Echeveria ‘Angel Kissed’ is a charming succulent, cherished for its distinct beauty and straightforward care. This low-growing plant forms a concentric rosette of gray-green leaves, uniquely overlaid with a soft pink blush and pink-edged tips, giving it its “kissed” appearance. While it shares a resemblance to the popular Echeveria ‘Lola’, ‘Angel Kissed’ distinguishes itself with notably pink leaf margins and a more gray-green overall coloring. Its tidy size makes it a popular choice for small pots, mixed dish gardens, and as a decorative accent for succulent enthusiasts.
Caring for Echeveria Angel Kissed
Light Requirements
Echeveria ‘Angel Kissed’ thrives in bright light, ideally receiving several hours of bright, indirect sunlight or partial direct sun daily, which maintains its vibrant coloration and compact rosette shape. Placing it near a south or west-facing window indoors often provides sufficient light. Insufficient light can cause etiolation, where stems elongate and leaves space out as the plant stretches for light. Outdoors, it tolerates full sun, but in hotter climates, morning sun or partial shade during intense afternoon hours prevents sunburn. Gradually acclimate the plant to new light conditions.
Watering Needs
Like most succulents, Echeveria ‘Angel Kissed’ stores water in its thick leaves and stems, making it drought-tolerant; use the “soak and dry” method by watering thoroughly until drainage occurs, then allowing the soil to dry completely before rewatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot. During the spring and summer growing season, water every 7-10 days, depending on temperature and humidity. In fall and winter, during semi-dormancy, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry completely and remain dry for a week or more. Soil dryness or slightly soft, wrinkled lower leaves indicate when to water.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix prevents waterlogging and root rot; a specialized succulent or cactus potting mix, amended with perlite or pumice for increased drainage, is ideal. The plant prefers a slightly acidic pH around 6.0. Pots must have drainage holes. Unglazed clay pots are beneficial as they absorb excess soil moisture. Repotting is infrequent, only necessary when the plant becomes root-bound, typically in spring.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria ‘Angel Kissed’ prefers warm, dry conditions, mirroring its native semi-desert habitats; ideal temperatures are 65-80°F (18-27°C) in spring and summer, tolerating up to 95°F (35°C). In winter, cooler temperatures are acceptable, but keep it above 50°F (10°C) as it is not frost-tolerant. Humidity should be low, ideally 30-50%, to prevent mold and fungal infections. Average household humidity is sufficient. If humidity is too high, especially indoors, good air circulation helps.
Fertilizing
Echeveria ‘Angel Kissed’ has minimal fertilization needs, growing naturally in nutrient-lean desert soils, so fertilize sparingly during the active spring and summer growing season. A diluted liquid succulent or cactus-specific fertilizer, applied monthly or every 8 weeks, is appropriate. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to weak, stretched growth and increased rot susceptibility. Fertilizing is not necessary during the plant’s semi-dormant winter. Fading color or slowed growth during the growing season may indicate a need for a light nutrient boost.
Propagating Echeveria Angel Kissed
Propagating Echeveria ‘Angel Kissed’ is achieved through leaf cuttings or by separating offsets. Leaf propagation is widely used for Echeveria and offers a high success rate.
- Gently twist a healthy, plump leaf from the stem, ensuring the entire leaf, including its base, detaches cleanly.
- After removal, allow the leaf to “callus” in a dry, shaded area for a few days to a week until the cut end forms a dry seal.
- Callusing prevents rot when the leaf is placed on soil.
- Once callused, lay the leaf flat on top of well-draining succulent soil.
- Place the tray in bright, indirect light; do not water immediately.
- After a few weeks, tiny roots and a new plantlet emerge from the callused end of the leaf.
- At this point, lightly mist the soil around the new roots or provide minimal water, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications.
- The original leaf eventually shrivels and falls off, supplying energy to the new growth.
Common Issues and Solutions
Root Rot
Overwatering frequently causes root rot in Echeveria ‘Angel Kissed’. Symptoms of root rot include dark brown or black roots, mushy stems, and yellowing or mushy leaves that may drop easily. To address this, promptly remove the plant from its pot, trim away any dark, unhealthy roots with clean tools, and allow the remaining roots to dry and callus before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pests
Pests like mealybugs or aphids can infest Echeveria. Inspect plants regularly for signs of these insects. Dab pests directly with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or use neem oil as an organic treatment.
Etiolation
Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy with elongated stems and widely spaced leaves. This indicates the plant is searching for more light. To correct this, gradually move the plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight; sudden changes can cause sunburn. Severely etiolated plants may need to be “beheaded,” where the stretched top portion is cut and re-rooted as a new, compact plant.