Have you ever wondered why there are crested and variegated succulents? And what are these plants? Are they new succulent varieties or siblings of specific succulents? No matter crested succulents, variegated succulents, stone succulents, and even some particular varieties, when they revert to normal form, this is called SUCCULENT REVERSION.
Succulent reversion on specific varieties
The famous specific reversion on succulents is Echeveria Suyon and Echeveria Big Red. They are both known for their fleshy leaves and stunning rosette shapes. They are the same succulent variety but different in appearance while sharing similarities regarding their care conditions.
Echeveria Suyon has a more elongated rosette shape with pointed leaves that are green with pink edges. Echeveria Big Red has wider, rounder leaves that are a deep burgundy color. When E. Suyon grows mature and more extensive, the amount of leaves reduces, and the leaf's edges become a little wrinkled, somewhat similar to purple lettuce succulents such as Echeveria' Takasago No Okina 'and Echeveria' Dick Wright.' Congrats! You get Echeveria Big Red! It reports that the leaf of E. Big Red can grow up to 30-40 cm.
Regarding the care guide, Echeveria Suyon and Echeveria Big Red require similar conditions. They should grow in well-draining soil and place in bright sunlight. These succulent plants are native to areas with dry climates, so they do not require frequent watering. However, letting the soil dry out entirely is important before watering again. In addition, these plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and should be kept in a warm environment with temperatures above 50°F. And they are prone to get sooty mold disease, especially in summer. Click here to learn how to treat sooty mold on succulents.
Another pair is Echeveria Rainbow and Echeveria PVN. So if your E. Rainbow grows back to pink-purple someday, don't panic!
Succulent reversion on Variegated succulent
A variegated succulent is a plant with leaves or stems with different colors or patterns, making them stand out from other succulents. Besides their unique and eye-catching appearance, collectors and gardeners often highly prized these succulents because of their rarity and difficulty of propagation. Some popular variegated succulents include the Variegata String of Pearls, Pailulacaria afra var.foliis-variegatis, Echeveria Mebina variegated, and String of Hearts variegata. These succulent plants are relatively easy to care for and can be a great addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.
Many people wonder if variegated succulents will eventually lose their unique coloring and return to a single-color plant, which is a valid concern, especially for unstable variegated succulent varieties. Some variegated succulents may revert to their original, non-variegated form if they are not receiving enough light or nutrients. You may find many new succulents in the market. However, it is hard to collect information about this plant. It is much possible that this variety is likely new to the online market. And you should dig out more details from local succulent growers, read some books about succulents, or ask for help from experienced masters.
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For many stable variegata succulents, it is essential to note that variegation is a genetic trait unlikely to disappear over time. Therefore, as long as the plant is kept healthy and receives proper care, it should continue to display its colorful leaves or stems. Click here to learn how to care for variegated succulents.
For normal succulents, once you find the variegated sign: the different color (usually yellow) stretches from the leaves to the growth points on the stem. Beheading (usually above the growth points) this plant and cutting off all growth points on the stems, which is possible for you to get a variegated succulent in the end. This method also works for those succulent plants that revert to the usual type.
Succulent reversion on Crested succulents
Crested succulents are a unique type of succulent that has a mutated growth pattern, resulting in a fan-like or crest-like shape. This mutation can occur naturally or can be induced through propagation techniques. Like variegated succulents, crested succulents will maintain their unique shape as long as they are healthy and receive adequate light and nutrients. However, they may revert to their original types if they are not given proper care.
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There is a simple way to spot if a succulent is reverting to its original form. Look for uniquely different plants growing on the fan stem or fan stems splitting from the normal stem. These are signs of succulent reversion. To fix the former, use a clean knife to cut off the different plants from the growth point and wait for the cut to heal. This will allow the crested part (mother plant) to receive sufficient sunlight and nutrients, resulting in a new baby that's mostly like other crested plants on the same succulent. In short, remove any uncrested succulents and wait for the crested to appear on the fan stem. As for the splitting stems, the most effective way to prevent reversion is to separate them from the mother plant as soon as possible and provide a safe location for the crested succulent to grow. You can try propagating new crested plants from the cut-off parts, and with some luck, you may end up with more than one crested plant.
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Is it possible to mistakenly identify the reversion? Sure! It usually happens when the crested succulent is clustering. People easily get cheated for their "different" appearance. In some cases, the fan stem may grow in a peculiar, curled manner due to changes in growth conditions. If a cluster of crested succulents is forming, you can either propagate them to obtain more plants or leave them to create a unique appearance. So, it is essential to carefully observe the growth points and appearance of the plant before taking any action.
Succulent crested is prone to appear at the leaf propagation among the Crassulaceae family. Take this as a bonus while building your succulent garden. Click here to learn how to propagate succulents by leaves.
It's interesting to note that crested succulents are expensive and popular in the plant community due to their unique and rare appearance and the challenge they pose for growers. In addition, with their specific care requirements, crested succulents are a true test of a plant enthusiast's skills and patience. Regardless, crested succulents are a fascinating and beautiful addition to any succulent collection.
Succulent reversion on Stone succulents
Succulent plants get stoned; a genetic mutation is also stimulated by the external environment. From the appearance of stone succulents, the leaves have a hard and lignified "rock" touch. Moreover, stone succulents are usually collections of crested, variegated, woody, expansion, and other variant forms in one plant, making stone succulents unique and weird shapes! Stone succulents are less popular than variegated and crested succulents. But stone succulents are an excellent addition for those weirdo succulent hunters.
Like crested succulents, stone succulents are most common in the Crassulaceae family, especially Echeveria succulents. The famous succulent varieties include Echeveria peacockii 'Desmetiana,' Echeveria runyonii' Topsy Turvy,' and Echever lilacina.
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Identifying stone Cactaceae succulents can be challenging as their "stone" characteristics are not easily noticeable. Hence, carefully consider your purchase decision before checking out.
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Although reverting stone succulents can be challenging to restore, they are more stable than others comparatively. Therefore, by providing them with proper care and attention, the stones should remain intact and not suddenly disappear.
Conclusion
Stop succulent reversion is possible and challenging. However, we need to stay positive, relax and enjoy the change that Nature Mother brings to us.
The information presented in this article regarding succulent reversion will significantly assist you. If you have some questions about this topic or need help identifying any crested, stone signs, send us pictures via Facebook or Instagram.
If you want to get some rare succulents like crested succulents, variegated succulents and others. You may check this succulent collection we prepare for you.
