If you like succulents, you can't ignore the Echeveria. In our little guide we will tell you how and where it is planted.
The echeveria spreads Mediterranean charm as a decorative succulent plant. A special eye-catcher are the leaf rosettes, which can have different colors and shapes. A special delight for every hobby gardener are the pretty flowers that some species produce. In order for the decorative plant to develop well, it needs the right "start in life" and this begins with the planting. Find out now how you can help these pretty exotic plants to grow luxuriantly and bloom with the right choice of location and substrate.
Plant description and distribution area
These are evergreen perennial succulents. The Echeveria is particularly rich in species and there are different sized and colored leaf rosettes. The thick fleshy leaves are usually arranged stemless. However, some species also grow as shrubs. The succulents can have pink, orange or red flowers. Some species also flower green or yellowish.
The Echeveria's natural range is to be found in Central and South America. The plants are particularly widespread in Mexico and Texas. There the succulents grow at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters. In contrast, the plants are not found in Chile and Brazil.
Find the right location
The Echeverie is a child of the sun. It loves a bright location and does well in direct sunlight. If the location is too dark, the plant responds with deformed leaves and leaf fall. The plants can be placed in a south-facing window in full sun all year round.
➔ Tip: The Echeveria should definitely get at least three hours of sun a day.
In the summer, the plants are allowed to move into the garden. Here, too, pure sunshine is desired. The echeveria should not be positioned in the shade of other plants. A location near bodies of water or rain gutters is also not ideal, as the plants are sensitive to moisture.
Which location promotes flowering?
If you want to enjoy the flowers of your Echeveria, you shouldchoose winter quarters that are not too warm - about ten degrees is ideal. If the temperatures are a little lower, the chances of blooming in the following year increase.
➔ Tip: Plants that oversummer in the garden can stay outdoors until late autumn and are only brought into the house before the first frosts.
The ideal location in keywords:
- light
- sunny
- dry
- cool winter conditions promote flowering
Selecting the ideal substrate
Echeveria needs a nutrient-rich substrate. Mineral components are also important for good growth. The water permeability of the substrate is very important. It is essential to avoid water stagnating in the planter. Plants that are used to a dry environment do not tolerate waterlogging.
The substrate can be made more permeable by adding gravel, lava granules or quartz sand. Cactus soil is very suitable for the Echeveria. It is advisable to apply a layer of gravel or bird sand to the substrate so that the rosettes do not rot or become moldy when they lie on the substrate.
Find the right substrate in keywords:
- loose
- nutrient rich
- permeable
- mineral
Planting the Echeveria - step by step
- Select planter
- Prepare substrate
- Put drainage
- Fill in substrate
- Insert plant
- Fill substrate
- Apply layer of gravel or sand
- Water the plant lightly
Planting Echeveria - all the facts at a glance
| Measure | Explanation |
| Select location | ▶ The location should be bright and sunny. ▶ The plants tolerate full midday sun and can be placed on the south-facing window. ▶ The plant can spend the summer outdoors.▶ A cooler winter position stimulates flowering. |
| Substrate selection | ▶ The substrate should be loose so that the irrigation water can always drain off well and itwaterlogging does not occur. ▶ Cactus soil, which is mixed with sand or clay granules, is very suitable. |
| Planting Process | ▶ The planter can also be smaller. ▶ The roots do not spread too far and planting bowls are therefore also suitable. ▶ Before the substrate is filled, Drainage should be considered. ▶ This consists of gravel or shards of pottery placed on the bottom of the container to help prevent waterlogging. |
Planting the Echeveria outdoors - is that possible?
The echeveria is allowed to spend the summer outdoors. During this time, the succulent can also be placed directly outdoors. The plants are not hardy and must therefore be dug up again in autumn. You can make this easier by placing the Echeveria in the ground directly in the plant basket or by keeping it in a bucket.
Keep the Echeveria in the pot
The echeveria is particularly decorative outdoors in a pot. There is no need to choose a large flower pot. A smaller planter is sufficient. In any case, make sure that the irrigation water can run off well and that rainwater does not accumulate in the planter. A covered location is therefore advisable. This allows better control of the fluid balance. A drainage made of gravel or broken pottery protects against waterlogging.
What should be considered when repotting?
Young plants grow relatively quickly and can be moved to a larger planter every spring. Older plants should be transplanted about every three years. This does not necessarily happen because they threaten to exceed the dimensions of the plant pot due to their willingness to grow. The substrate wears out over time and should therefore be completely replaced when transplanting.
➔ Tip: Low-growing echeverias are particularly decorative in a planter.
When transplanting, make sure not to plant the plants deeper than they were originally. This could lead to rot. If the substrate is covered with sand, the water can run off better and the lower leaves of the stemless species are protected from rot.
➔ Tip: Some species develop aerial roots. The plants therefore do not need to be repotted when roots appear on the surface.
Repotting is stressful for any plant. However, the Echeveria will recover quickly if care has been taken when transplanting and the rootswere spared. In order for the plant to recover as quickly as possible, you should choose a shady location for about two weeks after repotting and only expose the plant to the blazing sun after this acclimatization period.