How To Mutate Succulents? Best 51 Answer

What are colorful succulents?

All leaves of every plant have chlorophyll – a pigment responsible for the plant’s ability to absorb light to provide energy for photosynthesis. But when that chlorophyll — and other pigments — are unevenly distributed, variegation results.

Anytime you see a green leaf, that’s chlorophyll — and if you see different shades of green or white, yellow borders, or markings, it means chlorophyll is less concentrated in those areas than in the green parts of the leaf. Plants with this type of variegation are more prone to sunburn because they don’t have that even distribution of chlorophyll to protect it – and that’s why so many plants with green/white, green/yellow leaves are ideal for the shade garden. However, with this type of variegated succulent, aim for bright but indirect light rather than full shade.

One of the many (many) reasons we succulent lovers are fascinated by these plants is the extraordinary richness and variety of shapes and textures they display. We come often to appreciate the more unusual varieties. Nowhere will you find stranger, more unusual, and incredibly cool shapes than among crested succulents and monstrous cacti. Like most colorful succulents, both cristata succulents and “monster cacti” are the result of abnormal development in the plant. This is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is difficult to reproduce. Cresting causes wildly crooked, twisted and wavy plants that are very different from non-crested forms. Crested cactus often look like squirming snakes, coral, or even human brains. Perhaps you are fascinated by these curiosities. Or maybe you have a plant that is showing strange growth and you want to understand it. Learn why some succulents and cactus combs grow and how to care for them.

Crested Succulents & Monster Cactus

What are Crested Succulents and Cacti?

To understand crested succulents and cacti, let’s first look at how regular plants grow and develop. We have covered the nature of meristemMeristem (MORE-i-stem) tissue in plants, which contains undifferentiated tissues, when considering succulent propagation by both leaves and cuttings. Meristem tissue consists of immature cells that can develop into anything the plant needs – stem, root or leaf. It’s like stem cells in animals.

The meristem tissue at the very tips of roots and shoots is called the apical meristem. It forms a small dot at the top which is responsible for the primary growth of the plant. Apical meristem tissue allows the plant to grow taller and develop more leaves for photosynthesisPhotosynthesis (FO-to-SIN-thuh-sis) is the process that plants us… More At the same time, the apical meristems at the roots become longer and wider , to reach and reach more water in the ground. These are critical functions for the plant. While all of the meristem tissue can grow under the right circumstances, the apical meristem tissue grows and is responsible for the shape and size of the plant.

Saguaro Cactus, Carnegiea gigantea, Cresting

Photo credit NPS

A crested cactus or succulent is the result of a genetic defect in the apical meristem. The apical meristem tissue of a normal saguaro cactus gives rise to the classic vertical, columnar shapes. Occasionally the cactus will branch, but most of its growth continues to reach for the sky. When a saguaro rises, the apical meristem no longer forms a single point. Instead, it forms a broad line, with new growth points forming along that line. The resulting plant shape is wildly distorted and distorted along this line. As the plant grows taller and wider along the resulting ridge, the plant begins to curl and fold in on itself. A crested succulent or cactus has the Latin word cristata added to its botanical name. So let’s call a Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) crowning a Carnegiea gigantea cristata.

What is a monstrous cactus or succulent?

Monstrose is another form of genetic defect in the apical meristem of a plant. The organized points of new growth become random and form all over the body of the plant, causing new growth to form everywhere. A crested cactus or succulent still shows organized growth with a predisposition to symmetrical development. However, a monster cactus develops at random growth points throughout the plant. This results in a lumpy, knobby, asymmetrical shape. Sometimes monster cacti develop bizarre corkscrew spirals or extra ribs with very few or deformed spines. Like crested succulents, monstrous cacti are highly desirable and collectible plants.

Monstrose cacti are often referred to as monster cacti. The two words share the same root – monstrum, meaning birth defects with abnormal, disfigured growth. While animals with odd deformities may seem like monsters to us, the same genetic mistakes in plants often look bizarrely cool.

What Causes Cresting and Monstrose Development in Succulents?

Although both cresting and monstrose forms are the result of genetic defects, they cannot be inherited. Generally, a crested or monstera rose plant is the result of injury to the apical meristem of a young plant. This injury can be the result of wind, weather, insects, birds or animals. Sometimes a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance can lead to cresting or monstrosis. It can result from disease or infection, or even occur spontaneously when cells are not dividing properly. When the cells respond to injury with rapid, reasonably organized growth, it forms a ridge. If the new growth appears all over the plant, that is a monstrosity. Any type of plant can develop a comb or monstrosity, but they seem to be more common in cacti and succulents. It is likely that the toughness of these plants makes them better able to survive to maturity than other plants, even with genetic defects.

Since cresting and monstrosity formations result from injury to the plant, the abnormal growth is not usually passed on to the plant’s offspring. A hurt parent does not develop a hurt balance. However, some cactus and euphorbia varieties form more of a tuft than others. And this predisposition is hereditary. You can see both hood and normal development on the same plant. You can even see all three forms, with monstrous growth in the mix. A plant can reach its peak at any point in its life, but monstrosity usually only develops in very young plants.

