Echeveria ‘King Midas’ is a striking succulent with relatively straightforward care. This hybrid succulent showcases a compact, stemless rosette form. Its leaves are a powdery blue-green, with purplish-red, rosy, or peachy-pink margins, especially vivid during cooler months or when the plant experiences appropriate environmental stress. The plant can grow to over 10 cm in diameter and slowly forms clusters, making it a popular selection for both indoor and outdoor succulent enthusiasts.
Caring for Echeveria King Midas
Light Requirements
Echeveria ‘King Midas’ thrives with substantial light exposure, requiring at least four to six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is beneficial, as intense afternoon sun can potentially cause leaf burn. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches and becomes leggy, and it can also diminish leaf coloration. Gradual acclimation helps prevent sunburn when moving the plant to a brighter environment.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important for Echeveria ‘King Midas’. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water deeply until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Watering frequency varies with season and climate, with more water needed during warmer growing seasons and less in winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot, characterized by soft, mushy leaves, and in severe cases, blackening of the stem.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is necessary for Echeveria ‘King Midas’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A gritty succulent or cactus mix, such as one with coarse sand, pumice, or perlite, provides the necessary drainage. Pots must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. The pot size should be appropriate for the plant to avoid retaining too much moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria ‘King Midas’ prefers temperatures ranging from 68°F to 105.8°F (20°C to 41°C) during its active growth period. While tolerant of warm summer weather, it is sensitive to frost and should be protected from freezing temperatures, kept above 32°F (0°C) in winter. If outdoor temperatures drop, bringing the plant indoors to a sunny windowsill or under a grow light should be done. This succulent thrives in low humidity environments. High humidity can mimic overwatering conditions, increasing the risk of root rot and fungal issues.
Fertilization
Echeveria ‘King Midas’ has low fertilization needs. Light feeding can support strong root growth and sturdy leaf structure. Fertilization is best done during the plant’s active growing season, typically spring and summer. A diluted liquid or water-soluble succulent fertilizer, with a lower nitrogen ratio, applied about once a month, is suitable. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, causing stretching or weakening of cell walls.
Propagating Echeveria King Midas
Propagating Echeveria ‘King Midas’ is a straightforward process, successful from leaf cuttings or offsets. To propagate from a leaf, select a healthy, plump leaf and gently twist it from the stem, ensuring a clean break. After removal, allow the leaf to callus for three to five days on a dry, flat surface; this prevents rot when planted. Once callused, lay the leaf on the surface of a well-draining succulent potting mix, without burying the cut end.
New roots and a rosette should begin to form at the base of the leaf within four to six weeks. During this period, light misting of the soil every few days can maintain moisture, but the soil should not remain wet. The original leaf will eventually shrivel as the new plant develops. For offsets, carefully snip or pinch them off the main plant and allow them to callus before planting them in suitable soil.
Common Issues and Solutions
Echeveria ‘King Midas’ can experience a few common problems. Etiolation occurs when the plant does not receive enough light, causing elongated stems and widely spaced leaves. To address this, gradually increase the plant’s light exposure; while existing stretched growth will not revert, new growth will be more compact. Severely etiolated plants can be beheaded, and the healthy top rosette can be re-rooted.
Mushy or black leaves and leaf drop are often signs of overwatering or root rot. If these symptoms appear, allow the soil to dry completely, and inspect the roots for rot; affected parts should be removed. Ensuring proper drainage and adjusting watering frequency can prevent recurrence. Lack of vibrant color indicates insufficient light exposure. Providing more bright sunlight will intensify the plant’s coloration.
Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can affect Echeveria ‘King Midas’. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses; spider mites may cause fine webbing and brown spots; and scale insects are small, dome-shaped bumps. For mealybugs, dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol is effective. Spider mites can be treated by increasing humidity around the plant and using insecticidal soap. Regular inspection helps in early detection and treatment.