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Why Leave Are Variegated
The non-green parts of a variegated leaf usually indicate a lack of or deficiency of chlorophyll in those areas of the leaf. This may occur due to genetic mutation. Sometimes, however, variegation is not the result of a chlorophyll deficiency but, rather, an abundance of certain pigments that mask the green pigment -- chlorophyll.
The Different Variegations
White variegation occurs when a leaf or plant cannot produce pigment in certain areas. Leaves with orange, light green, or yellow parts cannot produce enough chlorophyll in those areas of the leaf, so orange carotenoid and yellow xanthophyll pigments emerge. Leaves with red, purple, or pink areas cannot produce sufficient levels of chlorophyll in those parts, so the anthocyanin pigment, instead of the green chlorophyll, emerges. Sometimes there is enough chlorophyll present but the other pigments overproduce, concealing the green pigment. This happens to deciduous trees in the fall.
Other Causes of Variegation
Sometimes viruses cause leaf variegation, often producing either a streaked or mosaic pattern. Dr. Ombrello reports that in 17th Century Holland, tulips with streaked petals were highly coveted. This petal variation was due to a viral infection. Today, the variegated version of the flowering maple enjoys much more popularity that the non-variegated species; this case of variegation also is the result of a viral infection.
Problems for Variegated Species
Variegated plants and leaves struggle to survive. They have less chlorophyll, in many cases, and cannot adapt to low-light conditions, yet they may not be able to survive in bright light either, due to the fact that they have less protective pigmentation. Variegated leaves and plants are also quite sensitive to temperature changes. For such reasons, the survival of these types of plants is easily threatened.