Echeveria

Echeveria spp. · Succulent

A rose-shaped succulent in shades of blue, green, pink and purple, often covered in a powdery coating. It needs lots of light to keep its tight shape and color, and very little water.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun to very bright light, 6+ hours

Water

Deeply when the soil is completely dry, every 1–3 weeks

Soil

Gritty cactus mix with pumice; pH 6.0–7.0

Temperature

Best 65–80 °F; keep above 40 °F

Pot size

1 in wider than the rosette

Container

Terracotta with a drain hole

Bloom/Growth

Flower stalks with bell-shaped blooms in spring–summer

Lifespan

3–10+ years; renews from offsets (estimated)

When?

Plant or repot in spring. Outdoors, plant out only after the last frost and bring pots in before freezing nights.

Step by step

1. Use a pot with a drain hole and a mix of cactus soil with plenty of pumice.
2. Set the rosette so its lower leaves sit on top of the soil, not buried.
3. Wait a few days after repotting before watering.
4. Soak the soil, let excess drain away and do not water again until fully dry.
5. Water the soil, not the rosette; water left in the center can rot it.
6. Avoid touching the leaves; the powdery coating rubs off and does not return.
7. Twist off healthy lower leaves, let them dry, and lay them on soil to grow new plants.

Common problems

Pets

Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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