The 17 Best Houseplants with Green and White Leaves (2024)

Tired of the same old plain green plants? Looking to jazz up your indoor garden? We've got just the thing for you - variegated houseplants with green and white foliage!

A white and green leaf plant has that magical look that just adds something to your space - a splash of color, extra personality in a neutral room, or simply a stylish ornament.

From their wonderfully waxy leaves to the unique charm of blooming flowers, there's a perfect match for you and your home. Here are 10 of the best indoor plants with green and white leaves to ponder over...

1. Philodendron Birkin - Philodendron 'Birkin'

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• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial plant

• Geographic Origin: South and Central America

• Plant Size: 3 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

If you're looking for a gem in your plant collection, then the Philodendron Birkin is exactly what you need. The striking yellow stripes on its dark green glossy leaves will add a touch of flair to your space.

Fun fact: this Philodendron variation is a hybrid of Philodendron 'Congo' and Philodendron 'Imperial Green'. This means it doesn't exist in the wild, making it incredibly rare.

If you're new to plant parenting, you're in luck - the Philodendron Birkin is low-maintenance. It stays quite compact, thriving on windowsills and in smaller areas with indirect light and consistently moist soil.

Shop Philodendron Birkin here at The Sill.

2. Marble Queen Pothos - Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'

• Plant Type: Flowering plant

• Geographic Origin: French Polynesia

• Plant Size: Up to 6 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light and low light

Whether you're new to houseplants or simply appreciate the ease of growing low-maintenance plants, the Marble Queen pothos definitely deserves a spot in your home. This tropical trailing plant isn't too fussy about dry spells, the type of soil, or the amount of light it gets.

The Marble Queen pothos stands out with its beautiful variegated foliage, boasting a marble-like effect on its heart-shaped leaves.

Shop Marble Queen Pothos here at Public Goods.

3. Satin Pothos - Scindapsus pictus

• Plant Type: Evergreen climbing plant

• Geographic Origin: Philippines, Bangladesh, India, and Thailand

• Plant Size: 3-6 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

Satin pothos is a real standout when it comes to sprucing up your living area. It's no surprise this tropical beauty is a favorite among plant lovers. Its compact size makes it great for hanging baskets, and those beautiful silvery-white patterned leaves that pack together densely on its long vines make it perfect for shelves too.

As with all pothos plants, they're a breeze to take care of. All they need is some bright, indirect sunlight, a steady watering routine, and high humidity.

Shop Satin Pothos at PlantVine.

4. Calathea White Fusion - Calathea lietzei

• Plant Type: Herbaceous evergreen

• Geographic Origin: Central Mexico and tropical South America

• Plant Size: 1-2 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light

The Calathea White Fusion is easily one of the most stunning indoor houseplants. Its white and green leaves look as if it's been painted with watercolors, making it a real favorite among plant enthusiasts. Underneath, a touch of pink or dark maroon adds to the plants striking visual display.

Growing Calathea White Fusion can be a bit of a challenge. This plant thrives in high humidity and requires watering once a week.

Shop Calathea White Fusion at Public Goods.

5. Manjula Pothos - Epipremnum aureum 'Manjula'

• Plant Type: Flowering vine

• Geographic Origin: India

• Plant Size: Up to 6 feet

• Sun Exposure: Various settings except for direct sunlight

It seems pothos plants have a knack for earning spots on our list because now we have the Manjula Pothos, fondly nicknamed the Happy Leaf Pothos. Its heart-shaped leaves boast wavy edges and a mix of cream, white, and green marbling.

Keeping the Manjula Pothos in check is easy - just ensure good moisture, partial sunlight, and well-draining soil. This vine can reach up to 6 feet in length, making it ideal for trailing over shelves or hanging baskets.

6. White Knight Philodendron - Philodendron erubescens 'White Knight'

• Plant Type: Rare tropical plant

• Geographic Origin: Puerto Rico

• Plant Size: Up to 10 feet

• Sun Exposure: Medium to bright, indirect sunlight

If you want to absolutely dazzle your space with green and white leaves, then the White Knight Philodendron is the ultimate showstopper. With deep white and green variegated leaves, the White Knight Philodendron starts to vine upwards as it grows, making it great for vertical spaces. It also makes for a wonderful statement piece on a desk or tabletop.

The White Knight Philodendron is a humidity lover - so it's excellent for grouping with other plants - and it's happy with its soil being slightly dry to the touch before watering.

Shop White Knight Philodendron here at Pafe Plants.

7. Watermelon Peperomia - Peperomia argyreia

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Geographic Origin: Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela

• Plant Size: 8 to 12 inches

• Sun Exposure: Bright to medium indirect sunlight

The Watermelon Peperomia is a wonderful houseplant with dark green and white leaves reminiscent of watermelon rinds - hence its name! If you're looking for an easy-care yet aesthetically pleasing addition to your indoor garden, this perennial beauty is a fabulous choice!

