Crested Echeveria: A Guide to Growing and Caring for These Unique Succulents

An Introduction to Crested Echeveria

Crested echeveria, also known as Echeveria 'Pink Trumpet', are a unique and eye-catching type of succulent. As their name suggests, they have a distinguishing crested or ruffled formation along the edges of their rosette-shaped leaves. This gives them an elegant, fluted appearance unlike other echeveria varieties. Their coloring also sets them apart, with leaves ranging from pastel pink to deeper rose tones. When cared for properly, crested echeveria can be a wonderful addition to any succulent garden or plant collection.

The Origins of Crested Echeveria

Crested echeveria first arose as a mutation of the popular Echeveria elegans species. While E. elegans normally forms symmetry rosettes of blue-green leaves, a crested mutation emerged with ruffled leaves and a tendency for vibrant pink coloring. Crested mutations like this occur spontaneously in plants, resulting in unique new varieties. The crested echeveria mutation became popular with specialty succulent growers and collectors, who valued it for its one-of-a-kind appearance.

The plants were cultivated and reproduced, allowing crested echeveria to become established as a distinctive succulent variety. Today, many specialty nurseries and online succulent shops offer crested echeveria for sale. They remain a beloved novelty succulent, adding whimsical flair to rock gardens, dish gardens, windowsill collections, and more.

The Characteristics of Crested Echeveria

Crested echeveria have a number of defining features that set them apart from their non-crested echeveria relatives:

• Ruffled, fluted leaves: The leaves have ruffled, crested edges rather than the smooth, symmetrical edges of most echeveria.
• Pink coloring: Vibrant pink hues ranging from soft pastel to richer magenta.
• Rosette growth: The leaves radiate outward in a rosette shape when healthy.
• Compact size: Mature plants reach about 4-6 inches wide.
• Slow growth: Crested echeveria grow at a slow pace compared to other succulents.
• Blooms: Produces orange-red flowers on thin stalks during the summer.

Caring for Crested Echeveria

While crested echeveria require similar care to other echeveria varieties, there are a few key things to keep in mind to help them thrive:

• Sunlight: Provide bright, filtered light indoors or gradual sun exposure outdoors. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves.
• Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus/succulent soil mix.
• Water: Water thoroughly when soil is dry, then allow to dry out again before re-watering. Take care not to overwater.
• Temperature & Humidity: Average room temperatures work well. Higher humidity can lead to rot.
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced succulent fertilizer at 1/4 or 1/2 strength during the growing season.
• Pruning: Remove any leaves that become severely crested, distorted, or diseased.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in spring, using fresh succulent/cactus mix.

Tips for Growing Crested Echeveria

Here are some useful tips to help your crested echeveria thrive:

• Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Crested echeveria are prone to rot if overwatered.
• Provide small amounts of water more frequently, rather than infrequent deep watering. This encourages shallow root growth.
• Shelter from harsh sun and heat. Dappled shade or morning sun is ideal.
• Use terra cotta pots to help wick away moisture.
• Repot immediately if roots begin circling the pot, as this can lead to decline.
• Remove spent flower stalks to encourage further blooming.
• Propagate by removing and re-rooting offsets or leaves.

Why Grow Crested Echeveria?

Crested echeveria offer something different and unique for succulent enthusiasts who want to expand their collections. Here are just a few reasons why these funky succulents are worth making room for:

• They have gorgeous, eye-catching crested leaves unlike any other succulent.
• Their pink colors add cheery contrast to mixed succulent plantings.
• Small size makes them perfect for windowsills, desk tops, centerpieces, and terrariums.
• Conversation-starter for anyone visiting your home or garden!
• Fun challenge for experienced succulent growers looking to try a trickier variety.
• Makes an unusual gift for fellow succulent lovers.

With their delightfully ruffled leaves in shades of pink, crested echeveria offer a whimsical charm that's hard to resist. For succulent collectors and gardeners looking for something just a little bit different, crested echeveria are a pick that's sure to make you smile.

FAQs

How often should I water crested echeveria?

Crested echeveria should be watered thoroughly when the soil has dried out, then allowed to dry again before the next watering. About once a week is usually sufficient, but always check the soil moisture rather than watering on a fixed schedule.

What type of soil do crested echeveria need?

A fast-draining cactus or succulent soil mix is ideal. You can also make your own mix using equal parts potting soil, perlite or pumice, and sand.

How much sunlight do crested echeveria require?

Crested echeveria prefer bright, filtered sunlight. They can tolerate a few hours of morning or evening direct sun but should be sheltered from intense midday sun to avoid leaf burn.

What causes crested echeveria leaves to turn brown?

Overwatering and resulting root rot is the most common cause of brown leaves in crested echeveria. Hot sun, dry air, or cold drafts can also cause leaf tips to turn brown. Remove any badly damaged leaves.

How do I propagate crested echeveria?

You can propagate crested echeveria through offsets, cuttings, or by removing and replanting leaves. Offsets and cuttings are planted directly in soil, while leaves must sit on dry soil until they form roots before being planted.