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Eden Succulents

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Nowadays, we can see a lot of succulents being used as houseplants. One of the most well-known types of succulents all over the world is Echeveria. Perhaps you might be wondering why several people loved it so much. Well, it’s because they look stunning and glamorous. Most of all it only takes less effort to grow and maintain!

Since they can be found almost anywhere, then people are now more interested in knowing more about Echeverias. Here, we will provide you a guideline on how to grow an Echeveria as well as its other characteristics.

What Is an Echeveria?

Let’s start by identifying what is an Echeveria? Echeveria succulents are considered as part of the Crassulaceae family. They are a native plant of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Echeveria plants have thick leaves that surround the middle stalk forming into rosettes. These large and chunky leaves act as the water storage of the plant. This can help the plant in adjusting to various climates.

Echeveria succulent plants come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Most often, red or purple shades can be found on the ends of their leaves. But usually, they are in blue-green or dark green color.

Most of the Echeveria species of Central Mexico are recorded by Atanasio Echeverria y Godoy, an 18th-century botanical artist from Mexico.

How Big Can an Echeveria Grow?

The small and broad rosettes of Echeverias can reach a width between 5 to 15 centimeters or even more. They can grow to a length of 5 to 10 centimeters, but seldom can they reach more than that. In case the Echeveria plant has already grown extensively and it does not look great on the pot or the arrangement, then it is best to slash it from the top then propagate it.

Is Echeveria Best for Indoors Or Outdoors?

Echeveria succulents can look amazing when used as covering plants for rock gardens. However, if you plant them outdoors, keep in mind that it needs moderate temperatures throughout the year. Echeverias are particularly very sensitive to cold temperatures as well as to an abrupt change in temperature.

But if you are living in a location where the winters can get real, then you can still get a chance to grow these gorgeous succulents. You can grow them on pots and move them indoors when it gets extremely cold during the winter.

However, one of the major concerns of Echeveria growers is the fact that just like most succulents, Echeveria also requires some sunlight as they do outside. The best thing to do is to consider the temperature and the lighting when choosing the best place to grow your Echeveria succulents.

Is Echeveria Best for Indoors Or Outdoors?

How to Grow Echeveria Indoors?

The fact is it is very easy to care for Echeverias indoors. It’s because they can resist drought as well as to hot temperatures. Hence, there is no need for you to check on them more often. They do not need extraordinary care which requires too much time and effort. They can thrive for a long period. Echeveria plants are cool. Isn’t it?

Give Your Echeverias The Best Sunlight!

Since Echeverias are a native plant of Mexico, then it is only reasonable that they love being on full sunlight. Expose them to direct sunlight, a few hours each day. This is a great way of keeping your plants healthy and vibrant. Keep in mind that sunlight can help them in generating magnificent colors.

But during the summertime, you must protect them against the hot afternoon sun. When Echeverias are exposed to strong sunlight, then the tendency is they will get scorched and damaged perpetually. Also, the constant change in the amount of sunlight can be stressful for your Echeverias. If you are planning to transfer them from outdoors to indoors, then you have to do it progressively.

If you are keeping them indoors, then you have to place them near the window so that it can get the best sunlight. If possible, make sure that it is facing to the South so that it can get much sunlight most especially during winter.

How to Water Your Echeverias?

Echeverias do not require frequent watering. However, this does not mean that they can thrive without water. Even if they are hardy, they are still considered as living plants. It’s fine to water your Echeverias once in a while but be sure to pour a large amount of it. The water must be running through the soil until the plant is entirely wet. Always drain the water from the soil. Echeverias must not be kept in wet soil. If necessary, you can do this watering process again.

After watering your Echeveria, wait until the plant has used all the water that is stored in their body. To know if your Echeveria requires watering again, you have to check if the soil is entirely dry and the leaves already look crumpled.

What Is the Proper Soil Type for Succulents?

Avoid soaking your Echeveria on a wet soil for a long period. Choosing the wrong type of soil can make the succulent roots rot and might lead to its death. An extraordinary type of soil is needed when planting succulents. This can provide them with the best conditions since it is much similar to desert soil.

Using specially mixed succulent soil can provide excellent drainage to your succulent, keeping the roots dry at all times. Be sure to use this type of soil for your Echeveria. Succulent soils are comprised of coarse sand or perlite to keep your plant well-drained. You could also choose to prepare your succulent soil mixture.

What Is the Praoper Soil Type for Succulents?

What Is the Perfect Pot for Echeverias?