Thriving in medium indirect sunlight and favoring moist soil, it's an incredibly easy plant to care for. It only grows to around 12 inches tall, making it ideal for small spaces like kitchens and offices.

Shop Watermelon Peperomia here at PlantVine.

8. Zebra Plant - Aphelandra squarrosa

• Plant Type: Understory tropical plant

• Geographic Origin: Brazil

• Plant Size: 1-2 feet

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to indirect sunlight

The Zebra Plant certainly knows how to steal the spotlight with its dark green leaves adorned with bold white stripes. This unique contrast of green and white is a visual treat, but it's not the easiest plant to handle. The Zebra Plant does have specific care needs, so if you're a plant parent who enjoys giving attention, this might be the plant for you.

For indoor growth, provide it with high humidity and hold off on watering until the top 25% of the soil dries out. And if conditions align favorably, you might just witness a display of those eye-catching, sunny yellow flower spikes.

Shop Zebra Plants here at FastGrowingTrees.

9. Aluminum Plant - Pilea cadierei

• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Geographic Origin: Vietnam and China

• Plant Size: 1-2 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight

Stunning, silver-splashed dark green leaves make the Aluminum Plant an eye-catching houseplant for homeowners. This fast-growing perennial is accustomed to thriving as a groundcover, producing wide-oval-shaped leaves with a pattern that slightly resembles the Watermelon Peperomia.

Caring for the Aluminum Plant is a breeze, provided you cater to its high-humidity needs. To maintain its allure, position the plant where it receives bright, filtered sunlight year-round and water the plant lightly from spring to fall, allowing the soil to slightly dry between waterings.

10. Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema 'Silver Bay'

• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial

• Geographic Origin: Asia and New Guinea

• Plant Size: Up to 4 feet

• Sun Exposure: Medium to bright, indirect sunlight

The Chinese Evergreen 'Silver Bay' is your ideal pick if you've struggled with indoor plants in the past. It can thrive in just about any home environment, making it perfect for beginners. And with one look at this plant, you'll see why it's so loved. Chinese Evergreens like 'Silver Bay' show off beautiful palm-like leaves with splashes of white and silver against light green.

The Silver Bay is comfortable with low light but they'll maintain their vibrancy better in medium to bright, indirect sunlight.

Shop Chinese Evergreen here at PlantVine.

11. Zebra Cactus - Haworthiopsis attenuata

• Plant Type: Perennial succulent

• Geographic Origin: South Africa

• Plant Size: 4-5 inches

• Sun Exposure: Partial sun or indirect sunlight

The Zebra Cactus is a fantastic asset to your indoor plant lineup. Its petite dark green leaves feature white tubercles on their surfaces, creating a striking zebra-like appearance.

It originates from the arid regions of South Africa. The Zebra Cactus is a delight to care for - a true gem for those seeking fuss-free indoor plants! This cactus flourishes in warm temperatures and indirect sunlight, ideal for spaces blessed with sunny windows. An occasional water every three weeks is just enough, as these spikey beauties are susceptible to overwatering and leaf rot.

12. Domino Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Domino'

• Plant Type: Perennial plant

• Geographic Origin: Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and northern South America

• Plant Size: 1-3 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight

The Domino Peace Lily, a variegated version of the common Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), offers a unique touch with its marbled white and green leaves. And during the spring and summer, you'll be greeted with white flowers blossoming from those beautiful spathes.

The plant not only owes its popularity to its beauty but also its ease-of-care and air-purifying qualities. It's not fussy at all, requiring watering every two to three weeks and favoring slightly moist soil. Medium to bright, indirect sunlight suits it well, allowing it to thrive indoors.

13. Variegated Monstera - Monstera deliciosa variegata

• Plant Type: Tropical evergreen

• Geographic Origin: Mexico

• Plant Size: Up to 10 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight

With its lush dark green fenestrated leaves splashed with striking white patches, the variegated Monstera is sure to steal the spotlight in your collection. And, here's an interesting tidbit: the variegated Monstera is actually a cultivated variety of the classic Monstera and required over 100,000 cuttings to propagate! So, not only does it bring all the tropical vibes to your home, but it's also incredibly unique and rare.

You've got options with six different variegated Monstera species, which includes the authentic variegated Monstera deliciosa 'Variegata.' For optimal growth, these plants crave indirect sunlight, well-draining, slightly moist soil, and a humid environment.

14. Calathea Orbifolia Prayer Plant - Calathea orbifolia

• Plant Type: Perennial prayer plant

• Geographic Origin: Bolivia

• Plant Size: 3 feet

• Sun Exposure: Medium indirect light

Characterized by round, slightly wavy-edge leaves, the Calathea Orbifolia prayer plant showcases beautiful variegation in the form of light-green stripes.

