How and why to choose echeveria

Echeveria belongs to the large family of Crassulaceae, almost all succulent. These plants grow in the sub-desert areas of Mexico, Arizona and California, in warm environments with little rainfall.
The choice is wide, there are over 100 species. There are varieties with green leaves, some have pink or bronze shades, others have their reddish edge. You can also make pairings with other small succulents or cacti of compatible size.

The echeveria has a very unique shape, its leaves make up rosettes that look like flowers. In the flowering phase it produces pretty flowers from the center of the rosette, this happens in the more mature specimens. The colors of the flowers can vary between white, pink, orange or red.

If you have been intrigued and want to better understand how to grow and care for these cute little plants, this article is for you! We have listed some tips to give you, to make them shine to the fullest!

How to grow Echeveria

They are very easy plants to grow, they bloom well even in pots and in domestic environments, they are also recommended for gardening for children at home and at school, because they are not thorny.
They need little water and with little attention these plants can live many years and bloom regularly.

Environment and Temperature

Its sub-desert origin indicates that Echeveria likes warm environments. This plant is not afraid of the sun, in summer you can move it to the garden or terrace, we suggest you get used to it first in the shade and then gradually in the sun. It is very important to remember that these plants suffer from frost, better to keep them in a cool but not freezing environment, preferably not below 7 ° C, in full light.

Watering

Echeveria requires very moderate watering, in order to slightly moisten the soil. To find out if it needs water, you can feel the soil. Wetting should generally be done every 5/7 days in summer, about every 2 weeks in winter and does not even require spraying on the foliage. Wait about 15 minutes after wetting, and empty the saucer of any unabsorbed water.

How much and when to fertilize

Echeveria has a modest nutritional requirement, it is necessary to fertilize every 20 days from spring to summer, being able to suspend in autumn and winter. Never exceed with the quantity of fertilizer, it is better a little than too much. Before fertilizing it is good to slightly moisten the soil.

Which fertilizer to use

It is better to choose a specific product for cacti, for example NPK 5-6-9, and rich in microelements such as Molybdenum (Mo), Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn) which help prevent nutritional micro-deficiencies. You can also use fertilizers in sticks or vials to insert into the soil, for cacti or universal.

Cleaning and pruning

The interventions to keep the echeveria in shape are very few, you can occasionally clean the leaves with a soft brush to remove the dust, which can clog the pores of the leaves. Do not use foliar polish, a damp cloth is sufficient. To prevent the formation of a hardened crust, the surface of the soil can be moved.

Language of flowers

Echeveria expresses a meaning of perfect strength, because it is resistant and pleasantly tidy in appearance, it is also recommended as a small lucky plant.

If this plant has intrigued you, you can't imagine how many species you can find in the Hypergreen Plants department!