Answer: Variation in leaf color arises because of a lack of the green pigment chlorophyll in some of the plant cells. … Variegation can also be the result of a viral infection, showing as discolored veins or leaf areas. This form of variegation is relatively rare, but it is stable.
Similarly one may ask, 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.
Subsequently, what is variegated plant?
The term, “variegated” is applied to a flower or, more often, a leaf that has more than one color. Most often, it will be two-toned (that is, bi-colored). Often this will mean the foliage is blotched, striped, or bordered with a lighter color than that on the rest of it (or vice versa).
Can you force variegation in plants?
A. Variegation is not easily induced and can‘t be done so at home. Best to get a cutting of a variegated plant from a friend or pass your’s on in order to keep the variegated plant love flowing.
Are variegated plants rare?
Variegation means that plants have white or sometimes yellow splashes on their leaves and also variegated sections on their stems and petioles – that’s the stalk where the leaf is connected to – just to use the botanical correct lingo. Variegation in plants is rare, that’s why demand is currently higher than supply.
Is variegation a virus?
Viral Variegation
Some variegated leaves are actually caused by viruses, such as the Mosaic virus. Though not super common, sometimes the resulting variegation from a virus is desirable and can be reproduced.
Do variegated plants need more light?
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.
How do you encourage 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.
Is Monstera Adansonii rare?
Monstera Adansonii is not a rare plant. Many plant enthusiasts have begun to propagate their own and they are sold frequently in most parts of the world.
What is the rarest philodendron?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti
Can a regular Monstera become variegated?
Plants generally do not become variegated through environmental causes, rather it is genetically caused. It usually results because of a cell mutation, or it can occur randomly. … Meaning, if you propagate a green shoot from a plant that contains colored leaves, the coloring will reemerge in the new plant.
Are variegated plants healthy?
Variegated plants are generally less healthy and less vigorous than solid green plants. Reverting back to solid green leaves could be a protective way that the plant returns itself back to a healthier form.
Why are variegated plants so expensive?
Essentially variegated plants have less surface area to photosynthesise with and produce the sugars they need for growth and repair, hence they usually need more light compared to entirely green plants and typically grow much, much slower. This is the basis of why they are currently so sought after and pricy!
How do you maintain variegation in plants?
What I would say is: give your variegated plant enough bright, indirect light, add a grow light if necessary, but don’t let it burn. They’re more susceptible to burning than non-variegated plants. Look for other signs that it’s not getting enough light, such as leggy or stunted growth.
