Understanding the State of Succulents
A comprehensive introduction to the knowledge of succulents, the state of succulents, please refer to the detailed introduction below.
Almost all plant enthusiasts pursue the state of succulents, but often they generalize the state of succulents by overly focusing on color issues. What I want to emphasize here is that the attractive color of succulents is just one manifestation of what we commonly refer to as a good state, not an equivalent relationship. Often, beginners' first impression is to judge the state of succulents by their attractive color, which is inappropriate.
If a thin succulent has a very attractive color due to proper sunlight, is it in a good state? No, it is not. At least visually, a succulent that is plump, juicy, well-proportioned, without disabilities (such as local cracks, sagging, elongation, pests, and diseases) and with appropriate color is considered to be in a good state, and may even have strong branching and new side buds.
Many people like succulents with attractive colors and often feel disappointed when their succulents fade in the summer or due to poor conditions in their own environment. However, in reality, succulents with a green color are in a healthier state. The greater the color change, the more harmful the sunlight environment for succulents, of course, this is a relative statement.
Succulents grow in arid, harsh desert areas where the sun is intense. Such places can be considered barren lands. No one would want to live there. It is understood that succulents change color to protect themselves from the harm of sunlight, and the original green is the true natural color of succulents, which is also a healthy color. Looking at most plants in the world, the unified concept is basically green, which shows that green is the original color and a healthy color for plants to exist in the world.
Of course, one of the reasons why many people like succulents is their attractive and changeable colors. However, I have said all this to encourage everyone not to chase succulents with bright colors too deliberately. After all, from the perspective of plants, color change is a way for them to protect themselves in harsh environments.
Let's talk about the color change of succulents. In addition to chlorophyll, there are other pigments like anthocyanins that give succulents their color. In a normal plant growth environment, chlorophyll is responsible for the main work on the surface of the leaves to support plant growth. In the intense sunlight of the original habitat of succulents, other pigments come to the forefront to protect the chlorophyll necessary for normal growth, causing a change in leaf color from green to other colors. For example, our "Haworthia" can be green when not exposed to enough sunlight, but turns yellow or even orange after long-term exposure to sunlight. This is because the "carotenoids" in Haworthia protect the green of "chlorophyll," resulting in a beautiful color from yellow-green to orange. These pigments protect chlorophyll and reflect harmful sunlight, causing the leaves to change color.
Therefore, we should understand that bright colors actually reflect the damage of sunlight. The brighter the color, the more harmful the sunlight. Succulents in the desert have bright colors to protect themselves because no one can provide them with shade. This process is a way to resist further injury, not a process that succulents need for growth. Some people force their succulents to be exposed to inappropriate amounts of sunlight or use grow lights to increase light exposure, which can delay the normal growth of succulents. Many people say they love succulents, but some people go crazy chasing colors. Personally, I don't think it's very thoughtful. After all, if humans were succulents, who would want to be exposed to the sun to change the color of their skin? Standing in the position of succulents and thinking more is the wisdom of a true succulent lover. Of course, ignorance is not a sin, but once you know, you should consider your succulents more.
In summary, I am not saying not to pursue the attractive colors of succulents, but just to say that moderation is key. Bright colors can also stimulate the eyes, so some lighter, pink colors are softer and more comfortable. Some succulents with light, pink colors also look very nice. We can try to appreciate succulents from a different perspective and enjoy the layered look of lighter or pink colors (what I actually mean is the advanced gray colors, which are colors with a relatively lower purity than pure colors, but I've written it in a more popular way for easier understanding). I hope to return a healthy state to succulents.
If there are any shortcomings, please forgive.
The above is a detailed explanation of the state of succulents (popular science discussion) by [], hoping this article can bring you some help in green plant management!