20 Incredible Houseplants with Striped Leaves

Are you a fan of bright colors and striking foliage? If so, why not consider adding some houseplants with patterned leaves to your collection? While there are many beautiful houseplants to choose from, those with bold and prominently striped foliage are truly impressive.

Whether you prefer plants with delicate spots or splashes of white, or those with completely white leaves, there’s a wide variety of indoor plants with striated leaf patterns to explore. In this article, we’ll introduce you to 20 stunning houseplants with striped leaves that will surely inspire you to add a few new additions to your indoor oasis.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are a classic favorite among houseplant enthusiasts. While they are commonly seen in solid green, there are also variegated varieties available. These attractive specimens feature slender, grass-like leaves with highly contrasting white and green stripes that taper towards the ends. Spider plants are known for their easy care requirements and adapt well to different light conditions.

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Another enduringly popular choice is the snake plant. Known for their indestructibility, snake plants thrive even in low light areas and require minimal watering. Their spiky, sword-shaped leaves come in various shades of green and are often decorated with vertical white striping. Snake plants can tolerate neglect and occasional underwatering, making them ideal for busy individuals or beginners.

Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)

For a touch of color and variety, consider the inch plant. Available in green or purple varieties, inch plants feature leaves adorned with silver striping, adding visual interest to their already charming appearance. These semi-succulent beauties have delicate stems that can be easily rooted in water should they break, making them a great option for hanging baskets.

Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea)

The oyster plant is a close relative of the inch plant and is equally captivating with its unique striping. While it is often used as a low-maintenance groundcover outdoors, it also makes an excellent houseplant. Oyster plants prefer some extra sunlight to bring out the vibrant purple and green striping on their leaves. If you prefer a tidy look, occasional pruning will help keep its trailing stems in check.

Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae spp.)

Bromeliads offer a wide variety of colorful and variegated leaves, including striking striping in shades of green, yellow, white, and even pink. These ornamental plants can have stripes running both horizontally and vertically, creating a visually stunning display. Potting different types of bromeliads together can result in an eye-catching arrangement, making them a favorite among collectors.

‘White Jewel’ Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)

The ‘White Jewel’ dracaena is a spectacular option for those who love striped leaves. With bright white stripes against dark green, tapering leaves, this plant stands out in any collection. These easygoing plants can adapt to various light levels and are great for adding a touch of exotic beauty to your indoor space.

‘White Fusion’ Calathea (Calathea lietzei)

Calatheas are renowned for their colorful and patterned leaves, and the ‘White Fusion’ is no exception. Its bold white and green patterned leaves, with slightly ruffled margins and magenta-toned undersides, make it a true showstopper. While this plant requires a bit more attention, providing extra humidity and bright, indirect light will ensure its vibrancy.

Pleomele (Dracaena reflexa)

Pleomele, a relative of the ‘White Jewel’ dracaena, offers whorls of leaves striped in shades of green and yellow. There are several types of Pleomele, each with its own unique leaf patterns and colors. These plants are easy to care for and can grow up to 19 feet tall, though indoor specimens often stay smaller.

Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)

If you’re looking for a striking and fast-growing option, consider the Ti plant. While it is often grown as an outdoor ornamental, it also thrives as a houseplant. With its large, rounded leaves displaying beautiful red coloring and black stripes, it adds an exotic touch to any indoor space. Keep in mind that Ti plants are toxic if ingested, so ensure they are placed out of reach of pets and children.

Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)

Haworthias are low-light succulents that are both captivating and safe for pets. The zebra haworthia, with its dark green leaves and distinctive white stripes, is particularly popular. Their spiky, vertical leaves resemble aloes, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy succulents or prefer lower-light conditions.

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Prayer plants are known for their highly patterned leaves, making them an exciting addition to any indoor collection. Their leaves feature contrasting pink, green, and white stripes, creating a vibrant and captivating display. Prayer plants are easy to care for and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making them suitable for various locations within your home.

