(by Bob Reilly)
Around 20 years ago, I bought an apparently non-variegated clone of Vrieseu saundersii. This is an attractive plant grown primarily for its foliage – see photograph p.yy.
However, my clone produces variegated plants (see photograph p.hh) under certain conditions. The variegated plants are produced when the “mother” is nutrient-stressed (which means I put the plant under the bench and forgot about it).
As with most variegated bromeliads, the pups showing this trait are given the best of attention including liquid fertiliser and plenty of light. The interesting outcome though, is that this attention “causes” the varigation to “fade”, so that it eventually looks like non-variegated plants. I have heard of a similar phenomenon in certain palms.
I would like to hear from anyone who has had similar experiences, or has an alternative explanation for “the case of the fading variegation”.
Author contact details email:bob.reilly@nrm.qld.gov.au, phone (07) 3870 8029