Echeveria ‘Autumn Flame’ is a succulent known for its vibrant colors and rosette form. This hybrid, developed by Altman Plants, is a popular choice. Its changing hues add an attractive element to displays.
Echeveria Autumn Flame Identification
Echeveria ‘Autumn Flame’ forms rosettes with shiny, undulate leaves. Leaves are reddish-brown, often with lighter red margins, and range from deep green to fiery orange, red, and yellow in bright sunlight. Each satiny leaf slightly overlaps the one closer to the center, creating a spiraling effect. It grows up to 6 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter, with leaves reaching about 7.5 cm long by 2.5 cm wide. Coloration intensifies and changes with light exposure, enhancing its “flame” appearance.
Echeveria Autumn Flame Care
Light Requirements
Echeveria ‘Autumn Flame’ prefers full sun to partial shade. Sunlight maintains vibrant colors and a compact rosette. Insufficient light causes etiolation, resulting in a leggy appearance with sparse leaves. Gradually transition plants outdoors in spring to prevent sunburn.
Watering Practices
Use the “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly until drainage, then allow soil to dry completely before rewatering. Overwatering causes root rot; ensure proper drainage and dry soil between waterings. Water moderately from spring to fall. In winter, water only enough to prevent leaves from shriveling.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil prevents water retention around roots. A commercial succulent or cactus potting mix works, or create one with potting soil, coarse sand, pumice, or perlite for drainage. Pots with drainage holes are essential. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball to prevent damp soil.
Temperature and Humidity
It prefers warm climates and does not tolerate frost. It tolerates temperatures as low as 30 to 50°F (-1.1 to 10°C), suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b. Bring indoors if temperatures drop below freezing. It prefers drier conditions; excessive humidity can contribute to root rot.
Fertilizing
It has low fertilizer needs and grows well without it. If fertilizing, do so sparingly during spring and summer. Use a slow-release or liquid fertilizer diluted 2 to 4 times more than usual, and less often than recommended. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Propagating Echeveria Autumn Flame
Propagate through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or by separating offsets. Spring is the most favorable time, as the plant is actively growing.
Leaf Cuttings
Gently remove a healthy leaf from the mother plant, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaf to dry for a few days until the cut end forms a callus, preventing rot. Once callused, place the leaf on well-draining succulent soil; avoid immediate watering. Roots and a new rosette emerge from the callused end over several weeks; the original leaf will eventually shrivel.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are effective, especially from leggy plants. Cut a healthy stem section, removing lower leaves to expose a clean segment. Allow the cut end to callus for several days to a week before planting to prevent rot. Once callused, insert the stem into well-draining soil, ensuring it is anchored. New roots will develop, leading to new growth.
Offsets
It often produces small offsets, also known as “chicks” or “pups,” around the base of the mother plant. Remove them with a clean cut when large enough, typically when their stock is long enough. After removal, allow the offset to callus for a few days in a dry, shady spot. Once callused, plant the offset into well-draining succulent soil.
Troubleshooting Echeveria Autumn Flame
Common Pests
It can encounter common succulent pests like mealybugs or aphids. Pests often hide in leaf crevices or at the plant’s base. Regular inspection helps detect infestations early. Treatment involves manual removal with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or applying insecticidal soap.
Diseases and Fungal Issues
Root rot is the primary disease concern, typically resulting from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Symptoms include soft, mushy leaves or a black stem. To prevent this, ensure soil dries completely between waterings and use a well-draining potting mix with drainage holes. If root rot is suspected, remove affected parts and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Care-Related Problems
Lack of light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches with elongated stems and widely spaced leaves. Shriveled leaves indicate underwatering, signaling the plant needs a deep soak. Mushy or yellowing leaves, especially at the base, point to overwatering or consistently wet soil. Adjusting watering frequency and ensuring proper drainage resolves these issues.