Now, you may be wondering why Calathea Orbifolia is called a prayer plant. Well, that's because they have an amazing trait; they fold their leaves up at night, only to unfurl them once more in the day - like praying hands!

This plant does require some attention. The specific musts for these plants are well-draining soil that never gets dry or soggy, medium light, and high humidity.

15. Picasso Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum 'Picasso'

• Plant Type: Rare perennial plant

• Geographic Origin: Colombia and Venezuela

• Plant Size: Up to 15 inches

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight

A stunning alternative to its more common Peace Lily cousins, the Picasso Peace Lily is a rare and unique gem among indoor plants. Its large, shiny dark green leaves display splashes of white that look almost like paint strokes - hence its charming name.

Interestingly, being too attentive is the only challenge with a Picasso Peace Lily! These hardy plants thrive through bouts of neglect, so rest assured, your Picasso will flourish even if you occasionally miss a watering.

16. Hoya Krimson Queen - Hoya carnosa' Krimson Queen'

• Plant Type: Flowering plant

• Geographic Origin: Thailand, India, China, and Indonesia

• Plant Size: Up to 6 feet

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight

The Hoya Krimson Queen is a star variety of the popular houseplant species Hoya carnosa. Boasting shades of cream and green variegations, this plant brings a touch of the tropics to your home.

Its trailing nature and semi-succulent qualities mean it's no fuss when it comes to watering. And, aside from its eye-catching variegated leaves, the Hoya Krimson Queen also features charming clusters of porcelain-like flowers that bloom in the spring, adding to its unique appeal.

Shop: Buy Hoya Krimson Queen here at Dahing Plants

17. Lemon Lime Maranta - Maranta leuconeura 'Lemon Lime'

• Plant Type: Marantaceae

• Geographic Origin: Brazil; specifically thriving in the Amazon basin and the Atlantic Forest

• Plant Size: 12-14 inches

• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight

The Maranta 'Lemon Lime' Prayer Plant - is loved by houseplant enthusiasts due to its stunning foliage and beautiful colors.

The Lemon Lime Maranta orginates from tropical rainforests and has a trailing and clumping growth pattern that gives it a lush and full look. Its oval-shaped leaves with green spots, dark green streaks, and white stripes fold together like praying hands and then during the early hours of dawn, they open up and fold in again at dusk. This phenomenon is called "nyctinasty."

Shop: Buy Lemon Lime Maranta here at Dahing Plants

What To Consider When Choosing Plants With Green and White Leaves For Your Home

Size and height

Size and height matter more than you think - some plants can grow quite tall and wide, while others stay compact. Think about where you want to place the plant - be it perched on a windowsill, a tabletop, or in a corner - and choose one that won't outgrow its spot too quickly.

It's also important to consider the height of the plant. Taller plants might look great as a focal point and add a tropical vibe to your space, while shorter ones could be perfect for adding greenery to shelves.

Blooms and colors

While the green and white leaves are the main attraction, don't forget to consider the blooms and any other colors the plant might produce. Some plants with green and white foliage can also produce colorful flowers that add an extra layer of beauty to your space.

Don't forget to look at the hues in your existing decor and furniture too. Picking plants with green and white leaves that match or complement those colors will tie everything together.

Sunlight needs

Matching the plant's sunlight needs with your home's lighting situation is essential for the plant's health and growth. Some are total sun lovers, while others prefer a bit of shade or filtered light.

When you're bringing a new plant into your space, take a good look at the natural light in the spot you've got in mind. Make sure you're well-versed in your chosen plant's sunlight needs and whether you have a spot in your home that can accommodate it.

Care and maintenance

You also need to consider how much time and commitment you can give to your plants. Some can tolerate the forgetful or busy owner, while others will need your attention constantly.

Skimping on care and maintenance can mean a sad-looking or potentially dead plant. That's why diving into the specifics of each plant's care is crucial before choosing one. Watering, light, soil, pruning, and humidity all need to be considered.

Pests and diseases

Mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats are some of the usual suspects that can invade your indoor plants.

To stay ahead of pesky problems, research the plants you're interested in to understand their susceptibility to pests and diseases. Having this knowledge will help you make a decision about whether the plant is worth the grief or not and how to tackle any potential problems.

FAQs

Can I place a plant with green and white leaves in direct sunlight?

Most indoor plants with green and white variegated leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight and can easily get scorched. Striking the right balance is key. You want the brightest, indirect sunlight possible for these plants. As a general rule, treat these variegated should be shielded from direct sunlight hitting their leaves to prevent damage.

Where is the best spot for providing bright, indirect sunlight to plants with green and white leaves?

For plants with green and white leaves, the best spot for bright, indirect sunlight is close to north and east-facing windows. You can also place them a bit away from windows that face south or west, especially if those windows have shades. If you have windows that get direct sunlight, you can hang sheer white curtains to create ideal bright light conditions.