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Variegation

VAIR-ee-eh-GAY-shun
🏷️ Taxonomy Basic

Variegation results from cells that lack normal chlorophyll production, creating white, cream, yellow, or pink patches alongside green tissue. In chimeral variegation (most houseplants), mutated and normal cells coexist in distinct layers. Heavily variegated cultivars like Marble Queen Pothos grow slower because less leaf area photosynthesizes. Low light causes reversion to solid green as the plant compensates.

Etymology

Latin variegatus meaning made of various colors