The blue powder on your succulent is cognize as epicuticular wax or farina . This natural coating of wax shape a thin picture show on the leaves , stems , and fruit of various plant , but it is especially rife on succulents such as Echeveria , Pachyphytum , Sedeveria , Kalanchoe , and Graptoveria .
Epicuticular wax serves several important purposes for succulents . Firstly , it act as a protective barrier , shielding the industrial plant from overweening water loss through transpiration . succulent are adjust to arid environments and need to economize body of water , so this wax stratum helps to slim moisture vaporization from the plant ’s airfoil .
to boot , the farina help to reflect sunlight and prevent excessive solar radiation syndrome from damaging the plant ’s tissues . The broody property of the wax give succulents their characteristic silvery or blue appearance , which can vary in intensity level depending on the coinage .
During my experience as a horticulture and landscaping expert , I have encountered various succulents with this beautiful aristocratic pulverisation . One special memory that issue forth to mind is when I was tending to a collection of Echeveria plant in a guest ’s garden . The leaves of these succulent were cover in a thick stratum of farina , creating a stunning video display of silvern - patrician hue . It was fascinating to discover how this wax coat not only protect the plants but also enhanced their aesthetic appeal .
To better empathise the body structure of epicuticular wax , it is essential to dig into its composition . The wax is mainly made up of long - chain fatty acids , alcohol , and hydrocarbons , which form a waterproof layer on the surface of the plant . This level is secreted by specialized cells promise epidermal cell , which are present in the outermost stratum of the plant ’s tissue paper .
Each species of succulent may produce a somewhat different composition of epicuticular wax , conduct to variations in the gloss and texture of the farina . Some succulents may exhibit a more powdery and easily obliterable farina , while others may have a thicker and more adhesive wax layer .
It is worth note that the presence and intensity of epicuticular wax can deviate depending on environmental factors such as scant intensity , humidness layer , and temperature . succulent exposed to higher level of sun or grown in drier status lean to evolve a thicker stratum of farina as a protective reaction .
When it comes to care for succulents with epicuticular wax , it is important to stave off exuberant handling or rubbing of the leaves . While the wax layer supply auspices , it can also be easily damaged or removed if handle just about . Therefore , it is advisable to do by these plants with care and refrain from wiping or clean the leaves unless necessary .
The blue powder on your succulents is the epicuticular wax or farina . This born coating wait on as a protective barrier against water expiration and excessive sun , while also giving succulents their unique silvery or blue visual aspect . Understanding the role of epicuticular wax can help you appreciate the beauty and resiliency of these noteworthy industrial plant .
Caroline Bates
