Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’ is a succulent with a unique appearance. This plant forms a low-growing rosette of glaucous blue-green leaves, adorned with heart-shaped bumps. It grows up to 8 inches in diameter, creating a striking focal point. The leaves often feature a dusty, waxy coating called farina, and their colors can transform to shades of red or purple when exposed to bright light or cooler temperatures.
Caring for Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’
Light Requirements
Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’ thrives in bright sunlight, which maintains its vibrant colors and compact rosette form. It enjoys bright, indirect light or filtered sun; some direct sun exposure intensifies red or purple hues. Indoors, a south-facing or west-facing window is ideal, providing several hours of strong light daily. Insufficient light can cause leggy growth.
Watering Needs
Water Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’ using the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. This mimics infrequent rains, encouraging robust root growth and preventing root rot. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, but avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. Adjust watering frequency seasonally; more frequent watering is needed during spring and summer, while significantly reducing it in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil prevents waterlogging and root rot for Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’. A specialized succulent or cactus mix, often with 50% to 70% mineral grit like coarse sand, pumice, or perlite, enhances drainage. Pots must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely. Repot only when the plant outgrows its container, every couple of years, and when the soil is dry.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’ prefers mild temperatures, 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, during spring and summer. As a tender succulent, it cannot survive hard frosts, requiring protection or indoor relocation if temperatures drop below freezing. The plant tolerates typical indoor humidity but thrives best in low-humidity environments, as high humidity can contribute to root rot.
Fertilizing
Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’ has low fertilization needs and grows well without it. If fertilizing, use a balanced, liquid succulent-specific fertilizer diluted to half or a quarter strength. Fertilize only during the active growing season (spring and summer), once a month, to support growth without harm. Over-fertilizing can be detrimental to the plant.
Propagating Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’
Propagating Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’ can be done from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.
Leaf Propagation
For leaf propagation, gently twist a healthy, plump leaf from the parent plant, ensuring the base is intact. Allow the leaf to dry and callous for a few days in a warm, dry area with bright, indirect light to prevent rot before planting. Once calloused, lay the leaf on the surface of well-draining succulent soil, with the cut side touching the soil. Mist the soil lightly every few days to keep it slightly moist; within weeks, roots and small rosettes will form.
Stem Cuttings
For stem cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and use a clean, sharp knife or shears to cut, leaving about 2-3 inches. Remove the lower leaves to expose a segment of the stem, then allow the cut end to callous for a few days to a week. Plant the calloused stem upright in well-draining succulent soil, ensuring stability. Roots develop within 2-4 weeks; begin watering sparingly after a few days to encourage root growth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth (etiolation) is a common issue indicating insufficient light. The plant stretches towards light, causing elongated stems and widely spaced leaves. To correct this, move the plant to a location with brighter, more intense light, such as a south-facing window or under a grow light. The stretched growth cannot revert, but new growth will be compact, and the leggy sections can be used for propagation.
Mushy Leaves or Stem Rot
Mushy leaves or stem rot indicate overwatering. Echeveria ‘Hearts Delight’ stores water in its leaves, making it susceptible to rot if the soil remains wet for too long. If these symptoms appear, reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil is drying completely between waterings. In severe cases, remove affected parts and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
Shriveling Leaves
Shriveling leaves indicate underwatering. While drought-tolerant, prolonged dryness causes leaves to lose plumpness and wrinkle. A thorough watering can rehydrate the plant, restoring the leaves to their firm state. Adjust your watering schedule to ensure the plant receives adequate moisture after the soil has fully dried.
Common Pests
Common pests include mealybugs and aphids. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses in crevices. Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that cause distorted or yellowing leaves. For mild infestations, dabbing pests with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol is effective. Insecticidal soap or neem oil are also non-toxic treatment options, ensuring thorough coverage. Isolating affected plants prevents spread to other succulents.