Is That Succulent a Chemically-Induced Variegation? Here Are a Few Ways to Tell

Do you always get drawn to those stunningly colorful variegated succulents when browsing the succulent market? Don't rush to buy them yet! Many of those gorgeous-looking succulents may be chemically induced variegation. Today we'll show you step by step how to tell whether a succulent has been chemically treated to produce variegation, so you can avoid falling into the trap!

Characteristics of Chemically Induced Variegation in Succulents

1.Color

The colors of chemically induced variegation are very strange - the white looks like wall paint, and the yellow is so bright it hurts your eyes, completely clashing with the original green! What's more, the newly grown leaves will gradually fade, becoming lighter and lighter in color, nothing like the lasting beauty of natural variegation.

2.Location

The white and yellow patches of chemically induced variegation are all clustered at the leaf center, while the older leaves below remain green. In natural variegation, the color distribution is relatively even and won't be so "layered."

3.Shape

The patterns of normal variegation are crooked and totally random, but the patches of chemically induced variegation look like they were measured with a ruler - all horizontal stripes. The boundary with the green leaf is also very harsh, with no sense of transition at all.

4.Abrupt Division

Some chemically variegated leaves have a sharp division - half green and half white, with not even a gradient in between. The colors of natural variegation blend gradually, which looks pleasant to the eye.

Attention! Don't be fooled by the good looks of chemically variegated succulents! Succulents that have been sprayed with chemicals are actually already damaged. Their chlorophyll is destroyed and photosynthesis weakens; their resistance also drops sharply - they easily develop black rot and pests, and more often than not they won't survive. Even if they barely stay alive, it's very hard for them to recover their health, and in the end they can only serve as a "one-time ornamental."

Pitfall Avoidance Guide

Don't chase bargains: naturally variegated succulents are inherently expensive, so if you come across an "absolutely stunning variegated" one at an ultra-low price, it's most likely chemically induced.

Look and ask more: if you're not sure, take a photo and ask in a plant lover's group chat, or buy from a reliable greenhouse shop - at least you'll have after-sales protection.

Go for natural beauty: choose succulents with natural color transitions and plump leaves. They may not be as stunning as chemically variegated ones, but they're easy to keep alive.