Succulents have become quite popular in gardening, and one of the main reasons is their unusual and vibrant colors. For example, blue succulents with a rosette shape create a stunning display in living rooms and on balconies.

Here’s something interesting: your succulents might actually lose some of their beautiful colors if they’re grown in perfect conditions. They tend to thrive and show off their best colors when they experience just a little bit of stress in their growing environment. Stick around to learn why your succulents might be losing their color, and pick up some friendly tips on how to keep them looking their colorful best!

What factors affect succulents' color?

Primarily, succulents change their colors based on available sunlight, water, and temperature. You can easily adjust these conditions accordingly to maintain succulent color. Here’s how these factors affect your plant.

Sunlight:

Intense sunlight, particularly direct exposure during the morning or evening, can stimulate the production of pigments such as anthocyanins, which results in the manifestation of vibrant colors, including red, purple, and orange.

Sufficient sunlight exposure is imperative for optimal color development in succulents. To ensure the maintenance of their vivid coloration, it is advisable to provide these plants with a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of direct morning sunlight. It is important to note that the majority of succulents thrive under direct sunlight, in addition to scorching sunlight during the summer months.

You can definitely use artificial light instead of sunlight! Just make sure you're providing the right amount of light, and you will be all set. If you're not quite sure how to do this, it might be helpful to learn how to use growth lights first.

How to Care for Succulents with Artificial Lights

Water:

If you are watering your succulents regularly, such as every week, this could be the reason why they are losing color. Sounds interesting, right?

Instead of watering them every week, consider reducing the frequency to once every 1.5 weeks, then to every 2 weeks. Less frequent watering can induce stress, prompting the plant to produce pigments as a protective mechanism. However, be sure to monitor your plants for any signs of dehydration. Besides, overwatering can dilute the pigments, leading to a loss of color intensity.

Temperature: 

Lower temperatures can reduce the production of chlorophyll, the green pigment essential for photosynthesis. This reduction allows the other pigments(mainly refer to Anthocyanins and Carotenoids) to become more prominent. Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues often seen in succulents. They are produced in response to stress, including temperature fluctuations. Carotenoids, these pigments contribute to yellow, orange, and red colors. Their visibility increases when other pigments, like chlorophyll, decrease.

Succulents tend to thrive in vibrant colors during fall, early winter, and early spring when temperatures range from 40 to 70°F. When summer arrives, they often fade to pale green or blue.

To make your succulents flush all the year, try lowering the temperature at night during the summer and raising it during the daytime in the winter.

Soil mix & Planter Pot

Moreover, you need to plant them in appropriate pots with draining holes at their bottom to ensure the soil does not become soggy. The right potting soil mix is also essential for healthy, colorful succulents. You can either use cactus soil, or make your own by mixing together soil, gritty rocks, and perlite for a well-draining mix.

Conclusion

To effectively enhance the color of succulents, it's essential to create an appropriate environment for their growth, which includes ensuring they receive enough sunlight, water, and the right temperature conditions. By focusing on these factors, you can achieve vibrant and healthy succulents.

1. Pick a nice location for your succulents to get at least 4 hours of direct morning sunlight.

2. Try your best to create the proper temperature difference.

3. Allow your succulents to become thirsty, don't spoil them.

4. Choose a container pot with drainage holes.

5. Prepare the well drainage potting soil mix.