Many variegated plants are actually chimeric, meaning that they contain two or more types of genetically different cell lines. Variegated cultivars arise when a genetic mutation in the apical meristem of an embryonic plant results in a pigment deficient cell. The apical meristem consists of 3 distinct cell layers (L1, L2 & L3, from the leaf margins inward), each responsible for the formation of a different part of the mature leaf. L1 mutations affect the leaf margins, L3 mutations affect the center of the leaf, and L2 mutations affect the space between L1 and L3. Different variegation patterns depend on which mutations are present in each meristem layer. When raised from a single leaf, the plantlet arises from clonal reproduction of a single cell within the leaf to generate a new apical meristem. The reason your plantlets have "reverted" to a wild-type green coloration is simply because chlorophyll deficient mutants are less genetically fit than their wild-type counterparts and thus much less likely to survive. This means that that a wild-type cell is much more likely to become the progenitor of the new apical meristem. The creation of a variegated plant from this sort of propagation is not impossible, but requires that another mutation occur in the L1, L2 or L3 layer of the new plantlet during its embryonic stages, and is therefore extremely unlikely. This is why variegated cultivars are generally reproduced through division, thus preserving the cellular organization in the meristems.

I would guess it's a combination of too much water and not enough sun - aren't most Pachypodium full-sun plants in their growth time? And Terri, if you have a separate question, it's best to post it as a separate thread - it's seen by more members and can be answered more quickly, usually. I see why you asked here, though. Anyway, back to your Pachys, unless they're severely underpotted, too, and are trying to grow with little/no success (and they should be in full growth mode now - warm and sometimes wet is how these tropical plants want it), I don't think you should have dying leaves. Give them a full inspection for critters, too, but it sounds to me like it's not enough sun.

Norma and everyone, with the gasp of energy I had left tonight, I couldn't wait to show you what I saw today on the Jade..Not fully open yet, but almost there..:-) Thankyou for all your suggestions, and Norma, for your instructions...You are a true asset to this whole community..Thankyou for sharing your knowledge and your patience..If you do not have one of these, I will send you a big cutting next spring! Wait, Jodik, did I see your name here? Awsome..I am so happy to see you here..Welcome from all! Goodnight all and have a merry night! Value all the good things in our lives...If anyone is interested in a moving story, especially for this time of year, please read this link.... Mike..:-) Here is a link that might be useful: something to ponder.

Thanks for inquiring Marguerite! Well, it's been a struggle... The large piece finally seems to have rooted and drank some water, it hasn't gown at all and it lost a couple bottom leaves. I added the fine sand as there were roots poking out. There was a tiny little variegated piece, it shriveled and died. A couple months ago there was a tiny solid green jade cutting that needed a home, so I stuck it in. I just started to use weak dosage of Foliage Pro, so hopefully it will put out new growth soon. Nancy