Natural vs induced variegation in succulents

This is something of a hot topic lately because surely enough someone asked me on my thoughts on the matter.

Before I give my views, I think it is important that we understand what variegation is and what it does to the plant.

The variegated form, like the crested and monstrose forms, are spontaneous mutations. Which means that this can happen naturally. Most of the time, these plants revert to the normal form. However, through careful selective cultivation and hybridisation, we are able to see stable variegations.

The naturally occurring variegates have patterns that radiate outward from either the base of the leaf's stem or along the ribs.

Because of all the work it takes to create stable variegates, these tend to be more rare and in turn are typically more expensive than regular plants.

Because of this fact, there have been some new variegates coming out recently that have a peculiar pattern. Instead of the usual pattern that follows the base or the rib of the leaf, the pattern instead is based on the rosette. It starts from the centre and radiates outward.

The issue about this is that they are temporary variegations, and will revert once the chemicals that are inducing this gets used up and is flushed by the plant.

I am not a fan of variegated plants in the first place, so this does not concern me as much as other collectors. I do not buy into the hype of variegates which means that I do not get to spend the ridiculous amounts commanded by some of these forms. Lucky me!

However speaking for the plant's health, these types of variegation can stunt the growth of the plant because unlike natural variegates, these ones have leaves mostly devoid of chlorophyll (unlike the stripey patterns of normal variegates). They produce less food for themselves compared to normal plants.

I'm sure you know about certain gymnocalyciums that completely lack chlorophyll. These ones can't survive without a root stock that can produce its own food.

You probably also know about painted succulents, whose leaves are completely covered, preventing them from performing photosynthesis. Fortunately they outgrow these painted leaves by growing new ones, and life goes on.

I think this type of variegation is similar to the last two types of plants I mentioned. So if you feel negatively about painted plants, this is pretty much the same thing.


Title and ending music:
"Open Those Bright Eyes"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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