A Detailed Explanation of Variegation in Succulents: Rainbow-Colored Succulents Are No Longer a Dream

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Succulent mutations are truly amazing, including fasciation and variegation,

so today let's start by getting to know variegation in succulents~

Succulent variegation - to put it vividly, means they have mutated, causing gene recombination or mutation that is dominantly expressed on the exterior (stems, leaves and other parts), producing colors different from the original (such as white, yellow, red, etc.). Some even combine multiple colors in one plant, presenting a dazzling display.

Rainbow (a variegated Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg')

This is variegation, but note thatmost variegation mutationsdo not mean the entire leaf or entire plant changes to one single color, but ratheroccur on part of the leaves or stem, or in one area of a leaf。

Echeveria 'Afterglow' variegated

- Variegation patches -

The variegated areas are often called variegation patches. For example, if the succulent was originally green and then variegation occurs, white or yellow markings grow from the center or edges of the leaves, and with more sun exposure the variegation patches will turn pink~

Variegated Ceropegia woodii 'Variegata' that has turned pink

Most variegation mutations are not a change of the whole leaf color, but a local color change on part of a leaf or stem.

Compared with the original succulent color, the colors after variegation are more numerous and prettier.

For example, the very popular Echeveria 'Berkeley' variegated:

(pink and tender edges)

Echeveria 'Derlucy' variegated:

Cotyledon tomentosa 'Ladismithensis' white variegated:

- Conditions for variegation -

Conditions that trigger mutation:

1. Watering、Sunlight、Chemicals、Climateetc. can all cause variegation。

2、Genetic factors(leaf cuttings from variegated leaves very likely also produce variegated offspring)

Rosa 'Little Rose' variegated

- Classification of variegation by color -

-White variegation-

The original color appears as or turns white,

for example Cotyledon tomentosa 'Ladismithensis' white variegated, Crassula 'Campfire' variegated, Senecio rowleyanus variegated.

Crassula 'Campfire' variegated

Senecio rowleyanus variegated

- Yellow variegation -

The original color appears as or turns yellow,

for example Cotyledon tomentosa 'Ladismithensis' yellow variegated, Aeonium 'Zwartkop' variegated.

Note:Yellow variegation may revert to the original color (reversion)。

- Care -

Variegated succulents have another characteristic:

due to reduced chlorophyll, the succulent is not very resistant to sunburn, butwith sun exposure the colors become richer than those of ordinary succulents。

Even more contradictory is that, because of this, they need more light than before (there is less working chlorophyll), grow much more slowly than other succulents, and have fairly low reproductive capacity, requiring more care and attention.

Echeveria 'Crossstar' variegated

Summary:

Afraid of strong sunlight

Needs more and softer light

Needs more patience waiting for the succulent to grow

PS: Then why not give more water? Because giving succulents too much water will cause them to grow leggy!

Echeveria 'Shichifukujin' variegated

Compared with monotonous green, variegated succulents are quite stunning. Of course, the odds of variegation are relatively low, making them rare and hard to care for (fully variegated succulents often die because they have no chlorophyll for photosynthesis), so the price is high.

Pachyphytum 'Amethyst' variegated, whose value soared after variegation

Some succulents may even become completelyalbino variegated(also calledfull variegation), similar to albinism, and may eventually die because the leaves have no chlorophyll for photosynthesis, so care must be even more careful.

Echeveria 'Derlucy' variegated with some leaves turned completely white

Finally, let's look at some more photos of beautiful variegated succulents~

Echeveria 'Suyon' variegated

Echeveria 'Mebina' variegated

Echeveria 'Meixing' variegated

Echeveria 'Meni Yuego' variegated

Echeveria runyonii variegated

Echeveria pulidonis variegated

Sedum 'Fubuki no Matsu' variegated

Echeveria 'Ice Jade' variegated

Caring for variegated succulents is not that easy, so why do so many people still spend big money to get them?

Of course, because variegated succulents are easier to color up and produce richer colors.

For example, to make a green bear paw turn pink, the white bear paw (green bear paw with white variegation) is easier and more popular. Those who like variegated succulents, jump into the pit together.

- Review of last issue's wonderful posts -

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