Plant Trends: Our Favorite Patterned Plants

Why have certain plants developed patterning on their leaves? There is no clear scientific explanation, but researchers’ best guess relates to the plant’s native habitat. Usually, bright patterning develops in biology as a form of communication to other organisms such as insects and animals. For example, bees are able to see different colors that attract them to the center of specific flowers where the greatest cache of pollen is located. Patterning and coloring in nature can attract or shout “beware!” It’s an interesting study for sure, but we’re attracted to patterned plants for another reason altogether--style.

Any plant adds just the right texture and interest to an interior space, but a patterned plant adds even more! Variegation, or the variation of colors on leaves, is something highly sought after in plants. Some of our favorite trending plants have unique variegation that can make them look unreal. Calathea, rex begonia, zebra plant and Chinese evergreen are just a few houseplants that rock the variegation.