What official light type is best for a variegated plant?

3 years ago

I have a Philodendron Birkin plant that is not getting enough light, but I am not sure that blue and red lights are still ideal for plants with variegation, or if it doesn't matter. I just don't want the plant to revert back to just green.

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John (Zone 5b/6a, IN)

3 years ago

From what I understand, Birkins are the result of a relatively predictable, but unstable mutation that causes their distinct pattern of variegation. I cannot speak to what might cause them to revert to green or red type, which I know happens, but for many variegated plants, the level of variegated leaf area to green leaf area relates to the amount (amount is a vague term, but I'm not a lighting specialist so I don't know what the proper term is) of light the plant receives.

Basically, if the plant is receiving light in excess of what it needs to perform basic functions, then there is a good chance that the next leaf the plant pushes out will be more variegated than the last. No leaf becomes more variegated over time. I don't know the exact mechanics of why this happens, but I think it's related to the plant being able to perform the necessary amount of photosynthesis with fewer photosynthetically capable cells (the green parts of the leaf). In terms of your lighting setup, I think this means you want to do some research into light intensity because I don't think the blue/red strips are considered very powerful grow lights. I'm currently reading Gardening under Lights by Leslie Halleck and I'd recommend checking out a copy from the library if you can. It's very accessible for hobby growers like myself. Sorry I couldn't help specifically with the Birkin reversion issue; I don't know much about it other than it's a bit unusual compared to other variegated plants.

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Comments (8)

zen_man
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Hi Marissa,

Do Philodendron Birkins ever revert back to just green? Is that even something that happens ?

Incidentally, blue and red light mix to form a purple light that looks just hideous to me. Green plants look black under it. I would never light my indoor plants that way. My fluorescent plant lights consist of a mix of warm and cool white, which is pleasing to me. And to my indoor plants. However, none of my indoor plants are variegated. But I doubt that variegated plants need purple light to avoid "reverting".

ZM
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Kathy Hamlin
3 years ago
If you want it to stay variegated, you have to keep new smaller growth going. The best way (and to get more plants) is to prune it. Take a longer (older) stem and cut just above a node or two. Easiest way to root is just to stick it in a vase of water, and then the new growth coming from the leaf stem that has turned green will be variegated!
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
3 years ago
I don't think light variations are the cause of reverting Birkins. It's so common, some people are buying them in hopes of observing a reversion.
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
A lot of variegated plants are known for reverting, Philodendrons of all types of variegation are definitely on that list, with Monstera, Pothos, Hostas, Hoya, Vinca vine, Eleagnus, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, Tradescantia fluminensis, Callisia fragrans, and so many others. For the short amount of time Birkin has been around, the number of incidents of reversion is so high, to the point where it's pretty much expected. These Birkins are throwing out all kinds of wild leaves. If someone is bothered by that, they should not spend their $ on one.
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
3 years ago
But don't take my word for it, do a search for the images yourself.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
^^ I agree. If you check Google images, there are as many solid green leaves on most of the plants as there are variegated ones. Several even show leaves that are split evenly up the center vein with one side variegated and the other solid green.

IMO, it's the variability that makes this cultivar so appealing.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
3 years ago
Yes, that is why they say they bought them - most of the people who post pics of Birkin. To see what kind of interesting leaves theirs might make.
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