What is succulent mutation?

Have you ever wondered why some succulents have striking features like variegation, fasciation (crested growth), or unusual leaf shapes? For example, Variegated String of Pearls has soft green and creamy white beads, and Monstrose Euphorbia has irregular, lumpy stems. These unique traits are the result of mutations—an intriguing phenomenon that occurs not only in succulents but throughout the plant world.

Mutations can transform a plant’s appearance, creating unexpected color patterns, peculiar shapes, or dramatic growth forms. Sometimes these changes are subtle, like a slight shift in leaf texture, while other times they are bold enough to make the plant look like a living piece of art. Whether they happen naturally in the wild or under cultivation, mutations has contributed to the diversity of the plant world. They’re what make certain plants stand out from the rest and keep us coming back for more.

For succulent lovers, mutations are a treasure trove of discovery. They’re the reason we have stunning variegated succulents, mesmerizing monstrose forms, and rare crested varieties that collectors covet. But what exactly are these mutations? How do they happen? And why do they make plants so irresistibly fascinating? Let’s explore the world of succulent mutations and uncover the secrets behind these natural wonders.

What is Mutation?

A mutation is a change in the genetic instructions that tell a plant how to grow, look, and function. These changes occur during cell division, which is the process by which plants grow and repair themselves. Every time a plant produces new cells, its DNA—the genetic blueprint—replicates to pass on the instructions for growth. Occasionally, something goes a little differently during this process, and a mutation happens. It’s like copying a recipe but accidentally swapping one ingredient for another or skipping a step. These tiny "mistakes" can lead to visible changes in the plant.

In plants, mutations can happen naturally or be triggered by external factors such as environmental stress, injury, or even exposure to chemicals or radiation. Some mutations are so small you might not even notice them, while others create dramatic differences in how the plant looks or grows. These changes are not inherently good or bad—they’re just different from the original genetic plan.

In succulents, mutations often result in unique traits that make them stand out. For example, variegation is a type of mutation where some parts of the leaves lack chlorophyll, the green pigment needed for photosynthesis, resulting in beautiful white, yellow, or cream patterns. Another common mutation is crested growth, where the plant’s growth point (where new cells are formed) flattens, causing the plant to grow in a fan-like shape instead of its usual form. Monstrose mutations cause irregular, lumpy growth that looks completely different from the plant’s typical structure. Even changes in leaf size, shape, or arrangement can be the result of a mutation.

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CRESTED SUCCULENTS

Mutation -The Foundation for Diversity in The Plant World

Mutations are the building blocks of diversity in the plant world. They introduce variations that make each plant unique, paving the way for the incredible range of shapes, colors, and growth habits we see today. Without mutations, plants would all look and grow the same, lacking the dynamic variety that makes the natural world so fascinating.

From an evolutionary perspective, mutations are nature's way of experimenting. While many mutations go unnoticed or have no significant impact, some result in traits that allow plants to adapt to new conditions, resist disease, or outcompete neighboring plants. Over time, these beneficial mutations can lead to entirely new species, contributing to the incredible diversity of life on Earth.

For plant lovers and gardeners, mutations are a source of wonder. They create rare and unique specimens that stand out, adding excitement and value to gardens and collections. Whether in the wild or in cultivation, mutations fuel the endless variety of the plant kingdom, ensuring that no two plants are ever quite the same.

Common Types of Succulent Mutations

Succulent mutations can take many fascinating forms, each creating unique and often extraordinary plants. One of the most recognizable types is crested, or cristate, growth. This happens when the plant’s growth point, where new cells are formed, elongates instead of staying round. The result is a stunning, fan-like shape, with rosettes that appear flattened and spread out like a ribbon or wave. Aeonium ‘Sunburst Cristata’ is a well-known example, with its colorful rosettes spreading out in mesmerizing waves that look almost sculptural.