There are only very few varieties that reliably pass on their special features to their offspring and can be easily propagated by cuttings. Notable among these are the Crassula ovata Hobbit, Gollum and ET’s Fingers varieties of the ever-popular jade plant. Not only do these charming plants resemble the outstretched fingers of some of Middle-earth, but these succulents also thrive in low-light conditions indoors.

Care for crested and monstrous succulents

Each crested and monstrous rose succulent develops into a fantastic shape that is unique to the individual plant. Plants evolve their growth rates, shape, and size over millions of years to thrive in their natural habitat. So it’s not surprising that these unique plants are a bit more sensitive to environmental stress than their crested counterparts. Crested and monstrous cacti and succulents are actually quite stable and can grow for years with care. They tend to be even more sensitive to overwatering and fertilization than crested plants of the same species. The abnormal tissues are more susceptible to splitting, rotting, or additional injury. Provide the same lighting and temperature control that you would use for this succulent species, simply water the crested form even less, less frequently and with less fertilizer. This is known as “harder growing” the plant.

Propagation Propagating (PRAH-puh-gate-ing) a plant means growing another plant…

Because crested and monstrous succulents are the result of injury, not heredity, the fabulous shapes are not passed on to the plant’s offspring. You can no longer get crested succulents by collecting and sowing seeds from the plant. Instead, tufted succulents are propagated from cuttings taken from a part of the plant that has tufts. These cuttings are generally grafted onto a hardy cactus rootstock, as moon cacti are. Grafting helps make the plant more stable as the root structure is provided by a strong, uninjured plant.

Over time, you can see a regular succulent developing a comb. Sometimes a crested or monstera rose cactus develops normal growth. It may sprout from the rootstock or the plant may revert to normal growth patterns. If you want to keep the dome shape, cut back all shoots of normal plant growth. Over time, normal growth can outpace crested growth and cause the entire plant to return.

Buy crested succulents and monstrose cacti

Many succulent lovers are wild about the bizarre shapes of crested and monstrous succulents. Although they are rare, you can find good quality crested succulents fairly easily. Sometimes even in big department stores. My Favorite Succulent Vendors are great sources for these spectacular plants. Leaf & Clay offers an intriguing selection of 16 differently named monstrous and crested succulents. For some, like Echeveria ‘Cubic Frost™’, they carry both the regular and crested varieties. Mountain Crest Gardens offers a few crested succulents as well as some monstrous rose varieties. The Succulent Source offers an ever-changing selection of crested succulents and cacti and monster roses. Some of their selections, particularly the larger specimens, allow you to select exactly the crested or monstrous rose plant you want.

You can also find crested succulents and monstrous roses on Amazon and here on Etsy. Wherever you get your plant from, I hope you will try one of these phantasmagorical beauties!

I hope you enjoyed this walk on the wild side. Already growing crested succulents or planning to try one of these phantasmagorical beauties? I look forward to hearing from you! Please take a moment to leave me a comment and let me know. Especially if you have any questions!

Until next time,

PS For more juicy information – and just to make my day! — Please subscribe to The Succulent Eclectic! I am sending you my FREE 7 Steps to Juicy Success course. Thanks very much!

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Post by Peterthecactusguy » Mon Apr 12, 2010 9:09 am

I agree with Byron and Neko Bazu. Mainly I think most cristates and montroses come from a genetic mutation but if you damage the growth point it can result in a crested form or at least a monstrous.

On you, all you insidious green creatures… um, I mean cacti.

I’ve noticed a lot of crested succulents on Facebook and Instagram lately. For a long time I didn’t really understand what they were or why they were different or interesting. Now that I’ve seen more and asked some questions I find them quite fascinating!

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Cresting is a mutation that occurs as the plant grows. Instead of producing more branches or stems, the plant flattens out and creates a wide, flat surface. The leaves generally grow along the top of the crest of this wide growth and are very compact. It’s something that happens naturally and can’t be forced, so they’re rarer than their crested counterparts.

I personally saw my first crested succulent (at least that I’m aware of) in Mimi’s garden from I Dream of Succulents. This crested Aeonium ‘Starburst’ was beautiful!

Pen

She was kind enough to give me a smaller version of the same plant and I love it! This was the first crested succulent I owned. I still have it although it’s slightly sunburnt so I’ll have to show it when it looks a little happier. I saw a Topsy Turvy crested crest in the Rancho Garcia Nursery shop on Etsy and knew I had to add this to my collection. You are just so amazing!

Pen

If you want to buy your own I recommend buying from CTS Airplants. You have a few varieties to choose from.

I was in Santa Barbara a while back and saw several crested succulents at Seaside Gardens (an amazing place… definitely worth a visit). They had an amazing collection of Crested Aeoniums.

Pen

Pen

I love that this one also had a few regular stems that detached from it.