Aside from choosing the best soil, it is also important to choose a good draining pot for your succulents to achieve the best drainage. Never plant your Echeverias in a pot that does not have any drainage holes on the bottom.

Clay or ceramic planters with broad drainage holes are perfect for your Echeverias. This is the best way of keeping the roots of your plant dry and breathable.

Do You Need Fertilizers for Your Echeverias?

Succulents will obtain nutrients from their soil. Hence, they do not require any additional nutrition to survive. However, giving them fertilizer at least once a year can help them in thriving better. Typically, it is best to give them fertilizer during the springtime. In this way, they can grow rapidly and can bloom as well during this season.

At the start of the spring, give them a slow-release fertilizer. Never over-fertilize them since this can cause them to burn.

How to Propagate Echeveria?

Propagating Echeveria from seeds might take some time and requires a lot of effort too. It is not easy but can be possible. If you want an easy way of propagating them, then you can grow them from cuttings or leaves. Also, they can grow lots of offsets too, so you don’t have to bother propagating them. Once your Echeveria generates offsets, cut them with a scissor or a knife. Place them on a dry surface for several days. Then, you can plant them in the soil so it can grow roots and eventually grow into a new plant.

Can Echeveria Bloom?

Absolutely! The flowers of Echeverias come in different colors and shapes. If you have cared for them well, then they can blossom each year, most probably around summer. During this time, they are already mature enough.

Most types of Echeveria can blossom at the end of summer. However, there are unique types that can bloom in other months, such as in November. Some people are wondering why Echeverias die after they blossom. However, this is just a myth about Sempervivums. Although, it is a fact that Sempervivums and Echeverias belong to the same family Echeverias blossoms yearly while Sempervivums will perish right after they bloom.

How to Care for Echeverias Inside Your House with Pets?

Little kids are at risk of eating colorful plants inside the home. Pets such as dogs and cats can also get sick due to succulents. But when it comes to Echeverias, there’s no need to worry about anything at all. This is because they are non-toxic and completely safe for your little children and pets. This is why they can make an excellent houseplant for big families.

What Are the Best Echeveria Types?

Echeveria is composed of approximately 200 species. There is a possibility that this can increase since researchers are continuing to make discoveries. Nowadays, we can see new species of plants formed through hybridization. Here, we will give you some of the best varieties of Echeverias that you can grow and care for!

Echeveria Laui
This is one of the most beautiful Echeveria species since it can produce marvelous pink flowers and has blue-green matte leaves. Although its rosettes can develop gradually it can reach a width of 12 centimeters and a height of 15 centimeters.

Echeveria Agavoides
These are the small species of Echeverias. They don’t have any stem and they can grow into a star shape. They have pointed leaves that can expand up to 12 centimeters. Every summer, they can boom slim pink-red flowers.

Echeveria Elegans
This type of Echeveria is also referred to as the “Mexican Hens and Chicks.” They are considered as one of the most typical types of succulents. The Echeveria Elegans succulent is very easy to grow and propagate using its offsets.

Echeveria Peacockii
A fast-growing Echeveria succulent that is comprised of blue-green leaves with red edges. Echeveria Peacockii can produce orange-pink flowers that can reach up to 25 centimeters.

Echeveria Lilacina
A well-known Echeveria succulent that is also referred to as the Ghost Echeveria. They come in a gorgeous color of lilac. Orange proportioned rosette blooms can be seen on this plant.

Echeveria Setosa
The Echeveria Setosa is an extraordinary type of Echeveria since its leaves are shrouded with small white hairs. They are short, broad and does not have a stem.

Conclusion

It is not surprising that Echeverias are considered as one of the most popular varieties of succulents. They can thrive both indoors and outdoors. They look beautiful in a variety of shapes and colors. Most of all they produce the most gorgeous flowers each year. Aside from this, Echeverias are also very easy to propagate.

We hope these details about Echeveria can inspire you to grow your own. If you have not experienced growing succulents yet, then we can help you. Eden Succulents has a variety of guidelines that you can use in growing your plants. If you need further help, then just send us your message on the comments below.

Fat Plants San Diego Live Echeveria Hybrid Succulent Plant

Succulent Fertilizer

  • Plants will arrive in individual or group gift packaging with cushioning.
  • Fully rooted living succulent plant in a plastic growers pot with soil. Available in 2 and 4 inch standard growers planters.
Echeveria Lola Succulent plant gorgeous pale tones of lavender

Indoor Watering Can

Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a beautiful succulent plant, up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. It forms a sculpted rosette up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, with a somewhat “rosebud” shape.