Echeveria secunda, a captivating succulent native to Mexico, is a popular choice for its striking rosette form and straightforward care, thriving in various garden settings.
Key Characteristics of Echeveria Secunda
Echeveria secunda forms compact, short-stemmed rosettes, reaching about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The leaves are fleshy, oval-shaped, and a distinctive pale bluish-green, often covered with a fine, powdery coating known as farina. This waxy layer gives it unique color and texture.
The leaves often display hints of pink, red, or brown, more pronounced in cooler temperatures or winter. This succulent readily produces numerous offsets, called “chicks,” around the base of the mother plant, earning it the common name “Mexican Hens & Chicks.” These offsets create dense, attractive clumps.
In late spring or early summer, Echeveria secunda sends up arching flower stalks up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall. These stalks bear lantern-shaped, bi-colored flowers, with red calyces and yellow petals, or shades of orange-red to deep pink with yellow tips. Its cluster-forming habit makes it suitable for rock gardens, containers, and as a groundcover.
Echeveria Secunda Care Guide
Light
Echeveria secunda thrives in bright, direct sunlight, which maintains its compact growth and vibrant leaf coloration. Aim for at least six hours of direct sun daily; a south-facing window is ideal for indoor plants. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch and become leggy, a condition known as etiolation.
Water
Employ the “soak and dry” watering method for Echeveria secunda. Water deeply until excess water drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. Infrequent watering is important to prevent root rot, as these succulents are sensitive to prolonged moisture. During winter or dormant periods, significantly reduce watering frequency.
Soil
A well-draining, porous soil mix is best for Echeveria secunda. A specialized succulent or cactus mix is suitable, amended with 50-70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. This ensures rapid drainage, preventing water from lingering around the roots. Pots with drainage holes are also needed for water runoff.
Temperature and Humidity
Echeveria secunda prefers moderate temperatures and is hardy in USDA Zones 9a through 12, tolerating temperatures between 20°F and 50°F (-6.7°C to 10°C). It is not frost-hardy, so bring plants indoors when freezing temperatures are a risk. This succulent has low humidity requirements.
Fertilizing and Repotting
Echeveria secunda is not a heavy feeder and requires minimal fertilization. If desired, apply a balanced or succulent-specific fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during its active growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Repotting is needed every two to three years or when the plant outgrows its container. The best time for repotting is in the spring. Choose a new pot approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) larger in diameter than the previous one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Use fresh, well-draining succulent soil and handle the plant gently to minimize root disturbance.
Addressing Common Echeveria Secunda Issues
Overwatering/Root Rot
Overwatering is a common problem for Echeveria secunda, leading to root rot. Symptoms include mushy, yellowing leaves and a soft stem. This occurs when the soil remains wet for too long, depriving roots of oxygen. To prevent this, allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, trim any affected roots, and allow the plant to air-dry for a few days before repotting in fresh, dry soil.
Etiolation (Stretching)
Etiolation manifests as leggy, stretched stems with widely spaced leaves, indicating the plant is “reaching” for more light. This issue arises from insufficient light exposure. To correct etiolation, move the plant to a location that receives brighter, more direct sunlight. Severely stretched stems can be pruned and the healthy tops propagated to create new, compact plants.
Sunburn
Sunburn appears as brown or black spots or patches on the leaves. This happens when an Echeveria secunda is suddenly moved from a lower light environment to intense, direct sun without proper acclimation. To prevent sunburn, gradually introduce the plant to brighter light conditions over several days to a week. While damaged leaves will not recover, new growth will be healthy if properly acclimated.
Pests
Echeveria secunda can be affected by common succulent pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, while aphids are tiny green or black insects that cluster on new growth. Spider mites are harder to see but create fine webbing on the plant.
Inspect plants regularly for signs of infestation. Treatment involves dabbing pests with rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap. Removing dead leaves from the plant’s base also helps deter pests by eliminating potential hiding spots.