Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ is a captivating succulent, valued for its striking appearance and vibrant coloration. Its unique form makes it a popular choice for adding beauty to indoor and outdoor plant collections.
Characteristics of Echeveria Mauna Loa
Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ forms large rosettes, often 12 to 24 inches in diameter, on stems up to 18 inches tall. Its broad, spoon-shaped leaves are initially pale green, transitioning to shades of blue and pink as they mature. A distinguishing feature is the wavy, ruffled, and crinkled edges, which intensify to red or burgundy in ample sunlight or stress. Older leaves may develop wart-like bumps called carunculations.
Caring for Echeveria Mauna Loa
Light
Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ thrives in strong light, ideally full sun to light shade. Six hours of direct sunlight daily enhances its vibrant coloration and texture. In hotter climates, protect the plant from intense afternoon sun to prevent damage. Too little light leads to stretched, leggy growth and diminishes leaf color.
Watering
Proper watering prevents rot in Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’. Use the “soak and dry” method, allowing the soil to dry completely between thorough waterings. Overwatering, from constantly moist soil, leads to root rot and fungal diseases, seen as mushy, discolored leaves or a rotting stem. Underwatering results in shriveled or dry lower leaves. Avoid letting water sit in the rosette, as this can also cause rot.
Soil and Potting
Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ needs well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. A succulent or cactus potting mix, amended with perlite or pumice for drainage, is ideal. Pots must have drainage holes. Repotting may be necessary when the plant outgrows its container, typically during the warmer growing season.
Temperature and Humidity
This Echeveria prefers warm climates, suited for USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b, tolerating temperatures down to 25°F to 30°F (-3.9°C to -1.1°C). It is not cold hardy and requires protection from freezing temperatures, such as bringing it indoors in colder regions. Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ thrives in dry conditions and does not need high humidity. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues, especially in higher humidity.
Fertilization
Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ is not a heavy feeder. Fertilize only during its active growing seasons, generally spring and summer. Apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer or one for succulents every four to six weeks. Do not fertilize during the dormant winter period.
Propagating Echeveria Mauna Loa
Propagating Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ uses leaf or stem cuttings. For leaf propagation, gently remove a healthy, mature leaf, ensuring its base is intact. Allow the leaf to callous for a few days in a warm, dry area with bright, indirect light; this forms a protective seal and prevents rot. Once calloused, place the leaf on well-draining succulent potting mix for roots and a rosette to emerge.
Stem cuttings are another method, useful for leggy plants. Use a clean, sharp knife or shears to cut a stem section with at least a few leaves. Allow the cut end to callous for several days before planting upright in well-draining succulent soil. After planting, avoid immediate watering; wait until the soil dries and roots form, typically a few weeks later. Water lightly initially, and keep young plants in bright, indirect light until established.
Common Issues and Solutions
Echeveria ‘Mauna Loa’ can face problems, often from improper care. Overwatering leads to root rot, seen as yellowing leaves, wilting, or a mushy stem. Address this by drying the soil, improving drainage, and removing rotted material. Fungal diseases like powdery mildew appear as white patches, especially in humid conditions; good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering prevent them.
Pests like mealybugs and aphids are common. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony masses, often in leaf axils, causing weakened growth. Aphids are tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth, distorting leaves. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or diluted rubbing alcohol. Stretched or leggy growth indicates insufficient light; move the Echeveria to a brighter location.