Is there a change in variegation pattern of coleus (mayana plant) after boiling the leaves in water?

Question

Is there a change in variegation pattern of coleus (mayana plant) after boiling the leaves in water?

Answer 1

The reddish-purple coloring in the plants is anthocyanin, which is the same thing that makes red cabbage red.  Although I don't know about mayana plant specifically, I can say some things about anthocyanin in general and make some good guesses about how they apply to mayana plant.  Boiling (and heat in general) will eventually break down the anthocyanin, so that the reddish-purple coloring starts to disappear.  When it does, it will expose either green or white underdeath.

Anthocyanin also changes color based on acidity.  Although the tap water that you might use for boiling should be close to neutral, it is sometimes more acidic and sometimes more basic depending on what happens to be dissolved in it.  If it is acidic, it will turn the anthocyanin to a lighter shade of red.  If it is basic, it will turn the anthocyanin more green.  

The green parts of the leaves have chlorophyll, and this does not break down under boiling temperatures.  The white parts have no pigment at all, and should remain the same color as well.  Any changes you see, therefore, will be related to anthocyanin.

Hope this helps!  I'm including a link with more information about experiments you can do with anthocyanin.