How to Care for Variegated Succulents

Welcome lazies and gentlemen to today’s guide, where we’re diving into the mesmerizing world of variegated succulents and cacti. From their stunning multicolored patterns to the unique challenges they bring, we’ll cover it all. We’ll go over what variegation is, what different kinds of variegation looks like, and specific variegated succulent care.

What is Variegation?

Variegation in succulents and cacti refers to a phenomenon where the leaves or stems of the plant display patterns of multiple colors rather than being uniformly green. This happens due to a genetic mutation that affects chlorophyll production, resulting in areas of the plant with reduced or no chlorophyll. These areas may appear white, yellow, cream, pink, or even red, creating striking contrasts and unique patterns. The Variegated String of Hearts, for example, displays bright yellows and pinks compared to its standard dark green variety.

Different Kinds of Variegation

There are a few different kinds of variegation that affect succulents and cacti. These will express themselves in different ways, and may or may not be passed down in future growth. Let’s break them down a little now.

Genetic Variegation

Cause: A genetic mutation within the plant's DNA that affects chlorophyll production, leading to permanent variegation. This mutation is stable and heritable, meaning variegation will likely appear in new growth and can be passed down to offspring. It’s like a family heirloom that keeps its design no matter who inherits it!

Appearance: The variegation often appears in consistent and predictable patterns of stripes, patches, or bands.

Chimeral Variegation

Cause: A mutation in which the plant has two genetically different types of cells: one that produces chlorophyll (green) and one that does not (non-green). These cells grow and coexist in the same tissue. The variegation can appear out of nowhere and is unstable, meaning it can revert to all-green, intensify, or mutate further, depending on how the two cell types grow. It’s like a tug-of-war between two "teams" of cells with different traits.

Appearance: Patterns are less predictable and can vary between leaves or stems. Often appears as streaks, speckles, or sectors of green and white (or other colors).

Viral Variegation

Cause: Infection by a plant virus that disrupts chlorophyll production. This is not true variegation but a symptom of the infection.

Appearance: Mottled or streaked patterns on the leaves. Often irregular and less symmetrical compared to genetic or chimeral variegation.

Nutritional Variegation

Cause: Temporary chlorophyll disruption due to nutrient deficiencies, often involving nitrogen, magnesium, or iron. This is not true variegation but rather a sign of stress, and fixing the deficiency will make it go back to normal.

Appearance:  Chlorosis often follows predictable patterns, such as yellowing between veins or across entire leaves. Unlike other types of variegation, the patterns are not stable and will resolve when the nutrient imbalance is corrected.

Variegated Plant Examples

String of Pearls and Variegated String of Pearls

Elephant Bush and Variegated Elephant Bush

Echeveria Decora Variegata

Crassula "Money maker"

Opuntia Sunburst

Challenges/Downsides

While variegated plants can look really cool they come with their own set of challenges:

• Slower growth rate

• Often require more careful care

• Reversion

• Burn easily

• Propagation is tricky

But fear not! These can still be effortless plants with just a few adjustments here and there. In just a moment we will go into some care tips that will help your variegated succulents thrive and continue to grow beautifully.

Specific Care: How to Encourage Variegation

In general these care tips should be applicable for all kinds of variegated succulents and cacti:

• Variegated plants need bright indirect light to maintain their variegation but not burn. Lack of chlorophyll makes these plants especially susceptible to sunburn. Consider a bright window but watch out for intense direct sunlight. If you don’t have enough light a grow light will be necessary or the plant could revert to green growth.

• Water less frequently using a soak and dry method, observe your plant, and use well draining soil in pots with drainage, as these plants are more sensitive to overwatering.

• Protect from extremes in temperature, especially frost. These plants are like goldilocks and don’t like it to be too hot or too cold. An ideal range would be around 65–85°F (18–29°C).

• Prune away unwanted green growth. You don’t have to do this, but it will help to take away energy that’s being directed towards that green growth and put it towards that beautiful variegated growth you want.

Ultimately, the key to thriving variegated succulents and cacti is balance: providing enough light without burning, watering sparingly to prevent rot, and providing a consistent environment with protection from extremes. While they may need more attention than their green counterparts, their striking beauty makes them well worth the effort!

What is Reversion in Variegated Plants?

Reversion in variegated succulents and cacti refers to the process where a plant's variegated parts revert to producing entirely green growth. Reversion is a natural challenge when caring for variegated plants, as plants may revert to solid green as a natural survival response to stress or suboptimal conditions. The increased chlorophyll production improves their ability to generate energy. 

This usually happens to indoor plants due to too little light as the plant tries to compensate for the lack of light by producing more green tissue. If you want to keep those beautiful colors that make these plants so special, make sure to place these plants in spots with lots of bright light. Pruning away any solid green growth also helps!

Propagating Variegated Succulents & Cacti

Propagating variegated plants can be a little tricky because you’ll want to find ways to grow new plants without letting the green take over. To propagate variegated succulents and cacti while maintaining their unique patterns, use methods like taking offsets, taking cuttings, or grafting.

Cuttings

How It Works: Take a stem or leaf cutting with visible variegation. Avoid entirely white sections, as they lack chlorophyll and cannot survive independently.

Steps:

1. Use a sterilized, sharp knife or scissors to take a cutting.

2. Let the cutting callus over for 1–2 days to prevent rot.

3. Plant in well-draining soil, preferably in bright, indirect light.

4. Water sparingly until roots establish.

Pros:

• Simple and effective for many succulents like Echeveria, Crassula, or Sedum.

• Can retain variegation if the cutting includes variegated tissue.

Cons:

• Leaf propagation may not work for chimeral variegation, as variegated patterns might not carry over. You’ll need to keep a node or areole to have a more likely chance to pass down the variegation.

Offsets

How It Works: Offsets are small "pups" that form at the base of the mother plant. Choose offsets that display variegation.

Steps:

1. Gently separate the offset from the parent plant, ensuring it has its own root system.

2. Let it dry for a day before planting in a new pot with well-draining soil.

3. Water lightly once roots are established.

Pros:

• Often the most reliable method for maintaining variegation.

• Works well for plants like variegated Aloe or Haworthia.

Cons:

• Requires patience, as offsets may take time to develop.

Grafting

How It Works: Attach a variegated section (scion) to a rootstock (a strong, green plant) to support its growth. Commonly used for cacti, especially those with weak or chlorophyll-deficient variegated sections.

Steps:

1. Select a healthy rootstock and a variegated scion.

2. Make clean, angled cuts on both the scion and rootstock to create a flat surface.

3. Align the vascular rings of both parts, then secure them with rubber bands or tape.

4. Place in a warm, shaded area until the graft heals (1–2 weeks).

Pros:

• Supports entirely white or weak variegated sections that can’t photosynthesize on their own.

• Ideal for variegated cacti like the Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium) or Astrophytum.

Cons:

• Requires skill and care to ensure a successful graft.

• Long-term maintenance of the graft is needed.

Conclusion

Variegated succulents and cacti require a bit more care but reward growers with their stunning, unique patterns. Proper care involves balancing bright, indirect light to avoid burns, watering sparingly with well-draining soil, and protecting them from environmental extremes. Through careful care and attention these stunning plants are well worth the effort.