Originally Posted by Tog Tan

Hey Andrew, here's my 2 bit on Variegation in plants;

Variegated plants are basically the weaker version of the original having less functional (green) surface area for photosynthesis. Some come as Hi-White while others comes Hi-Green. The Hi-white plts are the sensitive ones as they can't make enough food. Of course pure white albinos don't stand a chance. Now the Hi-Green type being on the fence, can revert to full green if given the chance to gobble up fert and become strong.

In order for them to stay pristine (ie., weak), let them be weak and go slow on the feeding of fert. That's why many Variegated 'naners are such a b#@*h to look after. I had variegated plants other than 'naners turning green cos of fert feeding thru the roots. If you have to feed, use a mild foliar feed. It's safer. I know there are lots of experts who will shoot me down for what I have just said. So, here's a little proof - my Hi-Green Kluay Tanee aka Variegated Musa balbisiana is going green after being planted into the ground at my nursery and fed! Looks like it's just going to be water and only water for its diet until it get whitish again.
If you look closely, you can see the remaining thin white streaks on the leaves.