In any indoor space, variegated indoor plants add some colour and life with their distinctively patterned leaves. Plant enthusiasts love them because of their unique patches of white, yellow, or pink. Maintaining these plants in good condition requires specific care methods. Here are some tips for maintaining the health and vibrancy of your variegate indoor plants .
Plant leaves and stems show different coloured zones that refer to variegation. In these patches of white or different colours, there is no chlorophyll. Genetic factors or mutation are the cause of variegation. Variegation is found in common indoor plants such as Snake plants, Pothos, Variegated Montera, and Philodendron.
Plants with spots on their leaves generally need more light than plain ones. Light is required in greater amounts by the areas without chlorophyll (the green substance responsible for food production). Variegated plants should be positioned close to a window that would allow bright and indirect sunlight to reach them because direct sun might sunburn the leaves especially those parts that do not have green coloration. Use grow lights to complement the natural light if it is not enough. Get LED grow lights since they save power and do the job well.
Caring for variegated plants can be a bit of a challenge. When too much water is added, the roots decay and when water intake is low, they wilt and the leaves become desiccated. Try to check the top inch of soil before watering. Your plant needs water if it feels dry. One should come up with a basic watering plan depending on how much water each particular plant requires along with the current season. During the growing season, variegated plants need additional irrigation compared to during their dormancy period. Ensure that your pot has an adequate drain.
Plants with mixed colours do well in moderate to high humidity and stable temperature settings. An increase in temperature or humidity all of a sudden can stress them and affect their growth. Aim at 40-60% for humidity levels. It is possible to increase the level of humidity using a humidifier, by placing a water tray near the plants or by misting their leaves regularly. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18-24°C).
Plants with different colors have lower utilization efficiency during photosynthesis due to decreased amounts of chlorophyll, thus, growing slower because of a lesser need for nourishing elements. Do this using a mix of nutrient-poor nitrogen that has been thinned by water. Use moderate nutrients every four to six weeks while it is spring season. For example, worm castings together with tea made from manure are some examples of organic fertilizers containing significant nutrients though we cannot apply them excessively for fear of making our soils infertile.
The majority among them including Pothos and Philodendron can be propogated by stem cutting. The basic requirement in this case is the stem which should be cut before keeping at least three leaves or knots then left in either water or ground for some days until roots come out. The Snake Plant is an example of a plant that you can create new ones from the splitting of the clump. You should carefully tear apart the plant into smaller pieces such that each piece has its roots, putting them into different pots. Certain types of plants including those belonging to the succulent family can be propagated through by using their leaves cuttings instead of seeds to start other plants. Put the broken-off piece into some potting soil and look for growth soon after.
Even if you do your best, keeping variegated plants might sometimes be a difficult task. These are some professional recommendations for you to solve your usual problems. If your variegated plant begins to lose its colours, then it may require more sunlight! Carefully transfer it slowly into a brighter place. Remember, always confirm if there’s enough water content before adding more on top of it and adjust based on the schedule that best suits your case. Because of having a lower content of chlorophyll, variegated plants tend to grow slowly. Hence; be patient and ensure that every day you follow up closely with them.
Taking care of indoor variegated plants can be an enriching activity in your free time because it has both beauty and peace-making qualities attached to it. So long as you know what they need- like; sunlight, water, misting often with clean water at room temperature plus nutrition from time to time then you can be sure to keep up with these lovely plants which remain strong by always having some refreshing colours on them.
