Echeveria is a very undemanding plant that requires little work. However, there are some special features that you should know about when caring for Echeveria.
Echeveria is very suitable as a beginner's plant. The robust exotics do not immediately take offense at every care mistake. Diseases and pests only very rarely become a problem. The extremely large variety of species fascinates every hobby gardener. The succulent plants come in about 200 species. Differently shaped and grained leaves and pretty bell-shaped flowers are an incentive to reserve a place for the Echeveria in the flower window or on the balcony or terrace in summer.
In the following, we will tell you what to look out for when caring for succulents.
Watering the Echeveria properly
Anyone who doesn't really take it seriously when it comes to watering usually has a bad hand with their houseplants. The Echeveria, on the other hand, is a true survivor because the plants store the water in their leaves and can therefore cope well with longer periods of drought. Watering is rather moderate during the growing season. The soil should only appear superficially moist. Before the next watering takes place, the soil should be completely dry.
If you water the plants too much, you risk waterlogging. The Echeveria will then also not be able to develop its typical growth form, grow rather misshapen and eventually rot.
» Tip: No water should get on the leaves of the plant. Water stains can cause rot.
Most Echeveria species grow without a stem and often take up the entire planter with their leaf rosettes. The leaves would inevitably come into contact with the irrigation water. It is therefore advisable to only water the plants from below. For this purpose, the plant is placed in a flat saucer filled with water for about half an hour. The coaster is then removed again. If the plant were to stand permanently in water, root rot would quickly occur.
» Tip: In the winter months only enough water is given so that the soil does not dry out completely.
As long as the irrigation water is not too calcareousis, tap water can be used to water the Echeveria. The plants should preferably be watered with rainwater. For many plants, a high level of humidity must be ensured by frequent spraying or by installing air humidifiers. Echeveria cope very well with low humidity.
Coming soon:
- Water moderately
- Soil is allowed to dry between waterings
- Leaves must not be wet
- Water plants preferably from below
- hardly water in winter
- low humidity is tolerated
Fertilize the Echeveria properly
During the growing season, Echeveria can be given low concentrated cactus fertilizer (My recommendation: Substral cactus food). Fertilizer can be applied at monthly intervals between April and September.
After planting or transplanting, no fertilizer is necessary in the first year. The soil is sufficiently enriched with nutrients. Commercial fertilizers do not have to be used. The plants are also happy about compost, a nettle brew or the water from the garden pond.
In short:
- use weakly concentrated cactus fertilizer
- Fertilizer application possible between April and September
- pause four to eight weeks between each application of fertilizer
Echeveria pruning - is that necessary?
The succulents do not require regular pruning. However, the indoor gardener should not lose sight of the plants completely. It is always important to look out for withered or dried parts of the plant. These must be removed as they rob the plant of unnecessary strength and thus prevent it from growing.
» Tip: It is not absolutely necessary to use scissors. Withered leaves or inflorescences can also be removed with your hands with a firm tug. This has the advantage that no unsightly residues remain on the plant, which offer bacteria an entry point and encourage the plant to rot.
Detect diseases and pests
The Echeveria is robust and is rarely attacked by diseases or pests. Mistakes in care are often the reason why the leaves grow misshapen, fall off or the entire plant begins to rot.
Insect infestation can occur, especially in the winter months. Mealybugs are one of the most common pests that trouble Echeveria.
» Tip: LowHumidity favors the appearance of mealybugs.
❍ How do I recognize mealybugs?
The pests are not difficult to spot because they are surrounded by a kind of cotton ball that cannot be overlooked. Mealybugs can appear on all parts of the plant. The pests grow up to five millimeters in size.
❍ How do you get rid of mealybugs?
The echeveria tolerates dry indoor air. However, it should not be forgotten to air regularly. If an infestation occurs, the mealybugs must be removed immediately. This can be done with paper towels, cotton swabs or wooden sticks. The cotton swabs can be soaked with alcohol. The liquid dissolves the pests' wax layer.
Echeveria overwintering - What should be considered?
The plants need a rest period between October and March. This should be granted in a sunny and light location. If the temperatures are five to ten degrees, there is a good chance that the plant will bloom next year. The soil must not dry out completely and should only be watered sporadically.
» Tip: After the hibernation, the plants need to be slowly acclimated to the sunlight outdoors. Radical resettlement on the balcony or terrace can result in burning of the leaves.