What is a chemically-induced variegated succulent, and how can you tell it apart?

The leaves of the succulent have been bleached to a beige color, with black spots, and the most likely explanation is that you bought a chemically-induced variegated plant. Because chemically-induced variegated succulents are all artificially dyed fake variegation, using chemical agents such as peracetic acid and herbicides to corrode the surface of the succulent, affecting the synthesis of its chlorophyll, carotene and so on, creating the false appearance of variegation to deceive consumers. So, what is a chemically-induced variegated succulent? How can you tell whether it is chemically-induced variegation?

1. What is a chemically-induced variegated succulent?

In the course of everyday care, succulents have a certain chance of producing variegation due to factors such as environment and genes. Under normal circumstances, variegation in succulents takes several forms, for example white variegation, in which the original leaf color turns white, such as the white-variegated bear's paw (Cotyledon tomentosa). There is also orange variegation, yellow variegation, silver lines, white spots and so on.

Natural variegation in succulents is similar to humans getting vitiligo. Although this disease looks frightening, it does no harm to the body.

The variegation of chemically-induced succulents usually follows no pattern; generally the area at the center of the leaf rosette turns colorful, and it is mostly the new leaves that become colorfully variegated. Generally, the chlorophyll of tender leaves is easily destroyed, while the chlorophyll of old leaves is relatively stable, so it is hard to change.

2. How can you tell whether it is chemically-induced variegation?

1. Chemically-induced variegation usually appears in batches; at the same stall, not only are there many variegated succulents, but the variegation is also concentrated on the leaves at the center of the leaf rosette.

2. The colors of chemically-induced variegation are usually mainly pink, off-white and pale yellow, and they look stiff, like plastic flowers.

The colors of naturally variegated succulents transition very naturally, and are not concentrated on the central leaves. It is a genetic mutation of the succulent from the inside out, and the plant itself is also in very good condition. The more common ones include variegated Echeveria secunda, yellow bear's paw, white bear's paw, variegated Gasteria, variegated Haworthia cooperi and so on. They do indeed cost more than succulents without variegation, but they are not anything rare.

3. How should chemically-induced variegation be handled?

Chemically-induced variegated succulents cannot be exposed to rain, nor to strong sun; it is recommended to grow them in an environment with indirect light. You can also behead them, cutting off the corroded upper leaves to encourage new leaves to grow, which is the most beneficial thing for a chemically-induced variegated succulent! If you find this too troublesome, or if it looks unattractive after beheading, you can also "give up on treatment", because succulents are already very cheap now, and buying a normal succulent again costs only a few yuan, so just take it as a lesson learned!