Some people have been wondering why my succulents don't look good in color, or why they look good when I bought them but then don't look that good anymore after a while in my house. So let's talk about the factors that will affect the color.
First of all, sunlight. We know that sunlight is essential for succulents to get their color. The more sunbath the succulent get (moderate shade is needed in summer), the better the color will be. Succulents will not have a nice color if they are always not in a place that has no direct sunlight.
Second, the soil. The more grits there are in the soil, the less nutrient the soil has (grits contain very little nutrition), and plants will grow if they have enough nutrients. Succulents turn green when they are intensely growing, which means that green is the color of growth and also is a healthy color. Instead, if succulents run out of nutritions, they will stop growing, and the color will slowly get better. So if you want a better color, put more grits in the soil.
Third, temperature. Yes, the temperature. Sometimes succulents after sunbathing do have some pretty color, but it always feels like the color isn't that perfect and stunning. This is when the temperature comes into play. Succulents get better color when there's a big temperature difference. Therefore, seasons like spring and autumn are the best time for succulents to get their color because there is a big temperature difference between morning and night time. This is why many succulents in spring and autumn present prettier and stunnier colors.
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Lastly let's talk about the dirty ways some bad sellers use for succulents to get a better color. Please note!
Spray paint. The succulent is sprayed with different colors of paint to deceive consumers that it is a new variety.
Spray paint 👇
Drug induced variegated. Dyeing succulents with chemicals to make succulents look like variegated ones. The real variegated is that every leaf has an even variegation. Drug one is generally a certain area on the plant. Over time, it will return to its original color, and in severe cases, it will cause the plant to death.
Drug induced variegated 👇
Drug induced variegated 👇
Drug induced variegated 👇
The normal variegated 👇
I haven't seen either of these two ways in New Zealand and hopefully never will.
By Frank Wong