Do you have a space in your home that could use a little bit of greenery? Or are you looking for a new type of house plant to add to your collection? If so, then we may interest you in a house plant with spotted leaves. These plants are simply beautiful and unique, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
In this article, we will explore the fundamental characteristics of house plants with spotted leaves. We will also discuss some popular varieties of house plants under this category, as well as tips for taking care of them.
Characteristics of House Plants with Spotted Leaves
- One of the most distinguishing characteristics of house plants with spotted leaves is, of course, their spotted leaves!
- These leaves can be variegated, meaning that they have two or more colors, or they can be solid with spots.
- The spots on the leaves can be any color, including white, yellow, pink, red, purple, or green.
- In addition to their spotted leaves, house plants with spotted leaves also tend to have colorful flowers.
- The flowers of indoor plants are usually very small and delicate, and they come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and green.
- These plants typically have large and thin leaves, and they are often variegated.
- Indoor plants also have a high chlorophyll content and are mostly dark green in color.
- They are a natural air purifier and help remove toxins from the air.
- Indoor plants adapt to low light, and you can grow them in containers, and they are fairly easy to take care of.
Types of House Plants with Spotted Leaves
This segment will explore some of the most popular types of house plants with spotted leaves you can grow in your home.
Polka Dot Plant
Scientific Name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
This plant is a member of the genus Hypoestes, which is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa, Southeast Asia, and Madagascar. The Polka Dot Plant is a small evergreen shrub that typically grows to about 30 cm (12").
With the bloom time of summer or early fall, this unique plant produces lilac to pink flowers. The flowers are very small and delicate, and they have a polka dot pattern. The leaves of this plant are also variegated with white, yellow, or pink spots giving it a unique look.
Aglaonema
Scientific Name: Aglaonema pictum tricolor
Hailing from the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia and New Guinea, Aglaonema is a slow-growing shrub known for its distinct appearance and ornamental appeal. Growing up to 60 cm (2') tall, this beautiful tricolor plant is ideal for bedrooms, coffee tables, and living rooms.
Aglaonema is popular with several names, like camouflage plants and Chinese evergreens. They grow best in well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. These plants need very little maintenance and are easy to take care of.
Crinkle Leaf Begonia
Scientific Name: Begonia moyesii
As the name implies, crinkle leaf begonia is categorized by the crinkles and ridges on its leaves. This perennial flowering plant is a variety of Begonia and comes from the Begoniaceae family, which has over 2000 species.
While it grows about 15 to 30 cm (5" to 12") tall, the plant has a striking appearance and is perfect for small spaces. The leaves are glossy and have a crinkled or ruffled texture with shades of green, silver, and red. This plant needs well-drained, moist soil and bright indirect light to grow well.
Variegated African Violet
Scientific Name: Saintpaulia Ionantha
This tender perennial plant is a species of the genus Saintpaulia, which is native to Tanzania and Kenya in Africa. It is a small, evergreen herbaceous plant that typically grows to about 20 to 40 (8" to 16"). The African violet is a very popular house plant, and it is known for its beautiful flowers.
Their flowers are typically white or blue, and they have a violet-like color, and the leaves of this plant are dark green in color with white or yellow spots. Give them filtered natural light and use the deep watering technique and see this plant flourish.
Florida Beauty
Scientific Name: Dracaena surculosa
Coming from the Asparagaceae (Asparagus) family, Florida beauty is a slow-growing, evergreen plant that typically grows to about 60 to 91 cm (24" to 36"). It has showy, glossy leaves with white or yellow spots and a light green stripe running down the center.
Florida Beauty is native to tropical Africa and typically found in swampy areas; and is commonly known as gold dust. It does best in bright indirect light but can also tolerate low light. It's best to keep the soil moist but not soggy and fertilize it once a month during the growing season.
Peace Lily Domino
Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
This variegated variety of the common Peace Lily is an ideal pick for beginners. It is a tropical flowering plant that comes from the family Araceae. The plant has broad, glossy, dark green leaves with white spots and streaks. It is also known by the names: white sails and spathe flowers.
This plant typically grows to about 30 to 50 cm (12" to 20") and blooms white flowers that appear in the spring or summer. Native to Colombia and Venezuela, this plant is perfect for small spaces and does best in low to bright indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not pulpy, and fertilize it once a month. One thing you need to be wary of is that this plant is toxic to humans and pets.
