Echeveria care: watering, light and repotting
Also called rosette succulent, hens and chicks · Echeveria elegans · Crassulaceae family
28 d in winter
How often to water the echeveria?
Allow about 12 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 28 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Water at the base, never into the heart of the rosette. Full sun and very free-draining soil.
What light does it need?
The echeveria loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to July, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 2–6 in (5–15 cm).
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Stretching rosette
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Put it on your sunniest windowsill.
Black, soft leaves
Cause: Rot. What to do: Remove the damaged leaves and water much less.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the echeveria?
About every 12 days in spring and summer, and every 4 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the echeveria?
The echeveria loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the echeveria?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the echeveria?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the echeveria safe?
The echeveria is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the echeveria forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.