Another common mutation is monstrose growth, which causes the plant to grow in an irregular, lumpy, or distorted way. Unlike the symmetrical forms most plants take, monstrose succulents have unpredictable shapes, giving each one a truly one-of-a-kind appearance. One example is Euphorbia lactea ‘Monstrose’ with its twisted and bumpy stems.

Variegation is another popular mutation, where the leaves develop patches of different colors like white, yellow, or pale green. This happens because some parts of the plant produce less chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color in leaves. The result is a striking pattern that’s highly sought after by collectors, like the patterns of Variegated Jade Plant (Crassula ovata 'Variegata') or Variegated String of Pearls. 

Some succulents experience albino or albinistic mutations, where they produce little to no chlorophyll at all. These plants often appear pale yellow or white and cannot survive on their own, as they lack the ability to photosynthesize properly. These plants, like Albino Haworthia, are very beautiful but they are unable to photosynthesize properly and often require grafting onto a healthy green base to survive.

Lastly, mutations can also result in unusual leaf shapes. This might mean leaves that are more textured, ruffled, or uniquely shaped compared to the plant’s normal appearance. These changes can make the plant look like a completely new species, like Crassula Gollum with tubular leaves that resemble tiny fingers, making it one of the most distinctive succulents.

What Causes Succulent Mutations?

Succulent mutations can arise from a variety of causes, both natural and human-influenced. One common cause is genetic factors. During cell division, DNA may undergo natural changes or errors, leading to mutations that result in unique traits such as variegation, crested growth, or unusual shapes. These genetic changes are a key driver of diversity in plants.

Environmental stress can also cause mutations. When succulents face injuries, temperature extremes, or challenging growing conditions, their growth patterns may be disrupted, leading to fascinating forms like monstrose or crested growth. These mutations often occur as the plant tries to adapt to its environment.

Pathogens such as viruses or bacteria can alter plant development, causing changes in growth patterns or coloration. For example, viral infections can sometimes result in variegation by affecting chlorophyll production, though these cases are less common in succulents.

Human intervention is another significant factor in succulent mutations. Techniques like selective breeding, exposure to radiation, or the application of specific chemicals can intentionally induce mutations to create new and unique plant varieties. Many of the rare and beautiful succulents seen in collections today owe their existence to these methods.

Can We Create Succulent Mutations at Home?

Creating succulent mutations at home is possible, but it’s not always straightforward or guaranteed. Mutations are typically unpredictable, as they occur due to changes in the plant’s DNA during cell division. However, there are some methods you can try to encourage mutations, though success may depend on factors like the plant’s natural genetic stability and environmental conditions.

One way to potentially create mutations is by introducing controlled environmental stress. For example, exposing a succulent to slight variations in temperature, light, or water availability might disrupt its growth patterns and result in changes like variegation or unusual leaf shapes. However, stressing the plant too much can harm it, so this method requires caution.

Another option is selective propagation. Sometimes, mutations occur spontaneously in a small part of a plant, such as a single leaf or branch. These “sports” can be propagated to create new plants that retain the mutated traits. For instance, if you notice a variegated branch on an otherwise green plant, you can propagate it to encourage the variegation to continue in the new growth.

While some advanced methods, like radiation exposure or chemical treatments, can induce mutations, these techniques are typically used in professional or laboratory settings and are not practical or safe for home use.

The most accessible way for home growers to enjoy unique succulents is by propagating spontaneous mutations or purchasing rare varieties from reputable sellers.

Does Mutation Pass to the Next Generations When We Propagate?

Whether a mutation passes to the next generation depends on the type of mutation and how the succulent is propagated. In many cases, mutations can be successfully passed down if the propagation method preserves the specific cells responsible for the mutation.

For stable genetic mutations, such as variegation caused by changes in the plant’s DNA, the mutation will typically carry over when propagated through cuttings, offsets, or leaves. This is because the new plant is genetically identical to the parent, retaining the mutated traits.

