The
scientific name of Echeveria plant is Echeveria Crassulaceae and the plant care
is similar to that of other succulents. There are about one hundred and fifty cultivated
varieties of Echeveria plant. Most of the plant species are native to areas of
southwest Texas and into South America and the plant thrive in punishing heat
and dry conditions. The Echeveria plant has broad, fleshy leaves, often topped
with spines that are adapted to holding water and preventing evaporation. A
firm touch of this plant can really mar the skin and leave marks.
Are
Echeveria easy to care for? The Echeveria plants are tolerant of many soil
types and they also require excellent drainage to prevent root and stem rot. Growing
Echeveria plant in an unglazed clay pot which allows water to evaporate, is perfect.
You need to really protect these plants from freezing temperatures and also store
the potted plants indoors in winter. This wonderful succulents plant do not
need pruning, however it’s fine to pinch off damaged or errant growth when
needed.
Echeveria plant Info
The botanical
name: The botanical name is Echeveria Crassulaceae
Plant height:
twelve inches
Plant spread:
twelve inches
The sun
exposure: The plant prefers full sun
The soil
requirements: The plant does well in rocky, sandy, well-draining soil
USDA Hardiness
zones: Eight to eleven
When to
plant Echeveria: The planting time is Spring
Echeveria Care Outdoors
Light
requirement
The Echeveria
plants are natives of southern regions and they should be planted in a full sun
site. How much sunlight does Echeveria need? The Echeveria plants need at least eight hours of bright light
daily. As houseplants it should be placed in a southern or western window. The Echeveria
plant leaves can sport bold colors to iridescent pastels, nevertheless the best
colors will result from plenty of sun.
Water
requirement
In their
wild state the plants receive very little water. During rainy seasons the Echeveria
plants store water in their leaves in preparation for the dry seasons. Make
sure the plants soil is allowed to dry thoroughly before watering. The container
plants actually require a bit more water than those in the ground. There are some
Echeveria plants that are sensitive to tap water, so it's a good idea to allow
the water to sit overnight to off-gas before watering the plant. In winter you
can diminish their watering by half.
Temperature
and humidity requirement
If you want
to care for Echeveria succulent plants, you need to consider their native
range. The Echeveria succulent plants have little cold hardiness, but there are
some varieties that can withstand sustained freezes. The Houseleeks or hens and
chicks varieties are an exception. Most varieties of Echeveria succulent plants
are hardy to USDA zones eight to eleven, and if the plants are growing outdoors
outside of their range, the plant should be brought inside for winter. The Indoor
Echeveria succulent plants do not need high humidity and will do well in winter
near heating vents. Make sure you avoid placing them near drafty windows and
doors.
Soil
requirement
The Echeveria
succulent plants are native to desert ranges and they prefer rocky, sandy soil
which drains well. The Indoor Echeveria succulent plants in containers can
manage well in traditional potting soil, but the plant will need less water
than those grown in cactus soil. A simple homemade soil of 1 part potting soil,
1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand is an ideal medium for the indoor Echeveria
succulent plants.
For outdoor
plants, you need to provide some mulch around the plant with gravel or sand to
help prevent weeds and conserve moisture.
Fertilizer
requirement
Actually most
succulents don’t need supplemental feeding. In spring the container Echeveria
succulent plants will benefit from a cactus food, diluted by half during
watering. You can fertilize every eight weeks during their growing season. You
can use a balanced liquid food or treat the Echeveria succulent plants once in
spring with a slow-release granular formula. Try and avoid getting fertilizer
on the lovely plant leaves, as it may burn the plant leaves.
Pest and
Disease Control
The outdoor Echeveria
succulent plants are prey to more pests than those indoors. Spider mites, Aphids,
and mealy worms are prime pests. Spray the Echeveria succulent plants with
rubbing alcohol to get rid of any insects. The most common issues result from
overwatering of the plant. Excess moisture in the soil can cause the Echeveria
plants roots and stems to rot. Only water the Echeveria succulent plants when
their soil is dry to the touch. The Echeveria succulent plants that are kept in
too little light will get leggy and the color will suffer.
Echeveria Plant
Propagation
The Echeveria plants and most succulent plants have an amazing ability to produce pups or offsets. These baby plants actually grow along the stem or occasionally right next to the parent plant. You can use a sterile, sharp knife to cut away the small plant. If you actually place the cutting in well-draining soil the cutting will root.
The Echeveria
succulent plants may also be propagated from leaves. You can place the leaf on
the surface of the soil and it will produce roots within a few weeks and soon a
small rosette will grow next to the rooted leaf. The original Echeveria plant leaf
will dry up and then crumble off of the new plant.
Repotting
Echeveria Plants
Due to the Echeveria
plants low nutrient needs and the native areas where the plant grow naturally, the
Echeveria succulent plants do not need to be repotted too frequently, but it’s
fine to repot the plant with new soil every couple of years. The size of the
container of the plant should be only a tiny bit larger than the body of the
plant. The Echeveria succulent plants prefer to be slightly crowded.
Post a Comment