Pen

While looking at some hardy succulents that I had planted at my parents’ house, I came across this little crested Sedum Angelina. I was so excited to have a succulent plant growing by itself in a garden under my care. It was so small that I decided to pull it out and plant it in a container so I can take care of it. Hopefully things get a little better.

Pen

Aren’t crested succulents amazing? It’s fun to have something rare in your collection, but rare plants are often too expensive to justify owning. While crested succulents are a bit rare, they’re not too expensive, making them the perfect addition to your succulent collection! So go to CTS Airplants and pick your favourite!

Place your two cacti next to each other as soon as flowers appear. This can be the same type of cacti or two different types that you want to cross into a hybrid. If the cacti are planted outdoors, choose which plants you want to pollinate. If the plants are close together, more pollen can be transferred, but it is not mandatory that they are close together.

step 4

Tape the petals of the receptor flower closed (if any. If not, tape a small pouch over the exposed stigma if any) as the succulent grows outside. This prevents cross-pollination by insects. If the flower is indoors where insects cannot access it, there is no need to tape the flower closed. Mark the flower you pollinated by writing on the tape or a label. If pollination is successful, the base of the flower will swell in a few weeks to a few months, depending on the succulent.

You’ve seen these succulents everywhere. Their enchanting rosettes have been a fixture in the garden trade for years. Graptosedum is a fun and easy to grow classic.

Yes, the name sounds like grapes, but this succulent actually resembles Echeveria. The compact leaves of Graptosedum spiral around the stem, forming rosettes at the top. It comes in a wide range of shades from purple to orange to white. This succulent will add color to your garden.

Good products for Graptosedum care:

Quick care instructions

‘California Sunset’ is a bright, cheerful Graptosedum strain. Source: Spifferella

Common Name(s) California Sunset Succulent,

Alpenglow Succulent, Vera Higgins

Succulent Scientific name Graptosedum Family Crassulaceae Height and spread 6-12″ tall and 6-9″ wide Light Full to partial sun Water Soak and dry method Soil Fast-draining fertilizers Balanced, 1/4 strength, liquid

Fertilizer Pests & Diseases Mealybugs, aphids, rot

All about Graptosedum

The ‘Gaelle Aline’ variety has a mild, beautiful green colour. Source: Enez35

Graptosedums are sprawling plants. For this reason, they are excellent as ground cover or in hanging baskets. You will see the most growth in spring and fall. In spring you may be rewarded with white flowers – a sign that your Graptosedum is healthy.

Since sunlight is so important for this plant, you will get the best results when growing it outdoors. Zones 9-11 can bear Graptosedum year-round. In other areas, plant your succulent in a container that can be brought indoors when it’s cold. Avoid exposing your Graptosedum to temperatures below 30°F.

Graptosedum is a hybrid of two genera: Graptopetalum and Sedum. You can see it written as xGraptosedum. Although this genus has many varieties, care is universal.

Types of Graptosedum

There are numerous varieties of Graptosedum. They are often confused with one another, so let’s pick out the most common ones.

Graptosedum ‘Vera Higgins’, ‘Alpenglühen’

This strain is known for its deep burgundy color. The color comes from exposure to cool temperatures, hence the succulent is green to begin with. While the burgundy is beautiful, don’t be tempted to drop the temperature too much. ‘Alpenglow’ is only hardy to around 25°F.

Graptosedum ‘Bronze’, ‘Coffee’

“Bronze” is often grouped with the “Vera Higgins” variety. The only big difference is the color. “Alpenglow” is burgundy, while “Bronze” is bronze, you guessed it. This strain tolerates a minimum temperature of 15°F. Because of this, she can often survive outdoors in zone 8b.

Unlike other cultivars, ‘Bronze’ leaves grow profusely below the rosettes. The resulting cylindrical shape gives the succulent a fuller appearance.

Graptosedum ‘Ghosty’

This spirit of a succulent is exactly what you would expect. The leaves are pale with hints of blue, gray and pink. It is very similar to the Graptopetalum Ghost Plant. The two differ in flower color: Ghost Plant has yellow and ‘Ghosty’ has white.

Graptosedum ‘California Sunset’, ‘Peach Blossom’

One of the most dazzling succulents, “California Sunset” is a myriad of oranges and pinks. The leaves actually start out gray and then change color as they mature. A mature rosette will resemble a vivid sunset in color.

Graptosedum ‘Francesco Baldi’

This is a sprawling succulent with long, pendulous stems and rosettes near the ground. Its leaves are blue-grey but turn pink in the sun. They can even turn purplish-brown in winter.

‘Francesco Baldi’ has a common cultivar called Graptosedum ‘Francesco Baldi’ f. cristata. Don’t let the long name bore you though – this succulent is pretty cool. The rosettes grow on a crest that is a thick, cactus-like stem. This succulent is sure to draw attention.

Graptosedum ‘Darley Sunshine’

This dainty Graptosedum has thick, long leaves with pink tips. It creates a lot of offsets that are great for propagation.

