Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a captivating succulent, prized for its unique aesthetic appeal. This hybrid cultivar features a distinctive rosette shape, with thick, fleshy leaves displaying a spectrum of pastel colors, including soft lavender, delicate pink, and subtle grey-blue tones. Its leaves are coated with a powdery, translucent farina, giving the plant a marbled texture and enhancing its ethereal appearance. ‘Lola’s’ charming form and low maintenance contribute to its widespread popularity.
Caring for Echeveria ‘Lola’
Light Requirements
Echeveria ‘Lola’ thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. Adequate light exposure is important for the plant to develop its vibrant coloration and maintain a compact rosette. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches abnormally, becoming leggy and sparse.
While ‘Lola’ appreciates bright conditions, protect it from harsh, direct midday sun, especially during summer, as this can cause sunburn. If moving the plant to a brighter location, gradually acclimate it over several days to prevent scorching. An indoor south-facing window is often ideal, providing ample light without direct outdoor intensity.
Watering
Proper watering is important for the health of Echeveria ‘Lola’. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot.
To check soil moisture, insert a finger about an inch or two into the soil; if dry, it is time to water. Drench the soil thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Avoid overhead watering, as moisture in the rosette can damage the farina and lead to fungal issues. Adjust watering frequency based on season and climate, reducing it significantly during the cooler, dormant winter months.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil is essential for Echeveria ‘Lola’ to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended, as these formulations drain quickly. For enhanced drainage, perlite or coarse sand can be added to a standard potting mix.
Pots must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. A terracotta pot is beneficial due to its porous nature, which helps facilitate moisture evaporation. The pot size should be appropriate, no more than 1.5 times the rosette’s diameter, to avoid excessively wet conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria ‘Lola’ prefers warm temperatures, thriving between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and will not tolerate frost; temperatures below 20°F (-7°C) are potentially fatal. In colder climates, grow ‘Lola’ in containers that can be moved indoors during cooler months.
This succulent prefers low humidity, typical of its natural arid habitats. High humidity can contribute to fungal diseases and rot, particularly if combined with poor air circulation. Maintaining dry to moderate air conditions is beneficial for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
Echeveria ‘Lola’ has minimal fertilization requirements. A diluted liquid succulent or balanced fertilizer can be applied during its active growing season, spring through summer. Over-fertilization can be detrimental, leading to soft, weak growth or harming the plant.
Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period, as it is not actively growing. Once-a-year fertilization in spring with a slow-release fertilizer is sufficient, or a diluted liquid feed applied monthly during the growing season.
Propagating Echeveria ‘Lola’
Propagating Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a rewarding process, commonly achieved through leaf cuttings or offsets (pups). The best time for propagation is during the active growing season in spring or early summer.
For leaf cuttings, select a healthy, mature leaf and gently twist it from the stem, ensuring a clean break. Allow the leaf to dry and callous for a few days to a week before planting to prevent rot. Once callused, place the leaf on top of well-draining succulent soil, without burying it. Keep the soil lightly moist by misting; roots and tiny rosettes should form within weeks.
Offsets, also known as pups, are small plantlets that grow from the base of the mother plant. Once an offset has developed a few leaves and is a decent size, gently separate it from the parent plant, ensuring some roots are attached. Allow the cut end to callous for a day or two before planting in its own pot with well-draining soil. Care for the newly potted offset as you would a mature Echeveria ‘Lola’.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Echeveria ‘Lola’ can exhibit issues related to environmental conditions. Etiolation, a stretched, leggy appearance with increased space between leaves, indicates insufficient light. The solution involves moving it to a brighter location with at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily.
Symptoms of overwatering include mushy, translucent, or yellowing leaves that may easily fall off. If suspected, immediately stop watering and allow the soil to dry completely. In severe cases, remove the plant from its pot, inspect roots for rot, remove affected parts, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Underwatering is indicated by shriveled, wrinkled, or dry leaves; the plant needs a thorough watering.
Echeveria ‘Lola’ can also be susceptible to common succulent pests, primarily mealybugs and aphids. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, often in leaf crevices. Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth. Minor infestations can be managed by dabbing pests with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. For widespread issues, insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective treatments.