Fruit Salad Plant
Scientific Name: Monstera' Thai Constellation'
This beautiful and unique plant is a variegated form of the popular Monstera Deliciosa. It comes from the tropical rainforests of Mexico, Panama, and Columbia. The plant has large, glossy green leaves with white spots and streaks that make it look like a piece of fruit salad, but you can't eat it.
This beautiful cultivar typically grows to about 182 to 274 cm (71" to 107") and blooms cream-white flowers that appear in the spring or summer. Requiring gentle sunlight or bright indirect and watering once a week, this plant is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance houseplant.
Painted Leaf Begonia
Scientific Name: Begonia rex-cultorum
This beautiful and unusual plant is a species of Begonia that is native to Northeastern India, southern China, and Vietnam. It typically grows to about 30 to 45 cm (12" to 18") and has large, glossy leaves that are reddish-green with unique markings and shapes.
This Herbaceous perennial does best in bright indirect light and moist soil. It is important not to let the Begonia rex-cultorum sit in water, as this will cause the leaves to rot. They thrive in humidity, and fertilizing monthly during the growing season will help to keep this plant healthy and happy.
Golden Pothos
Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
This beautiful and unique plant is a species of flowering plant that is native to Mo'orea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. It typically grows to about 6 meters to 12 meters (240" to 479") and has large, glossy leaves that are golden-yellow in color with white spots. Its descriptions match a lot with the snake plant, but they are different in their appearance.
Golden pothos has several names, such as Devil's Ivy, Marble Queen, and Taro Vine. This vine type of plant does best in bright indirect light and moist soil. Remember to not overwater these as they will only rot the root. Golden pothos will be an awesome addition to a hanging pot to give it that "jungle" feel. Lastly, fertilize monthly during the growing season for best results.
Snake plants
Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata (formerly Sansevieria trifasciata)
This is a common houseplant that is native to the tropical regions of West Africa. It is a beginner-friendly indoor plant with spotted leaves as it's easy to take care of and is quite tough. The snake plant is called such due to the shape of its leaves, which are long and slender like a snake, and the pattern on the leaves, which resembles snake skin.
This hardy plant typically grows to about 30 to 90 cm (12" to 35") and does best in bright indirect light but can also tolerate low light. Between watering, let the soil dry out and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. One thing to note is that the snake plant is poisonous to humans and pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach if you have small children or pets.
How to Take Care of Your Indoor Plants with Spotted Leaves
Taking care of your indoor plants with spotted leaves is not difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If you know these needs, you'll be able to take better care of your beloved plants.
Understand their Watering Needs
The watering needs of your indoor plants with spotted leaves will depend on the type of plant that you have. Some plants, like snake plants, are very drought-tolerant and only need to be watered every few weeks. Other plants, like begonias, require more frequent watering, about once a week or so. When in doubt, it's always better to underwater your plants than to overwater them. If you overwater, it can cause root rot, which will eventually kill your plants.
Get them Adequate Sunlight
Most indoor plants with spotted leaves prefer bright, indirect sunlight. This means that they should be placed near a window where they can get plenty of light, but not so close that they are in direct sunlight. If you are not sure about your plant getting enough light, you can always consult a plant expert or take a look at the leaves. If the leaves are pale or yellow, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough light.
Fertilize them Regularly
The fertilizing needs of indoor plants are different from those of outdoor plants. Indoor plants generally need to be fertilized more often because they are not getting nutrients from the soil. But, just like water needs, fertilization also depends on the season, growth rate, and age. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize your plants every two to four weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are a fact for indoor plants, just like they are for outdoor plants. The most common pests that attack indoor plants are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Diseases that affect indoor plants include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These diseases can be typically prevented with proper care, but if they do occur, they can be treated with fungicides.
Prune When Necessary
Most indoor plants with spotted leaves will need to be pruned at some point. Pruning helps your plants to encourage new growth and keep looking their best. Remove the dead leaves and stems to prevent them from spreading or getting too leggy. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean scissors or shears. Also, make sure to avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Remove Dust from the Leaves
One crucial thing you should do for your indoor plants with spotted leaves is to remove the dust from their leaves. Dust can prevent the leaves from getting the sunlight they need to photosynthesize. It can also block the pores that allow the plant to breathe. To remove dust from the leaves, simply wipe them with a damp cloth or a gentle brush or use a leaf blower on the low setting.
Propagate Your Plants
Propagating your plants is always a great way to create new plants without having to buy them. It's also a great way to get rid of any unwanted plants. To propagate your plants, you can take stem cuttings or leaf cuttings and root them in water or potting mix. You can also divide the roots of your plants to create new plants.
