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Philodendron changed #871464
Asked June 04, 2024, 9:34 AM EDT
Lyon County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thanks for the question.
Philodendron leaves can sometimes demonstrate a situation known as variegation. This simply means the appearance of white areas in an otherwise green leaf. This is due to a loss of chlorophyll in those areas. Sometimes this affects the entire leaf and at other times, only certain regions. Here are my thoughts:
1) Some philodendron species and varieties naturally exhibit what is termed chimeral variegation. This is often due to spontaneous genetic mutations that affect chlorophyll production, causing some cells to produce less or no chlorophyll. This can occur in a single plant in one or more leaves without affecting the other leaves. This would not indicate a problem that needs attention. As you have already done, just remove these leaves and discard. I would expect that normal leaves would then grow as replacements. See:
https://livetrends.com/what-is-variegation/
2). Certain plant viruses can cause variegation, leading to patterns of white or yellow on the leaves. The most common of such viruses is the group known as mosaic viruses. However, this is usually accompanied by other symptoms of plant stress or disease. I don’t see this in your plant. Nevertheless, I am mentioning it just to cover all possibilities. See:
https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PD-44.pdf
My overall assessment is that your plant is demonstrating variegation due to some underlying genetic cause. Overall, the plant looks quite healthy. Keep the affected leaves in place to add some diversity to the plant. Or just remove them as they appear.
Good luck. Please get back to us with any further, related questions. Thanks for using our forum.
Glad to be of assistance. Enjoy your plant. Thanks again for consulting with us.
Glad to be of assistance. Enjoy your plant. Thanks again for consulting with us.