Graptosedum care

‘Ghosty’ is a grey-green variety that is enjoying great popularity. Source: John Rusk

Graptosedums are fairly easy to care for. With these guidelines, all gardeners can be successful at it.

light & temperature

Graptosedums love sunlight! They need 6 hours of full to partial sun per day. Depending on the variety, you can see their colors deepen with the light.

Remember that too much of a good thing is detrimental to plants. Graptosedums can get sunburned. To avoid this, keep your succulent away from direct heat and let it acclimate to new locations.

Morning sun is ideal for Graptosedums because it’s bright but not too direct. Plant your succulent where it gets light in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon.

water & moisture

A typical succulent, the soak and dry method is perfect for this desert plant. Water your Graptosedum regularly during the growing season and cut back in winter.

Soak the soil completely when watering. This allows your Graptosedum to store what it needs for the next drought. Mimic this drought by allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. You can even let the soil dry for a day or two.

floor

Well-drained soil is crucial for Graptosedum. If left standing in water, the succulents will become mushy and rot. Choose a premade succulent soil or mix up your own. The ratio of soil to perlite or sand should be at least 1:1.

If you notice the soil isn’t draining well, mix in more perlite or sand as soon as possible.

fertilizer

Applying fertilizer during the growing season will give your Graptosedum a boost. You can do this in early spring and fall, or throughout the growing season. Fertilize weekly at most.

Succulents prefer either a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer. For easy application, choose a liquid diluted to ¼ strength; Most specialty fertilizers for succulents are like this.

repot

The Graptosedum variety ‘Bronze’ has a beautiful brownish hue. Source: Zruda

If you’re growing Graptosedum in a container, it may need to be repotted as it grows. Remember, it’s normal for Graptosedum to hang over the edge of the container. You need to watch the roots to see if the plant has enough space.

When repotting, use new, dry soil. Once the succulent is established, do not water it for about a week. If the roots were damaged during repotting, they could rot in the water. Waiting gives them time to heal.

propagation

Graptosedum is easily propagated by stem and leaf cuttings. To take leaf cuttings, simply pull or twist them off the stem. However, be gentle! If part of the leaf is left, it may not grow. For stem cuttings, cut about 1 inch below the rosette. Remove any leaves from the bottom of the cutting.

Let your cuttings dry for a few days. You will see that the cut end is “caked”. Once dry, plant on well-drained soil (stem cuttings can be planted in the soil). Keep soil and cuttings moist. The cut will send out roots and leaf cuttings will form new rosettes. Once your new plant is established, resume your normal watering schedule.

Graptosedum also produces offsets (long stems that grow outward). These can be propagated like stem cuttings. If left alone, they might root themselves.

clipping

A very common problem in succulents is etiation. Then the stems stretch out in search of sunlight. Luckily, it’s easy to fix in Graptosedums. Pruning back a stretched trunk allows new rosettes to grow from the stump. This will make the plant grow more compact (assuming you give it more sun!).

Cut your graptosedum with clean scissors. Cut the stem close to the ground and keep the area dry. Instead of throwing away the cutting, we encourage you to try propagation!

Troubleshooting

The slight variegation of ‘Golden Glow’ makes her a stunning Graptosedum choice. Source: Hortulus

Graptosedums don’t have any more problems than most other succulents. Preventing and observing the following should keep your succulent plant healthy and happy.

growing problems

As previously mentioned, etiolation is a common problem in succulents. Prevent this by giving your Graptosedum plenty of sunlight. If your plant is already stretched, cut back the stems to allow them to regrow at ground level. Move your Graptosedum to a new location so it doesn’t stretch again.

Succulent enthusiasts often notice the leaves falling off their plant. It is natural for old leaves to fall down. However, if the fallen leaves are newer ones from above, your succulent is probably overwatered. You need to let the soil dry out more between waterings. Also watch the soil as you water it and how quickly it drains. Adjust the sandiness as needed.

Under water, the leaves of Graptosedum can discolor and wrinkle. Usually, if you just give the plant a good soak, it will be fine.

pests

Mealybugs and aphids are both tiny insects that feed on plant sap. Symptoms of an infestation include yellow, wilted leaves, black sooty mold, and the appearance of ants.

Both pests can be removed by spraying the succulent with insecticidal soap. For a small number of mealybugs, simply dab each insect with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Deter mealybugs and aphids by planting with worm droppings. An enzyme in worm feces called chitinase breaks down the exoskeleton of insects. It also benefits succulents in other ways. It improves soil aeration and crumbling, increases moisture retention, and provides some disease-fighting assistance. If you use vermicompost in your potting soil, be sure to mix in a little extra perlite to offset the extra moisture the pour provides.

Diseases

The most common affliction for Graptosedums—and most succulents—is rot. This happens when the plant is constantly wet and begins to rot. Rot is usually in the roots but can occur in any part of the succulent. It can lead to bacterial infections.

