Plants are more popular now to use in decorations. Succulents are the perfect types of plants to use for that matter as they are easy to take care of. They also have a variety of types of different colors and shapes.
In this article, we’ll talk about one of the most beautiful types of succulents, Echeveria Devotion. It’s commonly used in all kinds of decorations. You see it in succulent gardens, artworks, bouquets, and even on wedding cakes.
By the end of this, you’ll know how to grow and take care of Echeverias to enjoy its beauty and charm. So let’s dive right in.
What Is Echeveria Devotion?
Echeveria is a family of rose-shaped succulents originally grown in Central America, South America, and Mexico. It’s differentiated from other succulents by its smooth and plump rosette leaves that usually get no taller than 12 inches depending on the type.
There are different types of Echeveria with a whole collection of gorgeous colors that always amuse the eyes. Echeveria Devotion is one of them. It’s known for its warm burgundy red color that is perfect for decorations, indoor and outdoor. It steals the show with the velvety feel and the green leaves.
Echeveria Devotion has a gorgeous round shape that stays compact for 15 cm. It’s perfect in pots on the balcony or in a rock garden.
How To Grow Echeveria Devotion?
Succulents, in general, are very easy to take care of. Echeverias specifically do really well in containers and don’t need a lot of effort to stay alive. So here’s a care guide for growing Echeverias in general.
Light
Echeverias need at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight every day to stay healthy and looking good. If they don’t receive enough sunlight they’ll become leggy and elongated as they adapt and reach towards the closest source of light.
Succulents also lose their colors without enough sunlight. The combination of heat in the morning and the cold weather at night helps to bring out the deepest color of the plant. So keep your Echeveria’s original beautiful shape and color by displaying it in enough sunlight.
Soil
One of the most crucial elements of growing Echeveria or any types of succulents is having a well-draining porous soil. Generally, succulent roots rot if they sit in water or wet soil for a long time.
If you’re growing your Echeveria in a container, make sure you’re using a pot with a drainage hole to allow water to flow out of it. But, if you’re growing the succulent in the ground, it’s best to create mounds or plant it on a hill.
Here’s a tip for you if your soil doesn’t drain well. You can DIY your soil at home by using soil amendments such as perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. Mix 2 parts of perlite or pumice, one part of coarse sand, and 3 part of the regular soil you have on hand. This works well and saves you money instead of spending it on special cactus soil.
Get Succulent Soil on Amazon!Water
Like most succulents, Echeverias don’t need much water to survive. Don’t water your plant unless the soil has dried completely to prevent its roots from rotting.
You can start by watering it once a week if you’re unsure of how often to water it. But, remember that succulents need more water in the summer more than in the winter. If you notice any signs of overwatering or underwatering, make changes in your water schedules until you get it right.
Always pour the water directly on the soil. Don’t let water sit on the rosette of the plant to prevent any rotting or fungal diseases.
Weather
Echeverias’ hardness is 9 – 11 according to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. They like hot dry weather. They can’t tolerate cold temperatures and humidity. If you live in an area that gets very cold in winter, place your plant inside the house. It’s also recommended to keep it away from bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Fertilizers
Your Echeveria can benefit from fertilizers. However, over-fertilizing it can cause fertilizer burn because Echeverias are accustomed to living in a soil poor in nutrients. If you like to use a fertilizer, do so in the spring as most succulents start actively growing. Also, dilute the fertilizer two to four times before using it.
Containers And Repotting
Echeverias can grow in a variety of places as long as you’re using a well-draining soil and a container with a drainage hole. If you’re using terracotta or ceramic pots, keep in mind that they dry out faster than other pots, so water accordingly.
Echeverias don’t need repotting unless they have outgrown their pot. To repot an Echeveria plant, remove the excess soil from the plant carefully and place it in its new home. Make sure that the soil is completely dry before repotting.
Propagating
Echeverias, like most succulents, are very easy to propagate. This is another reason to admire their existence in your house.
There are four different ways to propagate an Echeveria plant:
- Separating offsets
- Leaf cuttings
- Germinating seeds
- Stem cuttings
The most common way is the leaf cuttings. Choose a healthy-looking leaf and twist it gently using your fingers. Try to get the whole leaf including the base that attaches to the stem to be able to survive.
Place the leaf flat on a pot of soil in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight. Leave without water for 2 to 3 weeks. When you notice that the roots have started to develop, start watering it with a spray water bottle. Repeat every day or every two days depending on the weather.
After about 4 weeks, new roots will start to develop. You can then cover them with a thin layer of soil. Continue to mist the soil when dry. After four weeks or more, the old leaf will start dying on its own, and the new plant will start emerging.
Pruning
Echeverias don’t need pruning. However, if they become leggy and elongated, it’s best to prune them to keep their attractive shape and color.
Pests And Diseases
Echeveria, like most succulents, may suffer from pests and diseases like fungus gnats, spider mites, or succulent mealybugs. Aphids, mealybugs, and other pests can be easily treated.
Spraying the succulent with 70% Isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests. You may need to re-spray multiple times before you see results.
Is Echeveria Devotion Edible?
Although Echeverias are non-toxic and safe for pets and humans, it’s not recommended to eat them. They can be used on wedding cakes as ornaments.
Conclusion
You now know that Echeverias are easy plants to grow and to maintain. It doesn’t require any special treatments. They only need about 5 hours of direct sunlight and a little amount of water to stay alive besides being non-toxic.
Next time when you go to buy a plant, consider buying Echeveria Devotion. Its shape, color, and lifestyle make it more desirable to have it at home. It doesn’t need a lot of money to maintain either.
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