Any part of a leaf that is variegated has less chlorophyll. The golden parts have about half as much as normal, the chartreuse has more but less than normal, and white has essentially none. To the same extent that they have less than normal they are parasitic upon the plant, making it less hardy, less vigorous, and grow slower and smaller than the type. Leaves are supported initially by the roots and are shed if they do not support themselves and contribute back to the system soon after they are fully inflated.