Prevent rot by keeping your Graptosedum dry. When watering, try not to splash water on the plant itself. Use primarily sandy soil that does not retain water.

If your Graptosedum starts to rot, save it by cutting off the affected sections with a sterile knife. Allow the wounds to dry out for a few days before transplanting into new, dry soil. If your succulent is too rotten to save, cut off any healthy leaves or stems for propagation.

frequently asked Questions

Q. Is Graptosedum toxic to pets?

A. No, Graptosedum is safe for pets and humans.

Q. What is the difference between Graptosedum and Echeveria?

A. Graptosedum has thick leaves that are usually red in color. Echeveria has thin, spoon-shaped leaves that are often pointed at the ends.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow contributor Eric McClure. Eric McClure is an editor at wikiHow, where he has been editing, researching, and creating content since 2019. A former educator and poet, his work has appeared in Carcinogenic Poetry, Shot Glass Journal, Prairie Margins and The Rusty Nail. His digital folk book The Internet was also published in TL;DR Magazine. In 2014 he won the Paul Carroll Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and in 2015 he was a key reader of the Poetry Foundation’s Open Door Reading Series. Eric has a BA in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MEd in Secondary Education from DePaul University. This article has been viewed 30,837 times.

I am very happy when I see my succulents bloom. For me it is a confirmation that they are happy and doing well. But not all succulents bloom, and some may not bloom at all.

Is flowering necessary? What Does It Mean When Succulents Bloom Or Bloom? Should you expect your succulents to bloom? What do you do when it’s like this? What do you do with the inflorescences afterwards?

These are some of the most common questions people have about flowering succulents. The answers to these questions and many more can be found here.

Why do succulents bloom?

Like all other plants, succulents flower to attract pollinators. It is nature’s way of surviving and ensuring the production of the next generation. And how do they do it?

By producing seeds in the flowers. Flowers contain reproductive parts of the plant. Flowers are brightly colored and sweetly scented to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds.

In the wild, succulents rely on insects and other animals for pollination in order to reproduce. In culture, flowers can also be self-pollinated by using a brush to pollinate the flowers. The goal is the same – seed production. The seeds can then be harvested and germinated to produce new plants.

Many succulent and cactus growers reproduce their plants this way through seed collection. However, there are other ways to reproduce succulents such as: B. Leaf or stem propagation, so harvesting the seeds is not required to propagate succulents.

Read more about propagating succulents in this article 4 Easy Ways To Propagate Succulents: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Do succulents die after flowering?

Fortunately, most succulents don’t die after flowering, although some do. Monocarpic plants are plants that die back after flowering. The plant dies after flowering, which is why it is also called the death flower.

Some monocarpic succulents are: sempervivums (hens and chicks), most aeoniums, and most agave plants. One way to tell if the plant is monocarpic is by the way the plant flowers. If the flower emerges from the center of the plant and the whole plant appears to be turning into a flower stalk, it is usually monocarpic. Otherwise, the flower mostly comes from the sides of the plant.

There’s really nothing you can do when you see a monocarpic plant blooming. You can’t stop the process, so you might as well enjoy it. Tragic as it may sound, monocarpic plants don’t die in vain.

Most monocarpic succulents are great producers, meaning they would have produced many young plants or baby plants before flowering and dying. The young plants and baby plants live on, only the mother plant dies after flowering.

Pictures of monocarpic plants

Are all succulents blooming?

no Not all succulents flower. Some take years to get ready to bloom, and some don’t bloom at all. Some succulent species bloom freely from a young age, while other species require a maturing period before they are ready to bloom.

Much also depends on environmental factors and growing conditions. There are things you can do to encourage buds, such as: B. providing them with the right temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and an environment that mimics their natural habitat.

How to make succulents bloom

A happy and healthy plant has a better chance of flowering than a struggling one, so providing the right growing environment is important for the plant to grow and thrive. Succulents and cacti need adequate sunlight to bloom. Provide at least 5-6 hours of sunlight a day to keep the plants happy.

Provide the plant with a well-drained soil. Succulents don’t like sitting in wet soil, so providing the right soil medium is important to keep them happy. A cactus mix combined with perlite is a good place to start.

Combine the two materials in a 2:1 solution (cactus mix:perlite). You can also add coarse sand to the mix to provide more drainage. Learn more about soil and soil amendments in this Best Soil And Fertilizer For Succulents post.

Here are some of my recommendations for soil and soil amendments.

In addition to the right soil mix, you also need to pay attention to watering techniques. While providing adequate water is important, too much water can be detrimental to succulents. Allow the plant to dry between watering. As a rule of thumb, the top few inches of soil must be dry before watering again.

Read more about watering succulents here: “How and when to water succulents”.

To learn more about how to get your succulents to bloom, visit my post How to Get Succulents and Cacti to Bloom.

When do succulents bloom?

Succulents bloom at different times of the year. Some bloom in early spring to late summer, but others may bloom through the fall and winter months as well. It depends on the type of succulents you have and the environmental conditions they are exposed to.

