Succulent appraisal guide

What determines the price

• Form compactness and rosette density.

  High

  Tight, compact form with densely packed leaves is evidence of cultivation skill. Etiolation from insufficient light (widened leaf spacing) reduces evaluation.

• Leaf uniformity and symmetry.

  High

  As leaves radiate evenly from the rosette center and bilateral symmetry increases, ornamental value rises.

• Variegation clarity and stability.

  High

  In variegated varieties, the clarity of variegation, color contrast, and consistent appearance of variegation greatly influence value.

• Cresting, color mutations, and other variations.

  High

  Cresting, where the growth point spreads in a ribbon-like form, and color mutations are highly valued as rare variations. The uniformity of form and stability of the variation are important.

• Autumn coloration and body color vibrancy.

  Medium

  The vibrancy of autumn coloration appearing during the low-temperature period of autumn through winter varies with season and management, but breed-specific color tendencies influence ornamental value.

Appraisal points

Confirm compactness and etiolation.

Good:

Leaf spacing is tight and the rosette is compactly formed.

Caution:

When leaf spacing widens and growth extends upward, this indicates etiolation. Light management is required.

Confirm leaf uniformity and damage.

Good:

Leaves radiate evenly with no wounds, discoloration, or rot.

Caution:

If any leaves show discoloration or wilting, root rot or disease may be present.

Confirm stability of variations (cresting and color mutations).

Good:

For cresting, the ribbon-like growth point is stably maintained. For color mutations, coloration appears across the entire plant.

Caution:

If cresting partially reverts to normal growth points (reversion), variation maintenance is unstable.

Appraisal quiz

Appraisal by breed