Sunday 5 December 2010

Lop-sided

The snow has melted but it is still to cold to go outside, so I am limited to enjoying the plants inside. Many of those that manage to sneak in over winter are variegated, of which I am very fond.  These are lovely plants and some of the most commented on in my collection, especially plants like echeveria 'compton carousel'


And haworthia limifolia variegata


Recently I have been looking at more unusual variegation. Plants like this haworthia are pure white and have no chorolphyll.  It has to stay connected to the other plant or it will die.



This second one started with normal variegation but over time has become more variegated until now each leaf is entirely yellow.  I know some collectors manage to keep yellow plants alive as they still have some chlorophyll, but I am not brave enough to risk it and have left it connected to the other plants.


This aloe saponaria hasn't quite made up its mind what it is going to do.  Currently it is very lop-sided but each leaf is getting whiter and I have a feeling it could end up totally white.


This agave filifera has taken it even further with one side not being variegated at all.


I am still not really sure about this one (although don't tell the OH or it will be out on its ear).  It is more of an experiment than anything else and even I will admit it is not the best looking plant.  With these lop-sided variegates it is the possibilities of what they may produce that is of interest. When they offset (I use the term "when" as I will be doing everything possible to ensure it does) the variegation of the offset will depend on where it comes off the plant.  So the plant above could produce all green or all yellow pups and any combination in between.

So while not as neat as the standard variegation I like the excitement of not knowing what you are going to end up with.

4 comments:

  1. Those are wonderful, the Haworthia especially.

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  2. The haworthia limifolia is one of my favourite plants. It is the only one that is allowed to live inside on full display.

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  3. I really enjoyed seeing the lopsided ones!

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  4. Hi Spiky Obsession,
    I can totally understand your fondness over Echeveria 'Compton Carousel'. Yours is beautifull. Would you be able to share where you get yours from. This seems to be like Holy Grail of succulents and I am desperate to add it to my collections. Yes I am Succulent Addicted! Thanks a lot for sharing xxx

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