Variegated Banana (Musa × paradisiaca ‘Ae Ae’)

Did you know you can grow banana trees indoors? Variegated bananas are a stunning option for indoor growers, featuring beautifully variegated leaves in shades of green and white. These unique plants can grow tall and even produce edible fruit, adding an extra element of interest to your indoor garden. Keep in mind that banana trees require diligent care, including constant moisture and bright light.

Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)

The zebra plant is a tropical beauty known for its broad leaves that taper towards the tips. Its dark green leaves are adorned with striking white veins, creating a captivating striped appearance. Zebra plants require higher humidity levels and bright, indirect light to thrive, making them a bit more challenging to care for. However, the reward is well worth the effort, as these plants can produce golden yellow blooms that add a touch of elegance.

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Crotons are festive and colorful plants that make great additions to any home. With various leaf patterns, including spots, splashes, and stripes, each croton is a unique masterpiece. These plants require bright light and consistent watering, and they can be prone to mealybugs. However, with proper care and attention, they will reward you with a vibrant and lively presence in your indoor space.

Birkin Philodendron (Philodendron Birkin)

The birkin philodendron is a cultivar that captures attention with its deep green leaves adorned with bright white pinstripes. Its rounded, tapering leaves add a touch of chic and elegance to any room. Place the birkin philodendron in bright, indirect light to enhance the variegation and create a striking contrast between the white stripes and deep green background.

Variegated Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior ‘Variegata’)

The cast iron plant is renowned for its low-maintenance requirements, earning it the name “cast iron plant” due to its indestructible nature. However, the variegated cast iron plant adds an extra layer of beauty to this robust plant. With vertical white stripes on its deep green leaves, it offers a unique and captivating appearance. Variegated cast iron plants thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for dim corners or spaces with indirect sunlight. They also improve indoor air quality and are safe for pets.

African Mask (Alocasia x amazonica ‘Polly’)

The African mask plant is a cultivated variety in the elephant ear family, known for its stunning dark green, glossy leaves with bright white veins. Developed in Florida in the 1950s, this compact plant was bred specifically for its highly ornamented, striped leaves. African mask plants thrive in moderate to bright indirect light and appreciate high humidity levels. With proper care, they will provide a touch of sophistication to any indoor space.

Round Leaf Calathea (Calathea orbifolia)

Originating from humid rainforests in Bolivia, the round leaf calathea requires specific care to replicate its natural habitat. With its uniquely patterned leaves and undulating waves, this plant is highly sought after by indoor gardeners. Bright, dappled light and high humidity levels are essential for maintaining its crisp and vivid appearance. The round leaf calathea is a delightful addition to your collection and is safe for pets.

Pinstripe Calathea (Calathea ornata)

The pinstripe calathea features slender stripes that adorn its rounded, tapering leaves. This stunning plant is closely related to the prayer plant and boasts slightly more demanding care requirements. It thrives in humidity levels of 40% to 60% and prefers bright, indirect light. Take care not to expose it to too much direct sunlight, as it may cause leaf burn. With proper care, the pinstripe calathea will reward you with its captivating beauty.

Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Nerve plants are highly sought after for their vividly striped leaves. With small and delicate foliage featuring colorful stripes of green, white, pink, silver, or red, nerve plants create a vibrant display. These small plants rarely grow taller than 6 inches and are known to be slightly more challenging to care for. Providing high humidity and a consistent moisture level will help them thrive. Consider placing them in a terrarium to enhance humidity control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many houseplants boast striped or variegated leaves, offering endless options for adding visual interest to your indoor space. Here are quick answers to some common questions:

Summary

Houseplant enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of foliage will find a multitude of options among plants with striped leaves. Spider plants, calatheas, and many others offer a surprising range of patterns and colors. While these plants are stunning individually, combining several varieties on a shelf or display rack can create a visually striking effect. So why choose just one when you can enjoy the beauty of several striped houseplants together?

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our guide on the best air-purifying plants here for more houseplant inspiration.