Currently Colorful Succulents

What influences a plant’s colors?

There are a few different factors that influence a plant’s colors. A few of  the most important are light, drought and season.

Light

Generally speaking, the more light a succulent receives, the more intense its coloration is going to be. This is because the plant produces extra pigments (i.e. anthocyanin, a red pigment) to protect itself from the harsh rays. Many succulents are good at protecting themselves from harsh sunlight, but be able to recognize signs of sunburn, caused by too much light.

Drought

A lack of water for an extended period of time can also help bring the best colors out of a plant. The phenomenon of light and drought giving color to a plant is called stress. It isn’t damaging to a plant and, like human stress, can help a plant reach its full potential. Be careful not to underwater your plants too harshly while stressing them!

Season

Plants have mysterious ways to tell the seasons apart. They can detect small changes in the quality of sunlight that remains imperceptible to us. They can also use humidity to tell the difference of the seasons. The reasons why are manifold, but the results are the same; your plant’s color will change throughout the year to one degree or another. That’s just one more reason why succulents are uniquely charming!