Echeveria Allegra

Echeveria Allegra, Starting to Bloom

Echeveria Allegra, Blooming

Echeveria Allegra, Up Close

Echeveria Allegra, Blooming

Echeveria Allegra, Blooming

Echeverias are some of my favorite succulents. There are a wide range of varieties, and each is so unique and colorful! Echeverias usually bloom in the summer time, but sometimes in winter or spring depending on the variety. The blooms usually last for a few weeks to a month!!

Photoed above is my Echeveria Allegra, which bloomed from July-August. It grew 3 flower stalks in the same summer. The flowers were a beautiful bright pink and orange color, and each flower stalk lasted about a month. Once the flower stalk dies, it is healthiest for the plant to cut it off near the leaves.

Echeverias can often be confused with Sempervivums because both can grow in a "Hen and Chicks" formation, which is where new baby plants, "chicks", will start to grow from the base of the mother plant, the "hen". However, unlike Sempervivums, which die after they flower, Echeverias will continue to grow and will flower year after year.

Propagating Succulents from Cuttings

Sedum Dendroideum

Propagating succulents can be extremely easy! This is a sedum cutting from a wild sedum that is growing in my back yard. 

How to propagate from cuttings:

1. Take a cutting that is at least 2-3 inches long. I usually cut the ends at an angle to give them more surface room to grow new roots.
2. Let the cutting sit out for a few days in a spot indoors with indirect sunlight to allow the freshly cut end to callus over. Depending on your area's climate, it may take longer than a few days. It's better to let it dry longer if you're unsure. During this time you may start to see new roots already forming, or you may not.
3. After the end has hardened over, it is safe to put the cutting in dry soil. Plant the cutting in soil but do not water. Watering the cutting could cause root rot if it has not completely callused over yet.
4. In a few days to a week, start lightly watering your cutting. You want to water the cutting when you notice the top soil is dry. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
5. In about 2 weeks to a month, you should see signs of new growth! This new growth will indicate that the cutting has taken root. If you do not see any new growth, as long as most of the leaves look healthy, let it be. The plant is probably starting to grow roots and removing it from the soil could disrupt it's growth. Patience is the key! :)