There are only a few types of leaf variegation in African violets. This guide is geared for the newbie. I will list the types available. Variegation is interesting is that is is inherited in the chloroplast of the mother plants. The genetic for chloroplast is independent from the plant itself. If you want the trait to be present in the next generation you must use the varigated plant as the mother or the source of the seeds. When the seed is formed chloroplasts from the mother plant are present inside the first cell as fertilization of the egg cell. The pollen does not carry chloroplast.

Variegated plants tend to grow slower because they have less area that can produce food. We forgive the slow growing for the pretty foliage. You will not usually can see these plants in the grocery, Walmart or Home Depot. They are slowing growing therefore more expensive for wholesalers to produce.

Many of these varigated plants are temperature sensitive. In high temperature the fertilizer is better absorbed and the leaves become greener. Sometimes if you are rooting leaves you desire this condition. A nice green plantlet will grow faster. You will like it to develop flowers and a nice size then show its true colors. You need to give these plants slightly more light. You do not want to burn them either. I would keep these plants in the center of the light tube and away from the end which has lower light output.

Tommie Lou was a variety that first expressed this type of variegation. The leaves have a edges that is either white, yellow or pink depending on the colors present in the leaves. Leaves with red back will have a pink edge. Tommie Lou is the mother for hundreds of varieties available today.

Champion Foliage. This hybridizer Ethel Champion has a light color usually in the center that will grow out. This is temperature related. It temperatures were eighties degrees the leaves are able to better absorb fertilizer and return to a normal green. If the plant become too yellow it will stop growing and produce flower because it down not have enough food available. If you are trying to grow the plant faster high nitrogen fertilizer will green up the plant.

Mosaic or Lillina Jarret has a spotty center.The first example of this is Lillian Jarret It is usually white or pink with small green spots in the center and green on the edges. These plants usually do not grow fast and produce fewer flowers. They have attractive foliage.

Rob's has a few unusual chimera with a green center on each leaf with a white or yellow edges on the outside. They are not temperature sensitive. This is one can only be propagated by sucker cuttings so in limited supply. Rob's Lucky Charm, and Rob's Lucky Penny.

Search for African violet with tommie lou foliage

Search for African violet champion

Search for African violet Rob's Lucky Penny or Rob's Lucky Duck