Echeveria Plant

An Echeveria is a succulent plant .

Echeveria plants originated in the desert areas of Texas, Mexico, Central and South America.

Many varieties are referred to by the common name “Hen and Chicks.” The plant got this nickname because baby plants (offsets or plantlets) grow in a cluster around the base of the “Mother” plant.

Echeveria plants are very popular as outdoor plants because they are drought resistant, and some can survive temperatures below  4.4°C for a short period of time. Indoors, an echeveria plant, when placed in very bright light, rewards you with jewel- colored leaves and, in the spring and summer, clusters of flowers.

This is an easy-care plant if you have a bright spot in your home and are careful not to over water.

The plump, succulent leaves of an echeveria grow in a rosette and are usually pointed with smooth edges, though there are some varieties with a different leaf shape.

A powdery wax called farina covers the leaves and protects them from getting burned when the plant is placed in direct sun.

The most common echeveria plants have grayish-green or bluish-gray leaves.

When placed in very bright light, the 1″-3″ long leaves can turn purple, dark purple, lavender, maroon, white with red edges, green with red edges, or pinkish lavender with pink edges.

The flowers of an echeveria plant are usually red, yellow, peach, or orange and grow atop a tall stem. They usually last about two weeks. Intense light and proper temperature help an echeveria flower.

Temperature : Provide warm temperatures between 65°-80°F (18-27°C). The temperature should be 10°-15° cooler at night. During the winter, when the plant is resting, the temperature should be 10° cooler. An echeveria is not a cold hardy plant. If you put the plant outside for the summer, be sure to bring it indoors before the temperatures drops below 50°F (10°C).

Lighting preference :  Echeveria need a lot of light to thrive and show their best colors, so indoor plants need to be kept near a sunny window, sometimes with supplementary grow lights. An echeveria plant likes very bright indirect light and some direct morning sun.

 Irrigation of water : In the spring and summer, keep the soil of an echeveria plant barely moist, always erring on the dry side. Starting in late fall and throughout the winter, allow the soil to totally dry out before watering. The leaves become soft and even wrinkle a bit when the plant needs water. Water the soil and avoid getting water on the plant itself. Over watering is the main reason an echeveria plant dies.

 Humidity : Succulent Plants like an echeveria originated in warm, dry, desert areas and do well in low humidity. It is Not recommended to spray the leaves

Fertilization and feeding : During spring, summer, and early fall, feed every 2 weeks with a liquid fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium (2-7-7). Always dilute the plant food to 1/2 the recommended strength. Never feed an echeveria in late fall or during the winter. You can also use a cactus plant food.

 Flowering : Clusters of red, yellow, and orange flowers develop atop long stemsi during late spring, summer, and early fall.

 Soil : A cactus soil is a good choice. You can also use regular potting soil but, if you do, add an equal amount of horticultural sand so that the soil is loose and drains quickly.

Toxicity :Although an echeveria is a non- poisonous plant and safe to have around cats, dogs, and small children, the sharp tips of the plant leaves can cause a painful sore.

 Pot Size : These plants like to be a little root-bound in a small pot with drip holes in the bottom. The pot should be 1″ larger than the root ball of the plant. Keeping en echeveria in a small pot allows the soil to dry out quickly and helps prevent over watering.

Pruning : These plants need very little pruning. Gently remove any leaf that turns brown.

Diseases : Over watering causes root rot and the plant quickly dies.