Captain Olimar has indicated in his journal entries that it is his belief that Candypop Buds are the next step in the evolution of Pikmin.
In Pikmin 1, the maximum number of Pikmin that you can throw in the bud is 50, but this is decreased to 5 in the second game.
Crimson Candypop Bud
- Main article: Crimson Candypop Bud.
Crimson Candypop Buds are red Candypop Buds that when non-red Pikmin are thrown in, they will change into Red Pikmin. If Red Pikmin are thrown in, they will be reverted to leaf stages, and don't count against the 5 Pikmin limit per Candypop Bud.
Golden Candypop Bud
- Main article: Golden Candypop Bud.
Golden Candypop Buds are yellow (not gold, contrary to the name) Candypop Buds that when non-yellow Pikmin are thrown in, they will change into Yellow Pikmin. If Yellow Pikmin are thrown in, they will be reverted to leaf stages, and don't count against the 5 Pikmin limit per Candypop Bud. This particular Candypop Bud is unfathomably rare, because only one is found inside Glutton's Kitchen on Sublevel 3.
Lapis Lazuli Candypop Bud
- Main article: Lapis Lazuli Candypop Bud.
Lapis Lazuli Candypop Buds are blue Candypop Buds that when non-blue Pikmin are thrown in, they will change into blue Pikmin. If Blue Pikmin are thrown in, they will be reverted to leaf stages, and don't count against the 5 Pikmin limit per Candypop Bud.
Violet Candypop Bud
- Main article: Violet Candypop Bud.
Violet Candypop Buds are purple Candypop Buds that when non-purple Pikmin are thrown in, they will change into Purple Pikmin. If Purple Pikmin are thrown in, they will be reverted to leaf stages, and don't count against the 5 Pikmin limit per Candypop Bud. This Candypop Bud makes its first appearence in Pikmin 2. You may find 3 Violet Candypop Buds on Sublevel 8 of the Subterranean Complex (Valley of Repose)if you need more.
Ivory Candypop Bud
- Main article: Ivory Candypop Bud.
Ivory Candypop Buds are white Candypop Buds that when non-white Pikmin are thrown in, they will change into White Pikmin. If White Pikmin are thrown in, they will be reverted to leaf stages, and don't count against the 5 Pikmin limit per Candypop Bud. This Candypop Bud makes its first appearence in Pikmin 2. Many Ivory Candypop Buds are found in the White Flower Garden on Sublevel 3 when you have 15 or less whites, and on Sublevel 4 of the Subterranean Complex.
Queen Candypop Bud
- Main article: Queen Candypop Bud.
Queen Candypop Buds are very unique Candypop Buds, as they allow you to gain up to 8 Pikmin if you throw any color in them. Nine Pikmin will pop out, but one is the Pikmin you first threw in. The only colors you may get are the primary colors; red, yellow, and blue. The Queen Candypop Bud will slowly change the color of its spots, so when the spots turn the desired Pikmin color, toss one in. These flowers are found only in the specific sublevels of difficult caves, usually after a previous grueling battle with a boss, sometimes referred to as 'rest stops'.