Unique, white leaves indoor plants you can use for a minimalist theme

Hey there,

In a previous article, I wrote about unique-shaped indoor plants (14 Rare Houseplants for a Stylish Home | Bloom and Boughs), and even as I was writing it, another topic crossed my mind – indoor plants with special colors. Since the minimalist style is still trending, I’ll start with that. Now, I’ll show my favorite white indoor plants. They all have characteristic appearances, attracting everyone’s attention in the house. If you’re interested, you can also buy some of them; their maintenance is not complicated.

I choose a black background for each plant, making the leaf patterns more prominent and visible.

Philodendrons

I’ll show 3 Philodendrons; their care is the same, but they belong to different varieties.

1. Philodendron brandtianum

2. Philodendron ‘Birkin’

3. Philodendron ‘White Wizard’

• For philodendrons, the ideal temperature ranges between 20-28 degrees Celsius, requiring a minimum of 14 degrees even during winter.
• The most crucial factor for them is humidity. So, grab those spray bottles or place them on moist clay granules, or consider using a professional humidifying device.
• Direct, scorching sunlight should be avoided; they thrive best in very bright but filtered light.
• Their aerial roots are of paramount importance: providing support and transporting water to the upper leaves. It’s crucial never to remove aerial roots; instead, press them into the soil.
• Their water needs are moderate, but the higher the room temperature and light intensity, the proportionally more water you should use for irrigation. They dislike stagnant water, yet the planting medium should never dry out. Use soft, room-temperature water.
• They belong to the group of indoor plants that purify and actively detoxify the air, not only utilizing carbon dioxide but also capturing and incorporating harmful substances (formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, acetone, toluene).
• Philodendrons are toxic plants; always keep them away from children and pets!

Succulents and Cactus

4. Aloe ‘White Beauty’

5. Euphorbia meloformis variegata

6. Haworthia truncata ’Lime Green’ variegated

7. Mammillaria gracilis

• Cacti and succulents prefer sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Place them in a southern or southeastern window.
• They require well-draining soil.
• They can stand drought, but it doesn’t mean they need it. From spring to fall, water only when the top 4 cm of the soil is dry. Reduce watering frequency during winter.
• Fertilizing is beneficial; you can feed them with a nutrient solution from spring to the end of summer.
• They don’t need to be repotted every year, only when they outgrow their container.
• Keep these plants away from children and pets!

Dracaenas

Here you’ll find 3 varieties of Dracaena with white leaves.

8. Dracaena fragrans compacta ’White Stripe’

9. Dracaena surculosa ’Florida Beauty’

10. Dracaena surculosa ‘Milky way’

• Protect them from direct sunlight.
• They thrive well in low-light conditions.
• They’re effective air purifiers, so feel free to place them near yourself or even your computer as they filter harmful substances.
• Avoid overwatering, and always ensure that the soil dries out completely between two waterings.
• Repot them when their roots appear at the bottom of the pot.
• Regularly provide nutrient supplements.

Extra tip: 

• For efficient air purification, it is recommended to wipe off the accumulated dust from their leaves every two weeks.

11. Begonia maculata

• Begonia needs moderate to bright light. It prefers indirect light but can tolerate mild shade. Avoid strong, direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
• Keep the soil consistently slightly moist. Gradually reduce watering in winter but do not let it dry out. Be cautious not to soak the roots, as this may lead to rot.
• Begonia enjoys high humidity. If the air is dry, use a humidifier or occasionally mist the leaves with water to increase humidity.
• The ideal temperature is between 18-24°C. Avoid sudden temperature changes and cold drafts.
• It thrives in nutrient-rich soil. Feed the plant once a month during the active growing season (spring to fall) with a water-soluble indoor plant fertilizer, following the instructions on the packaging.
• Typically requires repotting once or twice a year. Repot when the root system has outgrown the current pot. Choose a larger pot with good drainage and fill it with nutrient-rich soil.
• Keep in mind that it’s toxic to animals.

12. Epipremnum aureum ’Manjula’

• Its strongly mottled, striped leaves result in more white coloration when exposed to brighter light. Otherwise, it is quite tolerant of various light conditions, feeling best in moderate to bright light. However, direct sunlight should be avoided.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, but never allow it to stand in stagnant water. Let the top of the soil slightly dry out before watering.
• As a general rule, most houseplants benefit from fertilization every other watering during the growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, houseplants require less nutrients.
• It enjoys humidity, so it’s advisable to regularly mist its leaves with water and place it on a pebble-filled tray.

13. Hoya carnosa ’Krimson Queen’

• Caring for Hoya Carnosa is very easy. Two factors are crucial: always keep it in a bright location and be cautious with watering.
• Let the soil dry out between two waterings.
• During the active growth period (from spring to summer), it needs more water, while in winter, generally, it requires less.
• Never allow it to sit in stagnant water.
• It’s a friendly plant, resilient and forgiving if you forget to water it.
• Note that Hoya only blooms when exposed to very strong indirect sunlight.
• A south-facing window is ideal, although an east or west-facing one can also work if there is enough light flow.

