Echeveria runyonii, often recognized by its cultivar ‘Topsy Turvy,’ is a captivating succulent. Its distinctive spoon-shaped, blue-green leaves form a compact rosette, often twisting and curling into an intriguing, sculptural form. This resilient plant is a popular choice for both novice and experienced enthusiasts.
Essential Echeveria Runyonii Care
Light Requirements
Echeveria runyonii flourishes in bright light, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunlight daily. Placing it near a south or west-facing window is beneficial for indoor plants. While it appreciates bright conditions, direct, intense afternoon sun can cause leaf scorching. Insufficient light leads to stretched growth, where the plant appears leggy as it reaches for more illumination.
Watering Practices
Watering Echeveria runyonii requires a “soak and dry” approach, allowing the soil to become completely dry between waterings. Overwatering is a common pitfall, leading to mushy, translucent leaves and root rot. During spring and summer, watering every 7 to 10 days is appropriate. In dormant winter months, decrease frequency to once every two to three weeks, or even once a month. Apply water directly to the soil until it drains from the pot’s bottom, avoiding the rosette to prevent rot.
Soil Mix
A well-draining soil mix is important for Echeveria runyonii to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Combine potting soil with amendments like coarse sand, perlite, or pumice, ensuring at least a quarter of the mix consists of drainage materials. This mimics their natural arid habitat and supports healthy root development. Pots with drainage holes are also necessary to facilitate proper water runoff.
Temperature and Airflow
Echeveria runyonii thrives in temperatures ranging from 70 to 82°F (21-28°C), though it can tolerate a broader range between 68 and 100°F (20-38°C). While it can withstand brief drops to 30°F (-1°C), prolonged freezing temperatures can be fatal. Good air circulation is beneficial, especially indoors, to prevent fungal issues and maintain a dry environment.
Fertilizing
Echeveria runyonii does not require frequent fertilization, but light feeding during its growing season promotes healthy growth. A balanced, diluted water-soluble succulent or cactus fertilizer applied monthly from spring through early fall is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leggy growth instead of the desired compact rosette form. Fertilizing should be avoided entirely during the plant’s dormant winter period.
Propagating Echeveria Runyonii
Propagating Echeveria runyonii is achieved through leaf cuttings or offsets. Leaf propagation involves gently twisting a healthy, complete leaf from the parent plant, ensuring a clean break at the base. After removal, allow the leaf to callus for two to three days, or up to a week, until the wound has dried to prevent rot. Once callused, place the leaf on well-draining succulent soil without burying it, and mist occasionally until roots and new rosettes begin to form, which can take weeks to a few months.
Offsets, also known as “pups” or “chicks,” are small plantlets that grow around the base of the mother plant. These can be carefully separated from the parent plant, ideally when they have developed roots. After separation, allow the offset to dry for about 24 hours to form a callus before planting it in well-draining succulent potting mix. Offsets root faster than leaf cuttings, with new roots appearing within two to four weeks.
Common Problems and Solutions
Echeveria runyonii can encounter several common issues, with watering problems being the most frequent. Overwatering manifests as soft, mushy, or translucent leaves, which can lead to root rot. Conversely, underwatering causes leaves to shrivel, wrinkle, or feel dry to the touch. Correcting watering habits by adhering to the “soak and dry” method resolves these issues.
Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch or become “leggy,” losing its compact rosette shape as it seeks more light. Moving the plant to a brighter location or providing supplemental grow lights restores its form. Pests like mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites can also affect Echeveria runyonii. These pests appear as white, cottony masses or tiny insects on leaves and stems, leading to weakened growth or discolored foliage. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil effectively manage these infestations.
Repotting Echeveria Runyonii
Repotting Echeveria runyonii is needed when the plant has outgrown its container, exhibiting signs like roots emerging from drainage holes or becoming top-heavy. This task is performed every two to three years, or when the soil appears depleted or compacted. Spring and winter are good seasons for repotting, allowing the plant to recover and establish new roots effectively.
When repotting, select a new pot approximately one inch (2-3 cm) larger in diameter than the previous one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Gently remove the plant from its old container, shaking off excess soil and inspecting the roots for any signs of rot, which should be trimmed with sterilized tools. Position the plant in the new pot at the same depth as before, filling around it with fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. After repotting, avoid watering for about a week to allow disturbed roots to heal, minimizing the risk of rot.