Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ is a popular succulent hybrid known for its compact rosettes of narrow, apple-green leaves. These leaves often feature striking red undersides and tips, especially when exposed to bright light. The plant’s unique coloration and upward-growing habit, reaching up to 8 inches tall on branching stems, make it a favored choice for succulent enthusiasts.
Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ Care
Light Needs
Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ thrives in bright, direct sunlight, ideally receiving more than six hours daily. This light exposure maintains its vibrant colors and compact rosette form. Inadequate light can cause the plant to stretch and become leggy, a condition known as etiolation. If grown outdoors, it benefits from morning light and some afternoon shade to avoid scorching during the hottest parts of the day.
Watering
Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ stores water in its fleshy leaves, so proper watering is crucial. Use the “soak and dry” method: water deeply until excess water drains, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is better to underwater. During winter, when the plant is less active, reduce watering frequency significantly, to about once a month, to prevent mushy leaves.
Soil and Potting
Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. A specialized succulent or cactus mix, often amended with 50% to 70% mineral grit like coarse sand, pumice, or perlite, provides aeration and drainage. Pots must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Repotting every two years, or when the plant outgrows its container, is beneficial, preferably in spring, using a slightly larger pot.
Temperature and Humidity
This succulent tolerates temperatures from 32°F (0°C) to 109°F (43°C), but it is not frost-hardy. If freezing temperatures are expected, bring it indoors to a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ prefers low humidity. High humidity can contribute to root rot.
Fertilizing
Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ does not require frequent fertilization, as it is accustomed to nutrient-poor soils. If fertilizing, do so sparingly during its active growing season in spring and summer. Use a balanced succulent and cactus fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period in fall and winter.
Propagating Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’
Propagating Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ can be done through leaf cuttings or by separating offsets, also known as pups. For leaf propagation, select a healthy, whole leaf and gently remove it from the main plant. Allow the leaf to dry and form a callous over the cut end for a few days to a week before placing it on slightly humid soil. New roots and a tiny rosette will emerge from the leaf base within a few weeks.
Offsets, or “chicks,” grow around the base of the mother plant. These can be carefully removed with a clean knife or scissors. After separation, allow the cut end of the offset to callous for a day or two in a shaded area to prevent rot. Once calloused, plant the offset directly into well-draining succulent potting mix. Propagating during the growing season, typically mid-spring, yields the best results.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Overwatering is a common problem for Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’, leading to soft, mushy, or translucent leaves that turn yellow or black. If these symptoms appear, reduce watering frequency and ensure proper soil and pot drainage. Root rot, characterized by dark, soft roots, is a consequence of overwatering.
An underwatered Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ displays wrinkled, shriveled, or limp leaves. If this happens, provide thorough watering to rehydrate the soil. Pests like mealybugs or aphids can affect succulents. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations with methods like rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or insecticidal soap.
Etiolation, or stretching, occurs when the plant does not receive enough light, causing it to grow tall with widely spaced leaves. Move the Echeveria ‘Spruce Oliver’ to a brighter location with more direct sunlight. While etiolated growth cannot revert, new growth will be compact and healthy if light conditions improve.