Variegated & Colourful Plants

Variegation describes areas of a leaf with different colour from the surrounding tissue. It can appear as pale margins, marbling, speckles or broad sections across the blade.

Red, pink and burgundy leaves often contain natural pigments that develop across part or all of the foliage. Cream and white variegation often occurs in tissue with less chlorophyll.

Many tropical variegated plants grow well in bright filtered daylight. Pale sections can be more sensitive to strong direct sun, and each species has its own light requirements.

Some cultivars produce greener shoots as they grow. On unstable variegated vines, carefully pruning a fully green shoot may help keep patterned growth prominent. The result depends on the plant and cultivar.

Light affects overall plant health and the intensity of some leaf pigments. The pattern of variegation depends on the plant’s tissues and cultivar; brighter light alone cannot create a new inherited pattern.