How to grow succulents to produce variegation? A detailed guide to care methods

1. What is variegation

This refers to a change in the plant's genes during cultivation under the influence of various factors, causing the color of its flowers to change. This phenomenon is similar to albinism in animals. However, it is not exactly the same. This is because albinism in animals is a disease, but succulents are different.

This phenomenon makes succulents more striking and more beautiful. There are many factors that affect whether it produces variegation, such as light, temperature differences, and the artificial application of certain chemicals, among others. Overall, getting it to produce variegation is not easy. Moreover, after it produces variegation, it is not absolutely stable, and it may very likely revert to its original state or develop other problems.

2. Specific methods

(1) Use a certain amount of radiation to induce genetic mutation in the plant. This method may be passed on to the next generation. However, ordinary people have no way to do this themselves and can only buy varieties that have already been treated. In addition, it may also fail and instead cause damage to the plant.

(2) The second method is to introduce certain special viruses. This can also cause genetic changes. Likewise, this method is something we growers cannot do. Through this method, it may also be passed on.

(3) The third method is to first place the plant in a completely dark room for a week. After that, take it out at noon and put it in the sun to bask for a while. This has a certain probability of success. However, possibly only one leaf may successfully produce variegation, and then it needs to be propagated to obtain a whole plant.

(4) Through tissue culture, during the process, use certain hormones to induce genetic changes. It may also succeed and be inherited. This is the most commonly used method.