How do you care for a flowering succulent?

You don’t need to give a flowering succulent any special treatment. A blooming succulent meets all your needs just the way it is. Just keep providing the same care you normally give your plant and it will do the rest.

Some people want to add extra nutrients to the plant to ensure it is getting the right nutrients it needs to grow and sustain buds. Fertilizer applied at ¼ to ½ strength every two to four weeks should do the trick and will provide your plants with the nutrients they need. Here are some of my fertilizer recommendations.

The only time I’ve seen my succulents not fully flower or reach full bloom was when they were overwatered. This is when a succulent or cactus begins to sprout what appears to be a flower stalk, but then doesn’t fully flower. I’ve seen this with overwatered plants and plants that have been left wet from too much outdoor rain. If you want to see your succulents bloom, especially cacti, it’s important to provide enough water but not overwater.

For more information on watering succulents and cacti, see my post How and When to Water Succulents and Cacti.

Can you plant succulent flowers?

no Succulent flowers do not grow into new succulent plants. What can grow into new flowers are the seeds that the flowers contain. The flowers need to be pollinated either by pollinators or by self-pollination to produce the seeds you need to grow into new plants.

These seeds need to be harvested, germinated and planted to form new plants. Simply planting the flowers alone will not accomplish the task of reproduction.

What you can do instead of planting the succulent flowers is propagating the succulent stems and leaves. Most succulents are easily propagated by leaf and stem cuttings. It’s easy enough to increase your succulent collection through propagation.

Read more about propagating succulents in this article 4 Easy Ways To Propagate Succulents: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Should you cut off the flowers of succulents?

It takes a certain amount of energy for succulents to bloom and keep flowering. Some people are unimpressed with the flowers that succulents produce, preferring to cut off the flower stalks to channel the energy back to the plant, where it can focus its energy on growing again. Personally, I love seeing blooms from my succulents, no matter how small or inconspicuous they may seem.

I find all kinds of flowers beautiful and amazing. Some flowers are tiny and understated, while some flowers are spectacular. Others give off a sweet scent and some smell putrid. I salute and love them all.

It is a personal decision when to cut off the flower stalks. I usually wait until the plant has faded and the flowers have dried before cutting them off. Some people prefer to cut them off before they become unattractive.

What to do after succulents bloom

Depending on the type of succulent, the flowers usually stay in bloom for weeks or even months before the flowers close and dry up. You can leave the flower stalks alone, but they look really unattractive if they continue to dry up. It is best to cut off the flower stalks once the plant has finished flowering.

Use sharp pruning shears or scissors and cut off the flower stalks as close to the plant as possible without damaging the leaves. After cutting off the flower stalks, you can take care of your plant as it is. After a succulent flowers for the first time, it usually continues to bloom at around the same time each year.

To learn more about what to do with the flower stalks, click How To Enthead an Echeveria and Cut Off Bloom Stalks.

While getting succulents to bloom is not a priority when growing succulents, it sure is a joy to see a happy bloom from them. Keep doing what you are doing and keep your plants as happy as possible and they will reward you with buds one day.

Wondering where to find some of these succulents? Click on my resource page for recommendations on where to buy succulents online.

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Propagation with cuttings: Many types of succulents – including aloes, chickens and chicks, and some cacti – produce cuttings, or small plants, that grow at the base of the main specimen. Once an offset has grown 2-3 weeks, check root development and remove it from the main stem with a sharp knife or scissors or by gently twisting. Be careful not to damage roots that have already formed. Follow the steps above to propagate in soil or water, allow offsets to dry, form a callus over any open areas and develop roots before transplanting. As a bonus, removing offsets will also improve the health of your existing succulents and return energy to the main crop’s growth.

Succulents usually thrive well in a variety of home lighting conditions. They don’t always adapt well to abrupt changes in light. If your succulents have been outside or in a shady garden center for a long time and they are now indoors in opposite conditions, they could be in for a shock. The key to saving your succulents is gradually introducing them to the lighting conditions in your home. For example, if they were in bright, direct outdoor light, set them to indirect outdoor light first. After a few days, move them to a slightly shadier spot. After a few days, move them indoors near a sunny window. After a week or so, try moving them to their permanent home.

State of abnormal growth in vascular plants

Wyethia helianthoides or fasciated mule-ear wildflower (right) or fasciated mule-ear wildflower (right).

Carnegiea gigantea), resulting from fasciation, located in Saguaro National Park (West), Arizona, USA.

Fasciation (pronounced , from the Latin root, meaning “band” or “streak”), also known as cresting, is a relatively rare condition of abnormal growth in vascular plants in which the apical meristem (growth tip), which is usually concentrated around a single point and produces roughly cylindrical tissue, instead it is elongated perpendicular to the direction of growth, thus producing flattened, ribbon-like, notched (or “cristate”), or elaborately contorted tissue. Fasciation can also, in some cases, cause plant parts to increase in weight and volume.[2] The phenomenon can occur in the stem, root, fruit or flower head.

