Product Description:
This is a desert succulent from the Crassulaceae family. It’s sometimes called Hen and Chicks, although several species go by this common name and it can be difficult to tell these succulent plants apart. All echeverias grow in a rosette 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) across on short stems. The rosette has fleshy, blue-green leaves that become tinged with red when exposed to sun. Handle it with care because the leaves break off easily.
Light:
Bright light with some direct sun. You can move this sun-loving succulent outdoors for the summer, be sure to bring it back indoors when nighttime temperatures drop to 55°F/13°C; it’s not cold-hardy.
Water:
Keep the mix lightly moist spring through fall and water sparingly in winter. Water the potting mix and not the rosette because it can easily rot. Wrinkled leaves indicate this succulent plant needs more water.
Temperature:
In spring and summer, average to warm 65-80°F/18-27°C. Slightly cooler in fall and winter 55-75°F/13-24°C.
Humidity:
Average to dry room humidity (40% relative humidity or lower)
Soil:
Cactus potting mix, or equal parts horticultural sand with all-purpose potting mix.
Fertilizer:
Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with a 2-7-7 liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Propagation:
Offsets can be cut off and potted in their own containers. Leaf cuttings can be propagated in spring and summer. Allow leaf to dry for 24 hours to stop the oozing of its sap. Push the cut end into moist potting mix. Do not cover the pot with plastic because succulents are likely to rot with excessive moisture.
Potting and Repotting:
Plants in the Echeveria genus do not require frequent repotting and should only be repotted once they have outgrown their previous container. To repot an Echeveria plant ensure that the soil is completely dry before removing it from its potting container. Carefully remove the excess soil from the roots before placing the plant in its new pot. Repotting in the spring is usually recommended as the plant will be entering into its active growing period. Wait a week before watering after repotting to avoid the risk of root rot.
