasia Pink Nebula from @thehouseplantproject. A unique leaf with pink and very dark green variegation has a bit of a black & white cookie vibe, with the caption: “Was noticing how pink my Pink Nebula is getting and I love the difference in different lights.” Be prepared for a dramatic shift toward the dark side.

Leave it to @anthurium_arthur to put the whole light/color phenomenon into perspective. In a deep purple post he reflects on the difference between colors seen in images we view from space and the specifically tuned wavelengths used to grow plants inside his garage tropics.