Some plants are grown and valued aesthetically for their fascia formation.[3] Each occurrence of fasciation has several possible causes, including hormonal, genetic, bacterial, fungal, viral, and environmental causes.

Cause [edit]

Fasciation can be caused by hormonal imbalances in the meristematic cells of plants, which are cells where growth can take place.[4][5] Fasciation can also be caused by random genetic mutation.[6] Bacterial and viral infections can also cause fasciation.[4] The bacterial phytopathogen Rhodococcus fascians has been identified as a cause of fasciation, e.g. B. in plants of the vetch (Lathyrus odoratus),[7] but many fasciated plants have tested negative for the bacteria in studies,[8][better source needed] therefore bacterial infection is not an exclusive cause.

Additional environmental factors that can cause fascination include fungal, mite, or insect infestations, and exposure to chemicals.[8] General damage to a plant’s growth tip[8] and exposure to cold and frost can also cause fasciation.[4][6] Some plants such as peas and cockscomb celosia can inherit this trait.[8]

Fasciation is not contagious,[4] but bacteria that cause fasciation can be spread from infected plants to others through contact with wounds on infected plants and through water that carries the bacteria to other plants.[9]

Occurrence [ edit ]

Although fasciation is rare overall, it has been observed in over 100 vascular plant families,[10] [better source needed], including members of the genera Acer, Aloe, Acanthosicyos, Cannabis, Celosia, Cycas, Delphinium, Digitalis, Echinacea, Euphorbia, Forsythia, Glycine max (especially soybean plants),[11] Primula, Iochroma, Prunus, Salix and many genera of the cactus family, Cactaceae adult saguaro cactus.[12]

Some species of Celosia are grown specifically for their reliably fascinated flower heads, for which they are called “cockscomb.”[4] Japanese Peacock Willow (Salix sachalinensis ‘Sekka’) is another plant valued for its fascia.[4][8]

prevention [edit]

Fasciation caused by bacteria can be controlled by not using fasciated plants and discarding fascial material.[9] Avoiding injury to the plant base and keeping it dry can reduce the spread of bacteria.[9] Avoiding grafting of fasciated plants and pruning of fasciated matter can also reduce the spread of bacteria.[9]

Examples[edit]

fascination

An example of fasciation or “cresting” on a coneflower (Echinacea).

Fasciation resulting in two fully formed flower heads on a dandelion.

Fascination for digitalis. Note the larger thickened stem compared to the normal sized flower spike on the left.

Fascination with a blossoming cherry tree ( Prunus ).

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) fasciation. Note the flattened condition of the stem. Image published 1893.

Common dandelion with both regular (top right) and fascinated (middle) flowers.

Fascinated by a lilac bush.

Allure on a Phacelia campanularia or California bluebell wildflower.

Fascinated showy daisy (Erigeron speciosus).

Fascinated crooked-necked gourd

Fasciation with the common dandelion

Regular (left) and fasciated (right) geranium flowers

See also[edit]

References[ edit ]

I am very happy when I see my succulents bloom. For me it is a confirmation that they are happy and doing well. But not all succulents bloom, and some may not bloom at all.

Is flowering necessary? What Does It Mean When Succulents Bloom Or Bloom? Should you expect your succulents to bloom? What do you do when it’s like this? What do you do with the inflorescences afterwards?

These are some of the most common questions people have about flowering succulents. The answers to these questions and many more can be found here.

Why do succulents bloom?

Like all other plants, succulents flower to attract pollinators. It is nature’s way of surviving and ensuring the production of the next generation. And how do they do it?

By producing seeds in the flowers. Flowers contain reproductive parts of the plant. Flowers are brightly colored and sweetly scented to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies and birds.

In the wild, succulents rely on insects and other animals for pollination in order to reproduce. In culture, flowers can also be self-pollinated by using a brush to pollinate the flowers. The goal is the same – seed production. The seeds can then be harvested and germinated to produce new plants.

Many succulent and cactus growers reproduce their plants this way through seed collection. However, there are other ways to reproduce succulents such as: B. Leaf or stem propagation, so harvesting the seeds is not required to propagate succulents.

Read more about propagating succulents in this article 4 Easy Ways To Propagate Succulents: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Do succulents die after flowering?

Fortunately, most succulents don’t die after flowering, although some do. Monocarpic plants are plants that die back after flowering. The plant dies after flowering, which is why it is also called the death flower.

Some monocarpic succulents are: sempervivums (hens and chicks), most aeoniums, and most agave plants. One way to tell if the plant is monocarpic is by the way the plant flowers. If the flower emerges from the center of the plant and the whole plant appears to be turning into a flower stalk, it is usually monocarpic. Otherwise, the flower mostly comes from the sides of the plant.

There’s really nothing you can do when you see a monocarpic plant blooming. You can’t stop the process, so you might as well enjoy it. Tragic as it may sound, monocarpic plants don’t die in vain.

