Variegated leaves: the next big houseplant trend

Variegated plants are often divisive. Some gardeners obsessively search for split-coloured cultivars to nurture, while others actively avoid dual-toned leaves. For those who are tempted by the world of variegation, the reward is a colour  contrast that can transform a plant display by breaking up the green monotony.

Those less fond of variegation should prepare for a difficult year ahead. According to gardening writer Jane Perrone, presenter of houseplant podcast On the Ledge, variegation is set to be a huge trend for indoor gardening. "If you have a variegated leaf that looks amazing up-close on Instagram, then it's going to be popular."

Top of her list are variegated aspidistras. "There are some amazing cultivars, including a variegated one called 'Asahi', that has green leaves which shade to cream at the top. But anything variegated is going to be popular simply because it looks good on Instagram."

If you want something more striking than tones of white, cream and green, look to foliage that pops with primary colours, such as the bright pinks of Fittonia pearcei. For a more classic, but no less bold contrast to green, try the deep purple found in plants such as Oxalis triangularis.

Whether or not you're looking to grow your green-fingered Instagram following, here are 11 (Instagram-friendly) houseplants, variegated and unusually coloured, to create contrast in your houseplant collection.

Variegated Ficus elastica

The mottled pale leaves of this houseplant make it a much lighter presence  in a room than a regular rubber plant and ​ is an excellent option to brighten a room. Its broad, pale leaves will fill space without creating a sense of clutter. 

Light: indirect sunlight, in an east or west-facing window. Avoid low temperatures or drafts.

Water: water when soil is dry to the touch, and ensure excellent drainage.

Variegated Monstera deliciosa

After Swiss cheese plants reached peak popularity last year, houseplant lovers are now chasing the more elusive variegated type. The variegation of Monstera deliciosa can range between whole leaves of ghostly white to marbled white, pale green and dark green foliage.

If you manage to get your hands on one, you'll join the lucky few. Paul Holt, director of N1 Garden Centre in London, says that there's a high demand but lack of supply for variegated Monstera, as only a couple of commercial growers are producing them.

Light: partial shade in a south, east or west-facing window.

Water: soil should be kept moist, but well-drained. Keep just moist in winter

Aspidistra

Another of Jane Perrone's suggestions, she recommends looking out for Aspidistra elatoior 'Asahi', with its blushed cream tips or Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'  which has a splattered creamy pattern across its leaves. Although  difficult to get hold of in the UK, Perrone is hoping that British nurseries will increase their production this year. 

Light: Labelled the 'cast iron plant' for its indestructible qualities, aspidistra tolerates shade. Place in a shady to semi-shady north-facing window or away from windows in a room facing other aspects. Do not expose to direct sunlight. 

Water: Allow top of the soil to dry out between waterings but never let it dry out completely. Don't leave the plant sitting in water.

Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'

With its large, elegant leaves that look dusted in icing sugar, Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' is the less tough and less common form of the standard Fatsia japonica, making it perfect for indoor growing. 

Light: partial, low level sunlight. Too much light will cause bleaching and encourage smaller leaves. 

Water: Water regularly in summer but cut back over winter. Well-drained soil is a must, as fatsia are fussy about standing in water. 

Oxalis triangularis

Try this for a pop of purple rather than green and white: the delicate jewel-toned triangular leaves of this bulbous plant are light-sensitive, meaning they open and close at sunrise and sunset. When planted outside, they are deciduous but can be grown year round in a cool indoor room.

Light: partial shade in a south, east or west-facing window. 

Water: keep soil moist, but well-drained. If allowing to go dormant, keep barely moist during winter.

Calathea makoyana (Peacock Plant)

A more difficult houseplant to keep happy, due to its need for high humidity, the peacock plant rewards gardeners with the bold patterns on its leaves that mimic the feathers of its namesake. 

Light: Best placed in partial shade. Overexposure can cause leaf scorching.

Water: keep soil moist, but well-drained. Underwatering can lead to browned edges of leaves. Peacock plants need high humidity, so misting may be advisable.

Tradescantia zebrina

For an understated colour contrast, look to Tradescantia, a family of sprawling plants that do well in a hanging-basket. Here, the silvery-striped leaves can reveal their purple undersides. To encourage bushiness, remove  growing tips by pinching off.

Light: full to partial sun, ideally in a south or east-facing window.

Water: keep soil moist, but well-drained. Water freely in hot, dry weather and reduce substantially in winter.

Fittonia 

Some of the most striking Fittonia include cultivars F. albivenis, pearcei and verschaffeltii. Small, but high-impact, the contrasting veins of these plants bring a delicate intricacy to a display of houseplants. Fittonias require little attention but be sure to keep them well watered in a centrally-heated house. They're perfect for terrariums, as they enjoy warm, humid conditions.

Light: partial shade in a south, east or west-facing window.

Water: keep soil moist, but well-drained.

Coleus

Jane Perrone is also backing these bushy perennials as a must-have houseplant in 2018: "We've condemned them as outdoor summer bedding when in fact they do make rather good houseplants as well."

Look for coleus 'China Rose' for a flash of electric pink on leaves or 'Glory of Luxembourg' for a bold contrast between rich burgundy  leaves and yellow-green edging. For a more delicate pattern, try 'Buttermilk'. 

Light: full sun in a south or east-facing window

Water: keep soil moist, but well-drained

Sarracenia cv Juthatip Soper 

The weird and wonderful world of carnivorous plants is full of exotic shapes and dramatic colouring. There is the additional attraction that they might gobble up a few unwanted bluebottles in your home.

Matt Soper, owner of the Chelsea gold medal winning Hampshire Carnivorous Plants nursery, suggests Sarracenia 'Juthatip Soper' as an easy-to-grow starter plant. "The plant's spring growth is white with dark green veining turning to a dark purple with almost black veining late in the season, so it's very striking."

Light: from March to October, leave in a bright, sunny position. During winter ensure the plant is kept at a cool temperature.

Water: Stand the plants in a tray of rainwater from March to October. During winter, keep them damp.

Variegated succulents and cacti

According to Al Laius from the British Cactus and Succulent Society, variegated cacti have been around for a long time but their popularity is rising.  If you're tempted by online overseas sellers of "variegated cacti seeds", he recommends you don't as you'll probably end up with some basic green seedlings. Instead, buy from UK and European cactus and succulent nurseries so you don't risk breaking import rules. If you're seeking rarer variegated cacti, look for Agave, Haworthia and Gasteria.

Caring for variegated cacti and succulents largely depends on each plant-type, but as a general rule only water when the soil is bone dry, and stop watering over winter. Most varieties prefer full to partial sun on a sunny windowsill. The soil should be well-draining.