Ficus

Caring for and maintaining it is simple, making it an ideal houseplant for beginners.

14. Ficus elastica

15. Ficus triangularis variegata

• They have no extreme requirements, typical of most ficus plants, so keeping them in a drafty place is not advisable. Protect them from cold, drafty rooms in winter, as even the slightest draft can lead to leaf drop.
• Find a pleasantly warm and bright spot for them, sheltered from direct sunlight and drafts.
• Their humidity needs are moderate, so if we humidify, they will appreciate it.
• Moderate water-demanding houseplants, during the warmer summer period, water them at least every 4 days, less frequently in winter. Be mindful not to overwater, as stagnant water is harmful and can lead to leaf drop.
• They don’t require repotting every year; once every two years is sufficient.
• These plants are not only enduring but also excel in removing chemical toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde.
• The plant’s sap is toxic! Exercise caution around children and pets, and preferably, do not allow them near the plant.

16. Monstera albo variegata

• The Monstera Albo Variegata thrives in bright, indirect light but should be shielded from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. The best location for the plant is in a bright room that is free from direct sunlight.
• Water the plant weekly, only when the top half of the soil feels dry. It’s crucial not to overwater the plant, as stagnant water can lead to root rot. The Monstera Albo Variegata requires high humidity, so using a humidifier or placing a tray of water beneath the plant is advisable to maintain proper humidity levels. Ensure that the leaves are regularly cleaned of dust, and occasionally mist them with water to keep them hydrated.
• It thrives in a rich, well-draining, and loamy soil. The soil pH should be acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.0. Fertilize the plant monthly, using a balanced fertilizer that promotes healthy growth and preserves the color of the leaves.

17. Calathea lietzei ’Fusion White’

• For Calathea White Fusion, an environment with bright light throughout the year, at least 20 degrees Celsius during the day, and a minimum of 16 degrees Celsius at night is ideal. Its pattern fades and loses its beauty in low light. If the soil is too cold, growth problems may occur.
• During watering, keep the soil moderately moist; avoid overwatering, but don’t let the soil dry out either. Use soft, room-temperature water for watering.
• Fertilize with a low-concentration fertilizer solution, every two weeks from March to August, and no fertilization is needed during the other seasons.
• As a plant originating from its original tropical habitat, the zebra plant has a preference for high humidity. It appreciates a humid atmosphere in the room, which can be achieved through regular misting.
• Repotting is necessary every year, preferably in the summer.
• In the evening, as the light intensity decreases, its leaves fold, following the ancient rhythm of the jungle.

Extra tip: 

• Ensure that its environment is high in humidity with strong indirect light. This Calathea variety requires more light than others.

18. Fittonia albivenis ‘White’

• It dislikes dry, cold air and is not a fan of drafts.
• What matters to it is consistency: a pleasantly warm and semi-shaded location.
• It has a high humidity requirement, and the air in the house tends to be dry for it, not only during the heating season but throughout the year, so it’s advisable to regularly mist its leaves with water.
• Watering with room temperature, soft water is recommended, and during watering, keep the soil consistently moist.
• It is child and pet-friendly, making it suitable for indoor keeping without any particular concerns.

19. Spathiphyllum ’Picasso’

• A beneficial feature is that it not only reduces the carbon dioxide content in the air but also the quantity of other harmful substances.
• It adapts excellently to less favorable light conditions, thriving beautifully in both bright and semi-shaded places.
• An ideal room temperature for it is between 18-25 degrees Celsius, and during winter, it requires at least 16 degrees Celsius.
• Its water requirement is moderate; don’t let it dry out, but avoid letting it stand in water.

20. Syngonium podophyllum albo

• Its care is simple, requiring only a warm, bright, preferably semi-shaded location. It enjoys light but should be protected from direct sunlight. It cannot tolerate harsh sunlight, but it requires plenty of light for leaf coloring.
• During watering, ensure that the soil remains slightly moist. Use room temperature soft water for watering.
• From March to August, fertilize every two weeks to provide sufficient nutrients.
• It appreciates a humid environment, so attention should be given to humidifying the air.
• Clean its leaves regularly with a damp cloth and mist them with water.

21. Hypoestes phyllostachya ’White’

• The Hypoestes phyllostachya thrives in bright, indirect light, such as an east or south-facing window.
• Do not let the soil completely dry out between two waterings, but be cautious about overwatering as well. It’s best to water only when the top 2-3 cm of the soil is already dry. It requires less water in winter.
• It enjoys a humid environment, which can be achieved either directly (by spraying the leaves with water) or indirectly (using a tray with water-filled clay balls).
• Regular fertilization is appreciated (once a month from spring to the end of summer).

Conclusion

Thank you for reading about unique, white indoor plants! I hope you found this little journey helpful, and you can choose some of them for your minimalist home. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to leave a comment.

Welcome to the green-white world, and I wish you happy plant care!