Variegated

🌿 What Is a Variegated Plant?

A variegated plant has leaves that display more than one color — often featuring patterns, patches, or streaks of white, cream, yellow, pink, or light green mixed with darker green. This beautiful color variation is caused by a genetic mutation that results in less chlorophyll (the green pigment plants use to make food).

🌈 Types of Variegation:

  • Chimeral Variegation: The most common form — natural mutations create distinct colored zones.

  • Pattern-Gene Variegation: Stable, inherited patterns (like in Calatheas or Prayer Plants).

  • Blister or Reflective Variegation: Air pockets reflect light to make leaves appear silvery or metallic.

  • Viral Variegation: Rare and usually not desirable — caused by plant viruses.

🌱 Why Variegated Plants Are Special:

  • Highly sought after by collectors for their unique beauty

  • Often grow slower due to less chlorophyll

  • May revert back to green if conditions aren’t ideal (see “reverted plant”)

  • Benefit from bright, indirect light to maintain color contrast