How is variegation inherited?
The plants variegation can be inherited (genetic) or occur randomly (chimeric). If genetic, the colour change is stable, this means that if you propagate a green shoot from a plant with colored leaves or sow its seed, the colouring will reappear in the new plant.
Why do variegated plants turn white?
These special cells called meristems have the ability to send the code to certain cells in the leaf which change its ability to produce chlorophyll. You know chlorophyll? It’s responsible for the green pigment in plants, so no chlorophyll means that those cells in the leaves turn white.
What is variegated plant?
In plants, variegation means the appearance of different coloured zones on leaves, stems, fruit or flowers. Therefore, a variegated plant would appear two-toned or multi-tonal. The variegated sections on a plant may appear as stripes, spots, circles, borders and other shapes.
How do I keep my white variegation?
Place the plant in full sun to encourage variegation. Variegated plants need more sun than solid green plants because they don’t have as much chlorophyll to absorb sunlight. If you’re growing a variegated plant, leave it near a sunny window or a bright spot on your property so it absorbs enough sun to stay healthy.
What causes variegation?
A common cause of variegation is the masking of green pigment by other pigments, such as anthocyanins. This often extends to the whole leaf, causing it to be reddish or purplish. On some plants however, consistent zonal markings occur; such as on some clovers, bromeliads, certain Pelargonium and Oxalis species.
Does more light increase variegation?
Foliage plants with variegated leaves require brighter light, because their two-toned leaves have less chlorophyll, which is needed for growth. If the plant is not getting enough light, it will respond by making all-green leaves so it can make more chlorophyll. Flowering houseplants require even brighter light.