How is photosynthesis affected by variegated leaves?
Variegated leaves have green parts (where the cells contain chlorophyll) and white parts (where there is no chlorophyll). This is evidence that chlorophyll is required for photosynthesis. A plant can be ‘de-starched’ by leaving it in the dark for a few hours.
Is there an advantage to having variegated leaves?
The reduction in a variegated leaf’s ability to photosynthesise is likely to be more than offset by the benefits of not being eaten, the researchers believe, suggesting that variegation survives in wild plants because it confers a selective advantage.
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 do plants with normal leaves grow more than plants with variegated leaves?
Less chlorophyll means less solar energy, as it is a primary component in photosynthesis. Variegated plants are less vigorous than green specimens are. The tendency for reversion of variegated leaves is a protective adaptation that allows the plant to return to a more successful form.
What causes leaf variegation?
Variation in leaf colour occurs because of a lack of the green pigment chlorophyll in some of the plant cells. It is usually the result of a cell mutation. The plants variegation can be inherited (genetic) or occur randomly (chimeric).
Why do variegated leaves grow slower?
Variegated plants grow at a slower rate than other plants, thus in order to grow healthily they need to be cared for properly. The slow growth is due to the fact the variegated plants don’t produce chlorophyll; hence it prevents the variegated plants from converting sunlight into sugar.
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.
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.
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.
Where can I get a variegated Monstera?
Here are all of the stores I have seen them at: Gurton’s Plant Shop, Solabee Flowers & Botanicals, Arium Botanicals, Pistils Nursury and Marbott’s Greenhouse & Nursery.
Where can I buy a variegated Monstera?
Variegated Monstera are uncommon, so they are often not in stock….Online Nurseries
How much is a variegated Monstera worth?
Variegated Monstera ($700 to $5000) Variegated Monstera or ‘Swiss cheese plant’, such as the M. deliciosa pictured above can sell for up to $5000.
Should I mist my Monstera?
This plant will thrive in almost any environment, but if you want to give it a special treat, gently mist it once a week. It’s best to mist your Monstera in the morning so the water has plenty of time to evaporate before evening. Monstera leaves are mildly toxic to pets and humans.
Where can I get cheap variegated Monstera?
Since these plants require more care than the average houseplant, you won’t see them in many chain stores like Home Depot or Lowes, and they’re also rare in local nurseries. The best place to find these plants is online from individual growers, since they’re actually not difficult to propagate.
The majority of monstera deliciosa plants go for somewhere from $30 to $60. Keep in mind that this is the price for an average, green plant of around two to three feet high.
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