However, if the mutation is unstable or chimeral (occurring in only part of the plant), it might not reliably pass to the next generation. For example, in chimeral variegation, where only certain layers of the plant’s tissue exhibit the mutation, propagation can sometimes result in a plant reverting to its original, non-mutated state. The outcome depends on whether the mutated tissue is included in the cutting or offset.

Additionally, mutations caused by environmental factors or stress, such as crested or monstrose growth, may not always carry over. These types of mutations often result from changes in the plant’s growth pattern rather than its DNA. If propagated, the new plant may revert to the original form unless the mutation is stable and affects the plant’s genetic code.

Seed propagation is even less predictable. Since seeds are formed from the genetic combination of two parent plants, mutations in one parent are less likely to pass down unless they are dominant genetic traits.

How to Care for and Propagate Mutant Succulents

Mutant succulents, with their unique and striking characteristics, often require a bit more attention than their non-mutated counterparts. Their unusual forms or variegated patterns can make them more sensitive to environmental factors, so providing tailored care is essential to keep them thriving.

Caring for Mutant Succulents

Mutant succulents often have specialized needs, particularly in terms of light, watering, and soil. For variegated succulents, providing bright, indirect light is crucial to maintain their distinctive color patterns. These plants generally have less chlorophyll, making them more prone to sunburn, so direct sunlight should be avoided. Crested or monstrose succulents also benefit from filtered light to protect their irregular growths from damage.

Watering should be adjusted carefully. Mutant plants with reduced chlorophyll may grow slower and require less frequent watering than their standard counterparts. Always let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot, especially since these plants can be more sensitive to overwatering.

Soil plays an equally important role. Use a well-draining mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend combined with additional perlite or pumice. This prevents water retention, which could damage their sometimes fragile root systems.

For succulents with stable mutations, propagation should be done through cuttings or offsets. If the mutation affects the entire plant, as with some types of variegation or monstrose forms, new plants grown from cuttings or offsets will typically inherit the same characteristics. To propagate, use a clean, sharp tool to take a cutting from a healthy part of the plant, ensuring the mutated tissue is included. Allow the cutting to callous over before planting it in well-draining soil. Similarly, offsets that form at the base of the parent plant can be carefully removed and planted separately.

Unstable mutations or chimeral traits (where only part of the plant exhibits the mutation) are less predictable. Propagating a cutting or offset from a chimeral plant may result in a reversion to the plant’s original, non-mutated form. This is particularly common with variegated succulents, where the new growth may revert to solid green due to the dominance of chlorophyll-rich cells.

Please note that, even with careful selection, results can vary, and propagation becomes a mix of science and luck. However, we can maximize the chances of preserving the mutation by choosing cuttings or offsets from sections of the plant that display the desired trait. 

Watch the video below (and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great videos) to know how to propagate succulents! 

Succulents Box Recommends:

• Crested Aeonium Sunburst
  Crested Aeonium Sunburst is a stunning succulent with fan-like, flattened rosettes that showcase striking variegation in shades of white, yellow, and green. Its unique growth pattern creates a mesmerizing display, especially when its edges blush pink under bright light.

• Coral Cactus (Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata')
  Also known as the Mermaid Tail Succulent, Coral Cactus is a mutation of Euphorbia lactea with wavy, coral-like crests grafted onto a sturdy rootstock. Its unusual appearance, with shades of blue-grey and pink, makes it a favorite among collectors.

• Variegated String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii 'Variegata')
  This charming trailing succulent features heart-shaped leaves with a delicate blend of green, white, and pink hues. Its romantic appearance and cascading growth habit make it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves.

• Variegated Bear Paw Succulent (Cotyledon tomentosa 'Variegata')
  This fuzzy succulent resembles tiny bear paws, with its plump leaves adorned with creamy yellow variegation and adorable "claws" at the tips. It’s a playful yet elegant addition to any collection.

• Variegated String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus 'Variegata')
  With its bead-like leaves displaying striking green and white stripes, this trailing succulent is both elegant and eye-catching. Its cascading stems make it a perfect choice for hanging planters or unique arrangements