Most monocarpic succulents are great producers, meaning they would have produced many young plants or baby plants before flowering and dying. The young plants and baby plants live on, only the mother plant dies after flowering.

Pictures of monocarpic plants

Are all succulents blooming?

no Not all succulents flower. Some take years to get ready to bloom, and some don’t bloom at all. Some succulent species bloom freely from a young age, while other species require a maturing period before they are ready to bloom.

Much also depends on environmental factors and growing conditions. There are things you can do to encourage buds, such as: B. providing them with the right temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and an environment that mimics their natural habitat.

How to make succulents bloom

A happy and healthy plant has a better chance of flowering than a struggling one, so providing the right growing environment is important for the plant to grow and thrive. Succulents and cacti need adequate sunlight to bloom. Provide at least 5-6 hours of sunlight a day to keep the plants happy.

Provide the plant with a well-drained soil. Succulents don’t like sitting in wet soil, so providing the right soil medium is important to keep them happy. A cactus mix combined with perlite is a good place to start.

Combine the two materials in a 2:1 solution (cactus mix:perlite). You can also add coarse sand to the mix to provide more drainage. Learn more about soil and soil amendments in this Best Soil And Fertilizer For Succulents post.

Here are some of my recommendations for soil and soil amendments.

In addition to the right soil mix, you also need to pay attention to watering techniques. While providing adequate water is important, too much water can be detrimental to succulents. Allow the plant to dry between watering. As a rule of thumb, the top few inches of soil must be dry before watering again.

Read more about watering succulents here: “How and when to water succulents”.

To learn more about how to get your succulents to bloom, visit my post How to Get Succulents and Cacti to Bloom.

When do succulents bloom?

Succulents bloom at different times of the year. Some bloom in early spring to late summer, but others may bloom through the fall and winter months as well. It depends on the type of succulents you have and the environmental conditions they are exposed to.

How do you care for a flowering succulent?

You don’t need to give a flowering succulent any special treatment. A blooming succulent meets all your needs just the way it is. Just keep providing the same care you normally give your plant and it will do the rest.

Some people want to add extra nutrients to the plant to ensure it is getting the right nutrients it needs to grow and sustain buds. Fertilizer applied at ¼ to ½ strength every two to four weeks should do the trick and will provide your plants with the nutrients they need. Here are some of my fertilizer recommendations.

The only time I’ve seen my succulents not fully flower or reach full bloom was when they were overwatered. This is when a succulent or cactus begins to sprout what appears to be a flower stalk, but then doesn’t fully flower. I’ve seen this with overwatered plants and plants that have been left wet from too much outdoor rain. If you want to see your succulents bloom, especially cacti, it’s important to provide enough water but not overwater.

For more information on watering succulents and cacti, see my post How and When to Water Succulents and Cacti.

Can you plant succulent flowers?

no Succulent flowers do not grow into new succulent plants. What can grow into new flowers are the seeds that the flowers contain. The flowers need to be pollinated either by pollinators or by self-pollination to produce the seeds you need to grow into new plants.

These seeds need to be harvested, germinated and planted to form new plants. Simply planting the flowers alone will not accomplish the task of reproduction.

What you can do instead of planting the succulent flowers is propagating the succulent stems and leaves. Most succulents are easily propagated by leaf and stem cuttings. It’s easy enough to increase your succulent collection through propagation.

Read more about propagating succulents in this article 4 Easy Ways To Propagate Succulents: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Should you cut off the flowers of succulents?

It takes a certain amount of energy for succulents to bloom and keep flowering. Some people are unimpressed with the flowers that succulents produce, preferring to cut off the flower stalks to channel the energy back to the plant, where it can focus its energy on growing again. Personally, I love seeing blooms from my succulents, no matter how small or inconspicuous they may seem.

I find all kinds of flowers beautiful and amazing. Some flowers are tiny and understated, while some flowers are spectacular. Others give off a sweet scent and some smell putrid. I salute and love them all.

It is a personal decision when to cut off the flower stalks. I usually wait until the plant has faded and the flowers have dried before cutting them off. Some people prefer to cut them off before they become unattractive.

What to do after succulents bloom

Depending on the type of succulent, the flowers usually stay in bloom for weeks or even months before the flowers close and dry up. You can leave the flower stalks alone, but they look really unattractive if they continue to dry up. It is best to cut off the flower stalks once the plant has finished flowering.

Use sharp pruning shears or scissors and cut off the flower stalks as close to the plant as possible without damaging the leaves. After cutting off the flower stalks, you can take care of your plant as it is. After a succulent flowers for the first time, it usually continues to bloom at around the same time each year.

To learn more about what to do with the flower stalks, click How To Enthead an Echeveria and Cut Off Bloom Stalks.

While getting succulents to bloom is not a priority when growing succulents, it sure is a joy to see a happy bloom from them. Keep doing what you are doing and keep your plants as happy as possible and they will reward you with buds one day.

Wondering where to find some of these succulents? Click on my resource page for recommendations on where to buy succulents online.

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