A popular type of succulent that you might see pop up on your social media feed is the Echeveria succulent. Echeverias look great in terrariums, indoor succulent gardens, and floral arrangements. Not only are they beautiful with their rosette-shaped leaves, but they are also hassle-free to care for!
Echeveria succulents can make a wonderful addition to your houseplant collection. They come in so many different sizes, colors, and leaf shapes. Some also bloom flowers. Echeverias can add a hint of color to your rooms and enliven your house.
In Canada, the weather can get chilly, especially in places like Quebec, Edmonton, and Toronto. If you live in one of Canada’s colder cities, you can still enjoy being an indoor plant parent. Luckily, Echeverias are not a picky variety. They can grow in indoor environments (as long as they are protected from chilly drafts) and additionally prefer dry climates.
Echeverias will also be happy living in warmer cities, like Victoria and Vancouver.
If you’ve just bought your first Echeveria and you’re not entirely sure how to care for it, we’re here to offer some guidance! From watering to sunlight requirements, these plants really don’t need much, but a few tips on Echeveria care can still come in handy.
Watering
You do not need to keep too careful an eye on your Echeveria watering schedule. For this plant, water requirements are minimal. In fact, Echeverias do well when they are underwatered. If your Echeveria is overwatered, you might notice yellow leaves or mushy foliage.
When watering your Echeveria, completely soak the soil. Then wait around two weeks until the soil is fully dry to water again. During the winter, you don’t need to water your plant as often. It’s important not to overwater your succulent since this can cause root rot.
Light
These plants should be placed in a sunny spot where they can get bright, indirect light. If you abruptly move your Echeveria from a shady spot to a sunny one, this can cause overexposure and burning.
If you want to place your Echeveria in a brighter spot, move it gradually each day. This will allow it to adjust to the new conditions. Echeverias should not be put under direct light during blazing summer months, as this light can be too strong for them.
Soil
Like all succulents, Echeverias need to be placed in well-draining soil. Sitting in dampness can lead to root rot. These plants do best when placed in a dry mix. Cactus potting soil can be a good option for Echeverias. You can also use succulent potting soil or promote drainage by adding sand or perlite to the mix.
Repotting
If you notice your Echeveria looking like it’s about to spill out of its pot, then it might be time to give it a larger container.
First make sure that the soil is dry before you repot. Carefully pull the succulent out. Dump out the old soil mix and carefully brush away the remaining chunks from the roots. Be extra gentle when handling this area of the plant. Then, get a larger container and fill the bottom layer with dry, fresh succulent soil. Place your Echeveria in the center of the pot and fill it with potting mix.
Give your Echeveria a week to get used to its new planter. After a week, you can start watering it again.
Fertilizer
Echeveria plants can grow even in soil that lacks nutrients. For this reason, fertilizer is not typically necessary. During active growing seasons (in the summer or spring), you can add fertilizer to give Echeverias a slight boost if desired. Over-fertilizing can cause the plant to burn though, so be careful about the amount of fertilizer you use. Be sure to dilute it at least two to four times more than usual to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
If your plant has grown too large, you can prune away unwanted parts. When your Echeveria doesn’t get enough light, it might grow taller with sparse, stretched-out leaves. This is your plant’s way of reaching towards a light source. To keep your plant looking its best, you can prune this growth. Then, you can place your Echeveria in a brighter spot so that it can grow normally.
Pests
Mealybugs can show up on your Echeveria succulent. These are tiny bugs that like to eat succulents. If they aren’t treated, they can spread to your other houseplants. They are incredibly annoying to deal with, but there are some easy solutions to get rid of them.
You can wet a q-tip with isopropyl alcohol and use this to kill mealybugs. You can also use a spray bottle. Isopropyl alcohol is safe for your succulent and will not cause any damage. Another option is using dish soap and water.
To keep pests away and prevent any fungal diseases, be sure to keep the soil clean and remove any dead leaves. This will also help keep your plant looking tidy and well-groomed.