Effervescent Echeveria
Echeveria is one of the prettiest succulents; native to the semi-desert regions of Central America. These attractive succulents are rose-shaped and have fleshy leaves that store water. The leaves come in different shapes and sizes. Some of them have ruffles on them or are fuzzy. The leaves grow from a central point, called a “rosette”, hence the rose-like appearance. The plant comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The most common colors for this succulent are blue-gray or gray-green.
Echeveria succulents are typically low-growing and in the summer they get clusters of bell-shaped flowers with tallish stems. These plants are easy to grow and care for if grown in the right environment. Echeveria can be grown indoors or outdoors. When growing them indoors they need a lot of light so find a sunny window sill, desk or table. Similar to Aloe plants they make terrific edging plants around flower beds and borders or use them as a groundcover. Try mixing different colored and textured ones together to form your border. You can also grow them in containers.
Echeveria can often get mistaken with Sempervivum succulents (Hens & Chicks). The differences between the two include Echeveria not being cold hardy. They can handle some cold but can’t survive a deep freeze. On the other hand, Sempervivum succulents are not as heat-tolerant. Another difference is the shape of the flowers. Echeveria flowers are bell-shaped, while Sempervivum succulents have aster-like flowers. Most Echeveria flowers annually but if a Sempervivum flowers it will die (known as a monocarpic succulent).
These plants are non-hardy succulents and like to be planted in full sun or morning sun with shade in the afternoon. Changes in light can cause the plant to stress out. These plants are slow growers because of their low-water needs. They also do not need a lot of fertilizer. If you bring them indoors in the winter put them in the brightest room in your house. This is usually a location with southern exposure. These plants also do not need to be pruned except to remove the faded flower stems. If you grow your plant indoors and it is not bright enough your plant might not bloom. Another great feature of these beautiful plants is they attract hummingbirds.
The most common problem you will find with Echeveria is overwatering. If you see your plant wilting, shriveling, or dropping leaves you are watering it too much. The plant is deer and rabbit resistant. Echeveria is relatively disease-free just watch for aphids, mealybugs, and vine weevil.
Why not give these great plants a try!
