Caring for Echeverias is not difficult, as they are quite hardy succulents. However, you can get better results if you have a basic understanding of what they need.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert gardener, it will not hurt to keep in mind the advice we are going to give you.
What are Echeverias?
It is a type of succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae, native to arid and semi-arid areas of America, mainly Mexico.
There are a wide variety of them, such as the elegans or lilac and, although they are different, they share a series of common features:
- Rosettes. The most distinctive feature of these plants are their thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette shape.
- Adaptation to dry climate. Because they originate from arid areas, they cope very well with dry climates. Their ability to store water in their leaves allows them to survive in drought conditions.
- Flowers. The rosette of leaves is undoubtedly the most striking feature of these plants, but they also flower. Their flowers are small and brightly coloured, such as red, orange or yellow.
All Echeveria varieties also have their popularity in common. Their beauty, ease of care and versatility make them the favourite plants of many people.
What you need to know to care for Echeverias
If you want to keep any of the varieties of this species in good condition, here are some tips that will help you keep your plants strong and healthy.
The perfect substrate
Choose one that has a high drainage capacity. If no plant likes to accumulate water in its roots, these roots do even less so. They can rot quickly if the substrate remains wet for a long time.
To avoid the risk of waterlogging, you can use commercial substrate for cacti and succulents. But you can also create your own by mixing equal parts:
- Universal substrate.
- Coarse sand.
- pearlite
The right pot
You already know that there are pots made of different materials, but the most advisable thing in this case is to choose a model of terracotta, because it helps the evaporation of water.
As for size, choose one that is slightly larger than the rosette of the plant. If you use a pot that is significantly larger, there will be more soil and therefore a greater risk of the roots becoming waterlogged, so it is best not to overdo it.
Another aspect that you should evaluate is that the pot has good drainage holes. To prevent clogging, you can place a little gravel at the base of the pot before adding the substrate.
Be careful not to put a saucer under the pot, and if you do, remove it before watering so that excess water does not accumulate and is absorbed by the soil.
The best location
To care for Echeverias, light plays a fundamental role. These plants appreciate receiving bright light, but we must avoid direct sunlight exposure during the central hours of the day, especially during the summer.
The perfect location would be near an east or west facing window.
As far as temperatures are concerned, warm temperatures are best. Echeverias can tolerate cold temperatures, but it is essential that we do not leave them exposed to frost or we will lose them.
Irrigation and humidity: less is more
As succulents, these plants do not require too frequent watering, although we cannot forget about them and leave them completely without water.
Irrigation has to be deep, allowing the water to drain completely. As for the frequency, it depends on the type of substrate used, the size of the pot and the ambient temperature.
To avoid making the mistake of overwatering, make sure that the substrate is completely dry before giving your plant water again.
Another tip: these plants prefer dry environments, so they don't need any moisture. Don't be tempted to water their leaves no matter how hot it is, as this can encourage the growth of fungi.
Fertilization: yes or no?
It is not really necessary to fertilize Echeverias but, if you want to do so, do so with a specific product for cacti and succulents. Once a month during the spring and summer months.
In autumn and winter the plant is dormant and will not grow, so it does not need an extra amount of nutrients.
Transplanting Echeverias
Monitor the growth of your plant and when you see that the roots fill the entire pot you can consider transplanting. It is usually necessary to do so. every two or three years.
Carefully remove the plant from the old pot, pulling from the base so as not to damage the rosette leaves. Remove the old substrate and place the plant in a new pot that is slightly larger than the previous one. Take the opportunity to completely renew the substrate.
After finishing the operation, place the plant in its usual place and water it well. Take advantage of this moment to give it a little fertilizer.
After the initial stress of repotting, your Echeveria should be fully adjusted to its new container within a few weeks.
ways of propagation
Do you want more Echeverias? You can multiply your specimens from healthy leaves. You just have to place them in dry substrate and let them take root.
Another option is to cut the young that appear around the base and plant them directly in another pot.
Plagues and diseases
If you detect the presence of mealybugs or aphids You can remove these insects with a slightly damp cloth such as isopropyl alcohol or a little liquid soap (rinse afterwards).
If you notice that the leaves have become soft and brown spots appear, you have overwatered. Allow the substrate to dry completely and, if necessary, consider changing it.
Caring for echeverias is easy. With a little care, you can make these plants look spectacular. Do you dare to try it?