Succulents with chemically induced variegation are doomed to die once you bring them home, so don't take them even if they're free.

Chemically induced variegation

Now walk into any flower shop and you'll see this kind of succulent: the middle of the leaf is white or pink, or the leaf color is white and green mixed together. This kind of succulent is priced a bit higher than ordinary ones, around 20 yuan.

In fact, these colors are not naturally produced. Instead, sellers spray the succulents with a variegation-inducing liquid. This liquid can inhibit chlorophyll, which in turn causes the succulent to "lose color." Blue and green succulents turn yellow or white after being treated; purple succulents turn pink or white.

The seller only needs to spray the liquid on a certain part of the succulent, and in about 7-10 days the succulent successfully changes color.

We all call this kind of color-changed succulent chemically induced variegation. Chemically induced variegation is harder to grow than ordinary succulents. The chlorophyll in the leaves is reduced, the whole plant's growth pattern is disrupted, and it dies within less than a week of being brought home!

Common chemically induced variegation

So that everyone won't get cheated when buying succulents, Huahua lists the common types of chemically induced variegation on the market. Be sure to look carefully!

Chemically induced variegation in Sedum pachyphyllum 'Jelly Beans': the center of the leaf is white or creamy yellow.

Chemically induced variegation in Echeveria glauca: the so-called red-heart lotus variegation is just Echeveria glauca after being sprayed, with the center of the rosette turning pink. Don't be fooled by these fake names.

Chemically induced variegation in Sempervivum tectorum: the center leaves turn white, while the leaf tips remain red.

Chemically induced variegation in Orostachys iwarenge var. boehmeri: the small flower-shaped Orostachys iwarenge var. boehmeri fades in color after being sprayed and looks quite beautiful, but don't be bewitched by its beauty. It is extremely hard to grow!

Chemically induced variegation in Cotyledon tomentosa (Bear's Paw): even the fuzzy bear paws cannot escape being drugged. The green suddenly turns yellow, and the leaves start dropping as soon as you bring it home!

Of course, sellers can also apply the treatment to varieties we would never expect, so everyone must keep their eyes wide open. When you come across a succulent with abnormal colors like this, it's best not to buy it.

What to do if you bought chemically induced variegation

The chlorophyll of chemically induced variegation is inhibited, so it cannot carry out normal photosynthesis. The weather is hot now, and after being brought home it won't last 1-2 weeks: leaves drop, turn to mush, develop black rot...

The more liquid sprayed, the more the chemically induced variegation "fades." Something like the large white area on the Sempervivum tectorum below is basically beyond saving. If the color variation is only in a small area, it can return to normal through proper care.

1. Keep it in a cool, ventilated place and water less.

After bringing chemically induced variegation home, absolutely do not put it in the sun. Keep it in a ventilated place indoors. Don't rush to water it; once you water it, it rots. It's best to water after 3-5 days. If you're lucky, the originally faded leaves will turn green again and gradually return to normal.

2. Behead it and let it sprout again.

For those chemically induced variegations where only the center has changed color, you can directly cut off the color-changed "head." Wipe the wound with a little carbendazim to disinfect and sterilize it. With normal care, it will sprout again after a few days.

Have any flower lovers ever bought chemically induced variegation?

If you've had a similar experience

Come and complain together.