Is this true??

I just recently read that once a variegated plant produces an all white leaf, it will then die eventually for it will then only produce all white leaves from then on which of course can't sustain life with no chlorophyll.

I have a few of these cuttings growing for friends and I would hate to send one that would disappoint. I thought I have seen some plants on here that had all white leaves mixed among the variegated ones on occasion. They seemed to go on and put out more variegated ones after the white ones.

So did I misunderstand what I read or maybe they had it wrong? I think I read it on a tropical plant vendor's site one night late when I was dreaming of lush things.

This leaf has the tiniest corner of a pale green still showing.

Anyone know?? THANKS

kell,that is correct they will die. the main plant might sustain a single all white leaf, but even that one will die off eventually. If it has the tiniest green, I would just let it be to see if some of the green takes over. I've noticed that variegation in my different plants seems to be dynamic. Also, you can tell your buddies about what can happen so they know what to expect. but nobody should expect an all white leaf to survive.

I would not mind if the leaf dies, but the thing I read said the entire plant would go on to die becuase it now would only put out all white leaves. Is that true too?

The stems are almost all white also.

Thanks Vossner for your input!

I would let it grow, Kell. If the stem has green, it might make it's way back to the leaves again. I have the same thing happen occasionally the opposite way - a couple leaves will be all green, but the stem will still be variegated. Eventually, the variegation creeps back into the leaves. I maybe wouldn't pass it out, but I'd definitely be interested to see how it turns out!

no i don't think the whole plant will die, just the white (albino?). I my experience they just burn to nothing, the single leaf, not the entire plant

well no it is not true. you can have an all white leaf with out your plant croaking but white leaves are not good. but your plant will die if they produce nothing but white leaves after the first one if the stem turns white too.. but the white leaf with to much sun will get burned up.

to me since it is a vine, and the stem was turning white. I would trace back and find some green and cut an inch or two below that point. and try to root that peice. I have found in costus that if you cut the part that is turing all white and root it the change in the soil does something to it. and makes it go green again.

in alocasias I have found when the pups come up all white if you change it into a different soil and cut the leaves off all the way to the nut. they will come up with more variegation. but I also change the fert,

"I THINK" that when a plant starts turning all white there is a problem with the nitrogen. either not giving enough or giving to much. The 4-2-2 That I give my plants seem to keep them at bay. I have only had two or three that were all white and putting them in a different pot with different soil cutting them back and giving them shade fixed them up. I killed one casue I didn't water it... water is good for some plants...LOL

you just have to come up with what works for you....
I also cut all my white leaves off casue I don't have the right humidity for them. besides that white leaves are like having a toothbrush and never using it....LOL its useless...

=)
ely

WOW Ely, you have really studied this. I do think the white leaves are so pretty though, so functionless, but pretty! LOL This deliciosa is so variegated. It came from Holland.

All these cuttings need to be transplanted. They are all in a very light rooting mix. I better get them sent out to my friends so they can repot them. I will keep the albino and do as you say!

THANKS ALL!