Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’, also known as Echeveria ‘Compton Carousel’, is a sought-after succulent celebrated for its striking visual appeal. Its distinctive ornamental features make it a popular addition to plant collections and garden displays.
Characteristics of Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’
This succulent forms tight, flower-like rosettes. Its variegated leaves display a blend of cream and green hues, often with blue-gray tones and cream-colored margins. Some specimens may exhibit thinner leaves, though thicker foliage can also occur.
With adequate sunlight and significant temperature differences, the white variegated areas can develop a beautiful pink coloration. Older leaves might also show a hint of pink, particularly during cooler winter months. The fleshy, flat, obovate leaves are slightly pointed at their tips.
Mature rosettes can expand to about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The plant also produces offsets, small rosettes that emerge at the base. Beyond its foliage, ‘Lenore Dean’ produces flower stalks up to 1 foot (30 cm) long, bearing yellow and orange blossoms, or deep pink to red flowers with yellow tips.
Cultivating Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’
Light Requirements
Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’ thrives in bright, indirect light. While it tolerates full sun, which enhances leaf coloring, protect it from intense summer sunlight to prevent leaf and stem burn. Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch, resulting in a spindly appearance, brittle tissue, and faded colors. For optimal growth and appearance, a location offering semi-shade with good air circulation is beneficial.
Watering
This succulent is adapted to arid conditions, requiring minimal moisture and tolerating prolonged dry periods. Watering should be infrequent, ideally about once every three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between applications. It is important to avoid letting water collect in the rosette, as this can lead to rot or fungal diseases. Bottom watering is preferable to overhead watering, ensuring the roots absorb moisture without wetting the foliage. Proper drainage in the container is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is crucial for Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’. A specialized succulent potting mix is suitable, mimicking its native arid habitat. The pot must have adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root issues.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’ prefers temperatures from 20°C to 41°C (68°F to 106°F). It is sensitive to cold, and its thin leaves make it intolerant of freezing conditions below -6.7°C (20°F). Protecting the plant from extreme weather fluctuations is important for its well-being.
Fertilization
Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’ generally flourishes without regular fertilization. Its natural origins in nutrient-poor environments mean it is not reliant on rich soil amendments. Therefore, extensive feeding is typically unnecessary for this plant.
Repotting
Repotting should be undertaken as needed, ideally during the warmer growing season, such as early to mid-spring. Before repotting, ensure the soil is dry to minimize stress on the plant. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, gently remove any old soil from the roots, and inspect for any rotted or dead roots, which should be removed. Any cuts made during this process can be treated with a fungicide to prevent infection.
Propagating Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’
Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’ can be propagated through several methods. Propagating in spring or fall generally yields the best results for establishing new plants.
- Leaf propagation involves carefully removing a healthy leaf and placing it on slightly humid soil. With bright, scattered light and a temperature around 25°C (77°F), new buds typically emerge within one to two weeks, and the old leaf will eventually wither.
- Stem cuttings involve cutting the crown and planting the short stem directly into well-drained soil.
- Offsets, small rosettes that form at the base of the mother plant, can be gently detached and rooted in well-draining soil.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Echeveria ‘Lenore Dean’ can present challenges due to its high variegation and delicate leaves.
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Stretching (Etiolation)
Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch, resulting in a spindly appearance, brittle tissues, and faded coloration. Ensure adequate bright, indirect light.
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Overwatering
This leads to root rot or fungal diseases, especially if water collects in the rosette. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings and use a well-draining mix.
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Sunburn
While the plant appreciates bright light, strong summer sun can cause sunburn on its leaves and stems.
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Pests
Echeverias are susceptible to pests like mealybugs, which often hide in dead leaves at the base. Regularly removing dead leaves helps deter them.
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Fading Colors
If the plant’s characteristic pink or purple stress colors fade, it may indicate a need for brighter light or cooler temperatures.